Summer Camps and Activities for Kids in Lake Tahoe

Summer in Lake Tahoe is an ideal time for kids to explore the great outdoors, make new friends, and learn new skills. With a plethora of summer camps and activities available in 2024, children of all ages can find something they love. Outdoor activities are crucial for children’s development, providing them with physical exercise, opportunities for social interaction, and a chance to connect with nature. This article highlights some of the top summer camps and activities in Lake Tahoe, ensuring your kids have an unforgettable and enriching summer.

Adventure Camps

Adventure camps in Lake Tahoe provide children with the opportunity to engage in thrilling outdoor activities. These camps often include hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and zip-lining. They are perfect for kids who love exploring nature and seeking adventure.

Popular Adventure Camps

Tahoe Adventure Company

Tahoe Adventure Company offers a variety of family-friendly outdoor adventures in the beautiful Lake Tahoe area. Their activities include hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and zip-lining, all led by knowledgeable and friendly guides. These adventures are designed to provide high-quality, enlightening experiences, showcasing the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe’s mountains, trails, and waters. Ideal for families looking to explore the outdoors together, the company ensures a memorable and safe experience for all participants.

Summer Day Camp At Heavenly Lake Tahoe

Heavenly Lake Tahoe’s Summer Day Camp, part of their Epic Discovery program, offers children a fun and adventurous summer experience. Located amidst the stunning scenery of Lake Tahoe, the camp features activities such as zip-lining, climbing, tubing, and nature exploration. With a focus on outdoor adventure and environmental education, kids will enjoy a blend of physical challenges and learning opportunities, all under the supervision of experienced guides. This camp is perfect for kids looking to make new friends and create lasting memories in the great outdoors.

Adventure Camps at Tahoe Summer Camps

Tahoe Summer Camps, operated by the Tahoe Expedition Academy, offer various adventure-focused programs designed to immerse kids in the great outdoors. Adventure camps include activities such as backpacking in Desolation Wilderness, rock climbing on Donner Summit, and whitewater rafting on the American River. These camps are led by experienced wilderness experts who provide safe, exciting, and educational experiences. Ideal for young adventurers, these programs foster outdoor skills, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for nature.

Mountain Camp

If you’re looking for a traditional co-ed overnight camp, Mountain Camp near Ice House Lake is an excellent choice. Kids can engage in activities like sailing, archery, and crafts, all while building lifelong friendships. The camp emphasizes personal growth and outdoor fun, making it a memorable summer experience for any child​.

Camp Galilee

Located in Glenbrook, Camp Galilee offers a blend of spiritual faith and nature experiences. Kids can enjoy activities like hiking, swimming, and crafts while building a strong community bond. It’s a great choice for parents looking to instill a sense of spirituality and appreciation for nature in their children.

Camp Zephyr

Located right on the shores of Lake Tahoe, Camp Zephyr offers a non-residential day camp program for kids from first to sixth grade. The camp includes a variety of activities such as swimming, crafts, and games, all led by energetic and caring counselors. It’s a fantastic option for parents who prefer a day camp that still provides a robust camp experience.

Bobcat Adventure Summer Camp

Hosted by Lake Tahoe School, the Bobcat Adventure Camp is perfect for kids who love a mix of adventure and learning. Activities range from STEM challenges to team sports and cooperative games. This camp is designed to build confidence and teamwork skills, ensuring a fun and educational summer​.

Sports Camps

For children who enjoy sports, Lake Tahoe offers various sports camps that focus on skill development, teamwork, and physical fitness. These camps cover a range of sports, including soccer, basketball, tennis, and more.

Popular Sports Camps

Invasion Summer Soccer Camp

Located in Incline Village, the Invasion Summer Soccer Camp is perfect for young soccer enthusiasts aged 6-14. Led by coach Peter Salazar, the camp focuses on soccer fundamentals, skills development, and fun games, making it an excellent choice for kids looking to improve their soccer skills while enjoying the beautiful Lake Tahoe surroundings. 

Game Time Summer Basketball Camp

The Game Time annual basketball camp, held at the South Lake Tahoe Recreation and Swim Complex, offers comprehensive basketball training for kids aged 7-18. Led by Coach Gil Llewellyn, the camp includes game time drills, scrimmages, and life skill development, ensuring a well-rounded experience for participants of all skill levels. Full and half-day sessions are available, visit their website for more details. 

Nike Volleyball Camp 

Located at Lake Tahoe School, this summer camp is designed for girls aged 12-18, this camp provides intensive volleyball training under the guidance of experienced coaches. The program focuses on fundamental skills such as passing, setting, serving, and attacking, with both indoor and outdoor training sessions. Campers are grouped by age and ability to ensure personalized instruction. Here are other sports summer camps at Lake Tahoe School. 

Arts and Creativity Camps

Arts and creativity camps are ideal for children interested in expressing themselves through various art forms. These camps offer activities such as painting, drawing, theater, music, and dance, helping kids develop their artistic talents.

Popular Arts Camps

Visual Arts and Exploration at Tahoe Summer Camps

This Visual Arts and Exploration Camp is perfect for young artists aged 10-13 who want to blend their love for the outdoors with creative exploration. Campers will embark on adventures into the Tahoe backcountry to gather inspiration, which they will then use to create detailed art projects like charcoal drawings, watercolor paintings, and clay sculptures. Guided by professional artists and educators, this camp offers a unique mix of outdoor adventure and studio art.

