When the first big winter storm hit the California coastline, our family clapped for joy because it meant that the High Sierra’s were getting their first serious snowfall of the winter season.  This past weekend, some parts of Lake Tahoe got as much as 2 feet of snow in one night.

Last year, Trekaroo sent out our Superoos to uncover which are the best ski resorts around the country for families.  Lake Tahoe is California’s premier ski destination and one of our top picks for family-friendly ski destinations. It boasts epic scenery, world class ski resorts, proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area, comfortable ski conditions, lots of activities for kids, and good restaurants that are welcoming to families.  Just about every ski resort in Lake Tahoe welcomes families with open arms because skiing and snowboarding are such wonderful sports that families can enjoy together.  However, ski resorts are definitely not created equal.  Depending on what’s important to your family here are our recommendations for the best ski resorts in the Lake Tahoe area for snow lovin’ families.

Best All Around Family-Friendly Ski Resort – Heavenly Ski Resort

There are lots of reasons why Heavenly Ski Resort consistently gets raving reviews from Trekaroo families.  This large ski resort with lots of intermediate  runs families are able to ski together happily for a large part of the day.  In addition, families with young children who are still learning to ski have lots of options for full day or half day ski school programs at Heavenly’s first class ski school.  Heavenly’s Day Care offers care for wee ones as young as 2 months old in their CA licensed nursery.  Heavenly Day Care even offers unique ski-play programs for 3 and 4 year olds who are ready to be eased onto the slopes but still mostly just want to free play.  This excellent program allows young ones to experience skiing and snowboarding in an age appropriate way.  We also loved the delicious on mountain dining options that offer heart warming favorites like burgers and chilli, but also healthy options like fresh salads and gourmet meals for those who like to dine well.  Having dining areas littered throughout the vast mountain makes it easy for families to take frequent breaks and rendezvous for meals.

But, that’s not all, Heavenly Village and Adventure Peak offer lots of  non-skiing activities from an extreme tubing hill, snow shoeing, ice-skating and snowmobiling, to a relaxing scenic gondola ride with epic views of Lake Tahoe.  Trekaroo was also very impressed with the friendly and attentive staff at Heavenly. From parking lot attendants to ski instructors, everyone was friendly and eager to help families find their way around, stay safe and have an unforgettably happy day.

As if these are not enough of reasons for Heavenly to earn big kudos from Trekaroo families,  Heavenly has struck it golden with us because they’ve found a way to provide all the bells and whistles of a world class ski resorts at a competitive price.  One day lift tickets for the 2009/2010 season were $82/adult (2010/2011 lift ticket prices haven’t been announced yet).  All other comparable ski resorts have lift tickets that ranged between at $71-83/adult.  But their season pass tickets are a phenomenal deal.  Read more about that below. The other activities at Heavenly aren’t particularly cheap though, but you can always be sure you are paying for a top notch experience.

Although Heavenly does not offer their own accommodation, there is a variety of family-friendly accommodation in South Lake Tahoe. Some like the the reasonably priced  Embassy Suites are within walking distance of the Gondola.  Timber Lodge by Marriott offers luxury accommodations steps from the Gondola.

Related:

• Reviews of Heavenly Ski Resort
• Reviews of Heavenly Ski School for Kids
• Reviews of Heavenly Day Care and Nursery
• Reviews of Heavenly Gondola Ride
• Kid-friendly Hotels in South Lake Tahoe

Best All Inclusive Ski Resort for Families – Squaw Valley

Squaw Valley is another favorite Ski Resort with Trekaroo Families.  It’s probably the most expensive ski resort in Lake Tahoe, but Trekaroo families think you get exactly what you pay for.  Squaw’s lodging is luxury all the way.  You arrive at Squaw Village and you never have to leave.  Upscale stores and restaurants abound. The staff at Squaw and their partner establishments located in Squaw Village sure seem to understand how welcome their guests  Ski School is fully equipped to accommodate kids ages 3 and up at all levels of skiing and the facilities have fun play areas.  The cable car ride up to High Camp is a big hit with families while High Camp offers stunning views of  Squaw Valley, ice-skating, hot tubs and a heated pool.  There is  lots of space to build snow men for little ones who aren’t ready to hit the slopes up at high camp, white down at the base of the Cable Car, you’ll find a climbing wall and other amusements.  All in all, Trekaroo families mostly agree that for the premium you pay to stay and ski at Squaw, all your needs as a family are very well met.

