Awesome Things Do To In Lake Tahoe with Kids

Located at the base of the Heavenly Mountain Resort Gondola, within walking distance to area casinos and hotels, Heavenly Village offers something for everyone to do, see, and enjoy. Experience movies, live theatre, ice-skating, miniature golf, massages, pedicures, old-time photos, and more – all in one place. Savor the traditional Tahoe ambiance as you stroll along the quaint cobblestone sidewalks and enjoy a unique community of shops, eateries, and entertainment in the heart of South Lake Tahoe.

For more adventurous families (or those with older kids), exploring this breathtaking landscape might be the highlight of your Lake Tahoe vacation.  Desolation Wilderness is a federally protected area in the Sierra Nevada, west of Lake Tahoe, spanning over 63,000 acres of rugged alpine terrain. It’s known for its granite peaks, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and dense forests, making it a popular destination for hiking, backpacking, and solitude. As a designated wilderness area, it’s managed to preserve its natural conditions—motorized equipment and bicycles are prohibited, and visitors must follow strict Leave No Trace principles.

Lake Tahoe Ice Arena is owned by the city of South Lake Tahoe and managed by Tahoe Sports Entertainment. Their arena offers programming catered to both recreational skaters and world-class athletes. From public skating to broomball to figure skating competitions, the Tahoe Ice Arena is the coolest place to be in town.

Tahoe Trout Farm is a family-owned trout farm founded in 1946 with two well-stocked ponds—one for smaller “catchable” trout and one with larger, trophy trout—where people of all ages can fish without needing a fishing license. Bait, tackle, and simple gear are provided (free or included), and visitors pay only for the fish they catch; the farm also offers fish cleaning and ice‑packing so you can take your catch home. 

Enjoy a breathtaking 2.4-mile journey with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe, including a stop at the Observation Deck for photos, snacks, and drinks. Other activities to enjoy include: Mountain Coaster, Hot Shot Zip Line, Summer Tubing, Gemstone Panning & Climbing Wall. 

Regan Beach is the City of South Lake Tahoe's oldest beach facility.  The beach faces north and offers great views, shallow water for swimming, and a playground. Amenities include a large grass area, free parking, observation deck, playground, seasonal restaurant (Memorial Day thru Labor Day), restrooms, and one sand volleyball court.

Kings Beach State Recreation Area features 979 feet of beautiful frontage property along the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. This day-use only area has a large sandy beach and multiple picnic tables under the shade of Jeffery pines. This is a family-oriented park with a playground and volleyball poles.

The Grove at Camp Richardson Resort is located on the beach just steps from the lake. The Grove offers expansive Lake Tahoe views, a casual ambiance, and indoor and outdoor (seasonal) dining. Their award-winning Chef has created a creative, family-friendly menu with tasty bites, unique entrees, sumptuous desserts, and a slew of cocktails and mocktails to quench your thirst.

Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park is a network of aerial adventure parks around Lake Tahoe, including locations in Tahoe City, Tahoe Vista, and Palisades/Olympic Valley. Each park features tree platforms connected by zip lines, rope bridges, swinging logs, etc., with multiple courses spanning beginner to advanced levels—so there’s something for most ages and fitness levels. The typical session lasts around 2‑2.5 hours, and safety gear (helmet, full‑body harness) is included, with height, weight, and age requirements for certain courses. 

Emerald Bay State Park is adjacent to D.L. Bliss State Park. With its rugged shoreline and blue-green water, Emerald Bay is one of the most photographed places in the world. Vikingsholm, a replica of a Scandinavian castle (800 A.D.), is part of the park.

Meeks Bay Beach is located on National Forest land and is popular for its beautiful scenery, sprawling clean beaches, and easy access. Restrooms and picnic tables are available. Meeks Bay Campground is located adjacent to Meeks Bay day-use beach.

KidZone Museum is a nonprofit children’s museum in Truckee that serves about 30,000 visitors annually, with a mission to inspire learning through creative play and discovery The museum is best suited for young children (especially under age 7), offering hands‑on exhibits like an indoor play structure, infant area, art studio, science and curiosity corners, as well as an outdoor nature play area during warmer seasons. 

Erynn said:  Depending on where you're coming from, this kids' museum may be a bit off the beaten path. (Though it's on the way if you're coming from the San Francisco area.) Regardless, it's definitely worth a stop, especially if you've been on the road or on a plane for a while! With both indoor and outdoor play areas, this museum boasts climbing, sliding, and make-believe fun. Young kids will also enjoy creating art, dropping into the science lab, and making up their own fairy tales in a variety of exhibits.