Summertime in Tahoe: Endless Fun for Families

When people think of Tahoe, the first thing that pops to mind is often the beautiful snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada. It is easy to imagine flying down the mountainside at one of the many amazing ski resorts in the area. And who can blame you? The Lake Tahoe region is a winter wonderland that literally oozes snow-filled fun for adventurous families. But did you know that summertime in Tahoe is equally epic? Not only is the weather great, but there are so many activities to chose from that the possibilities for families are practically endless.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a beach lover or an adventure enthusiast. Whether your kids are young or old. All you need is an appreciation for the outdoors and an openness to having fun.

If you’ve been reading this blog for the last few months, you will know that I’ve considered Tahoe my second home ever since I moved to San Francisco two decades ago. However, for the first few years, all I knew was the skiing. I had no idea how great Tahoe was in the summer months. Thankfully this changed when I had kids.

Now you can find my little posse in Truckee at various points throughout the year. Cumulatively we’ve had some truly amazing adventure experiences. Many of which, we’ve chosen to repeat time and again. Here are some of our favorite summertime activities in Tahoe.

#1 Via Ferrata at Squaw Valley

A Via Ferrata is a fixed climbing route that is typically found in the Alps. They are designed to help climbers of all abilities get up steep terrain, and don’t require any technical know-how. For families, this can make a Via Ferrata a great alternative to rock climbing. You are not only clipped onto a steel cable secured to the rock face, but the routes are typically easier to climb than a vertical face. This is certainly the case with the Via Ferrata that is owned and operated by Alpenglow Expeditions.

If you have ever skied at Squaw Valley you may already know the story of how the unusual rock formations below the aerial tram allegedly inspired Walt Disney’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Ride. Whether or not these stories are true, Walt Disney was certainly a fan of the ski resort. He even produced the opening and closing ceremonies of the Squaw Valley Olympic Games in 1960.  

And it’s these same rocks, known as the Tram Face, that make Alpenglow’s Via Ferrata especially cool. Well, the rocks, and the cable bridges suspended in mid-air. Best of all, unlike other Via Ferrata’s, Alpenglow uses a continuous lifeline system so that climbers never have to detach themselves from the rock. They also have four routes that they match to your group’s abilities.

As it can get hot in Tahoe in the summertime, my recommendation is to do your climb either in June, or during the morning. Either way you’ll have a fabulous experience doing something that most people have never done. The only downside is that children under the age of 10 are not eligible to climb because of their size.

#2 Ziplining at Tahoe Treetop Adventure Parks

Ziplining is something my family has loved to do ever since my kids turned five. And, with three parks to choose from in North Lake Tahoe alone, there are plenty of options available. Although it doesn’t have to be a summertime Tahoe activity; it is possible to zipline in the fall and spring too.

As our Tahoe home base is always in Truckee, we tend to stick with one of the Tahoe Treetop Adventure Parks for our rope course and ziplining needs. Each of their parks has something unique and different to offer and none of the courses are the same. They also have a wide selection of courses; each rated either beginner, intermediate or advanced.

Sessions are 2-2.5 hours long and you are free to move about on your own steam, picking whichever course takes your fancy. All courses require you to clip in before you make your way up to the first platform, and you can stay either in front or behind your child the whole way.

However, it is important to note that advanced courses are likely to be too difficult for truly pint-sized adventurers. They simply won’t be tall enough to stretch from one obstacle to another. Keep this in mind and always start with a beginner course to get a feel for what your child can do. You can always move up!

# 3 Rock Climb at Donner Summit

Back in 2017, my family had an amazing half day rock climbing session at Donner Summit with Alpine Skills International. Not only did my kids get to climb something other than a climbing wall, but they also learned a few basic knots, as well as how to belay from below. But, the highlight was trusting the rock climbing shoes ASI had provided, so as to climb blindfolded.

These days ASI seems to be focusing more on rock climbing courses for individuals. However, there are still plenty of other options for families, including Alpenglow. And the granite cliffs of Donner Summit are a great place to both learn and improve your rock climbing skills.

#4 Mountain Biking

Tahoe is a paradise for mountain bikers during summertime and fall. There are so many trails to choose from that it can be hard to know where to start. One of our favorite places to bike is Tahoe Donner’s 60-mile trail system. It spans over 5,000 acres and takes you into scenic areas like Euer Valley. Here you will find plenty of single-track, double-track and fire roads to keep your crew entertained for a whole day.

If you are new to biking, or need some gear, you can rent bikes, take a lesson, or arrange for a guide at Tahoe Donner Bikeworks. And, when you are done, you can swing by the Alder Creek Café for some nourishment. I can highly recommend their poke bowl!

However, if pump tracks are more appealing to your family, consider taking your clan to the Truckee Bike Park. It is one of the best bike parks we’ve ever been too. And it just keeps growing thanks to an army of volunteers. Just be sure to support this non profit by buying a “making magic with dirt” t-shirt when you visit.

#5 Beaches & Watersports

When you think of the mountains, you don’t really picture beaches. But, as you can tell from the name Lake Tahoe, there are lakes in the area. And that means beaches too, not to mention plenty of watersport options.

