Tahoe with Tots in Tow

My friends thought I was crazy to take an infant and toddler to Lake Tahoe. Not only was it winter, but my husband Mark would be occupied at a conference there.

But I’m an optimist. I had visions of us happily sledding down the hill in the sun, making snow angels and snowmen while Mark spent his days indoors.

I didn’t count on the storm dumping four feet of snow in two days. I didn’t count on our kids not sleeping well. I didn’t count on the seven hour power failure. And I sure didn’t count on difficulty in booking $20 an hour babysitter for my only ski day in six years.

So with you in mind, here’s a list of places to go with young kids when all else fails: 

Kidzone Museum

The biggest gem for kids in the Tahoe area is the Kidzone Museum, good for infants on up. Explore the cushioned crawling area with teething toys, indoor jungle gym, train table, mini-grocery store, hands-on doctor’s office, water play lagoon, dress up area, stage coach and craft room. This indoor museum is open most snow days (providing you can get there).

Historic Downtown Truckee

When the sun is out, this is the place to be with young kids. Spend a morning walking around the historic and picturesque streets of downtown Truckee. Stroll by the stores, which are surprisingly nice. Most of the local eateries are kid-friendly. The shops and restaurants are on two long blocks which are somewhat stroller friendly if the snow is cleared.

Sleigh Ride

Get the kids singing Jingle Bells as you ride on open sleighs pulled by horses. The 30 minute rides are suitable for babies to grannies – with blankets provided to keep you warm while you take in the scenery.

Dog Sledding

Sledding or Tubing

If your child has a sense of adventure, consider sledding or tubing. Many ski resorts have their own sledding and tubing hills with rentals.

Those living in warmer climates don’t know what they’re missing if they haven’t ice skated outdoors. For scenic skating, take the tram at Squaw Valley and skate while overlooking the lake. Fearful of heights? Go to the outdoor Resort at Squaw Creek rink, or the newly opened rink at Heavenly Village. For indoor skating, the South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena is open year round.

Lake Cruise

Donner State Memorial Park

Combine California cannibal history with snow play at Donner Memorial State Park and Museum in Truckee. Spend an hour at the Emigrant Trail Museum, which shows the area’s history including inhabitants like the Native Americans, the Donner Party and transcontinental railroad builders. The museum has a slide show, movies and exhibits. And in winter, there’s plenty of snow in the park for snow angels and snowball fights.

Helpful Resources:

Ski Slope Day Care

Most programs have indoor and outdoor play, crafts, songs, and include snack and lunch. All but Heavenly and Sierra at Tahoe required kids to be toilet trained. Reservations book up quickly. Squaw Valley (530) 581-7166.
Northstar at Tahoe (530) 562-2278.
Heavenly (775) 586-7000 x 6912.
Sugar Bowl (530) 426-6776.
Diamond Peak (775) 832-1177;
Kirkwood (209) 258-7274;
Sierra at Tahoe (530) 659-7453 ext 270.
Resort at Squaw Creek (800) 327-3353.

Babysitting
Once you get over the sticker shock of up to $20 an hour babysitting for two kids (holidays may cost more) you’ll find several services. Most nannies will come to your lodging to babysit, and will bring toys, games and sleds if appropriate. The hourly cost of babysitting does not include the services’ $10-30 referral fee, and possible $10-30 travel fee if the sitter lives outside your area.

Call ahead for babysitting – up to three weeks for Fridays and Saturdays.

The agencies are required by law to perform a TrustLine background check, though not all do them. TrustLine requires fingerprinting and California Department of Justice checks for criminal convictions and substantiated child abuse reports. To confirm a caregiver’s status, ask the agency for the sitter’s full name and driver’s license number, and call TrustLine at (800) 822-8490. These status checks by consumers are free.