family

Things to do in Tahoe with kids during ski week

 in Travel  tagged family / tahoe / travel tips by

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

Incline Flume Trail review | family friendly hiking trails Lake Tahoe

 in Fitness / Travel  tagged family / hiking / outdoor fitness / reviews / tahoe / travel tips by

family friendly trails tahoe area

pictured: view of Lake Tahoe from the Incline Flume Trail

Are you wondering how to find the entrance to the Incline Flume Trail in Lake Tahoe? Or maybe you are looking for family friendly hikes in the Lake Tahoe area? Or, maybe you have heard about the unmarked, yet insanely beautiful Incline Flume Trail in Lake Tahoe on the Nevada side of the border? If so, then you have the right place!

We love heading to Tahoe in the fall season. There are less tourists milling around, and the weather is insanely beautiful. It really is the perfect time of year to hike. The trails are not abandoned, but they are far from crowded; this makes hiking a fun experience which is both relaxing and soul rejuvenating.

My husband read an article about the Incline Flume Trail and suggested we hike it with our kids. We are always on the hunt for new, kid friendly trails in the Lake Tahoe area, so I was on board! The trail was described as having spectacular views of Lake Tahoe, a bit of history, and a flat, family friendly trail.

entrance incline flume trail

pictured: entrance to the Incline Flume Trail

The Incline Flume Trail got it’s name from being an old logging flume. It has it’s historical roots in the now defunct logging industry which used to prevail in the area. The article my husband read promised a glimpse of abandoned logging buildings, and remnants of the areas logging past. Unfortunately we did not come across any markings, or structures, which alluded to the trail’s logging past. It is possible they are out there, and we didn’t go far enough down the trail to see them. We hiked for a total of three hours round trip, so roughly 1.5 hours in and out. We did stop along the way for a snack, and we also had a rock climbing break where the kids climbed some big rocks for fun.

hiking trails kids lake tahoe

This rock was a favorite of my son’s

The Incline Flume Trail is a great hike with kids; despite the historical aspects being difficult to find. The trail is clean and well maintained. It is mostly flat, with a few areas boasting a steep edge. If you have small children, or any children, be sure to talk to them ahead of time and warn them not to run on the trail, and to be careful when there is drop off to the side of the trail.

how to find incline flume trail

Steep edge of the Incline Flume Trail; be careful with kids and warn them to not run.

There are very few parts of the trail with this steep edge. The majority of the trail is flat and easy to navigate. This helps make the Incline Flume Trail popular among families, dog walkers, and bikes. Which brings me to. . .

There are a large number of dog walkers at the beginning of the trail. The farther in you hike from the parking area, the less dogs you will see. If you are afraid of dogs, like my daughter, then be prepared to meet up with several dogs on your way into the trail. People hike in pairs, and in groups, with multiple dogs; most on leashes. They are safe dogs, and the owners are responsible, so you don’t need to worry about getting bombarded; just be ready to see them.

In addition to dogs, the Incline Flume Trail is a favorite among bikers. There are small children learning to cycle as well as professional off-road bikers on this trail. Some of the bikes will move quickly, so yield to the side of the trail when they are coming your way. They always say thank you, and are cautious as well as friendly. This is a great trail which attracts polite, nice people. It is beautiful, and a great experience through and through.

picturesque hiking trails lake tahoe

The Incline Flume Trail is bit difficult to find if you are not familiar with the area. The trail is not marked, so be sure to look at your mileage counter on your car, and look for the turnout where you can park. To find the Incline Flume Trail, which is not on GPS by the way, take Tahoe Blvd/28 to Mt Rose Hwy/431. While driving on 431, you will pass the Country Club on your right, and then look for Fairview Blvd on the right, the turnout to park will be .8 miles after you pass Fairview Blvd. A few cars can park on the right, but there is ample parking in the turnout on the left; which is what I recommend you look for.

The entrance to the Incline Flume Trail will be across from the paved, large parking turnout. There isn’t a sign, but there will be other people around, so walk between the parked cars (parked in the dirt across from the paved turnout) and you will see the entrance to the trail. The trail opens up between the trees and displays a beautiful array of trees, with a view of the lake behind you. The views of the lake get better as you hike farther into the trail; so keep going!

I hope you find, and enjoy, Incline Flume Trail! This is my new favorite hiking trail in the Lake Tahoe area so I am thrilled to be able to share it with you. Get out there and enjoy our beautiful country!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

incline flume trail lake tahoe

LA summer road trip with the kids

 in General Fashion / Travel  tagged city guide / family / lifestyle / los angeles / travel / travel tips by

There is nothing like taking a trip out of town as soon as school lets out. Since spring seemed so busy and stressful this year, we planned a one-week getaway after the last of school in order to relive any leftover stress from the spring semester. Our kids were just as ready as we were to escape the Bay Area, and have some fun!

We planned a five day road trip to Los Angeles. Our goal to was see things in LA we haven’t shown the kids yet. At first, we thought we would play tourist and show the kids all of the usual Hollywood tourist attractions. Surprisingly, our kids had no interest in any of that! So, we ended up finding things to do with kids in LA which were fun, new, and affordable.

Here is a recap of all the fun things to do in LA with kids which filled up our week and kept us busy!

Universal Studios-Harry Potter World

OK fine, this is not affordable, nor is it technically in LA, but we HAD to see Harry Potter World and try Butter Beer! Since Universal Studios is notorious for getting extremely hot, we looked at the weather report and visited on the coolest day during our stay; which was day one. Although the temperature outside was only 68 degrees, it felt like 80. There isn’t any shade there! We knew ahead of time that Universal can get long lines, and get very hot, so we splurged and purchased the “Front of Line” tickets. This was a life-saver since with these tickets, you don’t have to wait in long lines for rides. Some of the lines looked horribly long, and we were able to go right to the front. If you don’t mind spending the extra money, it is worth it to be able to cut the line. No-one should have to wait in line for an hour to go on one ride.

