South Lake Tahoe Family Activities for Spring Break

Families seeking a well-earned ‘spring break’ will find South Tahoe to their liking.


During the 1960s, college students began to popularize the idea of “spring break” by heading to Florida’s beaches to seek a slight reprieve from the pressures of school. This tradition has since continued, with many students taking advantage of the break to unwind and have fun. While such revelry still occurs in most resort areas around the country, South Lake Tahoe provides a unique alternative for a more family-friendly experience during school breaks.  

Families looking to create some family memories this spring should consider booking a vacation home from RnR and arrive on the doorstep to fun-filled adventures. Spring is “shoulder season” in Tahoe, when visiting means warmer weather, fewer people, lower prices, and more accessibility to resorts and restaurants. It also means mild, sunny, warm days, with a few snowy days mixed in, perfect for adventurers. The snow transforms into waterfalls and flowing rivers, making the region even more picturesque.  

Consider these activities for your family spring break vacation to South Lake Tahoe:  

Spring skiing  

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, each offering a unique experience for all abilities and interests.  

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.  

Taylor Creek Visitor Center  

Touring this area with your family is a perfect way to enhance your Tahoe experience. Everyone can get an up-close view of the diverse animals in and around the water, like frogs, fish, raccoons, and trout. Operated with the Great Basin Institute, the center is a hub where four fascinating self-guided trails begin. It’s typically open from June through October, but the grounds remain open year-round, and the site serves as a popular cross-country skiing and snowshoeing destination.

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  

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. Check out the popular Eagle Falls with its beginner-level trail. You’ll walk two miles in and out and take fabulous views of the falls cascading from 60 to 90 feet against fabulous views of Eagle Lake. Iconic Horsetail Falls appears off Highway 50 near Twin Bridges. Cascading 800 feet down a granite face in the Desolation Wilderness, these falls are truly awesome to behold. You can take the kids along to Galena Falls, above Incline Village in North Tahoe. You’ll be rewarded after walking in about a half-mile, but a 70-foot fall awaits at the end. Bring a picnic and bask in the beauty.

Kayak or Paddleboard  

Spring offers glassy conditions 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 offer 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

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. 

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