Fishing with Kids at Lake Tahoe

Trout fishing at Lake Tahoe: Jackson Catches One!
(Requires javascript)

Taylor Creek: Kids LOVE it!

Running from Fallen Leaf Lake to Kiva Beach at Lake Tahoe is Taylor Creek. This alpine stream is one of Lake Tahoe's most popular family destinations. The entire area, from the meadows near the visitor center to the lakeshore at Kiva Beach, is great for kids. You can stroll easy trails, watch birds and wildlife, and see the changing seasons in a beautiful alpine wetland.

The National Forest Service has created interpretive hiking trails throughout the meadow where the creek approaches Lake Tahoe. The Rainbow Trail is a gentle loop with signs that explain the plants, animals, and history of the area.

On the west side of Highway 89 the stream follows a nice walking route toward Fallen Leaf Lake and the Fallen Leaf Lake Campground. Taylor Creek is the primary spawning habitat for Tahoe's Kokanee salmon, a landlocked version of the sockeye. In the fall, usually in October, the creek turns bright red with spawning fish. The Forest Service and partners often host educational programs during the spawning season; dates and formats can vary by year, so check current schedules before you go.

More About Fishing on the Nevada Side...

Cast your line at a close-by urban pond or venture out to any one of Nevada's remote and beautiful fishing holes. Chances are, you will get hooked. The Nevada Department of Wildlife website has up-to-date information on fish stocking, regulations, boating rules, and maps of waters that are great for families and beginners.

Sno-Parks > South Lake Tahoe

Echo Summit Sno-Park
Hwy. 50 at Echo Summit on the south side of the roadway

This former ski area is now a popular snow-play and tubing hill when snow conditions allow. There are several hills to choose from. There is no lift. A California Sno-Park permit is required to park here in winter; daily and seasonal permits are available. Always check current conditions and avalanche advisories before heading up.

Heavenly Ski Resort - Adventure Peak Snow Park
(800) HEAVENLY
Top of the Heavenly Gondola, Adventure Peak Play Area

Adventure Peak offers snow tubing and snow play in a high alpine setting, conditions permitting. Access is via the Heavenly Gondola from Heavenly Village, and a separate ticket is required. Skiers and riders can spend the day on the mountain while other family and friends enjoy tubing, sightseeing, and village activities.

Sierra-at-Tahoe
(530) 659-7453
Highway 50 west of South Lake Tahoe

Sierra-at-Tahoe offers a fun tubing hill with a lift system when snow and operations allow. This is a great option for non-skiers who still want to play in the snow. There is usually a viewing area and lodge facilities nearby for snacks and warm-up breaks. Check the resort's current tubing schedule before you go.

South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena
1176 Rufus Allen Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe, CA
(530) 542-6262

This 37,000 sq. ft. indoor, regulation NHL-size ice arena is open year-round in South Lake Tahoe. The arena offers skating lessons, hockey programs, public skating sessions, a pro shop, rentals, snack bar, and party rooms. It is a great all-weather option for families.

Sno-Parks > North Lake Tahoe

Spooner Summit
Corner of Hwy. 50 and Hwy. 28

This is a very popular informal sledding and snow-play hill on the southwest corner of Highways 50 and 28. Bring your own sled, since this is not a commercial hill and services are limited. Parking is restricted and enforcement is strict; do not park on the highway interchange. Access to parking is from Highway 28. Use extra caution when driving in this area, especially during storms.

Playland Snow Park at Boreal
(530) 426-3666

Located off I-80 at Boreal Mountain, about a half hour from Lake Tahoe, this snow-play area is great for all ages. It typically includes groomed sledding lanes, snow-play zones, and portable restrooms. Sleds or tubes are provided with admission. Open hours and operations depend on snow conditions, so check before you go.

Granlibakken Ski and Sledding Area
(530) 581-7533
Tahoe City, CA

Granlibakken resort offers a dedicated sledding and saucer hill with a small lift. Rentals are available and there is a fee for hill use. This is a classic family-friendly spot with lodge facilities nearby for hot drinks and snacks.