Harry Potter World was our first and most important destination. We quickly went on one ride, and then went over to Ollivanders. Rumor had it that your future wand chooses you! How fun is that?! They put you in groups of about fifteen people to go inside the famous wand shop. I thought we would watch every child enjoy watching a wand choose them, but this was not the case. Only one person in the room gets chosen to have a wand choose them. This would have been a huge letdown had one of our kids not been chosen. We got lucky!

My ten-year-old daughter, who is a HUGE Harry Potter fan, was the one person chosen in our group to have a wand choose her. It was so much fun watching the wand choose her! I was afraid my other two children would be sad they weren’t chosen, but they were OK because they knew my middle child was the biggest Harry Potter fan in our family.

After you watch the wand choose one person, they exit the group into the store. We asked a sales assistant inside Ollivanders if they could help find a wand to choose my other two kids, and they obliged! So don’t be afraid to ask, they will help you! Also, important note: we had no idea the wands were $49 each. Three kids, and three wands, turned into an expensive experience. Be prepared if you want to head into Ollivanders with your aspiring witch or wizard.

My favorite part of the Harry Potter world was eating at Three Broomsticks. They had traditional pub food and Butter Beer! Oh my, Butter Beer is so good! It tasted like cream soda mixed with butterscotch and topped with vanilla whipped cream. I found a few recipes online to make it at home, but they didn’t look quite right. I am going to try to come up with my own formula. So stay tuned for my version later this summer!

If you would like to visit Universal Studios and see “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” I recommend “Front of the Line” passes and to arrive when the park opens. If you plan to have a wand choose you, I recommend getting into that line first as the “Front of Line” passes do not work there. Also, don’t get your heart set on being chosen, they choose someone at random. Lastly, be sure to drink Butter Beer! It is really yummy. I had one while we were walking around, and one at lunch. Yum!

La Brea Tar Pits and Museums

The La Brea Tar Pits are an affordable way to enjoy the rich history of our Earth, and Los Angeles. My kids loved seeing the tar pits and found it quite impressive how many fossils were found in some of the small pits! We were also able to see an excavation in progress where archaeologists were finding new fossils right before our eyes!

I recommend arriving at the La Brea Tar Pits when they open in the morning so you can see the museum before it gets crowded; plus park close in the adjacent lot. There are also short movies at the La Brea Tar Pits museum. We watched one about the Ice Age which my kids found extremely interesting. Don’t you just love educational fun?!

There are a couple of restaurants across the street from the La Brea Tar Pits. We ate at The Counter and it was really good. Also, after you visit the tar pits and museum, the Los Angeles Museum of Art is next door and is extremely affordable. We took the kids through three of the four buildings. They ended up quite tired, but they did enjoy seeing the exhibits. I highly recommend visiting both locations in one day.

California Science Center-see the space shuttle Endeavour!

My son wants to be an astronaut when he grows up, so seeing the space shuttle Endeavour was a must! He was in complete heaven seeing the shuttle up close. This too is an affordable place to visit with kids while visiting LA. The permanent exhibits are free of charge and there are also IMAX movies you can purchase tickets to. We watched two; one about space, and one about the ocean. This is a must-see if you visit Los Angeles! It is also another educational stop which is fun for the kids.

Check to see if you need reservations for the space shuttle online here.

Santa Monica Pier

When you visit Los Angeles, you need at least one beach day! Normally I would recommend visiting a quieter, less urban beach; but if your kids get bored at the beach after a couple hours like mine do, then Santa Monica Beach and Pier is a good spot. We went to the beach before the rides opened on the pier. When we were bored with the beach, our hunger kicked in; so we decided to eat lunch before going on any rides. At the very end of the pier there is a fairly new restaurant named Mariasol. It was really delicious! I recommend the Salmon Tropical. It was delicious!

When we went over to the rides, we realized that the prices were quite expensive when compared to Santa Cruz; which is what we are used to. We decided to only send the kids on one ride each since they were $8.50 per ride; that’s a lot! They were OK with it since we had already been to the beach, and done a bit of walking around the pier. After the rides, we had ice cream at Soda Jerks Ice Cream Shop. I had a Cream Soda Float and it was so good! I highly recommend grabbing some ice cream here. They have limited seating inside which you can find by walking into the door next to the Soda Jerks sign; it will look like you are entering the Merry-Go-Round, but if you turn left after going through the door, you will see the ice cream counter.

Mentryville ghost town and hike

If you are local to the Bay Area, and take highway five up and down the state, there is a fun little pit stop you can make along the way to stretch your legs. Mentryville is right off five and only a few minutes drive from the highway. It is an old oil boomtown which is now a ghost town. The ghost town is at the beginning of the hike, so don’t use it as an incentive to get your kids on a hike; we tried that and whoops! The hike is after the ghost town.

There is a parking lot at the town which is only $5. You need to pay the iron ranger which is right at the start of the lot. There are about five structures left in Mentryville; and one is a movie set building built by Disney. As far as ghost towns go, this is quite small and nothing to write home about. It IS a great way to get out of the car and stretch, take a short hike, and learn a little bit about SoCal’s oil history.

A good way to save money when visiting several locations in Los Angeles is with the Go LA Card.; a three-day version is sold through Costco. We didn’t get one for this trip since we wanted to get the “Front of Line” passes at Universal, and this pass only offers regular admission. Although, you can load the card with attractions you want to see a la carte; and in hindsight, we should have done this.

What are some of your favorite affordable things to do in Los Angeles with kids?