As residents of Northern Nevada, we are fortunate enough to be surrounded by family-friendly lakes near Reno! Actually, some of the most beautiful lakes the world has to offer!
Family-friendly lakes near Reno are just a short drive from your door, and they are totally worth the visit. Admittedly, I have not had the good fortune to visit all of them, so please feel free to let me know where you take your babes for a good lake day!
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Table of Contents
Family-Friendly Lakes Near Reno
Kings Beach | Lake Tahoe
When we head up to Tahoe, Kings Beach is one of our favorite beach to go to! They do have a parking fee of $10
- Playground
- swimming
- Restrooms
- Dock
Sand Harbor | Lake Tahoe
Sand Harbor is another incredibly beautiful beach that Lake Tahoe boasts, and is absolutely family-friendly.
- Day Use Reservations are required for entry from 8:00am to 10:30am, seven days a week, April 15 through October 15.
- Reservations fill up super early and they close the parking lot (get there early!!)
- No Playground
- Crawdads to catch
- Restrooms
Nevada Beach | Lake Tahoe
Nevada Beach at Tahoe is another great beach for families. There is an entry fee so keep that in mind.
- swimming
- picnicking
- Kayak rentals
- food concession
- restrooms available
- dogs are not allowed on the beach but allowed on leash in picnic areas
Skunk Harbor | Lake Tahoe
The hike into Skunk Harbor can be hard so may not be best for families with young children. There are also no public restrooms available but it has a great beach to enjoy!
Commons Beach | Lake Tahoe
This 4 acre spot is fun for the entire family and all ages!
- swimming
- restrooms
- playground
- free concerts during the Summer
Pope Beach | Lake Tahoe
Another great one for families. entry fee required.
- kayak rentals
- restrooms
- swimming
- food concessions
Pyramid Lake
Pyramid Lake is located about 20 minutes outside of Spanish Springs! You do need to purchase a day permit and can purchase online.
- swimming
- fishing
- boating
- camping
- + more
West-End Beach | Donner Lake
West-End Beach at Donner Lake is my absolute favorite place to hang with my babes during the summer. It does costs per person to enter.
- Designated swim areas
- Life guards during the Summer
- Gated
- Playground
- Snack shack
- Restrooms
Must-Have Things to Bring Includes
- Wagon – A must to pack everything in and out from the beach!
- Sun hats
- Soft cooler PACKED with food and drinks
- Dive toys and goggles
- Sand toys
- Small first aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Baby wipes
- Plastic bag (for garbage)
- Sunshade tent
- picnic blanket
- Towels
- Water floats (the unicorn float has been a big hit this year) and my automatic inflator
- kayak – my kids absolutely love these and our lakes are perfect for them
- Life jacket
- Change of clothes/dry clothes for your drive home
The list is long, which is why I need to make sure that I can pack it all in my wagon. Then, wheel it on over to our spot for the day. Though this may seem like a TON of stuff, but we do use all of it (and more) during our lake days. Here are some other summer essentials you should consider!
Long Live Summer
Family-friendly lakes near Reno arent hard to come by! The water may be cold but the sun is warm. We smile, laugh, and make memories.