Ward Creek Park Trail is a Quick and Easy Trail for Young Kids
Ward Creek Park is located right behind Rideout Community Center at 740 Timberland Ln, Tahoe City. This California State Parks trail was completed in fall of 2012 as an Environmental Improvement Program to decrease erosion and sediment from entering the lake.
There is about a mile of trail leading through the park and a half-mile meadow loop. Children will especially love the wildflowers and butterflies that frequent the area all spring. Hikers, bikers and friendly dogs on leashes are welcome to enjoy the area and there are access trails that lead to the bike path along Highway 89, Ward Creek, Stanford Rock, and other area trails.
Please remember to stay on the trails to help protect our natural plant and wildlife.
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Celebrate Spring at Constellation Residences at Northstar
We all know that springtime is beautiful at North Lake Tahoe, but have you considered Constellation Residences at Northstar? This mid-mountain resort location features three outdoor pools, fire pits, hot tubs, hiking and biking trails, excellent dining options and much more.
Northstar Golf Course opens for the season on May 17th. Minutes away from Constellation Residences at Northstar, this Robert Muir Graves designed 18 hole, par 72 course is a beautiful and exciting course.
If you’d like to participate in the many outdoor activities, there are so many options. Tahoe Summer Tough Mudder will be held on July 13-14th. The 18th Annual Lake Tahoe Marathon runs September 27-29th.
For more information on luxury living at Constellation Residences at Northstar, please give me a call at 530-386-0302. There is currently only one ski run view property available.
Celebrate Kids Day with Reopening of KidZone Museum
KidZone Museum has been closed for the installation of the Aeronautics Exhibit and will reopen to the public on May 18th. Opening night is for the exhibit will be May 17th from 4-6 p.m. The museum is asking for members, donors and volunteers only due to space constraints. Light refreshments and family activities will be provided.
If you’re handy, or not so handy and want to help out, volunteers will be needed all week to help get the exhibit ready to launch.
Kids’ Day will be celebrated at KidZone Museum and the Family Resource Center of Truckee from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with kids’ activities, police cars and fire trucks, raffles, food trucks and music. For more information, call 530-587-2513.
Do you love KidZone Museum? Vote for the museum in the Best of North Tahoe & Truckee Contest here. Winners will receive lots of publicity. Voting ends on Friday, May 17th.
Hiking Shirley Canyon in Squaw Valley
Hiking in Shirley Canyon is a delight with both kids and dogs.
Shirley Canyon is located at the base of Squaw in Squaw Valley and the trail starts at the end of Squaw Peak Road. There are numerous trails which follow the creek up to Shirley Lake; this is one of them. It follows Squaw Creek about 2½ miles each way to Shirley Lake, passing gorgeous waterfalls and canyon boulders. (Top of tram to Shirley Lake adds considerable distance.) Going uphill, stay to the left of the creek; going downhill, stay to the right. The trail diverges and disappears at times but just keep following the creek and you’ll get there. The hike is somewhat difficult and takes 2½ – 3 hours. Make sure to wear appropriate clothing and shoes and take plenty of water.
North Lake Tahoe Educational Summer Activities for Kids
Summertime is wonderful for kids in North Lake Tahoe. There are a lot of summer camp options to choose from in the area and if you’re looking for something educational, there are dozens of local museums and historical places to check out.
Emigrant Trail Museum: The Emigrant Trail Museum is located at Donner Memorial State Park. You’ll learn about the history of this part of the Sierra, original local people including Native Americans, the Donner Party and the builders of the railroad. The museum also has a gift shop where you can purchase maps, postcards and more.
KidZone Museum: KidZone Museum is located at 11711 Donner Pass Rd in Truckee. They have various camps and workshops throughout the summer and are available for party rentals. Activity Centers include: Baby Zone, Art Studio, Jungle Jim, and Exploration Station.
Tahoe Maritime Museum: Tahoe Maritime Museum is located at 5205 West Lake Blvd in Homewood. Adults are $5 and children up to 11 are free. This museum features maritime memorabilia and crafts. Check hours by calling (530) 525-9253.
Vikingsholm Castle: Vikingsholm is located in Emerald Bay and the tour fee is $8 for adults and $5 for kids ages 6-17. Tours are available from Memorial Day Weekend through the end of September. There is a steep 1-mile trail to get to and from Vikingsholm, so the trip might not be appropriate for you kids.
Gatekeeper’s Museum: Gatekeeper’s Museum is located at 130 West Lake Blvd in Tahoe City. The gatekeeper’s cabin was originally built as the home for the Watermaster, who controlled the flow of water out of Lake Tahoe. The museum features historical exhibits from Native American baskets, newspapers, artifacts, resort history and more.
Watson Cabin: Watson Cabin is located at 560 North Lake Blvd in Tahoe City. Robert Montgomery Watson built the cabin in 1909 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
By Sasha Spiegel-Wallace
