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Camping With Your Family

By Monterey Bay Parent Editors | February 22, 2024

Whether tent camping, RVing it, glamping, or something in between, there is no better way to connect with your children. Slowing down, unplugging, and being present while out in nature are gifts to gain that will keep giving.

As avid campers and adventure enthusiasts before becoming parents, my husband and I knew we wanted to explore the great outdoors with our children. With trial and error, we found a routine that worked for us and helped us make the most wonderful memories in nature. I encourage every family to try camping, no matter your experience level. Whether tent camping, RVing it, glamping, or something in between, there is no better way to connect with your children. Slowing down, unplugging, and being present are gifts that keep giving. You will never regret getting out there and trying it, even if the best part is laughing at the unpredictability of camping with kids.

PLANNING

My most significant piece of advice is to plan. Camping has always been a summertime family favorite, but with its boost in popularity during the pandemic, reservations have become more and more difficult to make. Most national parks open their booking six months in advance, and they fill up rather quickly. If anyone in your family has special needs, make sure the accommodations are appropriate, as most campgrounds have handicapped spaces available. At the beginning of the year, my husband and I sit down, look at our full-year calendar, decide where we want to go, and set reminders on our phones for when we need to make online reservations. Sometimes, we get exactly what we want, and sometimes, we have to improvise, and those adventures usually turn out to be our favorites.

WHAT TO PACK

Once you have your reservations, it’s time to start your packing list. With our first baby, we waited until she was eight months old and brought everything but the kitchen sink. We soon found that most of the things we brought were unnecessary. Our second baby was camping at six weeks old, and we were much more confident in our preparation. Check the weather and temperature for your destination to pack your clothing items accurately.

Children play games with sticks, rocks, and things they find at the campsite. So, we have a designated box of camping toys. That way, they only see these toys a couple of times a year, and it’s fun every time. Some of their favorites light up at night. Think of things that only take up a little space, but the whole family can enjoy: frisbee, paddleball, board games, cards, soccer, shovels, buckets, etc. We also love to bring markers and coloring books. My exceptions to this rule are books and stuffed animals. My kids bring their books and stuffed animals because those are their favorite comfort items. Our kids have had a great time picking out their sleeping bags, flashlights, and camping chairs. It also gives them a sense of responsibility and that they are participating in the camping setup. My advice for setting up your camping experience is to get started as soon as you arrive. That way, you know where everything is in the daylight.

Regarding food, we always make a menu ahead of time. Snacks are free for all, but the main meals are planned. We don’t veer far from our usual diet, so the kids have few surprises, and everybody gets the fuel they need for all the activities. Like the special toys, I add a couple of “camping only” treats that the kids look forward to. Using their regular lunch boxes makes packing for the day’s excursion simple. Also, even if your kiddos are no longer in diapers, wipes are worth their weight in gold when you are camping with little ones.

CAMPING GEAR

Everyone’s needs are different when it comes to gear. Do you like to sleep on air mattresses or pads? Do you like to hike with backpacks or strollers? There are no correct answers; customize your experience based on your preferences. Every parent needs a fully stocked first aid kit while camping. I also recommend headlamps for adults because nothing beats hands-free lighting when walking back and forth to the bathroom. Research the attractions near your campsite ahead of time. Will there be swimming? Camping by a lake or river is one of the best ways to enjoy camping with kids. Swimming all day makes for happy and healthy kids who get a good night’s sleep. Make sure to start the conversation about water safety now.

ACTIVITIES

You can search for kid-friendly hikes, ranger talks, and sightseeing, but also keep some time open for letting the kids lead the way. You’ll be surprised what they can come up with! One of our favorite camping traditions is the “rainbow scavenger hunt.” Help your child find a natural item for each rainbow color for this activity. This is a great time to identify plants we don’t touch. For example, poison oak is red at certain times of the year. A pocket-sized field guide can come in handy for this activity. When all your items are found, bring them to a picnic table and create a rainbow. This can start so many wonderful conversations with your kiddos. Is this item the same color all year round? Do animals use this item for shelter? After a warm meal, you can put on some layers and sit around the fire. Traditional s’mores are always fun, or you can put all the ingredients in an ice cream cone wrapped in tin foil and warmed on the fire for a less messy option.

