Bringing the whole family to Lake Tahoe for a vacation can be a magical experience for everyone, especially the kids. From taking them zip lining in summer to sledding in winter, you won’t run out of cool activities to do in the area. 

So if you’re staying at Wander Tahoe Slopes for a few days, we rounded up a few ideas to keep your itinerary filled and your kiddos happy. Don’t fret—we also have some reliable babysitter recommendations, just in case you want a quiet night out alone or with your partner. 

Child-Friendly Activities

Without doubt, Lake Tahoe is one of the best child-friendly destinations in northern California. Not sure how to plan your itinerary? We laid out some ideas for you below. 

Take Skiing or Snowboarding Lessons at Northstar California Resort

Photo from Unsplash

• Distance from Wander Home: 5.1 miles 

• Address: Northstar California Resort, 5001 Northstar Dr, Truckee, CA 96161, USA

• Hours: Visit this page for updated hours

• Contact Number: 530-562-1010

• Website: https://www.northstarcalifornia.com/ 

Here’s a little secret: a ski trail runs right in the backyard of Wander Tahoe Slopes, making it a true ski-in ski-out property. Timberline is the closest lift that takes you to Northstar California—arguably the most famous ski resort in Lake Tahoe.

Here, you can have the whole family take skiing or snowboarding lessons. Kids as young as 3 years old can start taking lessons, which take place in small group settings depending on their skill level. 

Apart from having your kid pick up a new skill, it can also be a great way for them to socialize and make new friends. But if you want it to be a family experience, then you can book private lessons too. Full-day lessons start at $259 per child. 

Go on an "Epic Discovery"

Photo by Epic Discovery

• Distance from Wander Home: 42.2 miles

• Address: 3860 Saddle Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA

• Hours: Open daily starting June 18th or visit Heavenly Mountain Resort’s website for updated operating hours

• Contact Number: 775-586-7000

• Website: https://www.skiheavenly.com/explore-the-resort/activities/epic-discovery.aspx

Epic Discovery is a child’s wonderland located in Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe. 

It’s roughly a 40-mile drive south of Wander Tahoe Slopes so it’s important to plan your trip ahead. 

The good news is that you can spend an entire day here, seeing that there are tons of activities to do in the area. Young adventurers will have a blast going on a zipline adventure or a scenic mountain roller coaster ride here. 

Apart from these activities, the resort also features rope courses, gondola rides, granite peak climbing walls, and more—truly making it the perfect summer outing for all ages.

Here’s a bonus: there’s also an onsite professional daycare facility that takes care of your littles as young as 6 weeks old to 6 years old while you ski in winter. Snacks, lunch, and fun activities like indoor and outdoor playtime, cooking, and storytelling will be provided.

Take an Aerial Trek at Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park

Photo by Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park 

• Distance from Wander Home: 11.6 miles

• Address: Treetop Tahoe Vista, 6600 Donner Rd, Tahoe Vista, CA 96148, USA

• Hours: Open in a limited capacity from 10:45 AM to 12:45 PM, Thursdays and Saturdays. Open daily during summer from 8:15 AM to 4:45 PM. 

• Contact Number: 530-807-1004

• Website: https://tahoetreetop.com/ 

Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park is known for its unique aerial courses. Tucked in a forest, participants will navigate through rope swings, unstable bridges, swinging logs, tightropes, cargo nets, horizontal climbing walls, and more.

It’s a 2.5-hour interactive activity that features 5 to 10 courses and over 70 tree platforms, separated by a bridge, inclined ramp, or zip line. No need to worry if your child isn’t totally athletic as courses range from easy to difficult.

The minimum age requirement is 6 years old. As a self-guided tour, you need to be within line of sight of your child at all times.

This means that you must go through the courses with your child if they’re 6 to 7 years old. Otherwise, you can supervise your child from the ground if they’re older.

There are two Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park locations available; the nearest one from Wander Tahoe Slopes is Tahoe Vista, which is only 11 miles away from the property. Picnic tables are also available in this location, so feel free to bring your own snacks.

Just keep in mind that drop-offs of minors under 18 years old aren't permitted. Rates range from $50 to $67 per person. 

Relax at Sand Harbor

Photo by Josh Haynam from Pexels

• Distance from Wander Home: 19.2 miles

• Address: Sand Harbor Beach, Nevada, USA

• Hours: Open daily from 7 AM to one hour after sunset.

• Contact Number: 775-831-0494

• Website: http://parks.nv.gov/parks/lake-tahoe-nevada-state-park 

Sand Harbor features Lake Tahoe’s most iconic landscape. There are several picnic sites with barbecues and tables around the area, which makes a relaxing summer outing. 

In fact, you can even rent kayaks and book lessons or guided tours during summer, and this is something that you and your kids will surely enjoy together. Otherwise, there are plenty of fun things you can do in the area such as hiking, swimming, scuba diving, and biking. 

And if you’re lucky, you can even experience the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival during July and August. Expect bands and shows to take place against the stunning backdrop of Lake Tahoe—truly a sight to behold!

Day use entrance fees are at $10 per vehicle. 

Babysitters

Photo by Alexandr Podvalny from Pexels

Whether you want to hit the slopes or go on a long hike, consider leaving your kids with a trusted babysitter in the area. Here’s where to find them in Lake Tahoe. 

Lake Tahoe Sitters

Lake Tahoe Sitters only employs babysitters with at least 5 years of childcare experience with CPR and first aid certifications. Each sitter also goes through a rigorous background check, so you can rest assured that your kid is in safe hands.

Their team of sitters can take care of any child, from newborns to infants with special needs. All you have to do is to ring them, give them your requirements, and they’ll send a sitter on your schedule at your Wander Tahoe Slopes home. 

Rates start at $30/hour per child and $10/hour for additional children. Placement fees are at $50. Check out Lake Tahoe Sitters’ website for more information.

Resort Sitters

Resort Sitters is another agency you can count on if you and your partner want some alone time for a few hours. Each of their highly qualified babysitters has a CPR certification with years of childcare experience under their belt.

No need to worry because each sitter also goes through an extensive background check. Once you request a sitter, they’ll send you a summary of your sitter’s childcare background, name, and photo.

You and your sitter can also plan outdoor activities for the kiddos. Having a local as your sitter means that they can check out local libraries, visit lakeside parks, and even take part in recreational activities around the area.

Rates start at $20/hour per child with a 4-hour minimum per booking. Reservation fees start at $60. For more information, visit Resort Sitters’ website. 

Want to book an electric bike ride around the city or a 2-hour cruise with your family during your stay at Lake Tahoe? Our concierge desk is available 24/7 to help you make your vacation planning hassle-free!

We can’t wait for you and your family to enjoy Wander Tahoe Slopes. Have a fun vacation!