North Tahoe Regional Park
(530) 546-4212
End of National Ave, Tahoe Vista, CA

North Tahoe Regional Park offers sledding and snow play when snow conditions are good. There is a parking fee, and sled rentals are often available on-site. Restrooms are available, and dogs are allowed on leash in designated areas. This is a nice choice for families looking for a mix of snow play and forest trails.

Northstar California - Snow Play and Tubing
(530) 562-1010

Northstar typically offers tubing and snow-play areas with lift access during the winter season. Tubes can be rented on-site and there is a day-use fee. The resort village also has shops, dining, and other family activities, making it easy to spend a full day here.

Soda Springs - Tube Town
(530) 426-3901

Just off I-80, Soda Springs' Tube Town is a dedicated snow-tubing area with groomed runs, banked turns, and lift service. It is designed for families and younger kids, with separate snow-play zones. Tickets are required and often sell out on busy weekends, so advance reservations are recommended.

Palisades Tahoe Snowtubing
(800) 545-4350

Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley) offers snowtubing for kids and adults when snow conditions allow. Tubing is usually located near the base area and operates on a schedule that can change with weather. Check the resort's website for current hours and age/height requirements.

Harrah's Family Fun Center - Harrah's Lake Tahoe features a family arcade with a mix of classic and modern video games, redemption games, and kid-friendly attractions. It is a bright, supervised, non-smoking environment where kids can play and collect tickets for prizes. Game lineups change over time, but you can expect racing games, sports games, and plenty of skill-based fun. Birthday party options and group packages may be available; check with the property for current offerings.

Harveys Arcade - Harveys Lake Tahoe also has an arcade area with video and redemption games suitable for kids and teens. The selection is updated regularly and often includes driving games, shooters, and interactive sports games. It is a fun indoor option for families staying at Stateline, especially on stormy or very cold days. Hours and game offerings can vary by season.

South Lake Tahoe / Stateline, NV has additional family entertainment options that change over time, including seasonal events, live shows, and occasional pop-up attractions. Check current listings for movies and family activities during your visit.

Ice Skating > South Lake Tahoe

Heavenly Village Ice Skating Rink
(530) 543-1423
Hwy. 50 near the casinos, Heavenly Village

Located in the heart of Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe, this outdoor ice skating rink is perfect for the entire family. In winter it operates as an ice rink; in summer it often converts to other activities. Kids can skate while parents enjoy boutique shopping, dining, arcades, and the movie theater in the village. Skate rentals are available on-site.

South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena
(530) 542-6262
1176 Rufus Allen Blvd.

South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena is a full-service public ice facility with a regulation NHL-size sheet of ice, locker rooms, snack bar, retail store, arcade, and party rooms. The arena offers public skating sessions, figure skating and hockey lessons, youth and adult leagues, and special events. It is a reliable choice for year-round family fun, regardless of the weather outside.

Village Ice Rink at Kirkwood
(209) 258-6000
Located off Hwy. 88 at the Kirkwood Mountain Resort Village

This outdoor rink operates during the winter season, weather permitting. It is typically open in the afternoons and evenings on weekends and holidays, with more limited midweek hours. Skate rentals are usually available, and the cozy village setting makes it a charming place for families to enjoy a winter evening.

Olympic Ice Pavilion at Palisades Tahoe
(530) 583-6985
Olympic Valley - Palisades Tahoe

This 100' x 200' outdoor Olympic Ice Pavilion overlooks Lake Tahoe and sits at High Camp, accessed by the Palisades Tahoe Aerial Tram. Skating here offers incredible mountain and lake views. Operations are weather dependent and typically run during the core winter season. Check current tram and rink hours before planning your trip.

Everline Resort & Spa Ice Rink
(530) 583-6300
Olympic Valley

The outdoor ice skating rink at Everline Resort & Spa (formerly Resort at Squaw Creek) is set in a beautiful meadow with views of the surrounding peaks. It is open during the winter season, conditions permitting, and offers skate rentals and warm-up areas. The rink can sometimes be reserved for groups and special events. Hours vary, so check with the resort for the latest schedule.

For More Children's Activities