Located on the north shore of Lake Tahoe in Nevada, Incline Village is surrounded by the magnificent Sierra Nevada mountains. The moderate summer climate is ideal for water sports such as kayaking, scuba diving, hiking, and biking through secluded meadows lined with fields of wildflowers and shaded forests alive with delightful wildlife. During winter, the hills are alive with the sound of skiers sliding down snow-covered slopes on Diamond Peak, the closest resort to Incline Village. Take in the fresh air and embrace exhilarating experiences within a short distance of many Incline Valley vacation rentals. Check out the top family-friendly things to do in and around Incline Valley.
1. Martis Creek Fire Lookout
Get a top-of-the-world view of Lake Tahoe to the south, Martis Valley to the north, and Squaw Valley, home of the 1960 Winter Olympics, to the west. Reach the top of this historic lookout with a drive and a short hike up the rest of way on an easy trail. If you feel up to a challenging, steep ascent, strap on the backpacks, and hike the entire 9.4 miles to the 100-year old lookout. Learn how fires are spotted, located, and how information is transferred to authorities as you explore the interior of the lookout.
2. Tunnel Creek Station
Hike on foot or rent some bikes at the Tunnel Creek Station, the starting point for exploring the back country in and around the Nevada State Park. Well-maintained and easy-to-manage paths let you enjoy magnificent vistas of the lake as you relax and kick back among nature. Treat the kids to a hot lunch or sandwich at the Tunnel Creek Cafe upon your return. It takes about an hour-and-a-half to hike out and back, and your dog is welcome here as well.
3. Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
Soak in the sheer beauty of the best preserved natural areas at the Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. Avoid the crowds at Sand Harbor Beach, and seek out Chimney Beach. The curving, boulder-strewn shoreline of this hidden gem creates a small cove. Sun yourself on the rocks, play in the pockets of sand, or swim in the lagoon surrounded by towering mountain peaks, stands of forest trees laced with whispering aspen groves, and sweet fragrant meadows. The crystalline waters invite you to scuba dive, canoe, snorkel, or launch your boat from the double boat ramp.
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4. University of California, Davis – Tahoe Science Center
Located on the Sierra Nevada College campus, this wonderful center lets the kids get some hands-on experience with interactive exhibits that discuss geology as well as the environmental and ecological challenges the area faces. Aboard the two-thirds-scale model of the UC Davis research vessel, kids can learn how to investigate and monitor the quality and clarity of the water. A wonderful 3-D movie takes everyone on a virtual reality flight through the basin and under Lake Tahoe’s surface, a not-to-be-missed experience.
5. Paradise Cove Fun Center
Relax with a cold drink, and take a breather as the kids burn some energy in numerous bounce houses. Toddlers have a special play area, and older kids can chase each other through the laser maze or challenge each other with a foam ball form of paintball. Plenty of pizza, corndogs, pretzels, and juice is available to keep them going for hours.
6. Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Trail
Go from wildflowers to snow on this nicely groomed trail loop just below the Mt. Rose summit. Even in August, you may find snow in spots at this 7,000-foot location, and you can have fun throwing snowballs and sliding down slopes in your shorts. This easy hike accommodates strollers and wheelchairs so everyone can gaze at groundhogs, golden eagles, and butterflies.
7. Tour the Lake With a Local
Leave the driving to a local guide so you can relax and take in all the sights on a six-hour tour of Lake Tahoe. Each tour is personalized and geared to engage the entire family with plenty of photo opportunities as well as an entertaining recitation of history and facts about each stop along the tour. Breathtaking views of the lake greet you at the waterfront restaurant where you stop for lunch.
8. Speed on Go-Karts
Step inside for some entertainment if the weather is rainy. The Need 2 Speed go-kart racing venue is not for kids under 13, but older ones can arrive and drive seven days a week. Before getting behind the wheel, kids receive a safety briefing, information on kart operations, a safety helmet, and head socks. After zipping around the track numerous times, they can pick up their race results report on the way out.
9. Tahoe Vista Treetop Adventure Park
Located in the 125-acre North Tahoe Regional Park, this adventure park has something for everyone. Choose from seven different courses of varying difficulty, all with fabulous views of Lake Tahoe from more than 70 tree platform locations at varying heights. There’s no height requirement, all equipment is included, and for your peace of mind, the park uses a safety system that does not require clipping, unclipping, or ducking under cables. If you just want to watch, you can observe your more adventurous family members from numerous trails.
10. Wall Climbing
Drop in at the Incline Village Recreation Center for a day of rock climbing for the kids, swimming in the lap pool, or finding the perfect hitting partner at the tennis center.
11. Bungee Trampoline
Wall-to-wall trampolines provide endless aerial activities, from basketball and ultimate dodgeball to the foam zone, ideal for perfecting those challenging moves. Even toddlers have their own space, so they can have some fun without the big kids around.
12. Hang Gliding
Pretend you are riding a motorcycle in the sky when you soar for 60 minutes over breathtaking scenery in your personal powered hang glider. Relax in a reliable, stable, quiet and lightweight aircraft with dual controls for you and your experienced copilot. If you or one of your kids wants to qualify for a pilot’s license, this tour counts as flight training towards an official FAA license.
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