Toddler Friendly Guide and Itinerary for Spring and Summer in Lake Tahoe
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Pine trees, Lake Tahoe views from high above in Heavenly gondola ski lift
From Playgrounds to Pine Trees: Lake Tahoe Adventures for Tiny Feet
There were many summers that I went with my family to Lake Tahoe growing up and I couldn’t wait to take my little family! I did have to do some research as I was curious about what activities we could do with two toddlers!
Planning a Lake Tahoe family vacation with toddlers can seem daunting, but it's easier than you think! As a parent who's enjoyed countless Tahoe trips since childhood, I’ve compiled the ultimate toddler-friendly guide to Lake Tahoe, packed with things to do with toddlers in South Lake Tahoe and beyond. Discover the best parks for kids in Lake Tahoe, like the scenic Thomas F. Regan Memorial City Beach Park or the playground paradise of Kahle Park. Looking for easy hikes with toddlers in Lake Tahoe?
Glen Alpine Falls offers a stunning waterfall view with minimal effort, perfect for little legs. Don't miss out on enjoying a family picnic at Lake Tahoe at spots like Kiva Beach or Pope Beach. For North Lake Tahoe activities, the newly accessible Tahoe East Shore Trail (often called the 'Impossible Trail') is a paved, stroller-friendly wonder. Explore the charming town of Truckee, home to the fantastic KidZone Museum, a top pick for toddler fun near Lake Tahoe. When it comes to where to stay in South Lake Tahoe with toddlers, options range from VRBO cabin rentals to family-friendly hotels like the Holiday Inn Express. And for dining, I'll share toddler-friendly restaurants in Lake Tahoe like Riva Grill on the Lake and Edgewood's Brooks' Bar and Deck, where you can savor delicious meals with stunning views. Get ready for an unforgettable Lake Tahoe adventure with small children!
Shop our Amazon list for our favorite things to pack with toddlers!
Best toddler-friendly activities and things to do in South Lake Tahoe
heavenly Gondolas from the Heavenly Village Center
Heavenly Gondolas
Location: 4080 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Heavenly Village Giant Chair made of Skiis
This was a great idea… kids under 5 ride free (adults are currently $124) and it’s unlimited rides for the day. It sounded perfect, however, they were closed the duration we were there and re-opening for summer just before Memorial Day.
Note: they aren’t open every day, so it’s a great idea but just check the website to make sure they are open!
All else fails, the shopping center around the Gondola base is fantastic. Tons of restaurants and stores to explore and some grassy areas to run around. In summer months, there is a mini golf course and a trampoline adventure in the center of the plaza.
Thomas F. Regan Memorial City Beach Park
Parks and Recreation
There are tons of parks in Lake Tahoe and we found some awesome playgrounds!
Thomas F. Regan Memorial City Beach Park
Location: 3199 Sacramento Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Located right on the water with perfect lake views, parking lot, and restrooms! The playground was small but there were a few slides and swings as well as a beach volleyball court and lots of grass to run around!
Kahle Park
Location: 236 Kingsbury Grade Rd, Stateline, NV 89449
Nestled higher up in the mountains, there’s a really fun park with partial lake views. There’s a playground for 2-5-year-olds and one for 5-12-year-olds. Our kids played on both playgrounds.
Glen Alpine Falls at Fallen Leaf Lake
See a Waterfall (without much of a hike!)
My toddlers are over 30 pounds and I didn’t really want to hike with them as it would be fun for 5 minutes and then I’d be required to carry one for the rest of the duration. Luckily, Glen Alpine Falls is located just off of Fallen Leaf Lake and literally can be seen from the road! We went midweek around 11a and it wasn’t very crowded with front-row parking!
There’s a split rock with a little deck that my littles liked to climb on. Afterward, we drove down to the Kiva picnic area (follow the Tallac signs) and had lunch on a picnic table steps away from the lake. It was about a 5-minute walk to those tables by the lake but there were also some closer to the parking lot with bathrooms! The path was flat so we loaded up our wagon and were able to only carry one kid who didn’t want to ride in the wagon! Win! My only complaint is that the tables are wood and old so I would bring towels to sit on next time. Luckily no splinters incidents on this adventure!
