Parks & Playgrounds

From slides to shady spots, Truckee-Tahoe’s parks and playgrounds are perfect for keeping little ones happy, active, and blissfully worn out while grownups soak in the views.

Playground with trees and a rail crossing sign in the foreground.
West End Beach Aerial View Playground Donner Lake Truckee California

Playtime with a View

In Truckee, even the playgrounds have backdrops worth writing home about. Whether you're wrangling toddlers, chasing soccer balls, or just seeking a sunny spot to snack, these local parks deliver fresh air, elbow room, and all the makings of a perfect Sierra day.

From creekside paths to state-of-the-art play structures, see where locals go to play, picnic, and press pause.

Our Favorite Spots

Purple dinosaur sculpture in a playground with slides and trees.

Truckee River Regional Park

A community favorite with something for everyone: slides, swings, tennis courts, disc golf, a skate park that keeps older kids happily occupied, and a riverside trail. Concerts and food trucks show up in summer, but the views are year-round.

A lakeside playground with trees and mountains in the background.

Donner Lake - West End Beach

This 12-acre day-use beach provides the perfect combination of playground equipment and natural lakeside play with sandy shorelines, shallow waters, and lifeguards on duty during summer.

Riverview Sports Park Truckee California

Riverview Sports Park

A giant green playground for all ages with a full bike pump track, dirt jumps, and traditional play equipment. Great for high-energy kiddos and kids-at-heart.

West End Beach Aerial View Playground Donner Lake Truckee California

Donner Memorial State Park

This one’s more than a playground, it’s a natural classroom. Hike forest trails, picnic near the lake, or explore the Emigrant Trail Museum. Kid-friendly trails and wide-open spaces for imagination await.

Playground with slides and climbing frames, set in a park under a blue sky.

Katie's Playground at Truckee Airport

Watch planes take off and land while the kids play at this unique playground adjacent to the Truckee Tahoe Airport Administration Building. It's a thrilling experience for aviation-loving children.

Concrete skate park under a clear blue sky, surrounded by trees.

For Bigger Kids (and Kids-at-Heart)

While the littlest adventurers dominate the slides and swings, older kids don’t miss out. Truckee River Regional Park’s skate park draws a steady stream of skaters, and Riverview Sports Park’s pump track and dirt jumps invite playful riding, exploration, and progression at any pace.

Meadow Park

Tucked in the Sierra Meadows neighborhood, this quiet local park is ideal for mellow afternoons. Kids will love the playground; parents will love the peace.

Playground among tall trees with colorful equipment, sunny day.
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What To Look Out For

Things We Love

  • Building sandcastles on the shores of Donner Lake West End Beach with mountain peaks as the backdrop
  • Watching steam trains pass by the playground at Truckee River Regional Park in the summer
  • Picnicking at Kings Beach Recreation Area with lakeside views of Lake Tahoe's crystal blue waters

Key Experiences

KidZone Museum (adjacent to Truckee River Regional Park)

When the weather turns, head indoors. This beloved spot is full of hands-on exhibits, imaginative play zones, and interactive learning for tiny explorers—perfect for rainy days, snow days, or just-any-days.

Key Experiences

Mini Steam Train at Truckee River Regional Park

When summer hits, climb aboard the park’s pint-sized steam train for a scenic ride through playgrounds, gardens, and a mini snow shed. The 1,500-foot loop is short, sweet, and full of charm—just the right speed for young adventurers.