Top Free Places to Cool Off Around Reno / Tahoe

Wingfield Park in downtown Reno one of the most popular places for Truckee River water play during Reno's hot summer months. Together with the Truckee River Whitewater Park, it's like a free water park right in the middle of the city. You can bring your own tubes, rafts, and boogie boards, or rent water play toys from a couple of nearby vendors. The park has big shade trees and expanses of lawn for sunbathing. Numerous downtown Reno events take place here, including the Reno River Festival in May.

The Whitewater Park at Rock Park consists 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 and great places for families to enjoy a day at Rock Park. Admission to Rock Park and its whitewater features is free. The whole park was overhauled after 30 years of service, reopening in May of 2009 with the addition of the Whitewater Park at Rock Park.

This amazing fountain occupies a large plaza in front of the Century Theatre on Victorian Square in Sparks. During the summer months, streams spray from numerous jets to create a watery maze that keeps kids running and laughing, trying to anticipate when the next burst of water will spring up. My description doesn't paint a good picture - you have to see it for yourself. The fountain is big and suitable for all ages, including the adults who aren't shy about running around like kids. Come on down and get wet - there is no admission charge.

Sparks Marina Park has a terrific free swimming area at the northwest corner of the lake. The designated swimming area roped off and there are lifeguards on duty. There is a big beach for sunbathing and sand play, restroom facilities, snack bar, nearby playground, and lots of parking. Outside the swimming area, you can float non-power boats, go fishing (Nevada state regulations apply), or walk the path around the water. The Legends at Sparks Marina shopping complex is right next door. For 2009, swimming is permitted May 23 to 25, May 30 to 31, June 4 to August 30, and September 5 to 7, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Children under eight years old must have an adult with them in the water at all times.

Kings Beach State Recreation Area at Lake Tahoe is 43 miles from downtown Reno. The Mt. Rose Highway (Nevada 431) takes you up to cool water lapping at Lake Tahoe's north shore. When you get to Nevada 28 at Incline Village, turn right and drive west, passing through Crystal Bay, NV. At the state line, it becomes California 89 and takes you to Kings Beach. It's a little over five miles from Incline Village to Kings Beach. 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. Admission is free, but there is a fee of $7 for parking.