School’s Out: Best Summer Activities for Kids in South Lake Tahoe

Schools are winding down for the year, which means it’s time to start thinking about summer vacations and kid-friendly activities. Kids grow up fast and summer is a great time to really bond and spend time together as a family. When it comes to family-friendly options and great summer getaways, look no further than South Lake Tahoe. In fact, Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel is just steps from all sorts of outdoor and indoor fun for kids of all ages. Plus, there are endless opportunities for learning and fostering a healthy lifestyle along the way. Check out these great activities for kids, teens, and adults, and make it a summer to remember.

1. Experience Epic Discovery

If you’re looking for adventure and excitement this summer, you and your family won’t want to miss Epic Discovery. Soak up Lake Tahoe’s breathtaking scenery while trying your hand at ropes courses, zip lines, climbing walls, roller coasters, tubing, and more. It’s a great way to teach kids about overcoming fears and obstacles, plus it builds stamina, endurance, and self-confidence. You can mix and match the Epic Discovery activities, plus there’s a variety of pricing tiers and activity levels to meet your family’s needs. It’s the perfect way to experience the best of Tahoe together as a family. You’ll all be talking about it for weeks — guaranteed.

2. Hit the Lake Tahoe trails.

Hitting one of the many trails around Lake Tahoe is a great way to experience the area’s natural beauty. Grab some bikes, lace up your tennis shoes, or even hop in the saddle for a horseback ride. The point is to get outdoors and have some fun — and there’s no better place to do that than scenic Tahoe with mountain peaks and crystal clear waters. Not only will hiking help you and your kids stay fit and healthy, but you can pass along some science lessons as you see plants and wildlife along the trails. STEM skills are so important and ongoing learning throughout the summer can help set your kids up for success come fall and the new school year. Before you head out, be sure to check out our handy tips for planning the perfect hike.

3. Enjoy Shakespeare’s works at the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival.

Starting in July, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival kicks off with fun performances and live entertainment. If you’ve got a budding thespian on your hands or your kids have been learning about William Shakespeare’s iconic works during the school year, this is a great opportunity for them to experience it firsthand. Check out their production of The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare or get involved with the D.G. Menchetti Young Shakespeare Program. According to Scholastic, involvement with theater and the arts have been shown to reduce anxiety, improve self-esteem, and help kids better express their emotions.

4. Plan a day (or two) at the beach.

Nothing says summer quite like some sun and sand, right? If that sounds like heaven, you’re in luck. There are plenty of great beaches in Lake Tahoe where you can have some fun and take in some breathtaking views as well. Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel gives out passes to Round Hill Pines Beach, located about 2. 8 miles from the hotel. From swimming to paddle boarding to beach volleyball to boats and kayaks, there’s no shortage of fun, family-friendly ways to enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe. Many parks and beaches also have playgrounds, grills, and picnic tables for public use as well. Not only will you all have a blast splashing around, but swimming and other water activities are a great source of physical activity for youngsters as well.

5. Learn about some of Lake Tahoe’s awesome history.

Any history buffs out there? Lake Tahoe isn’t just rich in natural beauty, it’s also rich in historical and cultural beauty. The Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum is a great destination and holds fun events all year long, including specific events for kids. They also offer historical walking tours and a great selection of books and other resources! Kids and adults alike will also love Vikingsholm, a “hidden castle” that’s part of the Harvey West Unit of the Emerald Bay State Park and open for tours during the summer months. It truly is a shining example of Scandinavian architecture that you won’t find anywhere else. Again, providing learning opportunities throughout the summer months and avoiding that “summer slide” is so important. Consider picking up some books and brochures about the area to encourage kids to learn even more and improve reading skills and comprehension.

6. Mini golf at Heavenly Village

During the summer, Heavenly Village transforms its ice skating rink into an epic 18-hole mini golf course. It’s a great way to soak up some fresh Tahoe air this summer and have fun with kids of varying ages and skill levels. Did you know mini golf can also be a great way to improve hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking, math skills, and patience in youngsters?

7. Catch a flick at the Heavenly Village Cinema

When you need a break from the summer sunshine or want to wind down after a long day of fun, head to the Heavenly Village Cinema for a night out. Indulge in some popcorn and one of the many awesome kid-friendly blockbusters headed to the big screen in the next few months. Aladdin, Toy Story 4, Spider-Man: Far From Home, and The Lion King are just a few of the movies we’re excited to check out this summer. Movies can be a great way to build critical-thinking skills as you discuss the film’s themes and how it differed from previous book, television, or movie versions.

Come enjoy the summer with us!

We’re just getting started. There are tons of amazing things to do in Lake Tahoe, and our staff is always willing to help you plan the perfect kid-friendly summer Tahoe itinerary. After an epic day exploring our little slice of heaven, come wind down and relax with us here at Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel — which was recently named one of the top family-friendly hotels by Forbes! Our spacious two-room suites are perfect for family, plus we’ve got lots of other kid-friendly amenities, including:

• A heated indoor pool
• And so much more!

We’ll do our best to make sure you and your kids have the time of your lives in Tahoe. We can’t wait to see you!

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