Star gazing is one of our favorite things to do to wrap up the evening. When we are home, we are usually indoors before it gets dark, so we seize the opportunity while camping to soak up the beauty of the night sky. It is truly breathtaking to look up at the sky with no light pollution and appreciate the vastness of the universe with your children. Talk about the constellations with your kids before your trip. Bring a laminated constellation map if they seem interested. Who can find the Big Dipper? This really helps bring perspective to my husband and me after what can sometimes seem like a merry-go-round of work, school drop-offs, laundry, and life. Meanwhile, the kids are practicing their planet identification skills.

COMFORTS OF HOME

There is a lot of fun during the day, but as soon as the sun sets, my kids need comfort from home. For that reason, we keep our bedtime routine as close to normal as possible. A portable white noise machine and night light (both USB rechargeable) have been our favorite nighttime items for the kids. We have found that rechargeable items are much easier to use than battery powered. Batteries are one more thing to lose or forget. Just make sure you have a full charge before you leave home, and if you need to recharge, you can use your car or external battery.

No matter our destination, our camping trips have become some of our most precious memories. We always come home happier, less stressed, and more connected. We also come home dirty, tired, and with lots of laundry, so always give yourself some extra time to land comfortably at home. Camping truly is for every person, every ability, and every family.

KAYLA MYERS is a veterinary technician, freelance writer, nature enthusiast and mother of two adventurous toddlers. Kayla was born and raised on the peninsula and currently resides in beautiful Carmel Valley with her husband, children and menagerie of four legged friends.

Our Favorite Low-Cost Fun in San Francisco

By Monterey Bay Parent Editors | January 24, 2024

If you’re planning a family trip to the City by the Bay, here are our favorite low-cost activities that will keep both kids and parents entertained.

CABLE CAR RIDE

While cable car rides can be a bit pricey, you can opt for a one-way ticket to experience this iconic San Francisco experience without breaking the bank. Choose the Powell-Hyde or Powell-Mason lines for stunning views of the city and the bay. Finish up with a visit to the free Cable Car Museum at 1201 Mason Street. cablecarmuseum.org

GOLDEN GATE PARK

Spend a day exploring the vastness of Golden Gate Park. Visit the free-to-enter California Academy of Sciences on Sundays for engaging exhibits and live shows. Take a stroll through the Botanical Gardens or bring a picnic to enjoy in one of the park’s scenic spots. Don’t miss a visit to the bison paddock or the windmill. If you’re at the park on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between 9 am to 10 am, you can enter the Japanese Tea Garden for free. This allows your family to stay as long as you want to admire the beautiful gardens, check out its colorful pagodas, and stroll along its paved paths. sfrecpark.org/770/Golden-Gate-Park

STERN GROVE FREE CONCERTS

During the summer months, Stern Grove hosts free outdoor concerts featuring a variety of musical genres. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and enjoy an afternoon of live music in this beautiful park setting. You must have a free general admission ticket for all attendees over the age of 2. The site, along Sloat Boulevard between 19th and 34th Avenues is about two miles south of the Golden Gate Park. Sterngrove.org

PRESIDIO TUNNEL TOPS

The “top” of any list of kid-approved stops in San Francisco has to be Presidio Tunnel Tops. It’s built on top of the Presidio Parkway tunnels, with amazing Golden Gate views. It has everything a family could want: places to be in nature, picnic sites, and a nature play space for kids. If you prefer to park your car elsewhere, you can get to Presidio Tunnel Tops on public transportation, including the free Presidio GO Shuttle.

