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Reno Activities & Services for Families & Children

Reno / Tahoe abounds with activities designed to please children and their families. Choose from a zoo, water park, amusement rides at local parks, and plenty of programs sponsored by our cities and libraries.
Reno Charter Schools
Reno charter schools are public schools that give students options not available in regular public schools. Charter schools are taxpayer funded and operate under supervision from the state public school system.
Reno Halloween Events at the Library
Reno Halloween activities for children at our Washoe County Library is fun, safe, and free. Select library branches will be having Halloween events suitable for just about every age group, including pumpkin carving, costume contests, games, parades, and trick-or-treating. Find a Washoe County Library near you and bring the kids for some Halloween fun.
Reno Halloween Events, Haunted Houses, and Pumpkin Patches
Halloween activities for just about everyone can be found in the Reno / Tahoe region. Families with children will find less scary fare such as pumpkin patches and safe trick or treating, while adults can indulge in some serious Halloween partying if they so choose.
Reno's Idlewild Park
Reno's Idlewild Park is a beautiful open space just west of downtown. The park hugs a curve along the south bank of the Truckee River and is a wonderful place for family activities and just plain relaxing.
Pictures of Reno's Idlewild Park
Reno's Idlewild Park is a beautiful open space just west of downtown. The park hugs a curve along the south bank of the Truckee River and features mature trees, large expanses of grass, two rentable picnic shelters, playgrounds, ball fields, a municipal pool, walking and biking paths, a train ride, Reno's Municipal Rose Garden, and small lakes for fishing and feeding waterfowl.
Reno's Top Free Art Exhibits, Galleries, Museums, and Public Art
Reno's variety of free art exhibits, public art installations, and other forms of freely available artistic expression are a wonderful part of the Reno / Lake Tahoe region.
Reno Back To School Information
Reno's back to school time is one filled with excitement, trepidation, and uncertainty for both students and parents. With the Washoe County School District on a 12 month schedule, it's hard to know which public schools open when, and even where children in a particular neighborhood are supposed to attend classes.
Rock Park in Sparks
Rock Park in Sparks was seriously showing its age in 2008, 30 years after it was first established on the banks of the Truckee River. After a complete overhaul, it reopened in May of 2009 with a new Whitewater Park at Rock Park. Riverbank modifications provide for safe water play areas for children and great places for families to enjoy a day at Rock Park.
Pictures of Rock Park in Sparks
Rock Park in Sparks was seriously showing its age in 2008, 30 years after it was first established on the banks of the Truckee River. After a complete overhaul, it reopened in May of 2009 with a new Whitewater Park at Rock Park, consisting of over 1,000 feet of fun - five drop pools for kayaking, tubing, and rafting. Riverbank modifications provide for safe water play areas for children.
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
This is the 37th season of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, held at Sand Harbor on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe. The 2009 Festival runs from July 11 through August 23. In addition to two Shakespeare plays, see the Urban Village Music Series and enjoy other activities related to the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival.
Free Movies in Reno
Reno has free movies showing in several places this summer. Free movies are family friendly entertainment events. Bring the children and enjoy these free movies at different venues around Reno.
Top Family Fun Things to Do in Reno
Reno families will find a variety of things to do in the Reno / Lake Tahoe region. Families with children can choose from amusement parks, art centered activities, and adventures in the great outdoors. Whatever you and your children enjoy doing, there are activities everyone in the family can enjoy.
Reno Summer Camps for Kids
Summer camps and summer activities for kids abound around Reno and Lake Tahoe. Children can find a variety of summer recreation activities, including art, camping, sports, education, and more.
Global Kids Summer Camps in Reno
Global Kids Summer Camps help children learn about different cultures and places. The camps are sponsored by the Northern Nevada International Center at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Reno / Tahoe Summer Camps and Recreation for Kids
Summer camps and summer activities for kids abound around Reno and Lake Tahoe. Children can find a variety of summer recreation activities, including art, camping, sports, education, and more.
Reno & Sparks Bike Shops
Reno and Sparks are mostly flat, making getting around on a bicycle a relatively easy proposition. Those who find peddling a pleasant way to get around will find an increasing number of fellow travelers. You will also find more accommodations along the roadways for bike riders, including new bike lanes and the colorful public art bicycle racks found around downtown Reno.
Reno Easter Egg Hunts, Celebrations, Festivals, Events, Sparks, Lake …
Children and their families around Reno / Tahoe have a variety of both church-sponsored and non-denominational Easter egg hunts and events from which to choose.
Mother's Day Around Reno / Tahoe
Mother's Day around Reno, Lake Tahoe, and Sparks, Nevada features a variety of things for mom, including brunches, special events, shopping, and other activities.
Reno Safe Place Program
Safe Place in Reno is part of a nationwide program that provides a first step for youth at risk or in crisis. Various community organizations, government agencies, and businesses collaborate to provide places where immediate safety and help is available, and offer support services to both young people and their families.
Reno Easter Egg Hunts and Celebrations
Children and their families around Reno / Tahoe have a variety of both church-sponsored and non-denominational Easter egg hunts and events from which to choose.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Reno
Reno events and celebrations commemorating the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday in northern Nevada.
Exploring Nevada Series at the Wilbur D. May Museum
The 2009 Exploring Nevada Series consists of free presentations about Nevada history and some of the people involved with Nevada's colorful past. Featured presentations include guest speakers, photography, and video. They are sure to be entertaining and educational for those who attend.
