Where can we keep our children in Northern California (Bay Area) to see the snow?

We have children and I would like to take to see snow for the first time. We live in San Francisco Bay, but are not sure that we have on them "all the way" in Tahoe, as they are too young to ski, etc. Can anyone give any advice on what cities / towns would be a good place to bring young children in our area, ages 3-4-6? Not sure of dealing with all the hustle and bustle of Tahoe during the ski season would be the greatest idea of how young children and we were thinking about taking a day trip. We live in the East Bay, but not sure how far they must travel to finally see the snow. Any advice would be useful. Thank you!

Mt St Helena has received 6 inches to date. It is in the far north of Calistoga in Napa Valley a little further.

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