From gondola rides and clear kayaking, to a treetop adventure courses, to cruising down groomed runs with a view, and snowshoeing through the forest, North Lake Tahoe will keep families entertained during every season. There is no shortage of great places to eat, and plenty of boutique hotels, cozy cottage, and luxury resorts that offer fun and adventurous amenities for your family.
Lodging
Basecamp Tahoe City
Family friendly amenities include fire pits for sharing stories and roasting s’mores, winter communal dinners and accommodations for skiing, snowboarding and cycling.
Cedar Glen Lodge
Cedar Glen Lodge offers cozy cottages, a wine bar, sauna, putting green and a sandy beach across the street from the Lodge.
Granlibakken Tahoe
Located in a peaceful 74 acre wooded valley, Granlibakken offers a secluded mountain escape with direct access to hiking and biking trails. Additional amenities include yoga classes in the Soul Shelter yoga and meditation space and the onsite Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park. In the winter, Granlibakken has a fun ski and sledding hill for their guests.
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
For a multi-generational luxury getaway, the ski in/ski out resort offers direct access to Northstar California Resort and luxurious amenities. The signature Marshmology sessions enlist an expert marshmologist to discuss the history of the marshmallow and traditional s’mores recipe.
Dining
Gar Woods
Featuring waterfront dining, live music, a pier with an amazing view, and the infamous Wet Woody slushy rum cocktail.
Jake’s on the Lake
The lakeside restaurant treats guests with warm “mountain aloha” hospitality and California cuisine. Several boutique shops are located on site at the Boatworks Mall, as well as the Tahoe City Marina.
Jason’s Beachside Grille
Located on Kings Beach, guests can enjoy favorite dishes at the waterfront restaurant which is reminiscent of a classic, cozy Tahoe lodge. Take a stroll on the beach after dinner and watch the sunset over the Sierra.
Sunnyside Restaurant and Lodge
A Lake Tahoe landmark since the 1950s, the waterfront restaurant welcomes guests to the festive atmosphere on the largest outdoor deck on Lake Tahoe.
Warm Weather Activities ~ On the Water
AWS Incline (Action Watersports of Incline Village)
Watersport lessons and rentals on the Hyatt’s private beach.
Clearly Tahoe
The outfitter offers guided tours in transparent kayaks that allow paddlers to see below the surface of the pristine lake. Specialty tours include Sunset and Full Moon paddle experiences.
Stellar Tahoe
Lake Tahoe’s newest boat charter service, offers private luxury charters, boat bar hopping tours and sunset and stargazing tours. Captain Matt Lund shares his in-depth knowledge of the lake with passengers.
Tahoe Sailing Charters
Lake Tahoe’s premiere sailing charter, featuring spectacular lake and mountain views.
Warm Weather Activities ~ On the Mountain
Aerial Tram at Palisades Tahoe, Olympic Valley
Take the 2,000 foot climb to High Camp’s restaurants and hiking trails.
Northstar California Gondola and Bike Lifts
The Gondola, Tahoe Zephyr or Vista Express can take guests on a scenic ride to various parts of the mountain. Here, you can also take your bike on the lift at Lake Tahoe’s only lift-serviced bike park.
Tahoe Treetop Adventure Parks
Traverse multiple tree platforms connected by different obstacles and zip lines.
Via Ferrata
Permanent steel anchors and cables connect climbers to the mountain, while experienced guides from Alpenglow Expeditions lead the course.
Family Friendly Hikes
Monkey Rock
Paid parking kiosks at the Tunnel Creek Bonanza Parking Lot, 1115 Tunnel Creek Road B, Incline Village, NV 89451. Walk up Tunnel Creek Road behind Tunnel Creek Café and take the steep shortcut which forks off to the left. This moderate hike is 2.6 miles long and features panoramic views of the lake and a curious monkey-shaped boulder at the end of the walk. Dogs are allowed on leash.
Stateline Crystal Bay Historic Fire Lookout
This is an easy 1.7 mile hike uphill on pavement to amazing views. Dogs are okay on leash.
Shirley Canyon Trail at Palisades Tahoe, Olympic Valley
This hike is 3 miles to Shirley Lake and another 2 miles to High Camp with a total elevation gain of 2,000 feet, so it is a challenging trail. Allow at least 3 hours to do this hike round trip. This is a dog-friendly trail.
Cold Weather Adventures
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
North Lake Tahoe is home to the largest concentration of ski resorts in North America with 11 downhill resorts to choose from.
Nordic Skiing
North Lake Tahoe has the most concentrated region of groomed cross country ski and snowshoe terrain in North America
Sledding
Sledding hills and resorts offer this fun activity all winter long.
Ice Skating
Still a family-friendly favorite there are several ice skating rinks to visit throughout North Lake Tahoe.
Snowshoeing
The perfect way to explore regional trails as you navigate deep powder.
All Weather Adventures ~ More Ideas
Family Fire Pits at the Hyatt Regency
Guests can get their own s’mores-making kit from room service, roast marshmallows and drink hot chocolate while enjoying storytelling and star-gazing.
Northstar California Kid’s Adventure Zone
Children can gem pan, play miniature golf, do winter sports, roller and ice skate, play on the bungee trampoline and climb the rock wall.
Tahoe Star Tours
Offers guided experiences to help understand and appreciate the starry skies above the Sierra.
The Village Cinemas
In the Village at Northstar California, plays first-run movies.
WinterWonderGrass Tahoe
Every March, the part bluegrass festival, part beer tasting, part snow holiday and part family reunion invites fans and families of all ages.
