Planning a snow vacation? One of the most popular destinations for ski week for residents of Northern California, is Lake Tahoe! It is an easy road trip from the Bay Area, and there are so many things for families to do together. One of the great things about the Lake Tahoe area, is that there are several, easy activities you can do with small children, or kids who aren’t used to being in the snow.
Although our kids have been to Tahoe plenty of times, they have never really mastered skiing. We have put them in ski and snowboard lessons a handful of times, but when you only take lessons one day per year, it is easy to forget what you have learned. So we often fill the week with snow play, activities, and of course, ski lessons!
Here are our favorite things to do in Tahoe with kids during ski week.
Snowball Fight
There is nothing like a good snowball fight, especially in fresh powder. Create teams, or throw as individuals; you make the rules! -just don’t aim at the face, and stay safe!
Learn to ski at Tahoe Donner
If your kids haven’t skied before, then Tahoe Donner is the perfect place for them. This ski resort is the best place in the Tahoe area for new skiers. They have a small ski school where your kids get more individual attention then at other resorts in the area. Your kids will be skiing down these runs by themselves in no time! They really get your kids going, in a non-intimidating environment. My kids have taken both ski, and snowboard lessons here, we loved them all!
Build a snowman
My daughter is a master at making mini snowmen. Isn’t her little snowman cute? Find a patch of snow and create the snowman of your dreams; big or small! It’s a really fun family activity. You can build one snowman together, or each make your own; to create a snowman family!
Make snow angels
Make snow angels! It’s a moment of fun, and it makes a pretty angel in the snow!
Be a kid with your kids
Playing in the snow isn’t just for your kids! You got the vacation day, now it’s time to play! Unleash your inner child and go sledding, build a snowman, engage in a snowball fight, make a snow angel, and more! Just play!
Sledding
You cannot beat sledding and saucering on snow! There are plenty of snow-play areas around the Tahoe area which charge a fee for snow play. Or, you can find a fresh area of snow off the road and try sledding for free. -just make sure it is safe!
Snowball fight while sledding
Sledding is fun, but having a snowball fight while sledding is a whole new level. Arm yourself with one snowball and everyone gets one shot at a pre-determined target on the way down the slope. Winner take all!!
Spend a day at Northstar
Northstar has a Candle Shop where kids can make their own candles, paint pots, make stuffed animals, and more! It’s a fun way to unwind after skiing, or to spend time while other family members ski.
Ice skating rink at Northstar
If your kids have taken lessons, and have mastered the slopes at Tahoe Donner, and Sugarbowl, Northstar has harder green runs which are good to try before switching to the blue runs. Plus, Northstar’s Village has plenty of fun things to do if your kids only like to ski a half day; like my two young ones.
There are so many other activities you can do with this kids in Tahoe during ski week; even if you don’t ski, or your kids don’t ski. In addition to sledding, snowball fights, ski lessons, and building snowmen, there are plenty of other activities. You can visit one of the outdoor ski rinks in the Tahoe area. My favorite is the Olympic rink at Squaw Valley, but it was recently damaged, and is currently under repair; watch for it to be back in business! In the meantime, there is a pretty outdoor rink at Northstar which is in the center of the village. You can go skating, and also enjoy a yummy meal at one of the restaurants.
We also enjoy taking the kids on easy hikes in the snow, as well as just playing in the snow. Kids can be creative, and can invent their own snow games! Be sure to watch them and ensure they are staying safe.
Tahoe is a giant playground. There are so many fun things to do in Tahoe with kids during ski week that I can’t name them all! If you are looking for a place to stay while visiting, I recommend renting a cabin if you don’t know someone who will lend you one. This is a great way to save money on food, since you can cook your own meals. A cabin also offers the comforts of home which is essential with kids since they tend to get tired mid-day and need to rest. A cabin is easier to relax in then a hotel room.
If you hadn’t thought of traveling to Tahoe with your kids, try it! It’s so much fun, and kids love playing in the snow! If you have additional favorite activities to do with kids in Tahoe during spring break not mentioned in this post, feel free to leave them in the comments below! I would new ideas too!
Thanks for stopping by!
XOXO
Cathy
