Lake Tahoe Summer Vacation at the Resort at Squaw Creek

A Lake Tahoe summer vacation is a dream for active, adventurous families.  I consider my family in this category with a twist — we’ll never be the family that camps or does the true roughing it vacation, although we do prioritize outdoor adventures and exercise.  A great compromise is a hotel that allows us to experience the outdoors but at the end of the day has all the creature comforts we equate with vacation.  The Resort at Squaw Creek is a perfect fit.

The Resort at Squaw Creek is an all-season resort in North Lake Tahoe/Squaw Valley that offers a long list of on-site kid-friendly activities.  The convenience of having so many things to do at the resort makes it easy to try new activities without it being a big “production” with the kids.

Resort at Squaw Creek Lake Tahoe

The pools are relaxing for everyone after a day of activities.

On-site Activities for the Entire Family

Kids will immediately notice the large pool area with several pools and whirlpools and a slide.  The mountain views are gorgeous from here and the spa is conveniently located near the pool area. Once inside you feel a million miles away.

Other activities offered include tennis, golf, on-site fly fishing (how easy is that with kids?), mountain biking and hiking on nature trails.  The Truckee River bike path passes by the resort and leads directly to the lake.  The resort provides convenient bike valet service for guests bringing their own bicycles.  Resort staff can also arrange guided hikes and horseback riding.  All of the activities are kid-friendly and some, like golf, have special family pricing where kids are free.

An Active Kids’ Club

If you’ve used kids’ clubs before you already know that you can’t judge a book by its cover.  It’s all about the staff and how they engage your kids.  What most impressed me about the Mountain Buddies kids’ program was the involved staff and the variety of activities, both indoor and outdoor that is part of a regular day.  We tried an evening program and when the weather spoiled outdoor plans the kids moved inside and roasted marshmallows in the lobby fireplace!

Comfortable Accommodations

The resort offers deluxe hotel rooms and one and two-bedroom fireplace suites.  The rooms have been recently renovated and are comfortable.   The suites are ideal for families with a separate bedroom, sitting room, dining table and kitchenette.  After a couple of days of eating out, we found it more relaxing to pick up food from the resort’s deli and let the kids eat breakfast leisurely in their pajamas.

Fresh, Seasonal Dining

Wherever you choose to eat at the resort, you’ll find high quality ingredients throughout using locally sourced seasonal items when available.  There are three main dining areas at the resort.  The upscale Six Peaks Grille has floor to ceiling windows with spectacular views and a good kids menu.  Sandy’s Pub is a sports bar with casual fare and according to my son, has “the best” hot chocolate.  However, our favorite dining at the resort is Sweet Potatoes Deli.  It’s a gourmet deli with a great variety of breakfast items and sandwiches not to mention a myriad of coffees and fresh juices.  Portions at breakfast are large and can be shared.  But beware; there are many treats to tempt little eyes here.

Disabled Access Ambassador

As someone who travels several times a year with a family member who is in a wheelchair I know how challenging it can be to find hotels with roll-in showers and hotel staff that can tell us the flattest route to take or activities that will work for us.  If you stay at the Resort at Squaw Creek you’ll find Mario, the resort’s disabled access ambassador.  He’s ready to help you make the most of your Lake Tahoe vacation and has a guide printed and ready to hand you that lists wheelchair accessible routes at the resort and accessible summer and winter activities.  Mario is not only immensely helpful but his personal experience is a huge time saver when you’re on vacation.

Coincidentally, my room at the resort was handicap accessible and I can tell you that the roll-in showers here rock – so big that my kids wanted to use our shower instead of their own.

Editorial Note: Ciao Bambino received complimentary accommodations, activities and meals in order to fully experience and review the property.  As always, opinions are our own. Photos courtesy of The Resort at Squaw Creek.

Relevant Links:

Resort at Squaw Creek Review on Ciao Bambino

What’s New at Squaw Valley for Families

Things to do in Squaw Valley with kids

Favorite Lake Tahoe summer activities with kids

Ciao Bambino’s family-friendly ski vacation recommendations

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