THREE FREE INNINGS OF BASEBALL

There is a viewing area offering standing room only access to a limited number of people on the south side of Oracle Park near McCovey Cove. The viewers switch every three innings with an usher running the transition. Kids will get a kick out of watching and three innings is usually enough for them. mlb.com/giants/ballpark/information/guide

YERBA BUENA GARDENS PLAYGROUND

Located in the heart of the city, Yerba Buena Gardens offers a fantastic playground for children. At the Children’s Garden, thrill-seeking tots can fly down a 25-foot-long tube slide and get lost in a labyrinth. It also includes the Play Circle which incorporates a sand circle, a playground, and a xylophone that kids can play to their hearts content

The nearby waterfall and butterfly garden add to the charm. yerbabuenagardens.com

Cold Weather Adventures in SoCal

By Tricia Vlasak | November 28, 2023

The holiday season is upon us, and it’s the same old dilemma: what to do with the youngsters during the winter breaks. Many people head somewhere warm and tropical. If you’ve read my column for a while, you know winter camping is a favorite of mine. But for the more traditional types, winter means snow play! Whether you ski, snowboard, or just love the whole winter scene, there are plenty of places in California to get your fix. Most people head to Tahoe or Mammoth—both fantastic, world-class ski areas. One thing you don’t often hear is talk about heading to Southern California for a ski vacation. All I can say is this: You don’t know what you’re missing.

The San Bernardino National Forest has three separate ski areas: Bear Mountain, Snow Summit, and Snow Valley. Bear Mountain and Snow Summit were once different—and fiercely competitive—ski areas. Snow Summit was up and running first, opening in 1952. Bear Mountain was called Goldmine Mountain when it opened in 1969 until 1988 when it was bought out and the new owners changed the name. In 2002, Snow Summit purchased Bear Mountain and developed it into the Bear Mountain Resorts. One lift ticket can be used in both areas, and a shuttle runs continuously between them. The areas are only about 2.5 miles apart. And here’s the kicker about Southern California skiing: Bear Mountain and Snow Summit are home to two of the largest snowmaking systems in the world. So skiing will surely be available in the SoCal mountains even during drier winters! My experience is that manufactured snow is a bit stickier than natural powder, so you’ll want to ensure your skis or board are well waxed. But, to me, that is a small price to pay for being able to ski in a T-shirt.

About 15 miles down the road from Big Bear Lake is Snow Valley. Snow Valley is the oldest ski area in Southern California. In the 1930s, the slopes were developed for tobogganing and skiing, and the area was named Snow Valley. The Arrowhead Springs Corporation ran it for a decade, and then it was purchased by Norwegian-American ski jump champion Johnny Elvrum, who expanded the resort. In 1974, Snow Valley was bought by W.R. Sauey, who ran the place until January 2023 when Snow Valley was acquired by Alterra Mountain Company, which now operates Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. Snow Valley is the smallest of the three ski areas and is more of a local place—it’s easy to get to, is traditionally less expensive, and is often less crowded than the more well-known Snow Summit and Bear Mountain.

Don’t want to ski or board? No problem. Two snow-play areas offer tubing on a groomed slope. One is next to Snow Valley. The other is just outside of Big Bear City. As far as where to stay in the San Bernardino Mountains, there are options from hotels to small cabins to lakeside mansions available through sites like Airbnb or VRBO.

If skiing isn’t your bag but you still want a mountain vacation, another option is Lake Arrowhead. About an hour or so across the mountain ridge from Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead is a charming town steeped in interesting history. After California became a state in 1850, Mormon settlers in San Bernardino built a road into the mountain and began harvesting the forests that, at the time, supplied much of the lumber for building Los Angeles. In the late 1800s, a group of businessmen, including James Gamble of Proctor & Gamble, bought most of the acreage in the Arrowhead Valley (then called Little Bear Valley) and began building a dam to supply water and power to the orange growers in the San Bernardino Valley. By 1923 the first hotel—the Arlington Lodge—had opened to a thousand affluent guests who enjoyed a midnight champagne party and dancing. Over the decades, Lake Arrowhead remained a popular getaway for entertainment royalty, many of whom owned homes overlooking the private lake. In the 1970s, when I was a child, family friends of mine owned a beautiful Tudor-style home on the lake. Their neighbor was Liberace, the famous and flamboyant pianist! Even now, if you are a sharp-eyed celebrity watcher, you will likely see someone famous strolling through Lake Arrowhead Village enjoying the many restaurants or shops.