Shop our Amazon list for our favorite things to pack!
Kiva Beach Picnic
Go for a Picnic!
Why is a picnic at Lake Tahoe so much fun? For starters, it's a chance to relish the crystal-clear waters and graze on delicious food with breathtaking mountain views as your backdrop. You get to enjoy the glorious Lake Tahoe sunshine (which is usually a breeze in June!), the crisp mountain air, and maybe even some antsy entertainment if a few uninvited guests try to join your feast, though the views will surely distract you. It’s a delightful escape from the usual routine, and let's be honest, everything just tastes better when you're eating on a blanket with the magnificent Big Blue just a stone's throw away. Plus, there's always the excitement of seeing what surprises are in the basket – it's truly a sand-witch of an adventure, especially when you're surrounded by one of nature's most stunning masterpieces!
There are so many places to picnic around the lake:
Kiva Beach
Emerald Bay State Beach
Kings Beach
Zephyr Cove Park
Pope Beach
Best things to do in North Lake Tahoe
Impossible trail - Tahoe East Shore Trail
Location: Tahoe East Shore Trail, 1924 Tahoe Blvd, Incline Village, NV 89451
It’s called the Impossible Trail by the locals because it took forever to build but if you look it up on google maps, it’s call the Tahoe East Shore Trail!
The "Impossible Trail" in Lake Tahoe, more formally known as the Tahoe East Shore Trail, earned its dramatic moniker because constructing a path along this rugged and incredibly scenic stretch of shoreline was once considered an almost insurmountable feat. For decades, accessing the breathtaking beaches and coves along Lake Tahoe's East Shore was challenging and often dangerous, with vehicles and pedestrians sharing a narrow, winding highway. The idea of building a safe, dedicated pathway seemed "impossible" given the complex terrain, environmental concerns, and the need for collaboration among numerous agencies. However, through extensive planning, funding, and engineering, this dream became a reality, transforming the "Impossible Trail" into "America's Most Beautiful Bikeway."
This paved, 3-mile trail is absolutely wonderful for toddlers and families. Its smooth, wide surface makes it perfect for strollers, trikes, and little wobbly walkers, eliminating concerns about uneven terrain or roots. The trail hugs the shoreline, offering continuous, stunning lake views that will captivate even the youngest adventurers. With numerous access points to secluded beaches and picnic spots, families can easily hop off the trail for a splash in the crystal-clear water, a snack break, or simply to marvel at the massive granite boulders. The lack of significant inclines means little legs won't get too tired, ensuring a fun, accessible, and truly memorable outdoor experience for everyone, making it far from "impossible" to enjoy with your tiny explorers!
Truckee
Location: KidZone Museum, 11711 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161
While the glittering waters of Lake Tahoe are the main draw, the charming mountain town of Truckee, located about an hour's drive (approximately 44-45 miles) north of South Lake Tahoe, offers a fantastic change of pace and a wealth of toddler-friendly activities. Truckee's historic downtown is a delight to explore with its old-west charm, train tracks (a huge hit with train-loving tots!), and unique shops. For active little ones, the KidZone Museum is a must-visit, providing interactive, hands-on exhibits designed specifically for young children, offering hours of engaging play. You can also head to Donner Lake (just a short drive from downtown Truckee) for a different lakeside experience with sandy beaches and calm waters perfect for splashing and building sandcastles. Many of the larger resorts in the Truckee/Northstar area also offer fantastic summer activities for families, including mini-golf, outdoor play areas, and even gentle scenic gondola rides that provide stunning views without strenuous hiking. Truckee truly rounds out a Lake Tahoe adventure by offering a blend of history, indoor fun, and easily accessible outdoor spaces for the little ones.
Where to Stay with Toddlers in South Lake Tahoe
There are a lot of adorable cabin rentals that you can book through Booking.com - just turn on the search option for “Vacation Homes”.
Caesars Republic
Location: 18 Hwy 50, Stateline, NV 89449
We have stayed at Harvey’s a few times which is now called Caesars Republic and currently under major renovation.
