Douglas County is full of many seasonal and year-round activities for people of all ages to have fun without the use of drugs or alcohol. See the sights, get outside, get active, give back to the community, and more!

This guide highlights some of the many activities for families and teens looking for something to do this summer (or year-round) in Douglas County.

See The Sights

  • Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center
    Learn about local history from pre-settlement Indigenous culture up to the 20th century and today. Prices vary, open year-round.
  • Courthouse Museum Genoa
    Check-out a piece of Genoa history for yourself. The courthouse museum brings you back to the early days of Nevada’s settlement. Prices vary, open seasonally May-end of October.
  • Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park
    Visit this piece of Nevada’s early ranching history! Events and activities for all ages held throughout the year.
  • Douglas County Fairgrounds
    Explore a day at the Fairgrounds! Events held throughout the year.
  • Minden-Tahoe Airport Activities
    More than just an airport: Minden-Tahoe Airport offers thrill-seeking classes in glider-flying and skydiving!
    • High Sierra Pilots’ Club
    • Soaring Nevada
    • Skydive Lake Tahoe
  • Model Airplane Complex
    Located opposite the Douglas County Fairgrounds, this area offers a concrete strip to practice your model airplane piloting skills and watch others in action as well. Open sunup to sunset.
  • Mormon Station State Park
    Nevada’s first permanent, non-native settlement. Today the park is home to a reconstructed version of the original 1851 trading post that burned down in 1910 and a museum with original pioneer era artifacts. Parking/museum fee $1

Get Outside!

  • Carson Valley Trail System
    Trails all over Carson Valley offer a chance to take in the natural beauty of Douglas County. Trail info and printable guides at website.
  • Kayaking
    Enjoy a day kayaking Lake Tahoe with Day Go Adventures kayak rentals.
  • Parks
    A great way to enjoy the outdoors year-round! Douglas County Parks include Lampe, Stodick, Johnson Lane, Kahle, Ranchos Aspen, Zephyr Cove, and Topaz Estates Parks.
  • Topaz Lake Recreation Area
    A beautiful lake on the border of California and Nevada, Topaz offers swimming, fishing, water sports, camping, picnicking, and hiking! $15 parking fee and camping fees, otherwise free of charge.
  • Trailheads/River Access Parks
    Iconic views of the Eastern Sierra from trails including Faye-Luther (Stateline-to-Stateline), Genoa Trail, Rabe Meadows, and Job’s Peak.
  • Van Sickle Bi-State Park
    Hiking and horseback-riding on the California-Nevada border. Open year-round for pedestrians, vehicles welcome May 1-Oct. 31.
  • Zephyr Cove
    Douglas County’s stake on beautiful Lake Tahoe, Zephyr Cove offers picnic areas and beach access year-round.

Get Active!

  • Biking Challenge
    Up for a challenge? Bike the Sierras in June for the annual Alta Alpina Biking Challenge Day! For more info contact Alta Alpina at (877)-845-2453.
  • Bowling
    A great way to spend time with family and friends, bowling gets you up and moving! Prices vary.
  • Carson Valley Swim Center
    Ready to hit the diving board, swim a few laps, or just cool off? Splash into the Carson Valley Swim Center and check out their many family-friendly pools. With a variety of features, including water toys, water slides, a climbing wall, diving boards, and an exercise room, they have something for the whole family.
  • Disc Golf
    Whether you’re a pro or a newbie, disc golf is a great team sport that gets you out in nature! Two courses in Douglas County: Pinenut Disc Golf Course and Zephyr Cove Disc Golf Course. Open to public, all ages welcome.
  • Douglas County Community and Senior Center
    Fun for the whole family! Prices vary, wide range of classes and facilities available, including dance classes, a gym area, volleyball/basketball courts, racquetball, and a teen game area. Passes available for the summer or year-round.
  • Kahle Community Center
    We’re not just a community center, we are the center of the community. Prices vary, monthly and annual passes available.
  • Youth and Adult Sports
    Douglas County Parks and Recreation offers various youth and adult sports leagues always looking for new members. Prices vary, most free for members, all-age sports include badminton, pickleball, table tennis, and shuffleboard.
  • Zephyr Cove Tennis Club
    Prices vary, all ages and abilities welcome!

volunteer

Giving Back

  • Animal Care and Services
    If you love animals and have some free time on your hands, Douglas County’s animal shelter could always use some help! Care for and socialize local shelter animals.
  • Douglas County Public Library
    Libraries are a great place to volunteer! Volunteering can include both clerical and hands-on work. For more info contact Amy Dodson at (775)-782-9841.

Food and Culture

Youth and Teens

  • Carson Valley Skate Park
    Open to all ages and abilities.
  • Empower Youth
    Empower. We have all heard that word before. Empower does not mean to take control of or to take over, it means to uplift or give someone else confidence. This club allows kids to help and inspire other kids. For more info contact Jamie Eyerly at (775)-782-8611 ext. 106
  • Saturday Family Movies
    See the latest releases and family-friendly classics for free! Saturdays 10am-12pm at Minden Library (dates vary throughout the summer).
  • Teen Scene @ Kahle Community Center
    Teens get all-access to arcade area, games, rock climbing wall, and more! $5 drop-in, free to pass-holders Friday 6:30-9pm year-round, grades 6-12 only.
  • Teen VR Event
    Free Virtual Reality play for teens June-August! Sign a waiver and bring with each participating teen 13-17 yrs old at Douglas County Library.

Looking for More?

Our friends at Visit Carson Valley have much more in store for you. Swing by their website to discover what we missed.