In the Lake Arrowhead area is Skyforest, a small community that used to be the home of a magical Christmas-themed amusement park. Unfortunately, Santa’s Village closed many years ago. I have fond memories of the place from my childhood. Once it closed, it remained unused for many years. But, in 2016, the area reopened as SkyPark at Santa’s Village. Their website shows that SkyPark at Santa’s Village “is an outdoor adventure park with year-round mountain biking, hiking, fly-fishing, and open-air activities in the Skyforest section of Lake Arrowhead.” In addition to mountain biking, climbing walls, and an RV campground, there are year-round activities. I encourage you to visit their website (skyparksantasvillage.com) to check out their full calendar.

There is so much to see and do in the Southern California mountains, whether you want to play in the snow, go hiking, shop, learn about the rich history of the San Bernardino mountains, go off-roading, or relax. The San Bernardino mountains are about a six-hour drive from the Monterey area. The area is also easy to get to by flying into Ontario or Palm Springs and renting a car. It is about a two-hour drive from either airport.

I love the little slice of Southern California that I call home. When people think of SoCal, they think of beaches or Disneyland. The mountain area often gets overlooked which many locals don’t mind. But if you are looking for someplace new and decide to visit, you will be welcome.

Wherever you spend your winter break, I hope your holidays are filled with love, happiness, and health.

TRICIA VLASAK works in law enforcement when she isn’t writing, hiking with her dogs, or going on adventures with her grandchildren. Tricia received a Gold Award for personal essay from Parenting Media Association in 2022.

Plan a Super Fun Kid’s Day in San Francisco

By Andrea Breznay | June 28, 2023

One of the bonuses of your time in Monterey will be the proximity to San Francisco. With the City by the Bay just 116 miles from Monterey, you’ll most likely be able to visit multiple times during your time here. There are many “must do’s” in SF, but we’ve decided to start with three suggestions for a perfect kid day in the city.

Whatever you decide to do during your visits to the bay area, when you move on to your next duty station, there’s a good chance you, too, will leave your heart in San Francisco.

Presidio Tunnel Tops

The “top” of any list of kid-approved stops in San Francisco has to be Presidio Tunnel Tops. It’s built on top of the Presidio Parkway tunnels, with amazing Golden Gate views. It has everything a family could want: places to be in nature, picnic sites, lawns and gathering spaces, and an incredible nature play space for kids. If you prefer to park your car elsewhere, you can get to Presidio Tunnel Tops on public transportation, including the free Presidio GO Shuttle. You’ll also find paid parking that is readily accessible most days.

Pack your cart or stroller with a blanket to spread out on the expansive lawn and a picnic lunch (or you can visit the food trucks on site every day). There isn’t a lot of shade, so bring sunscreen because even on overcast days, you can get a burn quickly. Pack jackets because the weather can change rapidly.

When you arrive, head to Presidio Visitor Center, where you’ll find The Presidio Tunnel Tops Discovery Guide. The Presidio Explorer Backpack introduces families to self-guided adventures around the park. It includes a map, nature guides, a magnifying glass, binoculars, a sand sifter, colored pencils and paper, and a compass. Activity cards prompt fun ideas. Check it out from Presidio Visitor Center or the Field Station.

The best part of Tunnel Tops for kids will be The Outpost, a two-acre play space inspired by the Presidio’s nature and history. Kids from 2-12 can swing, crawl, and climb on huge play structures built from fallen tree trunks, boulders, and other things inspired by nature.

You’ll also find a discovery area for young children, two art and science spaces with activities, and a place where kids can build with natural materials from the park.

In addition to special events throughout the year, at 4 pm daily from Friday through Sunday, you can join National Park Service rangers for free campfire talks at Presidio Tunnel Tops’ Campfire Circle near the Presidio Visitor Center. Park rangers present histories of the diverse people who have passed through the Presidio over the years – this includes indigenous history, military stories, including the Buffalo Soldiers’ stories, Japanese Americans interned during WWII, and more.

