Road Trip Ready – Our Family Holiday Adventure to Reno and Lake Tahoe

When the holidays roll around, our family starts craving crisp mountain air, cozy hotel nights, and spontaneous snowball fights. This past Christmas, we packed our bags (and snacks!) for a road trip to Reno and Lake Tahoe. As a parent, I know that road trips with kids can be... let’s say “lively,” but with a little planning and a goodie bag full of surprises, it turned into one of our favorite holiday memories.

Hitting the Road with Little Explorers

Before any great road trip, there’s preparation—and that’s where our goodie bags come in. Each of our boys got their own personalized bag filled with fun things to keep them occupied during the long drive. Neal had a slime hand and a Hot Wheels car, Raj couldn’t wait to dig into his Etch A Sketch and coloring book, and Sanjay brought along his Kindle loaded with games and books. We also packed some playing cards to mix in family games along the way.

Parent Tip: Include a mix of sensory toys, snacks, and simple activities in each kid’s bag. It helps pass the time and cuts down on “Are we there yet?” by at least 80%!

Cozy Nights in Reno and Winter Magic in Tahoe

We started our trip in Reno, where festive lights twinkled downtown and the boys were captivated by the decorated hotel lobby. We made it a point to cozy up with hot cocoa after dinner, sharing laughs and reflecting on our day.

Then we headed up to Lake Tahoe, where the snow-covered landscape felt like a real-life winter postcard. The kids spent hours running through the snow, making snow angels, and even building their first (slightly lopsided) snowman.

Travel Tip: Bring plenty of layers! Between snowball fights and cold toes, we were glad we packed gloves, scarves, and extra socks.

Holiday Moments That Matter

What made this trip so memorable wasn’t just the scenery or the holiday lights—it was the way we connected as a family. No screens, no schedules—just long talks, silly games, and impromptu dance parties in the car. These are the moments we’ll remember long after the snow melts.

Road Trip Tip: Let the kids take turns picking songs for the road trip playlist. It turns every stretch of road into a mini family party!

Reflections on the Road

This road trip reminded me that with a little preparation and a lot of snacks, even long drives can turn into family adventures. Reno and Lake Tahoe offered the perfect blend of fun, nature, and winter magic. And best of all, it gave us time to reconnect and celebrate the holidays, together.

If you're thinking about a family road trip, don’t wait for the “perfect” time. Pack those goodie bags, load up the car, and get ready to make memories that your kids will talk about for years.