Check out why Reno-Tahoe is known as "America's Adventure Place" with some family-friendly outdoor activities.

Driving into Reno, Nevada is nothing like driving into the other large gaming cities of the United States. Sure, it has neon signs and flashing lights but, unlike Atlantic City, New Jersey, which I frequently visited as a kid, Reno seems calmer and more down-to-earth. Maybe it is the topography—looking out my hotel window, I saw mountains, not skyscrapers—or maybe it is the influence of its relaxed, nature-oriented neighbor, Lake Tahoe. Whatever it may be, the city is a great starting point for families who want a diverse vacation.

Called the "Biggest Little City in the World," it is no surprise that Reno is chock full of teen-friendly activities like kayaking, wild entertainment and even flying. Best of all, scenic Lake Tahoe—and the rafting, biking and picnicking that come along with it—is only a short drive away. Although there is no shortage of activities for family members of all ages here, summer in Reno-Tahoe is especially great for families with teens.  Here, they'll get to experience the excitement of cities and the tranquility of the great outdoors.

Reno: The Biggest Little City in the World

Temperatures in Reno average 90º F during the summer months so it is not surprising that kids flock to the Truckee River Whitewater Park (775/334-2262) during their free time. The 2,600-foot-long watercourse flows through the heart of Reno, making it a short walk from most hotels and casinos. It has 11 drop pools, perfect for kayaking, inner tubing or just taking a quick dip.

Tahoe Whitewater Tours (530/581-2441) has a satellite office in downtown Reno right near the park. Guides give a short safety and paddle lesson before you head into the water to conquer the rapids. Kids as young as 12 can kayak on their own depending on their size and younger siblings can tag along too—children 7-years and older can sit in a double with mom or dad. If you prefer something where you can all work together, check out the company's whitewater rafting trips. Their boats accommodate up to six people and they offer a variety of adventures. Their most popular is the half-day, class III (it's on a scale of one to five) Boca Run. Don't worry if it is your first time—the guides focus on safety first and even if you do take an "involuntary swim" like I did, it's quite refreshing!

Once you are back on dry land, try another type of adventure at The Ultimate Rush Speed & Thrill Park (775/786-7005). The park, which is next to Grand Sierra Resort and Casino (800/501-2651), is for the daring. Their signature ride is a 180-foot sky coaster that combines skydiving with bungee jumping and hang-gliding. Riders can go alone or with a family member as they freefall and fly through the air at over 65 miles per hour on a ripcord. The park also has options for the less adventurous. Teens can cure their itch for driving by practicing on the Road Course or develop their swing with a game of miniature golf.

If you need a break, walk over to the Grand Sierra for a bite. While the resort prides itself on housing Charlie Palmer, Reno's first celebrity chef, it also has several casual, family-friendly options. Johnny Rockets on the first floor offers burgers, fries and other all-American favorites. The lower level, which is home to Grand Sierra's Fun Quest Arcade, has a pizzeria, sandwich shop, candy store and ice cream parlor.

Bull riding might not be something you associate with Reno, but once a year, the city hosts the "wildest, richest rodeo in the west." Performances at the Reno Rodeo (800/225-2277) include barrel racing, steer wrestling and mutton busting. There is also a carnival, cowboy country shops and food court so there is plenty to see, eat and do with your family throughout the night.

Lake Tahoe: Jewel of the Sierras

Once your family is ready to take on Mother Nature, head over to Lake Tahoe for some quiet R&R. Start with a hike on the Tahoe Rim Trail (775/298-0012), a 165-mile path that goes around the lake. The trail, which opened in 2001, was completed and is still maintained by volunteers and you do not need a family of avid hikers to enjoy it. Take it easy and choose a short one- to two-mile hike. The trail is far too long to cover in just one day so rather than waste your energy hiking as much as possible, go for a leisurely walk and take in the beauty around you. Brockway Summit to Tahoe Meadows over Kings Beach, the section I climbed during my visit, is perfect for a family outing. The hike is not too strenuous and there is a treat waiting at the top—a stunning view of Lake Tahoe. As you travel around the lake, challenge the kids to spot all of Lake Tahoe’s colors—the lake can be different shades of blue or green depending on how deep it is.

Now that you have seen Lake Tahoe from the top, head down for a closer look. Pick up some sandwiches and stop at William B. Layton Park in North Lake Tahoe for a picnic. The three-acre park is home to the Gatekeeper's Museum (530/583-1762). Bring the family inside to look at Native American baskets, photographs, clothes and other historical artifacts from the area. Don't forget to stop by Fanny Bridge while you're there. This historical spot is appropriately named for all the fannies that can be seen from the road as visitors bend over to look into the Truckee River.

The annual Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival (775/832-1616) also takes place in the north at Sand Harbor. This summer's line-up includes performances of Measure to Measure and Much Ado About Nothing. Families can purchase seats in areas with pre-set beach chairs or spread a blanket out on the sandy upper gallery. The festival's natural theater is so breathtaking I could not decide what was more striking, the play's set or the beach that surrounds it.

To get even closer to the lake, spend a day at Camp Richardson Resort & Marina in South Lake Tahoe. Camp Richardson is the closest resort to Emerald Bay, one of lake's most picturesque areas and a must-see. Catch up with some summer reading on the beach or kayak and paddleboat with the rest of the gang. I was lucky enough to visit Lake Tahoe in June when nearby mountains are still capped with snow. The waters of Lake Tahoe are far calmer than the rapids of the Truckee, so there is time to pause and enjoy the scenery.

Details, Details

If one day is not enough to participate in all the activities that the Camp Richardson Resort & Marina (800/544-1801) offers, stay the night or the weekend (make reservations early, of course). It has a lot of lodging choices, including cabins, campsites and a hotel. Cabins fit up to eight people and come with a basic kitchen, linens and towels. Other than that, the cabins are au naturel—there are no phones or televisions. If technology is a must, then try the Camp Richardson Hotel instead. The hotel's log furniture and simple decor still give it a quaint, comfortable feel, but phones, televisions and wireless Internet are available.

For lunch, bring a cooler of food and drinks or grab a bite at the lakeside Beacon Bar & Grill. The restaurant is famous for having the best drink in Tahoe, the Rum Runner, which parents should definitely try, but has a menu full of treats for young and old. Seafood fans will love the restaurant's many options, including coconut prawns, deep fried calamari (they have the biggest pieces I have ever eaten!) and a crab cake sandwich. If you have any young picky eaters, there is also a kids’ menu with favorites like chicken tenders, hamburgers and mac and cheese.

For more information about summer activities in Reno-Tahoe, visit www.visitrenotahoe.com (800/FOR-RENO). For places to stay while you're there, check out FTF's article. If you have time, also consider visiting nearby Carson City, Nevada. Families with younger kids might also enjoy touring historic Virginia City, Nevada.

For addtional information on accommodations in the area, please see Hotels in Reno.