South Lake Tahoe Family Activities for Spring Break

Kids sitting on rail making heart shape with their hands as sun sets at Lake Tahoe

Spring break has come a long way since its early days as a college getaway centered around beach crowds and late nights. While that scene still exists in some destinations, many folks are now looking for something a little different. A place where everyone can unplug, spend time together, and enjoy the outdoors is becoming the new norm, and that’s where South Lake Tahoe shines! 

If you're planning a spring break getaway, you should consider booking a vacation home with RnR and settling into a destination full of fresh air, open space, and activities everyone can enjoy. Lake Tahoe spring is known as shoulder season, which means milder weather, fewer visitors, and a more relaxed pace overall.

You’ll get to experience sunny days, cool evenings, and just enough lingering snow to keep winter fun alive. As the snow melts, waterfalls start flowing and the landscape changes day by day, so there's something new to explore each morning. Follow along as we break down the best family-friendly activities for spring break!

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In This Article

  • Why Spend Spring Break in South Lake Tahoe
  • Spring Skiing for the Whole Family
  • Easy Nature and Wildlife Experiences
  • Emerald Bay State Park
  • Waterfall Chasing in Spring
  • Kayaking and Paddleboarding on the Lake
  • Heavenly Village and Family Entertainment
  • Book Your South Lake Tahoe Spring Break Rental
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Why Spend Spring Break in South Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is beautiful any time of year, but one of the best parts of visiting in spring is the flexibility. You can ski or play in the snow one day, then hike, sightsee, or explore the lake the next. Many South Lake Tahoe family activities don’t require advance reservations, which makes it easy to go with the flow. Now that's something parents especially appreciate during school breaks!

Spring Skiing

Person skiing in Lake Tahoe in spring

Slather on the sunscreen and embrace South Tahoe’s epic spring ski scene. Spring in Tahoe means fluctuating temperatures and even T-shirt skiing. The big three ski resorts in South Lake Tahoe are Heavenly, Kirkwood, and Sierra-at-Tahoe. They each offer something unique to make your trip amazing, so do your research on which will work best for your family!

Tip: With an RnR extended stay rental, you can stow your gear, then come and go as you please in your home away from home. Now, you can look forward to your spring skiing trip as an entire season, and not just a few quick runs over a weekend.  

Easy Nature and Wildlife Experiences

Spring is a wonderful time to introduce kids to Tahoe’s natural surroundings. As lower elevations begin to thaw, wildlife becomes more active and walking trails start to open up.

The Taylor Creek Visitor Center area is a popular stop for families. Kids can spot fish, birds, and other wildlife while learning about the lake’s ecosystem. Even when the visitor center itself isn’t open, the surrounding grounds are still beautiful!

These kinds of outings are perfect if you’re looking for educational and engaging things to do with family in South Lake Tahoe without committing to a full-day adventure.

Emerald Bay State Park  

A South Tahoe vacation isn’t complete without a stop at one of the region’s prettiest and most popular parks. You and your family will enjoy stunning views, kayaks, beaches, and hiking trails.

Emerald Bay is one of the most photographed spots in the world, and one of the best things you can do here is to catch the sunrise from a viewpoint like Eagle Falls or Inspiration Point. There are also opportunities to kayak, paddle board, and camp in areas like the Eagle Point Campground and Bayview Campground.  

Chasing Waterfalls  

Waterfall near Lake Tahoe

Thanks to the snowmelt, Spring is the best time to check out waterfalls. Stick to lower elevations, where hiking trails will be less prone to snow. 

Some favorites are:

They all have unbelievable views of the cascading falls!

Kayak or Paddleboard on the Lake

Spring is perfect for kayaking or paddle-boarding on Lake Tahoe, where you’ll experience incomparable views from a unique vantage point.

Check out Clearly Tahoe, which offers year-round tours, including in a glass-bottom kayak, for a special underwater peek of this prehistoric landmark. You’ll depart from either the south or the north and cruise gorgeous Emerald Bay and Sand Harbor. Sunset or sunrise offers the calmest conditions, not to mention spectacular vistas.  

Have a Heavenly Experience  

The village at the base of the Heavenly Mountain Resort Gondola offers the quaint shopping scene of Heavenly Village, with cobbled walkways, more than 40 shops with trendy local and national brands, popular restaurants, and live music. Rounding out the entertainment are an 8-plex movie theater, ice skating rink, mini golf course, and a live theater house.

Book your South Lake Tahoe Vacation Rental for Spring Break  

interior Lake Tahoe vacation rental

As you plan your South Lake Tahoe family spring break vacation, envision the memories you'll create amidst the stunning scenery and exciting activities of this vibrant destination in the future. From thrilling outdoor adventures to relaxing moments by the lake, South Lake Tahoe promises endless opportunities for family fun. Imagine extending the magic of your trip by booking a South Lake Tahoe vacation rental for your upcoming family getaway.  

With a wide range of accommodations available, you can look forward to creating unforgettable memories in the comfort of your own space. RnR Vacation Rentals has vacation rentals available all across South Lake Tahoe. From luxury stays at Zalanta Resort to lakefront living at Sierra Shores, we have the perfect vacation rental for your next spring break trip to South Lake Tahoe. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is South Lake Tahoe good for a family spring break?
A: Yes. South Lake Tahoe offers a mix of outdoor fun, relaxed sightseeing, and family-friendly attractions that work well for spring break travel.

Q: What are the best things to do in Lake Tahoe with kids in spring?
A: Spring skiing, waterfall hikes, Emerald Bay visits, kayaking, and time at Heavenly Village are all popular choices.

Q: Are ski resorts open during spring break?
A: Many South Lake Tahoe ski resorts remain open through spring, depending on snow conditions.

Q: Is spring less crowded than summer?
A: Yes. Spring is typically less busy, making it easier to explore and enjoy popular spots.

Q: Why book directly with RnR Vacation Rentals?
A: Booking direct means local support, clear communication, and access to a wide selection of South Lake Tahoe vacation rentals.

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