United States Nevada Top Family Fun Things to Do in Reno and Sparks - Part 1 Best Places for Family Fun in the Reno / Tahoe Region By Standley White Standley White Stan White is a freelance writer and outdoor photographer who has lived in the Reno/Lake Tahoe area for 10 years. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 06/26/19 Fact checked by Michelai Graham Fact checked by Michelai Graham Michigan State University American University Michelai Graham is a technology and business reporter who has written for The Urban Institute and Scoop News. She reports for AfroTech, Lifewire, and The Plug. TripSavvy's fact-checking Reno area families will find a variety of things to do in the Reno / Lake Tahoe region. Families with children can choose from amusement parks, indoor gyms and playgrounds, art-centered activities, and adventures in the great outdoors. Whatever you and your children enjoy doing, there are activities for everyone in the family during every season of the year. This list is only part of the fun. For more, go to "Top Family Fun Things to Do in Reno - Part 2." 01 of 09 The Discovery Stan White View Map Address 490 S Center St, Reno, NV 89501-2105, USA Get directions Phone +1 775-786-1000 Web Visit website The Discovery (Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum) is a hands-on, interactive place where visitors are encouraged to indulge their interests in science, art, and local history. Besides exploring the exhibits on their own, visitors to The Discovery can participate in numerous organized educational activities throughout the year. The Discovery hosts field trips for local school children and offers a place for fantastic birthday parties. 02 of 09 Rancho San Rafael Regional Park Stan White View Map Address 1595 N Sierra St, Reno, NV 89503-1716, USA Get directions Phone +1 775-785-4512 Web Visit website Plant Moms 4.2 Reno's Rancho San Rafael Regional Park encompasses 600 acres just northwest of downtown Reno. Rancho San Rafael Park includes acres of grassy fields, wetlands, natural areas, rentable picnic shelters, nature and walking trails, playground, and huge dog park. Rancho San Rafael is also home to the Wilbur D. May Center, consisting of the Wilbur D. May Museum and Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Both of these attractions host numerous family-friendly events and activities throughout the year. There are several more public parks around the Reno region offering attractions for families. 03 of 09 Artown Stan White Family Attractions 4.3 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. 04 of 09 Reno & Sparks Public Swimming Pools Stan White The City of Reno has four public swimming pools, two of which are outdoors and operate on a seasonal basis during the summer months. Sparks Parks & Rec operates four public swimming pools, three two of which are outdoors and operate on a seasonal basis during the summer months. For a less formal experience, there are several free and really cheap water play places for when the heat is on in Reno. Continue to 5 of 9 below. 05 of 09 hands/ON! on Second Saturdays TripSavvy / Ana Alarcon View Map Address 160 W Liberty St, Reno, NV 89501, USA Get directions Phone +1 775-329-3333 Web Visit website hands/ON! on Second Saturdays is a free family event held every month at the Nevada Museum of Art in Reno. Everyone will enjoy the activities and storytelling, plus you get to tour all of the Museum's current exhibits for free during your visit. 06 of 09 Idlewild Park Stan White View Map Address 2055 Idlewild Dr, Reno, NV 89509-1020, USA Get directions Phone +1 775-334-2270 Web Visit website Reno's Idlewild Park, next to the Truckee River, is full of family fun. There is a big playground for the kids and two small lakes for fishing and feeding the ducks and geese. There is lots of grass and big shade trees for picnics and just relaxing. A biking and walking path follows the river and connects Idlewild Park to downtown Reno. During the summer months, the public Idlewild Pool is open for swimming and water play. The Idlewild Park train is a popular ride that operates during the summer. Reno's annual Earth Day celebration is held in Idlewild Park. Reno's Municipal Rose Garden is in this park. 07 of 09 Explore Reno Area Hiking Trails Stan White There are hiking trails to suit most every level of fitness in the Reno area, from leisurely strolls along the Truckee River to strenuous hikes up at Lake Tahoe. Here in town, try the Huffaker Park Lookout Trail for views of Reno and Sparks without much effort. For a real workout, head for the summit of Mt. Rose and enjoy some awesome views of Lake Tahoe and beyond. 08 of 09 Ride the V&T Railroad Stan White Riding the restored Virginia & Truckee Railroad (V&T) is a wonderful family activity. There's something about a steam locomotive that is fascinating for both kids and adults. The V&T brings the history of the Comstock alive in a most entertaining way as the trains roll along the historic route between Carson City and Virginia City. Get on board for a fun family experience. Continue to 9 of 9 below. 09 of 09 Go for a Family Bike Ride Stan White Like hiking, Reno area biking comes in a variety of flavors. More bike lanes are appearing in the Truckee Meadows, but you don't have to watch the kids so closely if you try sections of the Tahoe - Pyramid Bikeway that pass through town. Need wheels? Check out these "Reno & Sparks Bike Shops." Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Share Pin Email