Performing Arts Camp

Aimed at kids aged 7-13, this camp focuses on theater and performance. Participants will rehearse and perform a production of Disney’s Frozen, complete with costumes, props, and set pieces. Led by experienced directors and theater professionals, this camp provides a comprehensive introduction to the performing arts, culminating in a live performance for parents at the end of the week​.

Summer Arts Workshops

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024, these art workshops offer intensive, week-long sessions in various mediums including painting, ceramics, photography, and sculpture. Offered by the University of Nevada, Reno and located in Incline Village, these workshops are led by nationally recognized artists and provide a deep dive into creative processes inspired by the stunning Lake Tahoe environment. Participants will create their own art pieces while engaging with the local landscape and community​.

Lake Tahoe Music Camp

This sleep-away camp, hosted by the University of Nevada, Reno, is dedicated to young musicians. Running from July 21-27, 2024, the camp offers jazz and classical music workshops, clinics, and performances. This camp is known for its fun atmosphere and exceptional musical education​.

Science and Nature Camps

Science and nature camps allow children to explore the natural world and engage in hands-on scientific experiments. These camps are perfect for curious minds interested in learning about the environment, wildlife, and natural phenomena.

Popular Science Camps

Tahoe Institute for Natural Science Camp

The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) offers immersive nature camps designed to engage kids with the natural world. These camps provide hands-on experiences in ecology, wildlife observation, and environmental science, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for nature. Camp activities include guided hikes, interactive lessons on local flora and fauna, and eco-friendly crafts. TINS camps are perfect for young nature enthusiasts looking to explore and learn about the unique ecosystems of Lake Tahoe.

Science Explorers Camp 

Science Explorers Camp offers dynamic and interactive STEM summer camps for children ages 4-11. These camps focus on hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, providing fun and educational experiences. Activities range from exciting experiments and engineering challenges to explorations in robotics and coding. Science Explorers aim to inspire curiosity and foster a love for STEM in young minds through engaging and innovative programs.

Day Camps

Day camps are a great option for families looking for shorter, daily programs that keep children engaged during the summer. These camps typically run from morning to afternoon and offer a variety of activities, including sports, arts, games, and educational activities.

Popular Day Camps

Tahoe Donner Day Camp

Tahoe Donner offers a wide range of day camps that keep kids engaged through nature walks, arts and crafts, group swim lessons, and outdoor activities. Camps are available for different age groups, including sessions specifically for younger kids aged 3-4 and 5-6. These camps emphasize nature education, outdoor exploration, and creative play. The sessions run weekly from June 17 to August 9, 2024, with additional options for extended hours to accommodate busy schedules.

KidZone Museum Camp

Located in Truckee, the KidZone Museum offers interactive and educational summer camps designed to spark creativity and curiosity in children. These camps feature hands-on activities in arts, science, and technology, providing a stimulating environment for kids to learn and explore. The museum’s camps are tailored for different age groups and run throughout the summer.

Specialty Camp

Specialty camps focus on specific interests or skills, such as horseback riding, cooking, or technology. These camps allow children to delve deeply into their chosen area of interest and develop specialized skills.

Popular Specialty Camps

Wild Blue Dog Camp

Wild Blue Dog Camp in South Lake Tahoe offers a unique, week-long experience for dog owners and their pets. This camp includes various activities such as agility training, hiking, scent work, and water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. Professional trainers provide guidance on positive training methods, nutrition, and general wellness for dogs. The camp is hosted on a beautiful 33-acre fenced facility with access to private beaches and scenic trails. All proceeds support canine cancer research and treatment.

LTCC Teen Writers’ Workshop

Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) offers a dynamic and enriching Teen Writers’ Workshop as part of its CONNECT Community Education program. This workshop is designed to foster creative writing skills in teenagers through various activities and expert guidance. Participants engage in writing exercises, group discussions, and receive personalized feedback to help refine their craft. The workshop aims to inspire young writers and develop their abilities in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Codefu Tech Camp

CodeFu Lake Tahoe Summer Camp specializes in teaching coding and AI learning to elementary school kids through engaging and hands-on activities. Campers will learn to code robots, create personalized websites, and develop video games using Python. The camp emphasizes social development and connects local children with peers from the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Reno. CodeFu provides a focused and enriching experience, preparing kids for the tech-driven future while enjoying the beautiful Lake Tahoe environment.

Family Camps

Family camps allow families to enjoy the camp experience together. These camps provide activities for all ages, creating opportunities for bonding and shared experiences in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Popular Family Camps

Stanford Sierra Camp

Situated near South Lake Tahoe, Stanford Sierra Camp provides a unique family camp experience for Stanford alumni and their families. This camp offers a mix of educational and recreational activities, including hiking, watersports, arts and crafts, and evening programs. Families stay in rustic cabins and enjoy meals together in the dining hall, creating a community atmosphere that fosters deep connections and unforgettable experiences​

Berkeley Echo Lake Camp

Operated by the City of Berkeley, Echo Lake Camp is located just 20 minutes from South Lake Tahoe. The camp features tent cabins, a recreation lodge, a dining hall, and hot showers. Family camp sessions at Echo Lake include a variety of activities such as hiking, swimming, arts and crafts, and evening campfires. The camp’s stunning location along the Pacific Crest Trail and close to Echo Lake and Desolation Wilderness provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures​. 

Conclusion

Lake Tahoe offers an extensive range of summer camps and activities for children, catering to a variety of interests and age groups. From adventure and sports to arts and science, there is something for every child to enjoy. These camps not only provide fun and entertainment but also promote personal growth, skill development, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting the area, the diverse camp options in Lake Tahoe ensure that kids have a memorable and enriching summer experience.