Things to Do in Reno With Kids

Whether you are an outdoor adventure family or enjoy perusing through museums, Reno Tahoe is an all-encompassing four-season destination. Witness the magic of The Great Reno Balloon Race or play ball at Aces Stadium. While we have our traditional kid activities in Reno like outdoor recreation and local food hotspots, keep reading for some off-the-beaten-path things to do in Reno with kids.

Casino Resorts

The term casino and kid-friendly usually are not synonymous, but several of Reno’s casino resorts have arcades, carnival games and other play areas for kids. The Circus Circus has reinvented their Carnival Midway so both kids and adults can experience a whimsical carnival feel. Spend some time playing Whac-a-Mole and Pixel Play or catch any of their amazing circus shows! Whether you’re visiting with your family or you just want to feel like a kid again, you’re guaranteed a great time at the Circus Circus Midway.

Inside the Grand Sierra Resort, you will find a movie theater, bowling alley, giant video arcade, virtual reality arena and laser tag. With 40,000 sq. ft. of games and attractions, Fun Quest may just be the biggest video arcade you and your kids will ever experience. Within the resort’s property line, you will find a Go-Kart track, mini golf and Ultimate Rush, which is a giant swing that will slingshot you 180 feet into the air. Grand Sierra Resort’s Grand Adventure land is the perfect place to create some adrenaline-pumping memories.

The Discovery

For a hands-on learning experience in all things science, technology, engineering, history and invention, families can stop by the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum which is sure to bring out the inner kid in all of us. The museum’s permanent and featured exhibitions, including Under the Stars, Inside Out: An Anatomy Experience and Da Vinci’s Corner, are sure to inspire curiosity, creativity and the joys of lifelong learning for all visitors.

Located in the heart of downtown Reno and regularly named “Best Place to Take the Family” and “Best Indoor Activity” in Northern Nevada, it’s a kid activity in Reno you and your family won’t soon forget.

Animal Ark

Animal Ark is a wildlife sanctuary for non-releasable animals and is located about 30 minutes north of Reno. Children are educated on ecological principles and wildlife through special programming events and educational tours and can connect with nature and wildlife in a unique and rewarding way. Be sure to check out Animal Ark’s event calendar and see what fun events are coming up, including Tiger Talks and the Cheetah Dash.

Kimmie Candy

Because what kid doesn’t like candy? Kimmie Candy is a candy production facility right here in Reno! Take your family on a free tour and see how all the goodies are made. From confectionary to chocolate, Kimmie Candy will handle any sweet tooth. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment.

The Puzzle Room

Solving clues to escape your themed room is the premise behind The Puzzle Room in downtown Reno. No, this isn’t a scary experience but it is challenging… and a lot of fun! Each room – Below Ground, Valley of Kings, The Asylum and Lost Cabin – is designed to take you into another mysterious time and place. This is a great thing to do in Reno with kids for a uniquely memorable experience bonding together to solve problems.

Fly High

This premier trampoline park will accommodate beginners to the most technical and seasoned jumpers. From foam pits to trampoline dodgeball, they have all you need for an enjoyable time while working up a sweat. You can even rent the entire space if you are traveling with a group or have a special occasion to celebrate. Get your bounce on at Fly High Trampoline Park.

South 40

Food, entertainment, and an arcade all under one roof? Yes! South 40 offers it all. Let’s start with the food: a full menu ranging from steak dinner, seafood, pasta, and more. Now the fun part: The arcade has over 50 games including classics like skee ball and claw games, new games like Mario Kart, and VR games. “The Backyard” is an indoor area that replicates outdoor fun with activities like bowling, cornhole, and axe throwing. Here, there is a also a stage for live music, comedy, and more.

Reno Aces Baseball

During the spring and summer, you can watch the Reno Aces play at Greater Nevada Field. And what better way to spend time together as a family than a baseball game? As the minor league affiliates of the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Aces play upwards of 60 home games, and have all kinds of special events and promotions. After every Friday night home game, the park holds a firework show you don’t want to miss. So grab the kids, some peanuts and Cracker Jacks and enjoy the game and the show!

Sierra Nevada Zoological Park

The largest zoo in Nevada, Sierra Nevada Zoological Park is home to over two hundred animals and over forty different species. Some of their more exotic animals include lemurs, zebras, camels, leopards, monkeys, lions and tigers! The zoo is run by a staff of volunteers, and their goal is to foster compassion for and knowledge about animals and the environment by bringing people and animals together.

Virginia City

Just minutes southeast of Reno, this historic little town is filled with kid-friendly activities that will leave the whole family feeling like they’ve stepped back in time. With guided tours around Virginia City, train rides, museums, quirky shops, restaurants and historic sites, it’s your playground to discover this mining town that put Nevada on the map. From the famous Comstock Lode silver mine, The Way It Was Museum and Barrels O’ Candy shop – your family will want to see it all.

Food Truck Events

Feed the Camel is a fun food truck event for the family. Honoring its namesake, the event occurs each hump day (Wednesday) from June through August at the McKinley Arts Center in downtown Reno. Not only is there a selection of Reno Tahoe’s best food trucks, you can also peruse arts and crafts sold by local artisans.

When Food Truck Friday comes to Reno, you know it’s summertime. Located at Idlewild Park just off the Truckee River, every Friday from May to September more than 20 local food trucks and vendors pull up and hold a party in the park. Bring a blanket and get comfortable on the grass with plenty of room for kids to run around and play after having some signature Reno Street Food. Look out for the kid-favorite pop-up rock climbing wall, and live music from local musicians!

The Great Reno Balloon Race

The Great Reno Balloon Race is a must-do signature Reno event the entire family can enjoy. Held in early September, plan your visit to Reno Tahoe to catch more than 100 hot balloons take to the skies, making for photos you’ve never taken before. You’ll be in awe at the blend of colors and designs of all the balloons, and be sure to take part in the other activities at San Rafael Park, from pajama parties, hot cocoa or even tethered balloon rides.

Family fun in Reno Tahoe doesn’t stop here. Browse our Family Activities page for more ideas and see what hotels and restaurants will cater to you and your family. Or read over our full list of things to do in Reno.