Related:

• Review of Squaw Ski Resort
• Review of Squaw Snowsports School
• Review of the Lodge at Squaw
• Review of the Village at Squaw (lodging)
• Review of Tubing at Squaw Valley
• Kid-friendly Weekend at Squaw

Best Value Kids Ski School – Alpine Meadows

Alpine Meadows Ski Resort is a smaller ski facility on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe.  However, it runs an excellent Ski School Program for children.  Trekaroo families love the more affordable prices for both their half and full day programs.  Alpine is also less crowded, so it is likely that they can accommodate you even if you don’t have a previous reservation.  Alpine Meadows offers ski school for children as young as 3 years old.  Half day lessons are $113 and full day lessons are $143 which include lunch and all equipment rentals.  It’s a deal when you compare the rates to some other good ski school programs in Lake Tahoe that will run you a bill at $200/day/child.  Unfortunately, Alpine Meadows does not offer day care for younger kids or a ski-play program so you’ll have to figure out something else for your young kids who can’t ski all day.  There is a small but adequate indoor play area if you have a nanny or adult hanging out with your little one in the lodge.  Alpine takes the safety of children very seriously and gives each child a Falk GPS tracking device so that your child will never go missing.  Trekaroo families like Alpine because the prices are just a little lower but the ski school program is well run.

Related:

• Full Review of Alpine Meadows Kids Camp Ski School
  

• Review of Alpine Meadows Ski Resort

Ski Resort with the Best On-Site Childcare – Minor’s Camp at Northstar-at-Tahoe

There are just a handful of ski resorts at Lake Tahoe that offer on-site child care.  Trekaroo families were very impressed with the childcare at Northstar-at-Tahoe called Minor’s Camp which accepts children ages 2 to 6 years old.  Located at the golf course base, the large and spacious facility is cheerful and filled with fun activities.  Your child will perk up the moment you enter.  This is a CA state licensed facility with a low adult to child ratio of 1:5.   The set up and staff were so welcoming that even little ones who usually have difficulty separating felt very comfortable at Minor’s Camp. And did I mention the big bonus?  Parents get one free adult lift ticket when you book your child for a full day at Minor’s Camp?  What a deal!

If you have little ones younger than 2, the only ski resort that offers childcare from 2 months and up is Heavenly Ski Resort which also has an excellent day care.

• Reviews of Minor’s Camp at Northstar-at Tahoe

Related:

• Reviews of Northstar-at-Tahoe Ski Resort (overall)
• Reviews of the Condos at Northstar-a-Tahoe
• Reviews of Ski School at Northstar-a-Tahoe
• Reviews of Tubing at Northstar-at-Tahoe
• Reviews of Cross Country Skiing at Northstar-at-Tahoe

Best Place to Teach Kids to Ski Yourself – Soda Springs

If you are bent on teaching your child to ski yourself, you might consider a visit to Soda Springs.  Their prices are unbeatable and there is a area called “Planet Kids” that has small bunny slopes equipped with a magic carpet where parents can work on “pizzas” and “french fries” with their wee ones.  It sure beats hiking up your child between each little run.  For just $25, you can enter planet kids (includes ski or snowboard rental).  If they get bored of skiing, they can ride down the small tubing hill or ride the tube carousel.  It’s a little chaotic at planet kids, but is about the only ski resort that the do-it-yourself parent can benefit from the use of a magic carpet.

Related:

• Reviews of Soda Springs Snow Park and Planet Kids

Best Ski and Snowboard Season Pass Deal for 2010/2011 – Northstar/Heavenly Season Pass

With Vail Resort’s recent purchase of Northstar Ski Resort, the Heavenly/Northstar Season Pass is the hottest ticket in town.  For just $379/adult, $199/teen (13-18), $109/child (5-12), you can ski or board at Heavenly, Northstar, or Sierra-at-Tahoe for the 2010-2011 season.  There is no better season pass deal in Lake Tahoe.

