There’s no doubt that Lake Tahoe is beautiful every season, but when you see its clear-blue waters in a summer morning, you know you are in a truly special place. Surrounded by pine-covered mountains and full of sunshine-filled days, Lake Tahoe in the summer is a paradise for families. From easy hikes, water activities, and gondola rides, Lake Tahoe offers something exciting for the whole family.

Whether you are planning for a short weekend getaway or a longer vacation and you are wondering what to do in Lake Tahoe in the summer, here are 12 exciting and kid-friendly things to do in Lake Tahoe in the summer – guaranteed to keep you and your little ones active, happy and fully immersed in nature.

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1. Visit the magical Vikingsholm Castle

Located in Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe, Vikingsholm Castle is on the National Register of Historic Places and is “one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in North America.” The castle was built in 1929, after Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight bought the land and wanted to have a summer home in these magnificent surroundings. The inside of the castle can be visited during the summer (from Memorial Day until the end of September), and there are daily guided tours where you can learn more about the castle’s history and secrets. To get here, start in the parking lot and take the forest trail (downhill, approximately 1 mile). This trail could also be stroller-friendly, but only if you have good stroller wheels.

2. Go to one of the many Lake Tahoe beaches

Lake Tahoe has many beaches, all so different; some are perfect for families with small kids, while others are a water sports paradise. Some of the most family-friendly beaches in Lake Tahoe are:

• Baldwin Beach: a large sandy beach with clear and shallow waters, perfect for little swimmers.
• Pope Beach: set against a pine forest, this beach has lots of shade and great water for swimming.
• Sand Harbor: sandy beach with calm waters.

3. Play at the Commons Beach Playground

Located right by the water, this playground offers lake views, a picnic area, lots of shade, and even summer concerts. It is the perfect place to rest while the kids have fun at the lake playground.

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4. Ride the Heavenly Mountain Gondola

If you want to experience breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe, the surrounding mountains, and Nevada State, hop on the Heavenly Mountain Gondola. At the mid-station observation deck, you can step out of the gondola and admire the views even more (and take pictures, of course!)  At the top, there’s a mini mountain playground that your kids can explore while you are soaking up the views from the mountaintop cafe. Children under 5 years ride free with a paying adult.

5. Try clear Kayaking for an unforgettable experience

Did you know you can rent clear-bottom kayaks and explore Lake Tahoe in a completely new and mesmerizing way? You may know that Lake Tahoe is famous for its clear blue waters, so imagine experiencing breathtaking views from your transparent kayak – it will feel like paddling over a giant aquarium! Several providers in Lake Tahoe offer clear kayak rentals or even guided tours (Clearly Tahoe – they even offer an LED Glow Night Tour, Tahoe Paddle Sports, Wild Society). Usually, this is a suitable activity for kids aged 6 and up.

6. Take a Paddlewheel Lake Cruise

There are more operators who offer cruises on Lake Tahoe, but if you want to see the clear blue lake waters on board a historic paddlewheel boat, take the M.S. Dixie II and get ready for a relaxing and fun cruise with snacks and stories about Tahoe’s history.

More about the Paddlewheel Cruise

7. Visit the Tahoe Treetop Adventure Parks

Located in three different locations – Tahoe City, Tahoe Vista, and Olympic Valley- the Tahoe Treetop Adventure Parks are a must-do if you and your kids love climbing, balancing, and zip-lining through the trees. There are different levels for all ages, and children as young as 6 can participate.

More about the Tahoe Treetop Adventure Parks

8. Ride the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster

For extra adrenaline, you can try the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster. This gravity-powered alpine rollercoaster starts on the top of Heavenly Mountain Gondola (a gondola ticket is also required to ride the coaster). The roller coaster goes down through the forest and rock formations and offers breathtaking views. It can reach speeds up to about 27 mph, but you can control this speed with a manual brake. Each car can accommodate two passengers, so you can share this experience with your kid (3 years old plus).

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9. Hike to Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake

The trail starts at Eagle Falls Picnic Area near Emerald Bay, and after ¼ mile, you will reach some stone stairs cut directly into the rock, and after another ¼ mile, you will reach the waterfalls. From here, if you want to go further to Eagle Lake, there will be another mile through the evergreen forest. Remember that if you want to visit Eagle Lake, you must fill out a free Desolation Wilderness permit, which is available at the trailhead. These two trails are kid-friendly, just be sure to wear some sturdy shoes.

10. Visit the Tallac Historic Site

The former site of the 100-year-old Tallac Resort is now home to the Valhala community events center, where you can see exhibits on the Baldwin family, the former proprietors of the Tallac Hotel, and the Washoe Indian Tribe. The entire site is open during the summer, and the parking is free. The Baldwin Museum is free, but for an additional cost, you can tour the Pope house and do the Servants tour.

11. Go Mini Golfing

Tahoe has more good places for mini golfing where the whole family can have fun. You can try Heavenly Mini Golf, located in the heart of Heavenly Village, Kings Beach Miniature Golf – Lake Tahoe’s oldest miniature golf course, or Magic Carpet Golf.

12. Attend a family-friendly summer festival

Lake Tahoe has so many happenings during the summer months; these are some of the family-friendly summer festivals you can attend: Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival (at the Sand Harbor State Park), Truckee Thursdays (in Truckee), or the Tahoe City Solstice Festival.

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