The two lakes with the biggest watersport hook ups are Lake Tahoe, and Donner Lake. If you want a great beach with decent water toy rentals, hit up spots like Zephyr Cove, Sand Harbor, and Kings Beach. These are all located on Lake Tahoe. My kids especially like Zephyr Cove. This is because they love to climb the rock formations out in the water. But to get to them its easiest to rent a kayak.

If you want to go really big on water play, Tahoe City is a great place to rent a boat. From there, I highly recommend making your way across the lake to the beach at Emerald Bay.  

At Donner Lake you have three options for visiting. If you are fortunate to be staying in a Tahoe Donner house rental, you have access to the private Beach Club Marina. This set up comes with a nice sandy beach, two natural wading pools for littles, a floating platform for swimmers and various watersport rentals, including paddle boats, SUP’s, kayaks, windsurfs and catamarans. Alternatively, you can access Donner Lake through the state park and make your way to their water sport rental hut. Or you can drive to the west end of the lake and rent canoes or kayaks from the Donner Lake Marina, which is near to a public beach.

#6 Float on the Truckee River

If you have a pint sized adventurer and want to introduce them to river rafting, a summertime float on Tahoe’s Truckee River is the activity for you. There are no rapids involved, unless you count the teeny tiny one at the end of your run by River Ranch Lodge. More importantly, this gentle float is fun for all ages.

For families on a budget, consider buying an inflatable donut from one of the local stores in Tahoe City and floating part of the river at your own leisure. Otherwise, I can highly recommend organizing your raft through Truckee River Rafting. We’ve been regularly using for them for the last decade.

Just don’t forget to pack some snacks and refreshments as there are plenty of sand/pebble bars where you can put out and take a break along the way. You may even see a popup ice cream stand as you cruise down the river.

#7 Explore Historic Train Tunnels, Petroglyphs and Old Town Truckee

As you can imagine there are plenty of hiking trails in and around Tahoe. After all you are in the Tahoe National Forest. But if you are looking for something a little more unusual, I can highly recommend making your way up to the historic train track tunnels by Donner Pass Summit. These now-abandoned tunnels were built for the transcontinental railroad. And, if you park across from the Donner Ranch Ski area and the Pacific Crest Trailhead, your route down to the tunnels will take you along the old wagon trail that California’s first emigrants used.

For the train tunnels themselves, try to time your visit between early summer and before the first snow comes in. Otherwise, be prepared to come across a puddle or two. And be sure to bring flashlights as you won’t be able to see your hand in front of your face. Personally, I like to pack a lunch when we go. That way we can stop and picnic between tunnels while gazing out at incredible views of Donner Lake.

On your drive back down to Truckee, consider stopping at the Native American petroglyph site below Donner Summit Bridge. The markings are incredibly easy to see in the granite and you can walk right out to them.

Then make your way into old town Truckee to check out one of California’s few surviving 19^th century jailhouses. Or take your family to the Capital Theatre and Gallery on Donner Pass Road, where they can learn how to blow glass. Afterward, treat your kids to some delicious handmade fudge from Sweets Handmade Candies.

#8 Horse Riding

There is nothing quite like riding a horse through the wilderness. And that’s exactly what it feels like when you follow the single-track trails near Euer Valley. As you make your way through the forest you marvel at the quiet beauty, while searching for bear claw markings on nearby trees.

Summertime is when my family does its annual trail ride at the Tahoe Donner Equestrian Center. We’ve been doing it ever since my kids turned seven. Prior to that, I would lead my kids on ponies around a pony trail designed for children ages 2-6.

If you are visiting over the height of summer, sign up for one of the Equestrian Center’s special family BBQ nights. It comes with plenty of entertainment, crafts, games, and competitions, in addition to food.

#9 Miniature Golf & Real Golf

If your kids like mini golf, you have to take them to Kings Beach Miniature Golf. Started in 1957 by two brothers from San Francisco, the business quickly became a local mainstay. The story goes that, at the beginning of summertime, the brothers would make their annual journey up to Tahoe to open it up.

Today both courses feature all of their original holes, and are truly unlike any other mini golf you will have experienced. It’s like playing Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn’s mini golf course in the 1987 film Overboard, but even more rustic and imaginative.

Of course, Tahoe has plenty of actual golf courses to offer as well. Almost too many to choose from. But the one thing they all have in common is the ability to make your ball fly due to altitude. Some of our favorite courses include Coyote Moon, The Links at Squaw Creek and the Championship Course at Incline Village. For more experienced golfers, check out the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course – Tahoe’s only lakefront golf resort.

#10 Catch a Comfortable Movie

This may seem like an unusual thing to include in a things-to-do in Tahoe during summertime list, but the Art Haus in Tahoe City is an itty bitty movie theatre that has tons of charm. If you get there early, you can secure one of their comfortable sofas in the back for your family. Otherwise choose a plush leather rocking seat. Just don’t forget to hit up their popcorn-spice bar!

And if you can’t support this small movie theatre in person, consider donating to their GoFundMe page. Like many small theatres around the world, the Art Haus has struggled due to COVID-19.

Happy Travels!