Compare this to season passes at other ski resorts with similar privileges and it’s a no brainer!

• Squaw: $999/adult
• Kirkwood: $569/adult
• Alpine Meadows: $999/adult
• Sugar Bowl: $399/adult

Other Lake Tahoe Related Resources for families:

• Where to Go Sledding and Tubing  In Lake Tahoe
• Activities for Kids in Lake Tahoe
• Kid-friendly Hotels in Lake Tahoe
• Reviews of Sierra-a-Tahoe – Wild Mountain Ski and Snowboard School
• Reviews of Sugarbowl Ski Area with Kids
• Reviews Kirkwood Mountain with Kids
• Reviews of Homewood Mountain with Kids

LiLing Pang is a contributing writer for Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.

Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA

Some of my favorite vacation spots are beach towns like Amelia Island in Florida. Being only 45 minutes from Jacksonville, 3 hours from Orlando and 4 hours from Tampa, it’s a great spot to take your family and disconnect from the hectic lives that we all live.

There are 13 miles of beaches to explore, wildlife to meet close-up and lots of outdoor adventures for the entire family to be entertained by. Kim Orlando of TravelingMom.com was recently hosted by the Amelia Island tourist bureau and got to experience Amelia Island first-hand with her husband and two kids. It was a battle against the electronics, but fun none-the-less.

Here’s a quick taste of what they experienced at Amelia Island:

View Kim Orlando’s full reviews of the hotel and attractions that she experienced while on Amelia Island.

Check out the 30 plus activities for families in the Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach area.

This post was sponsored by TravelingMom.com.

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Many families have love/hate relationships with playgrounds.  Everybody likes to get their kids outside to get the wiggles out.  However, the adults can get bored going to the same old play place while even the kids crave equipment that challenges them.   A plain tunnel slide and a few swings just don’t cut it after a while.

We have year-round playground weather in Southern California. We are SO lucky!  The playgrounds I picked for my Orange County Destination Playground  list range from funky to futuristic and from beachfront to rocky.  These are playgrounds worth a drive.  They offer unusual equipment or excellent scenery.  Here is a sample of some of the parks that I think families will love, whether they are tourists or locals:

Atlantis Play Center seems to be the “most remembered” park from those who grew up in Orange County.  Artist, Benjamin Dominguez, created whimsical slides and under-the-sea picnic areas in Garden Grove.  There is a sister park in San Gabriel called Vincent Lugo Park.  The sea monster slide (or some call it a Green Dragon) is very popular.  I particularly liked the Giant Pink Whale slide.  The entire playground is fenced and $1 admission is charged. It’s closed on Monday and has limited hours of operation, so make sure you call ahead.

A cinderblock castle is the life-size centerpiece of Northwood Community Park in Irvine.  You can’t miss it as you drive by to park in the dedicated parking lot.  There is only one entrance to the castle and the kids run along the top until they dead-end into a fire pole.  The opening is a bit precarious for little ones, but the big kids sure love it.  Even if you don’t want to play in the castle, there’s a huge variety of other equipment for all ages.  There’s also a soccer field for running and covered picnic tables for lunch.

Future farmers will love Red Barn Park (Tierra Grande Park) in San Clemente.  Bring fruits and veggies from your local Farmer’s Market to stick with the theme.  It’s truly a unique playground on a mostly recycled rubber surface.  Interpretive play panels are everywhere, much to the delight of the children playing.  There’s a nice, gentle slope for rolling in the grass and watching the clouds go by.

Travel Town in Griffith Park is the ultimate playground for train lovers with retired real trains for climbing and model trains for watching. This park is actually in LA County but its so great, I decided to include it in my list.  Who knew something this fun could be free?  It’s a nice central spot to meet friends and their families.  We often go here with grandparents, aunts, and uncles.  It’s set up like a real train yard with certain cars designated for play and others for private parties.

