The Spread:
Set beneath the peaks of Squaw Valley Ski Resort, this 195-acre, AAA Four Diamond property is just 42 miles from the Reno Tahoe airport, 100 miles from Sacramento, and 200 miles from San Francisco. Most of its 405 rooms and suites feature granite sinks and in-room refrigerators (great for kids snacks and juice), and the resort has plenty to offer in addition to all Lake Tahoes family-focused fun. In winter, the hotel boasts its own chairlift to access Squaw Valleys slopes, as well as over ten miles of groomed cross-country and snowshoe trails and an ice rink. There are also three swimming pools, a championship golf course, fitness center, and spa.
Why Families Love It:
Mountain Buddies is the resorts year-round childrens program for ages four to 12 (hours and prices vary with season; summer: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., half- and full-day options cost $50 to $90, with evening sessions available). Activities include hiking, swimming, tennis, biking, games, crafts, and movies. In summer, the options are almost infinite, from tennis, golf, mountain biking, and hiking to jet skiing, boating, kayaking, or lazing on Lake Tahoes nearby beaches. Did we mention the 120-foot water slide? In winter families can sled, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride, or try a dogsled tour.
Special Events & Activities:
Families with older kids could hardly have a better seat for enjoying or getting to know Shakespeare than a blanket on the beach at Sand Harbor State Park, home of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival in July and August.