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Fun for the Whole Family

Need a recipe for family fun? Take one awesome Sierra Nevada Mountain range, add it to the bluest lake you’ve ever seen, top it off with welcoming small towns, and serve in the sunshine. It’s that simple! Lake Tahoe has every kind of fun for every kind of family. Kids, grab your parents and try parasailing, go karts, mini golf, boating, tubing, and video games. Parents, get the kids and take them hiking, biking, out for a show, and especially out on the Lake!

For fun on the Lake in North Tahoe, try your hand at captaining a boat or a Waverunner™ from North Tahoe Watersports on the North Shore (530.546.9253, www.northtahoewatersportsinc.com); If you want to really thrill the kids, take them parasailing for a whole new vantage of the Lake.

For South Lake Tahoe family fun, take a cruise or try your hand at captaining a boat or a Waverunner™ from Ski Run Boat Company (530.544.0200, tahoesports.com), Tahoe Keys Marina (530.544.8888, tahoesports.com), Zephyr Cove Marina (775.589.4908, www.zephyrcove.com) or Woodwinds Cruises (888.867.6394, tahoeboatcruises.com). You might even encounter Tahoe Tessie, our resident lake monster, along the way! For high-flying thrills, take the kids parasailing (530.544.0200, tahoesports.com) for a whole new vantage of the Lake.

For off-water activities, the towns on the Lake are quaint, pedestrian friendly and filled with interesting shops and restaurants. Tahoe City boasts The Boatworks Mall with a profusion of restaurants and shops featuring toys, games, art, books and souvenirs. Also in Tahoe City is Commons Beach with a great beachside playground, free concerts on Sundays and outdoor movies Wednesdays at dusk.

On the South Shore, the European-style Heavenly Village has over 40 unique shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. They even have a video game arcade, laser tag and a movie theater! Straight up the mountain from Heavenly Village, the Heavenly Gondola (775.586.7000, skiheavenly.com) soars to 9,135 feet for spectacular views of the Lake and mountains as well as hiking and dining options.

The town of Truckee features an historic downtown, perfect for strolling and a variety of eateries and shops. Truckee Variety Store, specifically, is a must for families, with its amazing selection of toys, games and novelties. The Truckee Diner (530.582.5235), a slice of 50’s Americana relocated to Truckee, is a great choice for family dining.

A great way to see the lake and woods while getting some exercise and fresh air is to ride the bike path along the Lake’s peaceful West Shore. Head to West Shore Sports (530.525.9920, www.westshoresports.com) near Homewood, rent comfortable cruiser bikes for the whole family as does Camp Richardson on Tahoe’s Southwest Shore.

East of Tahoe City, swing through Carnelian Bay for mini golf and video games, and then head to Tahoe Vista for dinner at Lanza’s (530.546.2434) - the best family-style Italian food on the Lake!

For parents who want to try their luck at the gaming tables or get their groove on in the clubs, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe (800-HARRAHS) will keep the kids entertained at their Kids Kamp. Inquire at the Family Fun Center for more details.

Whatever you and your family imagine for summer fun you will find it here around this historic and beautiful Lake of the Sky!