The Presidio is open daily, year-round. Presidio Tunnel Tops is an open outdoor space like the rest of the park. However, some experiences are open during specific hours. Presidio Visitor Center is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm. The Outpost is open from 9:30 am to 6 pm from April to October and 9:30 am to 4:30 pm from November to March. The Field Station is open Wednesdays to Fridays from 11 am to 4 pm and from 10 am to 5 pm on weekends. The Presidio Pop-Up food and beverage vendors are open weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm and weekends from 9 am to 5:30 pm.

- PRESIDIO TUNNEL TOPS

- 210 LINCOLN BOULEVARD,

- SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94129

- PRESIDIOTUNNELTOPS.GOV

Golden Gate Park

This 1,017-acre area, located right in the city’s heart, is full of unique attractions, picturesque places, and kid-friendly activities. Golden Gate Park is larger than Central Park in NYC, stretching from the city’s center, in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, all the way out to the western edge at Ocean Beach.

Home to attractions like Japanese Tea Garden, Botanical Garden, de Young Museum, and the Conservatory of Flowers, Golden Gate also offers a ton of fun for younger kids.

Before heading out for your first visit, head over to the park website at sfrecpark.org/1159/Getting-to-Golden-Gate-Park. Everything you’ll need to know about attractions, special events, parking, and reservations is on the website. You can download a copy of the site map (we strongly recommend printing it so you aren’t trying to read the tiny captions on your phone!). Take some time to plan your stops and choose your parking accordingly. Then, it’s off to the park for a full day of family fun.

The easiest way to get around the park is to find a good parking spot close to where you plan on spending the most time and then use the complimentary shuttle, which runs from the eastern end of the park to the middle at Transverse Drive, along JFK Drive. You’ll find shuttle info and routes on the website.

What to see in the park

Playgrounds and carousel: The children’s playground in Golden Gate Park’s southeast corner, called the Sharon Quarters for Children when it opened in 1888, is thought to have been the nation’s first public playground. With support from the Koret Foundation, the playground underwent a major renovation and reopened in 2007 as the Koret Children’s Quarter. Features include a climbing wall and a rope climbing structure; the historic concrete slide was retained.

Since the playground opened, three carousels have been housed near the Koret Children’s Quarter. The current carousel has menagerie animals and painted panels that depict Bay Area landscapes. Carousel hours vary depending on weather, school schedules, and season. Call (415) 231-0077 to hear a message regarding the current status and schedule.

Academy of Science: Your family can visit a rainforest, a coral reef, and the other fascinating exhibits at the California Academy of Sciences, including the four-story rain forest, a show at the Morrison Planetarium, and the Steinhart Aquarium. The living roof is a highlight.

Windmills: When Golden Gate Park was created, two windmills were built on the western edge to pump water for irrigation. These windmills provided water for the plants in the park’s western half until 1935 when electric pumps took over. The northern windmill was built in 1902 and was donated to the city by Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands. A garden has been planted at the windmill’s base, displaying masses of tulips in the early spring and other flowers the rest of the year.

Bison (yes, bison!): Golden Gate Park has its own herd of bison. They can be seen grazing in a large enclosure behind a chain link fence, on the north side of JFK Drive, near the Chain of Lakes. Wrongly named “buffalo paddock,” these animals are North American bison, a different species. Relatives of the current residents contributed to rebuilding the bison population in the US when it was nearing extinction.

- GOLDEN GATE PARK

- SFRECPARK.ORG/770/GOLDEN-GATE-PARK

Exploratorium

The Exploratorium is a hands-on, educational museum with more than 600 interactive exhibits. Located on Pier 15 (Embarcadero at Green St), the Exploratorium is convenient to many tourist attractions making it easy to combine your visit to the Exploratorium with another stop. But unless you’re planning an overnight visit to the city, we advise planning a full day of exploration at this hands-on museum.

