When your vacation crew spans from toddlers to grandparents to aunts and uncles and everyone in between, you need a destination that brings the wow and the “whew.” That’s where Reno Tahoe shines. Planning a multigenerational family vacation here isn’t just doable — it’s a total win. You’ll find a mix of adventure, ease, culture and calm, all packed into one gorgeous, high-desert-meets-lakefront region.
Keep reading to see our roundup of the 12 best places and activities in Reno Tahoe for an unforgettable trip.
Why You Should Plan a Multigenerational Trip
When three generations travel together, something special happens. The laughter gets louder. The stories get better. And the memories last way longer than photos on a holiday card.
Reno Tahoe offers the kind of value that makes adventures with the full crew feel doable. Plus, it’s easily accessible, meaning you can fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport or make this part of your West Coast road trip!
Here are the top four reasons why planning a multigenerational family vacation is one of the best decisions you’ll make:
- Opportunities for family bonding: Catch up on last year’s happenings while you hike, learn how to paddleboard together or see who’s gotten better at bowling. The chances to connect are endless!
- Split the costs: Traveling together means you can stretch your budget without skimping on fun.
- Experiences for everyone: When you’re planning an itinerary with something for everyone, you’ll all get the chance to have experiences they might not otherwise have. And Reno Tahoe delivers when it comes to variety, from outdoor recreation to interactive museums to delicious dining — packed into one wild, scenic region.
- The chance to break away: Not every activity has to include the entire group. With grandparents and extra adults (or older kids) around, parents can sneak away for some well-earned grown-up fun, like gaming at the casino or an early-morning tee time.
Types of Trips
Wondering what popular choices are for large family vacations? Destinations with options! You’ll want variety, flexibility and plenty of space to do your thing — and Reno Tahoe nails it on all fronts.
Here are some of the top ideas for an extended family vacation:
- Outdoor-focused: hiking, fishing, golfing
- Culture-packed: museums, art murals, live performances
- High-energy: ziplining, parasailing, mountain biking
- Relaxation-forward: spa days, lake lounging
From adrenaline-filled fun to mellow moments, Reno Tahoe makes it easy to keep kids, parents and grandparents entertained.
The Best 12 Places in Reno Tahoe for Large Family Vacations
- Escape the summer heat at Sand Harbor, one of Lake Tahoe’s most beautiful and iconic beaches. (Pro tip: If you’re driving, get there when they open at 8 a.m.)
- Explore all there is to do in Incline Village, from trekking a 2.6-mile trail to a monkey-shaped boulder to exploring the lake’s crystal-clear waters with a Thunderbird Lodge Tour cruise.
- Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park in Tahoe City will help the whole family tap into their adventurous spirits. You’ll go trapeze and zipline across 97 tree platforms to reach the end. For ages 6+.
- Take “making a splash” up a notch! Head to the Waterpark at Wild Island in Reno-Sparks, where the whole fam can ride water slides or lounge beneath a cabana.
- There are plenty of parks and outdoor spaces that are easy on the knees and stroller-friendly. Try Rancho San Rafael, Oxbow Nature Study Area or the East Shore Trail for flat paths, big views and zero stress.
- See rescued cheetahs, bears, reptiles and more up close at Animal Ark, a wildlife sanctuary in northern Reno. Wild enough for the kids, chill enough for the grandparents.
- Looking to play inside for a bit? Grand Sierra Resort’s Fun Quest is an indoor wonderland packed with arcade games, laser tag, bumper cars and a climbing structure that’ll tire out the littles.
- Puzzle rooms are a must-do, especially if your family is into friendly competition. Try solving a thrilling mystery at Deadline Escape Rooms or Key and Code Escape Rooms, which have rooms for 3-10 players at a time.
- Check out Reno Tahoe’s variety of summer events. From iconic ones—like Hot August Nights, Reno River Festival and Burning Man—to weekly hangouts, such as farmers markets and food truck events.
- Catch a show at one of Reno’s many performing arts centers. If you’re already at the lake, buy tickets to one of the plays put on by the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival.
- Explore Nevada’s state capital, Carson City. This place has history around every corner, from the Kit Carson Trail to walkable museums. Its charming downtown is a great spot for lunch, dinner or an ice cream cone.
- Go back in time with a day trip to Virginia City. Just drive 35 minutes from downtown Reno to a historic mining town. Go shopping, explore the sights and ride a train. If you dare, you could also take a ghost tour.
Curious what else you and your family can do in Reno Tahoe? We’ve got plenty more family-friendly activities for you to check out.
But, like we said, you don’t have to stick together for the whole trip! Break away for spa experiences, museum tours or more outdoor adventures.
Tips for Those Planning a Multigenerational Family Vacation
Getting multiple family groups and households on the same page is no small feat. Follow these quick tips to pull it off like a pro:
- Plan early. More people mean more moving parts. Lock in lodging and dinner reservations before the group text or email chain explodes.
- Mix up the itinerary. Balance thrill rides with chill time.
- Set a budget that works for everyone. Lodging will likely be the most expensive part of your trip. Luckily, there’s a ton to do here that won’t drain the wallet.
The Next Step: Booking Your Stay
Multigenerational family vacations run smoother when the home base is just right. Reno Tahoe’s family-friendly stays offer space to unwind and amenities to make everyone happy. Here are some top picks with pools, comfort and convenience:
Make It a Trip for the Ages
Take all those extended family vacation ideas out of the group chat and make it happen! Whether you’re planning a lakeside escape, a city adventure or a blend of the two, Reno Tahoe’s mix of lodging will help you set your home base.