Free Summer Programs in our Parks!
Free paddling tour at Donner Memorial State Park. Credit: California State Parks
LAKE TAHOE, JUNE 3, 2026 - Summer is officially here, and the shores of Lake Tahoe are buzzing with more than just beautiful weather. If you’re looking to add some wonder, history, and adventure to your beach days, California State Parks Interpreters have you covered!
We are thrilled to highlight our partner’s, California State Parks, free educational summer programs across three of Tahoe’s most iconic parks: D.L. Bliss State Park, Emerald Bay State Park, and Sugar Pine Point State Park. Sierra State Parks Foundation proudly sponsors and helps fund these free park programs.
This blog primarily focuses on the state parks in the Lake Tahoe area; we’ll feature the summer programs at Donner Memorial State Park shortly!
Whether you are a resident or visiting, these interactive schedules offer something for nature lovers of all ages.
Free guided kayak tour at Sugar Pine Point State Park.
Sponsored by the Sierra State Parks Foundation.
D.L. Bliss State Park
Following its massive infrastructure upgrades, D.L. Bliss State Park is fully open and welcoming back visitors. Drop by the newly refinished Visitor Center to pick up your park gear and gear up for these free weekly events:
Thursday, June 11: Join us virtually for D.L Bliss’ Reopening Celebration, featuring a Live Dive exploration of the underwater Rubicon Wall at 10:30 am - 11 am.
Saturday, June 13, 20, and 27 at 6 pm - 6:45 pm: Jr. Rangers Program…A family favorite! Kids can team up with State Park interpreters to learn about local wildlife, forest ecology, and how to protect the Tahoe basin.
Saturday, June 13 and 27 at 6:45 pm - 7:30 pm: Meet at Bliss Campground Amphitheater for an evening program to learn more about the beautiful Lake Tahoe.
Saturday, June 20th at 8:30 pm: Movie night at Bliss Campground Amphitheater, now showing “Bears of Durango!”
Sunday, June 7, 21, and 28 at 9 am - 11 am: Lighthouse Trail Loop Hike!
The Rubicon Point Lighthouse Trail is a moderate 2.5-mile loop in D.L. Bliss State Park.
Photo credit: All Trails
Emerald Bay State Park
Emerald Bay State Park blends breathtaking scenery with rich cultural history. Skip the chaotic parking by taking the Emerald Bay Shuttle, and join us for these immersive programs:
Thursday, June 11, 19, and 25 at 10 am - 12 pm: Guided hikes on the Vikingsholm Trail and Rubicon to the Falls.
Friday, June 19 at 6 pm - 6:45 pm: Jr. Ranger program…A family favorite! Kids can team up with State Park Interpreters to learn more about the park and earn their Jr. Ranger badge!
Eagle Point Campfire Programs at 6:45 pm - 7:30 pm: If you are staying at the Eagle Point Campground (reopening June 12th), settle in for evening campfire stories, stargazing tips, and legacy tales of Tahoe's original caretakers under the stars.
Don’t forget to tour Vikingsholm Castle!
Our Jr. Rangers are being “sworn in” at an evening Eagle Point Campfire program!
Sugar Pine Point State Park
With its easier lake access and deep historical roots, Sugar Pine Point State Park is the ultimate hub for relaxed, educational summer fun.
Nature Center Discoveries: Start at the Sugar Pine Nature Center to explore the extensive bird and mammal displays, then enjoy your park day!
Friday, June 12 and 26 at 6 pm - 6:45 pm: Jr. Ranger program…A family favorite! Kids can team up with State Park Interpreters to learn more about the park and earn their Jr. Ranger badge! Then take a guided hike to discover the unique science of the land!
Sunday, June 14 at 10 am - 2 pm at 10 am - 2 pm: Mercury and Cherokee turn 100! Join us at the South Boathouse to celebrate the 100th birthday of these historic boats!
Kayak tours on Friday at 8:10 am and 9:50 am, and Saturday at 8:40 am. Registration is required!
Stretching on Friday at 7:15 am - 8 am on the pier! Bring a mat and beach towel and wear comfortable clothing.
State Park Interpreters at Sugar Pine Point State Park are displaying some interpretative elements.
How to Join the Fun
View the exact times and meeting locations for these events
Register for specialized, limited-capacity interpreter programs
Stay updated on weather-related schedule changes
Pro-tip for Visitors: Don’t forget that construction crews are working hard on the highways this summer to keep Tahoe safe and beautiful. Visit Caltrans for current road conditions, head out early in the morning, or jump on the TART Connect micro-transit to glide past the traffic and make it to your favorite free park program on time!