Before you head out for a visit, check out the website at exploratorium.edu. You’ll find a wealth of information, including experiments you can do at home, educator materials, relevant links, and a downloadable map of the exhibits.

Getting there:

The Exploratorium doesn’t have a parking lot, but they partner with SP+ to offer a discount at the Pier 15 Parking Lot and the Pier 19½ Parking Lot using the discount code 4302100. You can purchase discounted parking at both lots in one of two ways: give the discount code to the parking attendant or pay at a ticket kiosk in the lot and enter the code.

The fun begins

You’ll quickly notice that while many museums have docents, the Exploratorium has “explainers.” These young, orange-vested students are engaged in both teaching and learning. They are trained and supported by staff scientists and educators. Our advice is to use their services! The gallery of exhibits can be overwhelming, and kids will want to try everything. The explainers have insider knowledge of the displays and can help you narrow the choices to suit your children’s interests and ages.

The exhibits are divided into six categories: Human Phenomena, Tinkering, Seeing & Reflections, Living Systems, Outdoor Exhibits, and Observing Landscapes. Everything is hands-on, so children get to immerse themselves in the experience. We had a difficult time deciding which exhibit was our favorite. Our finalists include the Giant Mirror in Gallery 1, the Fog Bridge in Gallery 6, and the toilet water fountain.

Active, retired, and reservist military personnel may purchase reduced admission tickets on-site. Present your military ID or proof of service (VA card or DD-214) to purchase your tickets.

One last bit of advice, breaking up your day is the best way to take in all that the Exploratorium offers without the kids getting overstimulated. You can have a nice lunch at either of the on site restaurants, Seaglass Restaurant or Seismic Joint Café, walk to a restaurant close by, or use the designated eating area to enjoy a snack you’ve packed.

- PIER 15 EMBARCADERO AT GREEN STREET

- SAN FRANCISCO, 94111

- (415) 528-4444

- EXPLORATORIUM.EDU

Grandmas in Hawaii

By Tricia Vlasak | May 24, 2023

A longtime friend and I are currently on what has become a yearly trip to Hawaii. We call ourselves “The Traveling Grandmas” and use our yearly trip to relax and rewind from our busy lives as parents, grandparents, and employees.

While a Hawaiian vacation is a “bucket list” thing for many people, it doesn’t need to be. Getting there is straightforward: no passport required, a relatively short flight from California, and plenty (or nothing) to do.

If you want to travel somewhere warm and tropical but don’t want to break the bank, keep reading. These tips focus on Waikiki, but many can be used elsewhere.

Getting There

My favorite airline is Southwest: they don’t charge to change your flight, so if you decide to extend your vacation, it’s simple to do so. Also, if you’ve bought your ticket and then see a sale, you can rebook the same flight and get the difference in travel funds to use later. One downside that some people don’t like is their boarding group system. It is not assigned seating, so that can be a challenge.

As with airlines, you have many choices on accommodations. You will find everything from “it’ll do” hotels with small rooms and cheap price tags to five-star luxury resorts. While we usually stay in the middle of Waikiki, where there is more action, more restaurants, and easier walking distance to everything, we tried something new this year, and we’re delighted with the hotel. It is on the main beach-front street in Waikiki, at the end by the zoo. Previously the Aston Waikiki, the Twin Fin was remodeled and re-opened in November 2022. Across from the Twin Fin is a walled-in beach area like a swimming lagoon. With the Twin Fin facing the lagoon and just across the street, it is a perfect location for families with children. This area of Waikiki is quieter than the others, and you can see Diamond Head from your lanai if you get an oceanfront or Diamond Head view room. The Twin Fin is not a five-star hotel: the hallways are very plain, as are the rooms. But it is clean and comfortable, has a nice pool, and the staff is the most friendly we’ve encountered.

Here is a savings tip we discovered that most hotels don’t advertise but will give it to you if you ask: if you stay 14 nights or longer, they will waive the resort fee. That is a significant savings and allowed us to go from a two-week vacation to a 17-night break.

