by: Elizabeth Sedway, TahoeKidsGuide.com

Lake Tahoe is a haven for families.  From exploring the outdoors to organized camps and classes, there are countless activities for kids and their families at Lake Tahoe.  Perhaps surprisingly, the vast majority of these activities are available at little to no cost.

Parks and Playgrounds at Lake Tahoe are uncommonly well-maintained and full of all the best amenities.  These parks must also be a well-kept secret, because many are uncrowded.  Bring a picnic, or barbecue when you get there, and spend the day with your family at a Lake Tahoe park.

In Tahoe City, the most popular park is Commons Beach Park.  As the video in the preceding link shows, the park is on the beach in Tahoe City.  The playground equipment is new and in great shape.  The restrooms are clean and close to the the playground.  More often than not, there is a picnic table available.  There are also barbecues available. 

During the summer, visitors will find the Farmers' Market at this beach on Thursday mornings, live music on Sunday afternoons, and the following free movies playing throughout the summer at Commons Beach and Park:

July 1 ARTHUR AND THE INVISIBLES (PG). At Dusk. Commons Beach.
July 8 THE GREAT OUTDOORS (PG). At Dusk. Commons Beach.
July 15 MADAGASCAR - Escape 2 Africa (PG). At Dusk. Commons Beach. 
July 22 MAMA MIA (PG). At Dusk. Commons Beach.
July 29 INKHEART (PG). At Dusk. Commons Beach
August 5 BACK TO THE FUTURE (PG). At Dusk. Commons Beach.
August 12 JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH (PG). At Dusk.
August 19 POLTERGEIST (PG). At Dusk. Commons Beach.
August 26 WALL-E (G). At Dusk. Commons Beach.

Between the North and West shores of Lake Tahoe, there are a few notable parks and playgrounds.  Click here for more information, including videos:  North Tahoe Regional Park, Skylandia Park and Beach, Lake Forest Beach, Boat Launch and Pomin Park, and  Kilner Park.

At North Lake Tahoe, families can enjoy Preston Field and Park in Incline Village.  This park has a beautiful baseball diamond, clean restrooms and an elaborate collection of playground equipment.  There are also a few picnic tables and barbecues.

At South Lake Tahoe, Kahle Community Center and Kahle Community Park, are well worth a visitor for locals and visitors to Lake Tahoe, alike. At the community center, through August 14th, kids can enjoy programs like RAD Camp and Mud Camp.  The park offers nice playground equipment and a jogging path, among other quality amenities.  The jogging path is also a wonderful bike path for kids. 

Also available at South Lake Tahoe is the South Lake Tahoe Recreation Complex. Camp Tadaka and Camp Radical are very popular summer camp programs offered at this wonderful facility.  Kids can sign up for a week of fun and field trips, or just for the day.  The park and playground is full of unique and well-maintained equipment.  This site also offers an indoor ice skating rink and a swimming pool that is indoor in the winter months and outdoor in the summer months.