Sawmill Pond Winter Fun for Kids in South Lake Tahoe

Fun Winter Activities for Kids at Sawmill Pond

Nestled in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains, South Lake Tahoe offers plenty of family-friendly things to do. When the snow starts falling, bundle up the kids for a day of winter fun at Sawmill Pond.

Sledding Hills Surround the Pond

One of the top attractions bringing families to Sawmill Pond in winter is the perfect sledding hills. Little ones just learning to sled will enjoy the gentle slopes surrounding the pond. More daring sledders can head across the street to Sawmill Heights, where steeper runs mean faster speeds.

Pack the trusty toboggan or snow tube, and make sure everyone has quality snow gear before heading out. Warm coats, snow pants, waterproof gloves, helmets for young kids, and snow boots make spending hours outdoors sledding safe and comfortable.

Ice Skating on the Frozen Pond

When temperatures dip below freezing for weeks on end, Sawmill Pond transforms into a scenic wonderland. The water becomes a frozen sheet of ice, strong enough for ice skating adventures. Visitors to Sawmill Pond can lace up their skates on-site for free winter fun.

Even beginner skaters can step and glide safely on the flat ice near the shore. Those with more skills can venture further out to try spins and even play an impromptu game of ice hockey. The natural beauty surrounding the pond adds to the magic when skating under sunny skies.

Snowman Building and Snowball Fights

The deep snow blanketing the Sawmill Pond area also brings creative snow play. Kids are free to scoop up armfuls of the fluffy white stuff to build snow creations to their heart’s content. Mini and giant snowmen, funky snow aliens, and snow forts spring up along the banks.

Giggling kids lob snowballs back and forth across clear patches by the pond. Parents even join in, but use care to keep snowball fights light-hearted. After working up an appetite playing in the snow, fuel up on hot cocoa and snacks from the nearby concession stand.

Wildlife Watching on a Winter’s Day

While kids stay active enjoying winter recreation at Sawmill Pond, they can also pause to appreciate the wildlife. Ducks, geese, and other waterfowl swim gracefully in the open sections of water among the ice. Quiet kids might spot squirrels, chipmunks, and birds like chickadees flitting through bare trees.

Fishing Remains Open Year-Round

Another opportunity stirring curiosity and winter fun is fishing on Sawmill Pond. Even while snow dusts the banks, fishing here stays open throughout the winter. Anglers reel in plenty of rainbow trout, with specially tagged fish rewarding lucky winners.

Have the little ones bring their own kid-sized rods and bait or worms to try their hand at ice fishing. Catch anything from small panfish to trophy trout lurking in the frigid waters below the ice.

Warming Up After Winter Play

While the cold air keeps kids energized for outdoor play, breaks to warm up are still important. The Sawmill Pond concession area offers shelter to sip something hot, use the restrooms, and take a load off for a few minutes. For more creature comforts, the car is nearby to blast the heat as needed.

Once recharged, families can dive back into the snow and return to sledding, ice skating, building snow creations, and appreciating all the winter magic Sawmill Pond has to offer kids.

FAQs

Is there an admission fee to visit Sawmill Pond?

No. Accessing the trails, sledding hills, pond area, and other recreation at Sawmill Pond is free and open to the public.

Can I rent ice skates on-site?

Yes. Ice skates are available to rent for free on a first-come, first-served basis. Check at the concession and warming area by the pond to find sizes for the whole family.

What fish species are in Sawmill Pond?

The pond is stocked with rainbow trout and also has small panfish like bluegill and crappie. Special tagged trout offer prizes when caught ice fishing.

Is there parking at Sawmill Pond?

Yes, a decent-sized parking lot provides parking for dozens of vehicles. Overflow street parking is also available if the lot fills up.