mebe

DH has a conference next week, for three days in Tahoe and I've decided to go, bringing our three kids -- 3 year old and twin boys, 11 months.

We have to stay at Harrah's (great place for kids, right?) and I'm trying to find something to keep us entertained during our one full day. Any suggestions? My brother and SIL are coming up for the day to hang out as well, and most likely bringing their dog.

I remember a park on the beach, just for casio guests, but I also remember dog poop EVERYWHERE, which is not good for boys who put everything in their mouth.

Thanks!

FainaAgain

Out of Harrah's follow the Stateline to the lake. There is a private beach, clean, you can rent an umbrella and beach toys. Probably the only thing you can do with small kids.

Unless you stay at Horizon with a nice pool area.

mebe

Thanks FainaAgain -- sounds good to me!
Harrah's isn't my first choice, but it's free...

MBnancy

Take them on the two hour ride on the MS Dixie Paddlewheel out of Zephyr Cove if the weather is nice. (since you have help with in-laws) We took a 3 year old in July and it was great ride to Emerald Bay and back. Other kids in strollers, it's family friendly. They have lunch available, too.

utahtea

The kids might like the Taylor Creek Visitor Center. You'll be to early for the Kokanee Salmon Festival, but you still might see some of the salmon.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/ltbmu/recrea...isitor-center/

Utahtea

mebe

Utahtea -- we've decided to visit Taylor Creek - thanks!

mebe

I wanted to post an update for other parents searching for something to do with their little ones in South Lake Tahoe.

We went to the Taylor Creek Vistor center, about 15 minute drive from Stateline.

We did the main circle walk that starts at the visitor center and takes you to the stream profile. I pushed my double-wide stroller down a paved trail while chatting with my brother. My SIL walked her dog and my 3 year old daughter. They have viewing decks with lovely views of the wetlands, creeks, forests and the lake in the distance.

One major highlight was the Stream Profile Center. You walk underground and view the underwater world of a natural stream. Even my 11 month boys enjoyed watching the fish swim by.

The other major highlight is the walk to the lake. My stroller did have problems with the gravel/dirt path and it needed extra help with the sandy part. The lake is simply amazing. We watched ducks, played in the sand, my boys tried to eat rocks and sticks and we stuck our toes in the water.

Harvey's was, well, a large hotel smothered in second-hand smoke and a casino. I would have enjoyed it pre-child. But I will say, our room did have an amazing view of the lake.

I hope this helps other parents traveling to that area.

MBnancy

"We have to stay at Harrah's"
"Harvey's was, well, a large hotel"

Where did you stay, Harrah's or Harvey's? How far was the walk to the lake? Was it a straight shot, or did you have to curve a little?

mebe

We stayed at Harvey's. I orginally thought it was Harrah's but I tend to get the two mixed up since they're right across the street from each other.

The walk to the lake from the Taylor Creek Visitor Center was about 10-15 minutes, mostly straight with a few gentle bends.

There are two beaches -- one that allows dogs on leash and one that doesn't. The "no dogs" beach is next to the wetlands.

crefloors

Take jackets. We had a cold front come through last night and there was an inch or so of snow in the high elevations and we had rain a good part of the night down here in Reno. Once this storm passes through it will warm up toward the end of the week but our fall weather is definitely here. Just bring some garments you can layer because sometimes the late morning and afternoons warm up nicely.

crefloors

Oops...I see you've already been. Didn't check your posting date well enough. Glad you enjoyed your time.

mebe

It's the thought that counts

It's sprinkling at my house - I guess summer really is over...