Box Canyon Park in Yorba Linda is the most accessible park I’ve visited in Orange County.  It was thoughtfully rebuilt after wildfire destroyed it. Small wheelchairs will fit on the pirate ship and expansive castle walkways.  Parents can easily accompany all their kids up on the equipment without having to squeeze into tight places.  It’s even nice for a stroll or some basketball play.  Shane’s Inspiration is a well-known accessible playground in LA and their website even has a list of other accessible playgrounds in the LA area.

Any playground is worth a visit if it gets you and your family out to enjoy some active fun together.  Read about all the parks that made the Orange County Destination Playground list here.

Michele Whiteaker’s FunOrangeCountyParks.com blog serves as the unofficial authority on play in Orange County with over 160 playgrounds logged.  The national non-profit, KaBOOM, named Michele “Playmaker of the Month” in December 2008.  She acts as a volunteer Ambassador for Nature Rocks and runs a family Nature Play Club because she’s enthusiastic about bridging families from playgrounds to nature play.  Michele’s published a binder full of parenting articles for local magazines.  She’s married to the best guy in the whole world and lives for all the fun time she gets to spend playing with her son (8) and daughter (5).

Here’s a list of the best annual events in the Dallas area that are good for family fun. Are we missing something? Email us at editor@trekaroo.com and let us know.

Texas State Fair (September 24 – October 17, 2010)

An annual state fair held in Dallas, Texas (USA) that usually runs from the last Friday in September and ends 24 days later. The fair is held at the historic Fair Park where it has been held since 1886. Tons of activities, events and rides that kids of all ages will love. Photo courtesy of the Dallas CVB.

• Related article: Top Tips and Discounts for the Texas State Fair

The Great Pumpkin Festival at the Arboretum (Sept. 18 – Nov. 14, 2010)

Walk through the Storybook Pumpkin Village and discover four houses made completely out of pumpkins based on different children’s book. Visitors can also visit The Tom Thumb Pumpkin Patch and purchase pumpkins to bring home and carve. Be sure to check out Mommy & Me Mondays and Tiny Tot Tuesdays plus the Children’s Concert (10/11) and the Family Fun weekend (10/30-10/31). Photo courtesy of the Arboretum.

Howl – aween Nights at the Dallas Zoo (October 28-October 31, 2010 starting at 6pm)

The Zoo will close at 4 p.m. and reopen at 6 p.m. for a not-so-scary Halloween celebration. Dance the Monster Mash, work off that sugar rush with Witch-ercize, visit the colorful, themed candy stations to trick-or-treat, ride the Haunted Carousel and more.
Texas Stampede (November 12 and 13, 2010)

Take the kids to the Texas Stampede. Rodeos, roping contests, plus there’s a special section for your young cowboys and cowgirls called Rodeo U. It’s an interactive area with activities like Mutton Bustin, Goat Roping, pony rides, a petting zoos and more.

Photo courtesy of the Texas Stampede.

Holidays at the Arboretum (TBD)

Trains at Northpark Mall (November through early January)
Every year, an elaborate model train show is set-up for kids young and old to enjoy at the Northpark Mall. There’s often one or two Thomas ones too for fanatics.

Dallas Holiday Parade (December 4, 2010 starting at 10am)
The Children’s Medical Center Holiday Parade is a free event open to the public featuring marching bands, dancers, and celebrities. Kids especially love seeing the floats, balloons and characters like Clifford, Curious George, and of course Santa. Sidewalk seating is available along the Parade route. Tickets for reserved bleacher seating are available for purchase beginning in October.

Superbowl (February 6, 2011)

Easter Egg Hunts (TBD)
Scarborough Renaissance Faire (April 9 – May 30, 2011: Weekends and Memorial Day Monday)

Every spring, the Scarborough Faire comes to Waxahachie (xx miles south of Dallas). This Renaissance Festival is open Saturdays and Sundays from the first weekend in April until Memorial Day Monday. There are 21 stages with more than 200 performances. Three jousting shows take place each day. Photo courtesy of the Scarborough Renaissance Faire.

