Lake Tahoe Summer activities

It is that time of year, again, the long hot days of summer when finding things to keep the kids occupied, becomes a challenge. Whether you live in northern California, on the California/Nevada border, or anywhere else, take them to Lake Tahoe.

a. Lake Tahoe is the largest Alpine and highest lake - of it's size - in North America.
b. The lake never freezes, this is due to the constsant movement of water - from the bottom
to the surface.
c. The lake is 22 miles long, 12 miles wide, and has 72 miles of shoreline
d. For centuries the Washo Indians gathered on it's shores, long before the arrival of Kit
Carson and John Freemont, in 1844. Freemont was the first European to visit the lake.
e. Silver was discovered in the Sierra Nevada in 1860, this brought an influx of fortune
seekers to the Tahoe area. These early settlers almost devasted the the forests around
the lake. They were saved, from total destruction, by the decline of the Comstock lode

Beautiful Lake Tahoe is where California and Nevada meet, split down the middle by the border. Stateside, on the Nevada side has been developed with the largei Casino Resorts, and most of the night life. On the California side, in the wooded areas around the lake, there are a profusion of cabins, many of which are rented during the summer and winter seasons, as this is the popular times to visit. In the summer there are lots of things to - to keep even the littliest ones busy - with activities that the entire family can participate in together.

Activities in the Tahoe region range from the very active to the more leisurely and laid back. For those who enjoy, a more active way to spend their days there is
1. Mountain and Road Biking. There over a 100 fun and challenging bike trails - with a wide range of trails for all abilities - from gentle rolling trails thru pine forests, to rides that go 30 miles - out and back; while enjoying views of the lake below. There are also, road bike trails, that run along the banks of the Truckee river; and on thursdays locals and vacationers, come together, at the Northstar Resort, for night races.
2. The mountains, around Tahoe, open for hiking and scenic lift rides in June - weather permitting. See the Red Fir and White Pines, and the flora and fauna, as you hike the many trails - that vary from easy to strenous. Keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife that can be seen in the area.
3. Fishing is a sport the entire family can enjoy and vacationers will find that there a many places to fish, not only not in the lakes or along the shores, but in the Truckee river, and the many coves around the lake. At Sawmill Pond, the U.S.Forestry Department has stocked it with fish so that children - fifteen years and younger - can enjoy the thrill of fishing. The kids do not need a fishing license, and while parents or older siblings can help them fish, they are not allowed to fish themselves.
4. Boating activities - both motorized and non-motorized - can be found on the, East, West, and South Shores of the lake; tubing and waterskiing, are also permitted in the same area, and are accessible from Zephyr Cove and Round Hills Pine Resort, which also have camping facilities and horseback riding rentals.
5. For all members of a family - who are between 20 and 210 lbs, there is the challenging bungy trampoline - that flies you into the air.
6. There are summer programs - for kids 4 years and 12 years to enroll in. The "Kids adventure club" provides native hikes, games and activities, geared to their age level.
7. While the kids are otherwise engaged, the adults can enjoy a game of golf at the 18-hole, par 72 course at the Northstar Resort Golf Club. The course weaves through wooded landscape with wavy bunkers and putting greens, and seamlessly moves over the natural terrain.

Not everyone wants to indulge in strenous activity, and the Village of Northstar offersmany forms of activities to meet their needs. In the village there are craft stores, social activities and creative learning experiences - for both adult and child.

a. Spend an afternoon, swapping beading ideas, or learn to create beaded articles.
b. Learn to create a one-of-a-kind pottery piece, and how to paint it.
c. Join a group at the Villager Candle Shop and learn to make your own candles - choose from the large selection of scents and colors, that the store carries.
d. Everyone likes jewelery, and what is more personal that the ones you make yourself. Both children and adults can spend time - at one of the design studios in the town - learning the art of making jewelery.
Whether looking for relaxation, after a jaunt into the mountains, or just to indulge in some Holistic health activity, visitors can choose from Yoga, Tai Chi or Wellness Classes, to keep them limber.

For those who still have the energy, and for families with a baby-sitter, there is options to while away the nights in Tahoe. Of course the activity with the most appeal are the 24-hour Casinos, found at all the major resort hotels in the area; spectacular shows in their showrooms; and excellent dining in the restaurants.

But, families can enjoy, together, the starry skies above Tahoe. Join a group for a unique and educational night "under the stars", that includes - a laser tour of the stars and constellations, a telescopic viewing, a fun space quiz with prizes, and a commemortive flashlight. There are telescopes, binoculars and a Celestron Sky Scout for participants to use to get great views of the night sky. For the rest of July, Saturn and Virgom are still visible; and in August viewers can behold the summer triangle, while September will have Pegasus and the Depth of the Solar System. A great way to learn about, what one sees as they look up.

Lake Tahoe is an excellent choice for everyone, the area has something for the very active, children, families, the do as little as possible types, the gambler and those who prefer a laid back day and active nighttime. While summer is what this article was about, Lake Tahoe also is a popular destination for travel in the winter months, watch for my article on winter in Lake Tahoe, soon to be published.