However, the rooms are spacious with lots of lake view options! There is a casino which isn’t great for kids, but good if you want to take turns going down to gamble or go to a bar when the children are sleeping!
There’s an outdoor pool, spa, and fitness center too. Though I’ve never seen the fitness center, good for you if you make it!
The restaurants are great but not exactly kid friendly! Here’s what you need to know:
Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsey does not have a dedicated kids' menu, but they are accommodating to families and can offer options for children. Yelp users report that servers can usually suggest items from the main menu or prepare something simple like chicken tenders or mac and cheese.
Wolf by Vanderpump doesn’t have a kids menu either and is 21+ after 8p.
My favorite restaurant is the Sage Room which is located on the 19th floor with a perfect view of the lake! Try and get a reservation ahead of time around sunset. Again, they don’t have a kids menu but check ahead of time to see if there is something your tot might be into.
Holiday Inn Express Exterior
Budget friendly option - Holiday Inn Express Lake Tahoe
Location: 3961 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
We had a free night through our IHG credit card that was expiring and we decided to give Holiday Inn Express a try. For a 3-star hotel, it was great. We got the double queen room with an extra floor space option, which was perfect for our two tots to run around or play with the knock-off magnatile set (Picasso Magnet Mini tile travel set). Our stay included free breakfast and was walkable to the Heavenly shops and restaurants as well as the state-line casinos!
Where to Dine with Toddlers in Lake Tahoe
Chances are your toddler sits for 5-10 minutes and then is bored. No matter how many toys, coloring books, or crayons I pack, all I want is someone to serve me a nice meal to enjoy. Here are a few spots that we had good luck with:
Riva Grill views
900 Ski Run Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
I love this place! It’s right on the water and there is plenty to see if you’re sitting inside or outside! The tables outside on the patio were large so we could sprawl out with coloring books and food. There’s even a walkway just off to the side if you have to take a breather or wait for Dad to pay the check. Get a Woody drink!
Edgewood's Brooks Bar and Deck on the patio overlooking a golf course and Lake Tahoe
Edgewood’s Brook’s Bar and Deck
180 Lake Pkwy, Stateline, NV 89449
For a memorable dining experience that caters to both adults and toddlers, consider Edgewood Tahoe's Brooks' Bar and Deck. While Edgewood is known for its upscale golf course and lodge, Brooks' Bar and Deck strikes a perfect balance, offering a refined yet comfortable atmosphere that warmly welcomes families. Situated right off the picturesque 18th hole, the expansive deck boasts unparalleled views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierras – a constantly changing panorama that can keep even the most restless toddler entertained. Their "gastropub" menu features elevated comfort food, with options that are often appealing to a wider range of palates, and the casual-yet-classy ambiance means you won't feel out of place with a high chair and a few kid-friendly snacks. It's a wonderful spot to enjoy a delicious meal while soaking in the iconic Lake Tahoe scenery, creating a special memory for everyone in the family.
California Burger Co.
1001 Heavenly Village Way #2b, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Located in Heavenly Village, this outdoor spot was great for toddlers. There was enough fake grass, a fire pit to run trucks over (when the fire was off and not hot), and live music. They also had frozen lemonade so the kids had a drink while Mommy and Daddy also had a fun drink. Wink, wink! The food was good - burgers were great but they didn’t have a kid’s burger, luckily there were chicken tenders and a grilled cheese to choose from.
Itinerary for 4 days in Lake Tahoe during Spring or Summer
Day 1
5p - Arrive in Reno
5:30p - Pick up rental car
6:30p - Grab Chick-fil-a by airport and drive to Tahoe (about an hour)
7:30p - Check into hotel
8p - Bedtime
Day 2
5:45a wake-up call from excited 1.5 year old, 3.5 year old slept longer
6a walk around the neighborhood grab breakfast - we had free breakfast with our room but there are lots of coffee shops in the area if you need a destination. We also made muffins and brought them with us.
