Family Vacation, Redefined
There is no better way to unplug and reconnect as a family than spending some quality time together during a family vacation. But where to go? What to do? Expert family traveler and outdoor enthusiast Christina McEvoy packed up her two sons and headed west to Reno Tahoe for a week full of hiking, biking, long days at the lake and urban adventures.
For families craving adventure, Reno Tahoe is a no-brainer. The destination is timeless and offers fun for the whole family (including Mom and Dad), and will continue to be a family favorite even as the little ones grow. Ready to plan that next family vacation? Keep reading and see how the McEvoys spent their family vacation in Reno Tahoe.
Fun for the Whole Family
Hike with a View
Hiking in Reno Tahoe is something the whole family can enjoy. The trio hiked to Stateline Fire Lookout in Crystal Bay and Monkey Rock near Incline Village. Both offer rewarding views of the lake and are easily accessible from Reno. Reward yourself afterward with some ice cream! Stop by Simple in Midtown for an ice cream sandwich made with donuts. Yum!
Get Your Paddle on at Sand Harbor
Located just south of Incline Village along the rugged eastern shoreline of Lake Tahoe is Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. Be prepared to get here early for parking and pack a lunch because you can easily spend the entire day here. There are plenty of boulders for the kids to jump off of or rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore beyond the shoreline. Christina and her kids packed their lunch in a dry bag jumped on a couple of paddleboards and paddled to the famous Bonsai Rock for a picnic lunch.
Raft Through Downtown Reno
The best way to beat the heat in Reno Tahoe is to get in the water. If you have your own river tubes, you can launch them from anywhere and enjoy a relaxing float. If you're looking for something a bit more adventurous, you can rent rafting equipment from Sierra Adventures and take their shuttle further upstream. The Truckee River Whitewater Park downtown is a 1/2 mile long, consists of 11 drop-pools, and your kids will love it!
Cruise Along the Truckee River
Take your family for a bike ride along the Truckee River. Christina and her boys rented Lime Bikes and biked through downtown Reno. Make an afternoon of it with a stop at Idlewild Park. Satisfy that sweet tooth at Dorinda's Chocolates, or parents, check out Hub Coffee Roasters next door if you're needing that caffeine fix. Cruise into the heart of downtown Reno and enjoy lunch or dinner at Wild River Grille. Pro tip from Christina: try the pomegranate and mango lemonade!