Nevada Heritage Series at Bartley Ranch Regional Park
The 2009 Nevada Cultural Heritage Series consists of free presentations about the cultural and natural heritage of northern Nevada. Featured speakers are among northern Nevada experts in their respective fields and are sure to give their audiences entertaining and educational presentations.
Reno / Lake Tahoe National Winter Trails Day 2009
Since we have winter for several months each year, Winter Trails Day is a great opportunity to learn more about safe and fun family recreation in our nearby snowy mountains.
"Come in from the Cold" Family Entertainment Series at Bartley Ranch
When it's freezing outside and the budget has taken a holiday beating, free family entertainment sounds pretty good, and Reno's "Come in from the Cold" Family Entertainment Series could be just what you're looking for.
Reno Christmas and Holiday Activities Guide
Reno Christmas and holiday activities, events, and shows include philharmonic concerts, Christmas tree lightings, Christmas celebrations, holiday festivals, special shopping, singing, and ballets.
Rink on the River
Ice skating family fun in downtown Reno, next to the Truckee River.
Reno Rink on the River Pictures
Pictures of winter ice skating fun at Rink on the River in downtown Reno, right next to the Truckee River. Rink on the River is a place for families to have fun during the winter season.
Reno Thanksgiving Day Weekend
Our Reno Thanksgiving Day and weekend brings us options for dining out, dining in, and participating in a variety of family friendly events and diversions. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it's a time when activities revolve around lots of good food and visiting with family and friends.
Reno / Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing Areas and Resorts
The Reno / Lake Tahoe region has a wide variety of top cross-country ski resorts and ski areas. Sprinkled around the Lake Tahoe area, these nordic skiing areas are also blessed with abundant snow, excellent accommodations, and easy access from Reno, Sacramento, and the Bay Area. Many of these ski areas also offer other winter sports opportunities, such as snowshoeing, sledding, and snow tubing.
Reno Snow Play Areas
Snow play areas and sno-parks abound near Reno and up around Lake Tahoe. Snow play areas in Nevada are somewhat informal, while over in California there is a Sno-Park program run by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, with the assistance of several other agencies. Many of the Lake Tahoe ski resorts also have snow play areas.
Reno / Lake Tahoe Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding Areas and Resorts
The Reno / Lake Tahoe region has one of the largest concentrations of top downhill ski resorts in the world. Perched on the slopes around Lake Tahoe, these skiing areas are also blessed with abundant snow, excellent accommodations, and easy access from Reno, Sacramento, and the Bay Area.
Nevada Day Celebration
The Nevada Day holiday is our annual event celebrating Nevada's admission to the union as the 36th state on October 31, 1864. Nevada Day as a unique admission day state holiday is only replicated in two other states - Hawaii and West Virginia.
Fall Things To Do Around Reno and Lake Tahoe
Reno's fall season is a great time to be out and about, enjoying the pleasures of living in the Reno / Tahoe region. Numerous activities compete for your attention, from organized events to quiet hikes through aspen groves of golden fall color at Lake Tahoe. Many of my suggestions are suitable for everyone, so take the family on a fall outing to savor the sights and sounds of the changing seasons.
Lake Tahoe's Taylor Creek Visitor Center
Visiting Lake Tahoe is always fun. You can add to your enjoyment with a stop at Taylor Creek Visitor Center, operated by the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit of the US Forest Service.
Two Gallon Trips Around Reno and Sparks
Reno and Sparks have numerous things to do within a two gallon radius of the Truckee Meadows. Save gas, save money, and enjoy activities in Reno and Sparks.
Father's Day Around Reno / Tahoe
Father's Day around Reno, Lake Tahoe, and Sparks, Nevada features a variety of things for mom, including brunches, special events, shopping, and other activities.
Washoe County Library's Kids' Site
Great stuff for kids, like games and homework help.
Washoe County Library's Teen Site
Lots of library programs designed just for teens.
Great Basin Adventure
Located at the Wilbur D. May Center at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park in Reno. Lots of fun kid stuff, including a petting ranch, pony rides, a log flume ride, and more.
Reno Skate Parks
The City of Reno has several skate parks around town, suitable for skaters and trick bikers of all abilities.
City of Reno Camps for Kids
There's probably something of interest to every kid. Offered through Reno Parks, Recreation, and Community Services.
City of Reno Teen Programs
For young people 12 - 20, programs provide opportunities to explore recreational and educational interests, and develop life skills.
Sierra Safari Zoo
This is the only place in Northern Nevada to see exotic animals up close. It is mostly staffed by volunteers.
Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary & Nature Center
Animal Ark provides a home for non-releasable wildlife and has a nature center for the public to view and learn about the animals. There is a gift shop, picnic area, and educational programs. Season is April through October.
Wild Island Family Adventure Park
Wild Island in Sparks has a water park, family entertainment center, bowling alley, and can be booked for events like birthday parties.
Roller Kingdom Roller Skating Rink and Family Fun Center
From the website: "Roller Kingdom is Reno's hottest spot for family fun. If it's good clean fun you are looking for let Roller Kingdom be your destination. Check our Session Schedule to find a time that you can come join us."
The Children's Museum of Northern Nevada
Museum is a non-profit organization providing education and entertainment for children and their families. Located in Carson City.
NVFamily.org
Here's a good list of childcare providers around the Reno / Sparks area.

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