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.
Great Basin Adventure
Great Basin Adventure is a summer family destination, located in Reno's Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. Attractions include a farm animals petting zoo, pony rides, an exhibit where kids can climb on dinosaurs, and log flume ride. It's part of the May Center at the park, which also includes a museum and arboretum with shady walking trails. Check the website for hours and rates.1595 N. Sierra St., Reno, NV 89503
(775) 785-5961
Wild Island Family Adventure Park
Wild Island is a family fun center in Sparks. The big summer attraction is a huge water park with slides and pools, but there are things to do every month of the year. Other attractions include miniature golf, the Coconut Bowl, and a go-kart raceway. To find out which attractions are open and when, check the Wild Island calendar.250 Wild Island Ct., Sparks, NV 89434
(775) 359-2927
Artown
Logo image courtesy Artown
Reno's annual festival of the arts lasts the entire month of July. There are hundreds of events, many of which are geared to family participation, and over half of them are free. With so many events, you should check the schedule to find family events, times, and locations. The Artown 2009 schedule of events is now online at the Artown website.
Taylor Creek Visitor Center
Photo © Stan White
Taylor Creek Visitor Center is a U.S. Forest Service facility located three miles northwest of South Lake Tahoe on California 89. There are various exhibits in the Center, but the best things are the hiking trails. Smokey's Trail teaches kids about campfire safety. The Rainbow Trail wanders through wildflowers and leads to the Stream Profile Chamber, where visitors can get a look at what goes on under the water in a mountain stream. More trails, picnic areas, Lake Tahoe beaches, and the fall Kokanee Salmon Festival add to the fun. To learn about summer programs, call the Taylor Creek Visitor Center at (530) 543-2674.
Kings Beach State Recreation Area
Photo © Stan White
Kings Beach State Recreation Area at Lake Tahoe is 43 miles and less than an hour from downtown Reno. The Mt. Rose Highway (Nevada 431) takes you up to the clear, cool water lapping at Lake Tahoe's north shore. This beautiful, family friendly park on Lake Tahoe's north shore is a perfect place to go when the heat is on in Reno. There is a long sandy beach, a shallow shoreline for children, and water toy rentals including, paddle boats, water bikes, tubes, and jet skis.
The Children's Museum of Northern Nevada
Just down the road in Carson City, this museum is a non-profit organization featuring exhibits and programs that focus on the arts, sciences, and humanities. Exhibits and programs are based on Nevada educational standards, current and historical culture, or kinetic movement. The museum is a place for learning and having fun, with activities and exhibits suitable for families with children from two years to teenagers. You can even have birthday parties here. It is open every day and has a variety of events throughout the year.813 N. Carson St., Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 884-2226
Boomtown Family Fun Center
This attraction is an indoor arcade at the Boomtown Casino Hotel. There are lots of fun things to do, including a 3D motion theater, climbing wall, flight simulator, carousels, and over 200 video games. There is a party room for rent and snack bar.Interstate 80, Exit 4 Reno, NV 89439 (775) 345-8668