8a - eat breakfast together as a family - Social House was a good recommendation
10a - head to the park on the lake
12p - lunch at Riva Grill
1:30p - naptime
3p - drive over to Kahle Park
5p - drop car off, walk to California Burger Co. outdoor seating, live music
6:30p - walk back to hotel, get ready for bed
7:15p - bedtime
Day 3
6:15a Wake-up call from a happy toddler
7a - Free breakfast at the hotel restaurant
8a - walk over to the shopping center to entertain toddler
10a - 35 min Drive to the waterfall (Glen Alpine Falls)
10:40a - Arrive and explore
11:45a - drive to Kiva picnic area
12:05p - arrive Kiva picnic area, walk down, eat lunch
12:40p - drive back to hotel
1:15p - naptime
3:30p - walk over to Heavenly shopping center - shops, restaurants, mini golf (during summer)
5:45p - dinner
6:30p - walk back to room, get ready for bed
7:30p - bedtime
Day 4
6:20a Wake-up call from toddler
7a - Breakfast at Heaven’s Little Cafe (eat it there or take it to go!)
8a - drive to North Shore’s Tahoe East trail aka Impossible trail
8:40a - Hike Tahoe East trail aka Impossible trail
11:30a - Lunch at Inclined Burgers and Brews - kids menu includes hamburger, cheeseburger, grilled cheese and chicken strips
12:30p - take a drive for a car nap
3p - Arrive at KidZone in Truckee - 11711 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161
5p - Drive back towards the south shore
6p - Dinner at Edgewood’s Brook’s Bar and Deck and enjoy the sunset
What to pack for Toddlers?!
Shop our Amazon list for our favorite things to pack!
What was in our suitcase? Pretty much everything! Being there mid-May, there was still snow on the mountains so it was mid 60’s during the day but 30’s at night!
For a family of 4 (including 2 toddlers), we packed:
3 duffles- we love the Eddie Bauer duffle that compacts into a small bag
Duffle #1 - toddlers’ clothes, diapers, shoes, toys, etc.
Duffle #2 - My clothes and hub’s clothes
Duffle #3 - toddler bumper for bed, you can use pillows but we had free bags we could check. Sometimes we bring the race car blow-up bed
2 personal bags (however, mine was toy overflow) - Picasso Magnet Mini tile travel set, Go Dog Go board book, trucks, Pixar Cars bath toys, Reusable Sticker books, and Crayola Mess Free Coloring books.
Insulated Snack bag - filled with PB&J sandwiches, That’s It Bars,
wagon (instead of our stroller, but we LOVE this travel stroller)
See our full list on Amazon.com!
So pack your bags, grab your little adventurers, and get ready for a Lake Tahoe trip that’s anything but ordinary. It’s an adventure waiting to be explored, even with the littlest legs leading the way!
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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Things to do in Summer in Lake Tahoe with a Toddler
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Planning a Lake Tahoe family vacation with toddlers can seem daunting, but it's easier than you think! As a parent who's enjoyed countless Tahoe trips since childhood, I’ve compiled the ultimate toddler-friendly guide to Lake Tahoe, packed with things to do with toddlers in South Lake Tahoe and beyond. Discover the best parks for kids in Lake Tahoe, like the scenic Thomas F. Regan Memorial City Beach Park or the playground paradise of Kahle Park. Looking for easy hikes with toddlers in Lake Tahoe? Glen Alpine Falls offers a stunning waterfall view with minimal effort, perfect for little legs. Don't miss out on enjoying a family picnic at Lake Tahoe at spots like Kiva Beach or Pope Beach. For North Lake Tahoe activities, the newly accessible Tahoe East Shore Trail (often called the 'Impossible Trail') is a paved, stroller-friendly wonder. Explore the charming town of Truckee, home to the fantastic KidZone Museum, a top pick for toddler fun near Lake Tahoe. When it comes to where to stay in South Lake Tahoe with toddlers, options range from VRBO cabin rentals to family-friendly hotels like the Holiday Inn Express. And for dining, I'll share toddler-friendly restaurants in Lake Tahoe like Riva Grill on the Lake and Edgewood's Brooks' Bar and Deck, where you can savor delicious meals with stunning views. Get ready for an unforgettable Lake Tahoe adventure with small children!