When we visited Reno with our 2 young kids, we were astonished by the amount of family-friendly activities available. While “The Biggest Little City in the World” may not be the most popular family destination, its wealth of museums, parks, and natural sights make it a more than worthwhile destination to visit over a weekend. Here are a few activities that can easily fill several days if you’re looking to accomplish unique activities in Nevada!
The Circus Circus Midway
The Circus Circus resort is not only a great place to stay; the Midway will keep kids entertained with games for hours! From classics like ring toss and balloon darts, to arcades and claw games, there is no shortage of fun activities for the whole family. Even better, the circus stage at the center of the Midway regularly features various circus acts throughout the day. There’s also a food court next to the Midway to keep you fed and happy while you play and try to get the biggest prizes.
Terry Lee Wells Discovery Museum
You certainly won’t be disappointed with all of the exhibits at the Terry Lee Wells Discovery Museum! The kids can begin the day at the Cloud Climber, a permanent fixture at the center of the Museum, which is meant to symbolize the water cycle as kids take active roles climbing up and down the structure. After the kids get some energy out, they can participate in several educational exhibits. They get to learn about the wonders of the human body through the Inside Out Anatomical Experience. They can also solve a variety of unique and compelling puzzles at the Mindbender Mansion. Da Vinci’s Corner aims to bridge the gap between art and science, with hands-on projects for both kids and adults. And, for those interested in learning more about the history and culture of the state of Nevada, the Nevada Stories exhibit is the perfect fit. In that exhibit, people can experience what it was like to work on a mining site, learn about Native American culture in the state, and experience the history of the Transcontinental Railroad. Finally, after a long day of fun at the Discovery Museum, don’t forget to visit Holey Schmidt Donuts next door. You’ll love the varied selection of donuts and that would cap off a busy but highly rewarding day.
Day Trip to Lake Tahoe
Many people are surprised to hear that the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe is only a one-hour drive away! You can rent out stand-up paddle boards and kayaks on Sand Harbor Beach. You can go on a scenic 1.5-hour cruise on the MS Dixie Paddlewheeler out of the Zephyr Cove Resort. You can hike out to some beautiful views at Chimney Beach or Bonsai Rock. And, you can finish your day watching a spectacular sunset from Cave Rock. There are multiple accommodation options both on the north and south sides of the lake, or you can return to Reno for the night. The flexibility that you have with Lake Tahoe being so close means you can plan for as few as one day there to a week or more.
Take A Stroll Down the Riverwalk
The Reno Riverwalk along the Truckee River presents a picturesque opportunity to spend the afternoon as a family. The area between the City Plaza and the McKinley Arts and Culture Center is filled with scenic views, local cafes and breweries. You can also spend some time at Wingfield Park, which is basically an island right on the Truckee River.
Ultimately, we were charmed by everything that Reno had to offer for our family. The low traffic made it a breeze to travel across town, and the opportunity to visit the 2nd-largest alpine lake in the world makes it an appealing draw. We were glad that we didn’t overlook Reno as a family destination, and highly recommend you visit if you have the chance!
This post was produced in partnership with Travel Nevada and Travel Mindset.
