Weekend freebies in Reno and Sparks

There are some fun, and free, happenings in the Reno area this weekend. Fortunately, the latest round of cold rain seems to be coming to an end, with warm and sunny in the forecast starting on Thursday. I think it's still a little early to be taking a dip in the Truckee River, but be sure to read up on water play safety before deciding to take the plunge. There are also some rules of engagement to consider when using the Truckee River for your recreational activity of choice.

If you have an event or activity you'd like to publicize for free, you can do it right here on RenoTahoe.About.com. Just go to Reno Area Events Submitted By Readers and fill out the form at the bottom of the page. Once approved, your entry will appear for Reno / Tahoe visitors to see.

Free Saturday at the Nevada Museum of Art - Admission to the Nevada Museum of Art (NMA) is free on every second Saturday of the month in 2011. On June 11, you get a special treat as it's opening day of a new exhibit - To Live Forever - Egyptian Treasures from the Brooklyn Museum of Art. Check out my list of NMA Events for more about current exhibits and other activities at the Museum.

Free Fishing Day in Nevada - On Saturday, June 11, Sparks Rotary and Sparks Parks & Recreation will be sponsoring a kids' day of free fishing at the Sparks Marina Park starting at 7 a.m. as part of the State of Nevada's official free fishing day. For more information, call (775) 353-2385.

The Reno Host Lions Club will be hosting free fishing for kids at Idlewild Park, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Remsa, the Reno Fire Department, and other groups will be there as well.

Besides these, there are several other places to fish in the Reno area.

Reno Block Party - The Reno Block Party will be at Wingfield Park and West Street Plaza in downtown Reno. This 1st annual is a music and arts festival featuring the best of Reno local talent, including over 10 live bands, multiple stages, DJs, vendor booths, and food and drink. This is an all-ages party and admission is free. The fun is from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 11.

Dragons and Dinos at the Wilbur D. May Museum - This will be the last weekend for the Dragons and Dinos nature exhibit at the Wilbur D. May Museum in Reno's Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. Bring your children for a voyage back to the days when dinos and dragons were real. The last day was going to be June 12, but this popular exhibit has been extended through July 3 (not free, but worth the small admission price).

Free Movies at the Library - The free movie this Friday, June 10, 1 p.m. at the Sierra View Library is Amelia. It is one of a series of chick flicks showing during June. Check out the Washoe County Library events for information about the other free movies and other free activities for families and children offered at various branches of your library system.

Become a Junior Ranger - Kids can learn about becoming a Junior Ranger at this Family Nature Days program at Galena Creek Visitor Center. The program will include wilderness show and tell and a hands-on craft activity. Refreshments will be provided and the suggested donation is $5. 10 a.m. to noon.

Mark Wellman's Adventure Day at Sparks Marina Park - All people with disabilities are invited to attend Mark Wellman's Adventure Day at Sparks Marina Park, 300 Howard Drive. The free event begins at 10 a.m. and features a kayaking seminar, adapted rock climbing, adaptive sailing and hand cycles. Sunday, June 12.

Get more Reno / Tahoe information:

- Receive the Reno / Tahoe Newsletter.
- Speak up on the Reno / Tahoe Discussion Forum.
- Follow me on Twitter. #about