South Lake Tahoe Winter Activities for Kids: Fun Ideas Parents Actually Survive!

Sledding Around the House or at Van Sickle State Park:

Sometimes the best sledding hills are right in your own yard. Grab a sled from the garage and let the kids go wild. If you’re up for a little more adventure, Van Sickle State Park (near Heavenly Village) has some great kid-friendly hills, too. Kids get endless snow fun, parents get a workout just trying to stay upright on icy ground. Bonus points if you remember a thermos of something warm to sip while supervising.

Ice Skating at South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena or Heavenly Village:

Indoor or outdoor—depending on how dramatic you want the day to be. Either way, hot cocoa is mandatory. For indoor ice skating, check out the South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena, and for outdoor ice-skating, check out Heavenly’s Ice Rink located right in the center of the Heavenly Village. Extra points if you bring marshmallows or let the kids show off their “skills” (or provide some spectacularly funny falls).

Building Snow Forts or Snowball Fights at the Beach:

Snow plus beach equals magical chaos. Regan Beach is one of our favorites, especially since there’s a playground right on the sand. Build snow forts, start a snowball fight, or make snow angels with a snowy lake backdrop. Kids are thrilled, and parents usually get at least a few good laughs.

Storytime at the Library:

For a calmer pace, the South Lake Tahoe Library hosts storytime sessions that are perfect for little ones. It’s cozy, low-key, and offers parents a rare moment of quiet—or at least a break from snow-covered chaos.

Rock Climbing at Blue Granite:

For slightly older or more adventurous kids (and brave parents), the local climbing gym is a great way to burn off energy indoors. It’s fun, safe, and a great way to burn energy when outdoor plans get sidelined by the weather.

Ride the Heavenly Gondola:

All the views without having to ski. Kids love it because gondolas feel like magical elevators to the sky, and parents love it because it requires exactly zero carrying of skis or snow gear. It’s a win-win.

Snowshoeing:

Snowshoeing can be as fancy or as casual as you want. Head up the Stinger Trail for a gorgeous viewpoint, wander through Van Sickle State Park, or just meander around the yard or driveway. Kids feel like little explorers, and parents get to pretend they’re filming a nature documentary instead of negotiating mitten issues. There are many places around town that rent snowshoes. Our favorite go-to is Rip N’ Willies.

Last-minute Plan B (That Kids Actually Love) Activities:

Sometimes the weather wins, and that’s when South Shore’s indoor activities save the day. Now that you’re out of the house, go bowling at Tahoe Bowl, check out the arcade at Harrah’s or Caesars, or challenge the kids to mini golf at Magic Carpet Golf. Everyone stays warm, no one argues about gloves, and somehow it still feels like a treat.