Summertime Family Fun
Incredible Memories Start Here!
From exhilarating outdoor adventures to captivating cultural experiences, find the perfect activities that will engage and entertain every member of your family!
Kid-Friendly Rafting
Biking with Kids
Unique Play Places
Family Fun on the Mountain
Palisades Tahoe High Camp
Experience an unforgettable adventure with your family by visiting High Camp at Palisades Tahoe! Hop aboard the aerial tram and be whisked away to a whole new world on the top of the mountain where you can swim, relax in the hot tub, explore the cafes, go roller skating, play disc golf, and climb up the Treetop Adventures play structure. (Please check the website ahead of your trip to check availability)
Kid-Friendly Rafting
Truckee River Raft Company
If you’re looking for a unique family activity this is it! This 2-3 hour raft ride will take you down the Truckee River and is perfect for families who want to spend the day floating down the river, taking in the breathtaking scenery and enjoying a few lively rapids. Perfect for families with kids of all ages, dogs and first-timers, Truckee River Raft Company guarantees an unforgettable North Tahoe experience!
Looking for a more exhilarating rafting experience for families with older kids? Have a look at our list of rafting companies in North Lake Tahoe for age limitations and reservations!
Spend a Day at the Beach
All over North Lake Tahoe you can find incredible beaches that are perfect for spending the day together in the sun! Whether you want to make sandcastles, have a picnic or get in the water, the beaches in the area are unmatched for their beauty and amenities! Many beaches have amenities like washrooms, playgrounds, barbecue grills and picnic tables, perfect for spending a whole day on the beach! If you want to get out on the water, you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or jet skis and set off to explore the crystal clear water. If you’re looking for the right beach for your trip, we have a great list of our favorite beaches in North Lake Tahoe here!
Biking with Kids
Tahoe City Lakeside Bike Path
If you’re looking for a great bike path for the whole family in Tahoe City, you’ve found it! On this lakeside bike path, you can explore the heart of downtown Tahoe City and experience the beauty of North Tahoe as you effortlessly pedal between Tahoe City and Dollar Point, all without the need for a car. It’s a fantastic way for families with kids to enjoy the best of the area without any hassle.
Truckee River Legacy Cruiser Bike Path
This flat, paved, multi-use path meanders alongside the tranquil Truckee River, offering an easy ride for the whole family near Truckee! Begin or end your adventure at the Truckee River Regional Park, where you’ll find ample green spaces for summer fun, picnic spots, water facilities, and restrooms. As you ride, you can learn more about the area through the informative signs that share intriguing historical details and information about the native flora and fauna!
Tahoe Donner Downhill Bike Park
Perfect for guests staying in Truckee, this bike park has a variety of fun trails to choose from! Little ones will love the beginner-friendly trails and older kids can explore some of the more challenging ones!
Hiking with Kids
Glenshire Lake Trail
Just a short drive from downtown Truckee, the scenic Glenshire Lake Trail offers hikers a one mile loop that circles the small lake and crosses a lush meadow – a perfect wilderness adventure for young explorers! Accessible and picturesque, it’s perfect for families with kids seeking a quick outdoor getaway. To reach the trail, drive east on Donner Pass Road, turn right at Glenshire Drive, and continue 5 miles to the Glenshire clubhouse parking lot. The trail starts behind the clubhouse.
Martis Creek Lake
This flat trail offers no elevation gain and meanders through wetlands and alongside the creek where you might spot glider planes from the airport. The out-and-back walk covers a gentle two miles, or you can connect with the Tompkins Memorial Trail for a rewarding three mile loop. To reach the trailhead, drive east on Brockway Road from downtown Truckee, then turn right at the junction with SR 267. Look for the Wildlife Viewing Area parking lot after the airport.
Emerald Bay
Make your child’s castle dreams come true at historic Vikingsholm in Emerald Bay—a faithful reproduction of an 800 A.D. Norse castle from 1929. Follow the paved trail down, but be prepared for the uphill return if you have a stroller! The 2-mile round trip path offers lovely Tahoe views and restful benches. Take advantage of half-hour castle tours available all summer long.
Unique Play Places
KidZone Museum
11711 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA
Calling all young adventurers! Get ready for an exciting and interactive experience at the KidZone Museum, where learning is a blast! Spark your little ones’ imagination as they explore hands-on exhibits, from the whimsical art studio to the fascinating science lab. Here, kids can unleash their creativity, climb, build, and play to your heart’s content. With engaging activities designed for curious minds, this museum is a haven for kids eight and younger. Let the fun begin!
Tahoe Treetop Adventure Parks
Tahoe City: 725 Granlibakken Rd, Tahoe City, CA
Tahoe Vista: 6600 Donner Rd, Tahoe Vista, CA
Palisades Tahoe: 1901 Chamonix Pl, Olympic Valley, CA
Aerial adventure parks offer an unforgettable outdoor experience in nature. Participants traverse through tree platforms connected by rope swings, wobbly bridges, tightropes, and zip lines provide an extra thrill! With 5 to 10 courses and 70+ tree platforms, these parks cater to all abilities and are a great way for the whole family to get out there and have fun! You can expect to spend over 2 hours, challenging your balance, agility, and problem-solving skills. If you’re a family who loves a challenge and wants to spend time in the outdoors, these aerial adventure parks provide the perfect pairing!