The Best 7 Exciting Family Outdoor Activities

Looking for exciting outdoor activities to do with your family this weekend? There so many ways to get your family outside and this list is just a start. Whether you’re in Truckee, Lake Tahoe, or stuck at home, these fun family outdoor activities will get be a breath of fresh air – literally! So pack up the car, and head to your closest trailhead, lake, park, crag etc. And enjoy summer outdoor fun with your whole family.

#1 – Hiking

Everyone loves going for a hike. This is an easy way to introduce little ones to the outdoors and best of all, you don’t need much gear! A pair of hiking shoes and map will open up a new world of possibility. Keep an eye out for Sierra Nevada wildlife and take note of the different wildflowers you see along the way.

There are tons of hiking trails in Truckee and Lake Tahoe. Head to the Tahoe Rim Trail, the PCT, or Martis Loop.

#2 – Stand Up Paddleboarding

Want to have fun and maybe enjoy a cool dunk in the lake? Try paddleboarding with your whole family. If you’re new to the sport, you’ll have better luck with hard boards. They’re more stable than inflatables plus little kids or small dogs can ride along up front as well! For paddleboarding pros, try taking it to the next level with SUP yoga from TKO Yoga Fit!

#3 – Mountain Biking

If you like skiing in the winter, you’ll love mountain biking in the summer. It can be a thrilling family activity to fly down the trails! Truckee is well known as a world-class mountain biking destination and there is no shortage of trails for every ability. Spend a day exploring new trails with your family – where will your bike take you?

Here are a few places to rent mountain bikes in Truckee:

📍 Bike Truckee

📍 Dirty Gypsy Adventures

📍 Cycle Paths Bike Shop

Bike the new section of the Donner Lake Rim Trail

#4 – Family Picnic

When was the last time your family went on a picnic? I promise, they can be exciting. How? Find a “secret spot” and set up your picnic beforehand, then surprise your kids with a fun feast in the forest. Or pack your favorite food and sweet treats, a bottle of wine (for the adults!) and a storybook and get transported to another world. Or pack instruments, games, or a frisbee and turn your picnic into a party.

#5 – Walk, Bike, or Rollerblade Paved Trails

Here’s one that you can do almost anywhere. Find a paved path near you and head out explore by foot, bike, or rollerblades! There are excellent paved paths in Truckee and Lake Tahoe. Head to the Legacy Trail near Historic Downtown Truckee, the Tahoe Trailways bike path which follows along the Truckee River, or the new Tahoe East Shore Trail for unparalleled views of Lake Tahoe!

#6 – Disc Golf

Learn how to play disc golf and spend the day practicing your toss with family. Disc golf courses are usually a few miles long so you’ll get a good workout in, and plenty of time outdoors with your family. There’s a lot of reasons to love disc golf: kids will have a blast tossing the discs around and figuring out how each one flies, adults will get hooked on honing techniques and fine-tuning their toss! It’s inexpensive to get started. All you need is 3-4 discs or pick up a beginner set at Tahoe Mountain Sports.

How to Play Disc Golf

#7 – Rock Climbing

When it comes to exciting family outdoor activities, nothing beats climbing! When you’re in Truckee, take a guided climbing trip on Donner Summit and enjoy a worry-free day at the crag. Your guides are experts in setting up climbs for the whole family to have fun on. Plus, they will give you helpful advice on how to work your way up the wall. Beginner and seasoned climbers alike will love the easy access and abundance of routes, perfect for summer family fun!

Go Rock Climbing on Donner Summit

What are your favorite family outdoor activities?