Kids Ultimate Tahoe Summer Bucket List

Summer is in full swing in Tahoe and nearly all restrictions have been lifted in both California and Nevada, so now is the time to get out and enjoy summer fun with the entire family.

Take to the water

1. Romp in the pools at Shirley Canyon.
2. Go kayaking or standup paddleboarding.
3. Have a beach day.
4. Rent a raft for the float trip down the Truckee River from Tahoe City to Alpine Meadows.
5. Older kids will enjoy taking a guided whitewater rafting trip on the Truckee River.
6. Rack up lots of pool time.
7. Beat the heat with water guns and water balloons.
8. Rent a tube to pull behind the boat (rent a boat if you don’t have one).
9. Book a tour on one of the cruises on Lake Tahoe.
10. Catch crawdads in the shallows of Lake Tahoe.
11. Have a crawfish boil with Chef Smitty’s recipes.
12. Rent a personal watercraft.

Explore the mountains

13. Go mountain biking at one of the region’s mountain bike parks.
14. Take a mountain biking clinic to hone the kidos’ skills.
15. Hike Eagle Rock for panoramic views of Lake Tahoe.
16. Ride the Powerline Trail; it’s great for beginners.
17. Explore the Boca Historic Townsite. All that remains is a short interpretive trail.
18. Visit Van Sickle Falls on the South Shore.
19. Explore Snowshoe Thompson Cave in Hope Valley.
20. Hike to Meeks Creek Falls.
21. Walk the nature trail at Tahoe Meadows.
22. Earn Junior Ranger badges at the local state parks.
23. Discover the 130-ton Balancing Rock at D.L. Bliss State Park.
24. Visit the Rubicon Lighthouse.
25. Hunt for wildflowers at Sagehen Meadows or Ward Creek State Park.
26. Download the free iNaturalist app and have the kids snap photos to identify plants and animals.
27. Download the free “Tahoe Nature Activity Book” and check off all the activities
28. Search for the Chinese Catfish Pond on Donner Summit.

Have an adventure

29. Ride the roller coaster and the zip line at Heavenly Lake Tahoe.
30. Climb high with Tahoe Treetop Adventures.
31. Practice your climbing skills at one of the local climbing walls in Truckee, Incline Village, South Lake Tahoe and Olympic Valley.
32. Play disc golf at one of the area’s 10 courses (listed in Summer Fun in this edition).
33. Go roller skating at Squaw Valley.
34. Take a horseback ride.
35. Drop in on one of the region’s five skateboard parks (listed in Summer Fun).
36. Take a free plane ride with the Young Eagles at the Truckee Tahoe Airport.
37. Take the Aerial Tram to Squaw Valley’s High Camp to go geocaching.
38. Climb the Tahoe Via Ferrata.

Explore all that Tahoe offers

39. Ride the kids’ train at Truckee River Regional Park.
40. Make a playdate at Tahoe Tot Spot in South Lake Tahoe.
41. Take a soak at Grover Hot Springs near Markleeville.
42. Dance at a free concert.
43. Book a tour at the Tahoe Science Center.
44. Look for the Washoe Galis Dungals, or traditional winter homes, around Tahoe.
45. Explore the Earth Walk Trail in Incline Village. Hint: There’s a Galis Dungals.
46. Take the kids to the Lake Tahoe Dance Festival.
47. Enjoy the free Music Maker Faire and Family Concert with Classical Tahoe.
48. Throw out a line at Tahoe Trout Farm
49. Create something cool during Kids Art Camps at North Tahoe Arts.
50. Play mini golf.
51. Go bowling.
52. Enjoy the bike paths in the region.

Act like a local

53. Practice the Leave No Trace Principles.
54. Carry trash bags and help pick up trash. Carry it home.
55. Carry doggie bags and pack it out. Hint: Put it under the windshield wipers.
56. Learn how to properly dispose of poop in the woods. I’m not kidding; it’s a problem.
57. Respect the wildlife. Don’t feed them or approach them no matter how cute they look.
58. Take the free bus.
59. Try the on-demand free TART Connect shuttle on the North Shore.
60. Ditch the car at one of the Park & Ride lots.
61. Stop at all crosswalks.
62. Be kind.
63. Say Hi to a stranger.
64. Have fun.
    

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