Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Lake Tahoe

The Resort at Squaw Creek is one of the biggest resorts in Squaw Valley, with more than 400 rooms and a services and amenity offering that is easily among the most comprehensive in all of Tahoe. Its beautiful location means fine views of the mountains and valley, whether guests are playing golf, swimming, dog-sledding, ice skating, eating at one of the five restaurants, or simply gazing from the spacious rooms. A ski lift transports guests to Squaw Valley for hitting the slopes year-round, and the extensive list of amenities and dining options on-site means guests won't have to venture far from the resort -- in fact, they're likely to return year after year just to experience all the property has to offer. Kids will likely appreciate the pool's waterslide, the tennis courts, and the year-round kids' club.

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is a five-pearl full-service resort in the mountains above Northstar-at-Tahoe ski resort. Along with luxe rooms, a huge spa, and fine dining, the Ritz-Carlton offers ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes and many other recreational activities -- including multiple outdoor pools and Jacuzzis that are open year-round. Though the resort will set up families with information about the NorthStar summer camp, the Ritz does not have a year-round kids' club. Instead, their kids' club runs during the winter months, and has many offerings for kids 5 through 12, including "kids' night out".

The four-pearl Tahoe Mountain Resorts Lodging offers direct access to Northstar-at-Tahoe ski resort, with plenty of nearby upscale shopping and dining found via cobblestone streets, as well as access to the Northstar camp. Housed in separate lodges in the quaint Village at Northstar, the spacious, luxe rooms include kitchens, surround-sound TV systems, and fireplaces. A heated pool, underground parking, and the beautiful mountain setting are added bonuses, but the hotel doesn't have quite as many amenities as Squaw Creek. Still, it does have plenty of amenities kids may enjoy, including the world's only in-lobby gondola, a theater, and an ice-skating rink.

The upper-mid-range Village at Squaw Valley resembles a charming European-style village, and is the retail hub of the world-famous ski resort. Though most amenities aren't technically on-site, shops and restaurants line the walkways between the 200-room hotel's six buildings and guests have access to a large, free-form pool (there are Jacuzzi's on-site) and a year-round kids' club. The immediate access to the slopes and all the valley has to offer make this an excellent choice for families that want to stay active.