Exploring

The initial inclination is always to rent a car. However, you can save a lot of money by bypassing the rental car and taking a taxi to your hotel. As mentioned, much of this information is about staying in Waikiki where you can walk to almost everything you need. On the days you want to visit the North Shore or another part of the island, you can rent a car for the day on Turo. This saves money on both car rental costs and parking. Even at the less expensive hotels, parking is about $50 per day. If you use Turo or one of the other small rental companies, you can schedule to pick up in the morning and drop off at night.

One last area where you can save money is dining. Of course, you should splurge on a pricey meal or two (if that’s your thing) while on vacation. But there are many less expensive (and healthy) options available. If you’re a fan of Poke, there are many excellent and affordable options. There is also a variety of Asian food choices. One of my favorite places is Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ. Go in the afternoon and order off the lunch menu. Lots of meat choices are served with rice, salad, and soup.

For breakfast and snacks, there are little stores all over called ABC Stores that have single-serve cereals, oatmeal, sandwiches, and fruit.

Activities

As far as activities, every family or individual is going to want to do something different. Lazy days on the beach are my speed. On this trip, we went on a distillery tour at Ko’olau Distillery to learn how whiskey and gin are made and sample the goods. It was informative and fun. For the active person, there are dozens of hiking trails for every experience level. Snorkeling, parasailing, shark diving, kayaking, paddle boarding…all great outdoor activities. Look for deals via Groupon, or call the company directly for the best deal. If a one-hour cruise on a catamaran sounds good, look for the Na Hoku II boat on the beach out in front of the Moana Surfrider Hotel. The morning cruises are more family-friendly, and it includes drinks for all.

One last piece of advice: put your trip together yourself. Packages can be enticing. But, my experience is that I can find better prices by looking at options often not offered in a package, such as different flight times or out of a smaller airport rather than a busier one. Also, I have saved money by booking the legs of a trip as separate one-way flights rather than one big trip.

This has given you some tips on getting your vacation started. Whatever you do to decompress and relax, enjoy it completely!

TRICIA VLASAK works in law enforcement when she isn’t writing about parenting, hiking with her dogs, or going on adventures with her grandchildren. Tricia received a Gold Award for personal essay from Parenting Media Association in 2022.

Teen Time in Tahoe

By Monterey Bay Parent Editors | April 23, 2023

Last summer, my oldest son and I embarked on an experience that was new to us. He had been fishing with his dad in California lakes, and I grew up fishing in the Arkansas River with mine. Piggybacking on our fond memories, I sought a related – but new – adventure for us to share. I proposed we try fly fishing. Tag, Lake Tahoe was it! I also gave him a choice of locations within a few hours of Monterey County.

After a private lesson and two days out with a guide, we were hooked. We’re returning to do it again – and a lot more – this summer. I hope we’ll make it an annual trip, just the two of us.

A long weekend away offers a chance to unwind from the cares and busyness at home and focus on just being together. Planning such a trip gives your teen the message that you care and want to spend time with them. Despite appearances during adolescence, when peers are more important than parents and alone time is protected, this can mean the world to them.

Whether you’re looking for action and adventure or relaxing quiet time, there’s something for everyone. An informal survey on our Monterey Bay Parent Group Facebook page revealed that you have some favorites in the Tahoe area. Below, we share them, along with where to stay, what to do and see, and some details for your budget.

Where to Stay

On the advice of many friends, I booked our stay in South Lake Tahoe at the Camp Richardson Historic Resort & Marina. Affectionately called “Camp Rich,” it was named after its first postmaster, Alonzo L. Richardson. We loved the small-town feel and amenities of this community. Within walking distance among tall pines, you’ll find a general store and deli, coffee and confectionary shop with gluten-free bread, ice cream parlor, sports center for equipment rentals and accessories, lakeside bar and grill with a versatile menu and large portions, and the beach.