Texas may be the Lone Star State, but these activities in Dallas-Forth Worth defy this brand with the best of the best reviews from Trekaroo parents.  From the vast and fascinating Dallas World Aquarium to the unique Sixth Floor Museum, there are adventure to be had in Dallas and Trekaroo parents are pointing the way.  Take a look at their top picks:

#1 Voted Activity and the Best Place for Kids to Explore the Aquatic World: Dallas World Aquarium

One step into the doors at Dallas World Aquarium and you will see why it’s a favorite of Trekaroo parents.  ”The layout is fantastic and the exhibits are great,” says trekaroo parent startropics.  It’s more than just good design, though; this aquarium knows how to capture a child’s interest: shark feedings!  The aquarium also does a nice job showcasing the less sensational, but equally interesting diversity of aquatic life with  manatees, crocodiles and otters; enough to intrigue any youngster for at least a few hours.  Carmencrano is a repeat visitor who loves the interactive aspects of the aquarium.  ”The last time we went my youngest to go feed some of the birds and we atually stood underneath a sloth hanging from the lowlying branch above,” she said.  What more could a child ask for than a close encounter of the sloth kind?

Photo Credit: flickr/texas_mustang

The Best Area for Kids to Explore Nature: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

The Arboretum may not be filled with play structures or Jedi knights, but parents will be surprised at how the complexities of nature captivate their child’s eager minds, at least for the first hour or two.  Take startropic’s child: “My 3 year old especially loves trying to find little bugs among the plants.”  This is one of those places that is enchanting to parents and children alike and will turn the imaginative engine that makes a kid’s world go ’round.  The arboretum is like a giant canvas for fun.  Trekaroo parent mistry enjoys taking the whole family to the Arboretum for family picnics among the flowers, while bob’s kids enjoy exploring the playhouses.  The imagination is the only limit to fun at the Dallas Arboretum.

Photo Credit: thelees3

The Most Exciting Place for Kids to Investigate and Play: The Museum of Nature and Science

Aspiring paleontologists will demand their pocket vest to excavate fossils underneath a looming T-Rex.  ”At the dinosaur exhibit there was a sandy area where the kids could dig for “fossils”.  That lasted for almost an hour of fun!” said Trekaroo mom cdom.  When your kids are done with the Jurassic era, they can move onto the molecular discoveries of Watson’s and Crick’s era and explore the genetic code in the DNA exhibit.  Womanofsalt said this was her son’s favorite.  When nucleic acids have lost their allure, move on to the planetarium and imagine the possibility of life on the exoplanets beyond our solar system.  It’s all in a day’s play at the Museum of Nature and Science.

Photo Credit: Museum of Nature and Science

The Most Interesting Museum for [Older] Kids: Sixth Floor Museum

Dallas has the unfortunate legacy of being the site where John F. Kennedy was tragically assassinated.  The Sixth Floor Museum catalogues the history surrounding this event in the area where Lee Harvey Oswald fired his shots.  The material of this museum is not well-suited for the youngsters, but Trekaroo parent Alatkins recommends it as an educational and intriguing outing for the young student of US history.  Carol assures us the museum was “obviously not fun” for her one year old, but found it very interesting and recommends it for an apt audience.  The museum is not all gloom, it also focuses on the life and story of America’s most talked about political family.

Photo Credit: Sixth Floor Museum

The Best Place to Roll Through Train History: The Museum of the American Railroad

It’s a little known fact that the largest number of subscriptions to “Train Aficionados” comes from the 2-10 year-old demographic.  Just take a visit to the Museum of the American Railroad and watch your youngsters dive into the old locomotives and hang on every word of the knowledgeable staff.  Trekaroo parent adf attended a birthday party at this museum and found a jewel of the Dallas children’s scence.  ”Very interesting to see the locomotives,” she says.  It’s in a great downtown location so there are plenty of other adventures to be found nearby for your the steam engines in your family with a bottomless tender car.

Photo Credit: Museum of the American Railroad

Related Articles:

• Travel Guide to Vacationing in Dallas as a Family
• Activities for Kids in Dallas
• Kid-friendly hotels in Dallas
• Top Discounts and Coupons for the Texas State Fair
• Mother Daughter Bonding at Port Aransas, Texas
• 5 Fantastic San Antonio Day Trips for Families

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Stephen Wanta is a contributing author on Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.

Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA