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Winter Family Fun - Outdoor Things to Do with Kids in the Reno / Tahoe Region

Family Fun in the Reno / Tahoe Winter Wonderland

By , About.com Guide

Here are some ideas for Reno / Tahoe outdoor winter family fun. There are numerous outdoor activities during winter around the Reno / Tahoe region to keep children and families entertained - ice skating, sledding, snow tubing and snow play. When snow is on the ground, take the kids out to enjoy our snow country activities.

Rink on the River

Ice skating at Rink on the River, downtown Reno, NevadaPhoto © Stan White

Ice skating at Rink on the River is a fun activity everyone can enjoy during the depths of winter. Since opening in 2005, the Rink has become a popular venue in downtown Reno, attracting locals and visitors alike to the city center.

Reno / Lake Tahoe Snow Play Areas

Tahoe Meadows Snow Play Area near Mt. RosePhoto © Stan White

Snow play areas and sno-parks abound near Reno and up around Lake Tahoe. Snow play areas in Nevada are somewhat informal, while over in California there is a Sno-Park program run by the California Department of Parks and Recreation.

Reno / Lake Tahoe Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding Areas and Resorts

Winter ski season at Squaw Valley USAPhoto © Stan White

The Reno / Lake Tahoe region has one of the largest concentrations of top downhill ski resorts in the world. All of these ski areas have programs for families and kids, and many of them have snow play areas like tubing and sledding hills.

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe

Northwest Magnum 6 chairlift at Mt. Rose ski area near Reno / Lake Tahoe, NevadaPhoto © Stan White
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe ski resort (or just Mt. Rose) has the highest base elevation (8260') of any ski resort around Lake Tahoe and is the closest ski resort to Reno. In about half an hour, you can be on the slopes at Mt. Rose, enjoying fantastic views of Sierra Nevada peaks, Washoe Valley, and the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Reno / Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Ski Areas and Resorts

Cross-country skiing at Tahoe Donner, near Truckee, CAPhoto © Stan White
Cross-country ski resorts and ski areas in the Reno / Lake Tahoe area. Sprinkled around the Lake Tahoe area, these nordic skiing areas are blessed with abundant snow, excellent accommodations, and easy access from Reno, Sacramento, and the Bay Area.

More Places to Go Ice Skating

Numerous Reno and Lake Tahoe ice skating rinks and arenas offer fun family activities throughout the winter. I advise calling ahead before heading out to one of the rinks - open hours can vary due to factors such as ice and/or weather conditions.

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