Accommodations are just as varied with a historic hotel built in 1926, beachside rustic cabins, with views from Mt. Tallac to Heavenly Mountain Resort, and tent camping beneath the stars. Summer rates at Camp Rich range from $150 plus tax per night for two double beds at the historic hotel to $180 plus tax for two beds at the Beachside Inn.

Campgrounds will open in June. The RV campground sits across the street from the historic hotel and runs $75 nightly with water and electric hookups. Single-tent sites begin at $50 per night and include a bear-proof box, picnic table, and grated fire pit for cooking. Cabins, which dot the ground between the hotel and the lake, require a 7-night minimum between Memorial and Labor Day. The least expensive option is a studio with one queen bed for $1,300/week. A cabin with two beds begins at $1,540/week.

We stayed at the historic hotel, where we could relax with a good book in the cozy great room after a long morning out. We also enjoyed sandwiches from the deli across the street outside the hotel’s quaint courtyard garden. “Granlibakken” is a Norwegian phrase that means “a hillside sheltered by fir trees.” Granlibakken Tahoe is another family favorite about 1.5 miles from the lake. This resort in North Lake Tahoe was opened in 1949 on the lake’s West shore. It offers private bedrooms and suites, townhomes and lodges, with all the comforts of home.

Each is unique, and private owners maintain all lodging at Granlibakken.

The Bed & Breakfast Package for two in a standard bedroom is $299.50 per night before tax and a service fee. Suites begin at $693.50 nightly, and townhouses start at $821.50 per night. Guests can access the outdoor heated pool, nearby hiking and biking trails, and tennis and pickleball courts for no extra charge. A full breakfast buffet is available daily, and the Cedar House Pub serves dinner seasonally.

Those who prefer to stay outdoors should check out Eagle Point Campground at Emerald Bay State Park, 12 miles north of South Lake Tahoe. Depending on the weather, this site will open in June and is typically open until mid-September. A unique option here is a “boat-in” campground. Camping itself is on land in lakefront campsites. Call 1-800-444-7275 for rates, availability, and important details about camping at Eagle Point.

No matter what lodging you choose in these areas, count on nature’s air-conditioning to keep cool—and take all precautions to keep bears at bay. Also, be sure to make a note of cancellation policies.

What to See & Do

Those who want to get out on the lake have plenty of choices. At Camp Rich, you can rent kayaks, standup paddle boards, and jet skis. Kayak and paddle board rentals begin at $35/hour, and pedal boats can be rented for $40/hour. One-hour jet ski rentals are $169.

If you like to be on the water but want less activity, consider the Rum Runner Cruise to Emerald Bay and back. This cruise takes you by Fannette Island, the only island in Lake Tahoe, where you’ll see an upthrust of granite that rises 150 feet out of the water and learn about the “Tea House” there. The cost is $35 for children 12 and under and $69 per adult.

That cruise gives you a glimpse of the historic Vikingsholm Castle, which has 38 rooms and is said to showcase “one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in America.” You can tour the castle with a guide by choosing the Vikingsholm Castle Boat Tour. The cost is $69 for children 12 and under and $99 for adults. This boat leaves from Camp Rich Marina.

If you’d like to get away for the day on land, the Mountain Sports Center in Camp Rich will outfit you with a hybrid bike, mountain bike, or tandem bike. Children’s bikes and trailers begin at $10 for the first hour, and adult hybrid bikes are $15 for the first hour. Biking along the tree-lined paths is relaxing and refreshing, but if you’re looking for a workout or spectacular views, hit the trails on foot. Grab a map at the sports center to locate hiking trails. Zip lining at Granlibakken’s Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park will give you a sight and a thrill without traveling far. Want more? Venture out to parasail or ride in a gondola lift at the nearby Heavenly Mountain Resort. You’ll also find ropes courses and bungy trampoline jumping in surrounding villages.

Promising Agreement

No matter where you go in Tahoe, I expect you’ll be glad you did. Before you and your teen hit the road, though, consider reviewing Tahoe’s Take-Care Travel Pledge together. Choosing its six commitments will help you and your teen stay safe and remain mindful during your stay. I can’t think of a better way to begin your trip.

your trip.