North Lake Tahoe at Incline: Top Summer Activities with Kids

Incline insiders know they’ve got something that everyone else wants around the lake over the summer months: incredible white sandy beaches. After staying at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe last year in the heart of Incline village, we fell in love staying on this part of the lake with kids. I went back this summer and discovered the top favorite things to do in North Lake Tahoe at Incline.

Top Lake Tahoe Activities with Kids at Incline

Spectacular Alpine Beaches

It’s hard not to spend at least part of the day on one of the beaches around Incline as they are perfect for kids with soft sand, shallow water, and glorious mountain views.

Although I grew up spending summers in Lake Tahoe, I never remember actually swimming as the water is so cold. Things have changed. Granted we had a hot week during our trip this year, but we all spent hours in the water.

Some of the Incline Village rentals will include access to beaches with amenities. If you have access to a card, Burnt Cedar Beach is terrific with a swimming pool, waterslide, lifeguards, beachside beverage service, and a delicious grill.

Watersports rentals including kayaks and paddleboards (the fastest growing sport in America) are available. The daily beach fee is $4 per person for anyone over 5 years old. Kids under 5 are free.

Kid-Friendly Lake Tahoe Hike at Tunnel Creek Station

Tunnel Creek station is the headquarters of Flume Trail Bikes, the rental company handling rides on the epic Flume Trail. It’s also an excellent launch point for a kid-friendly hike. The trail is well maintained, not strenuous, and has wonderful vista views of the lake.

You can do a 1.5 hour hike (out and back) and end with a fresh hot lunch or sandwich at the Tunnel Creek Café. This trail is dog-friendly too.

Excursion to Sand Harbor

There’s no doubt about it, Sand Harbor is one of the most stunning spots on Lake Tahoe with glorious views of the surrounding peaks and magnificent rocks in the water.

You won’t want to leave so the best plan is to come equipped with lunch, chairs, towels, umbrellas, and floaties for the water.

Get Out on the Lake

The Sierra Cloud Catamaran leaves right from the Hyatt Incline’s pier. The minimum ride is two hours so if that sounds too long for restless kids, Action Water Sports at Incline offers a variety of ski boats and power boats.

Mini-Golf in King’s Beach

For days when you need a break from the beach or want an evening outing, Kings Beach Miniature Golf is longtime favorite all-family activity on the North Shore.

Horseback riding at Northstar

We haven’t been horseback riding at Northstar for a few years but it’s a great activity with kids as they have options for all ages. Jen Leo recently covered her family experience at Northstar with her 5-year-old Cora and their adventure included milking Daisy the baby calf (!).

Relevant Links:

Review of the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe for families

Best Lake Tahoe hikes with kids

Fall activities with kids in Lake Tahoe