Ask any parent. Keeping kids entertained is a full-time job. But
not so on vacation, especially if it’s North Lake Tahoe, where the
region’s natural alpine setting makes for the best outdoor
playground.
If you’ve got toddlers, you know they wake up at the crack of
dawn with more energy than an adult could muster in a week. Start
the day by taking them to the gourmet
Tahoe House
Bakery
on the West Shore, where you can stock up on
coffee and some of the best-baked goods on the lake, which are made
onsite during the wee hours of the morning. Kids feel right at home
by the cozy fire, with loaner crayons, colorings books and plastic
and wooden toys – all of which keeps them busy as the wolf down
their bagel.
Regardless of age, you’ve got to keep the party moving – and one
of the best ways to do that is a steady hike along one of North
Lake Tahoe’s myriad of trails. A popular place for a family outing
is off the picturesque Mount Rose Highway (431) with its paths of
winding trails that lead through wildflower meadows and to stunning
vistas.
After a workout, who can resist jumping in the lake? Head back
down the hill to the sandy beaches of
Kings Beach State Recreation Area
,
Sand Harbor Beach
State Recreation Area
just outside of Incline Village
or
Meeks Bay
Resort
on the West Shore, where the Washoe Native
Americans summered during Tahoe’s early years. The lake’s clarity
will tempt even the faintest of heart to plunge in headfirst. Once
you’re cooled off then hit the sand for hours of sandcastle
building, while older kids will enjoy renting a kayak and silently
exploring Tahoe’s pure waters.
Lunch stops are many and include the established Bridgetender
Tavern & Grill right on the Truckee River in Tahoe City, where
locals and visitors hang out to watch the rafters disembark, and
also munch on juicy burgers and waffle fries. Another popular joint
is T’s Mesquite Rotisserie in the heart of Incline Village, which
specializes in Mexican fare. Mouths are watering as the wafts of
succulent grilled meat makes its way out the door to the line
waiting to order. No credit cards taken here, so bring cash.
Let the afternoon slide by with a leisurely bike ride along one
of Lake Tahoe’s many paved paths. A favorite stop, and perfect for
those with training wheels, is the mellow Truckee River Trail from
Tahoe City to
River Ranch
with
is car-free route and loads of fly fisherman to watch. Parents and
kids can stretch their legs at River Ranch Lodge’s outdoor patio
overlooking the river, while sharing an appetizer or two. For those
that shred year-round, the Truckee Skate Park off Highway 267 is
ideal for skateboarders, and gets the thumbs up from kids for its
layout and flawless trannys.
North Lake Tahoe restaurants make dinner-to-go a no-brainer with
picnic-type themed goodies for those catching an outdoor movie
under the stars at dusk. In Tahoe City, flicks every Wednesday
night until
August 25.
For sit down service,
Lanza’s
Restaurant
in Kings Beach gets kids. This Italian
favorite has been owned and operated by the same family for years
and pulls out all the stops for the younger ones. Everything on the
menu is scrumptious, but locals swear by the jumbo shells stuffed
with a special ricotta mixture then baked with marinara sauce and
topped with mozzarella cheese. Also popular on the menu, and always
a kid pleaser, are their homemade pizzas with toppings that range
from pepperoni to anchovies.
Lone Eagle Grille
, right
on the lake in Incline Village, is also kid friendly and offers a
majestic Old Tahoe setting with the some of the freshest seafood
and best steaks – anywhere. Another favorite is
Mamasake in the Village at Squaw
Valley
, where parents can dine on delectable sushi
rolls, such as the Stop Drop & Roll and the Mama’s Basically
Insane, while kids not ready for the raw can get grilled shrimp or
seared salmon.