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Things to Do in Reno With Kids

    Reno Tahoe is more than just a scenic background; it’s an all-encompassing four-season destination with a variety of activities for families. Whether you are an outdoor adventure family or enjoy all the fun indoors, there is something for everyone. From enjoying carnival fun at casino resorts to indoor go-karting or attending Reno’s very own minor league baseball team, these must-visit spots make Reno a premier destination for family fun.

    Indoor Activities for Kids

    Casino Resorts

    The terms “casino” and “kid-friendly” are not usually synonymous, but several of Reno’s casino resorts have arcades, carnival games, family-friendly dining and other things that appeal to the whole family. Check out a couple casinos offering indoor activities:

    Explore more family-friendly casino resorts with games and arcades.

    Fly High

    Fly High Trampoline Park is a premier trampoline destination for beginner and seasoned jumpers. Families can enjoy:

    • Launch pads into foam pits
    • Trampoline dodgeball
    • Basketball court on trampoline pads

    You can even rent the entire space if you are traveling with a large group or have a special occasion to celebrate. Get your bounce on and have fun while working up a sweat!

    Indoor Rock Climbing

    Ready to take your family fun to new heights… literally? Check out two climbing spots in the Reno area: BaseCamp and Mesa Rim.

    BaseCamp is located inside of Whitney Peak Hotel and offers indoor and outdoor climbing.

    • Indoor bouldering walls: Perfect for beginners to test their skills safely
    • Outdoor belay wall: For the brave as you can scale the side of a hotel
    • Support for all levels: Rental gear and a full staff ready to assist

    Mesa Rim is a massive indoor climbing facility.

    • Walls of varying sizes: Ideal for belay or bouldering
    • Family-friendly space: Rest area and chess play area upstairs
    • Beginners welcome: Even with experienced climbers around, newcomers can enjoy themselves

    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.

    Tour highlights:

    • Learn about the history and innovation of Kimmy Candy
    • Interactive Q&A experience
    • Explore 12 rooms dedicated to the candy making experience including Choco Lentil Creation Station, Nutty Roasting Zone, and Candy Carousel Room

    From confectionery to chocolate, Kimmie Candy will handle any sweet tooth. Please call ahead to schedule a tour.

    Birdeez

    Birdeez is an indoor mini golf adventure for those looking to escape the weather or enjoy a quick, family-friendly competitive game. Located in downtown Reno, families can look forward to:

    • Three themed 9-hole courses for a full 27-hole experience
    • Courses that pay tribute to Nevada culture featuring casino-themed obstacles including Roulette and Wheel of Fortune

    The fun doesn’t need to stop at mini golf, you can also partake in their live quiz show or a round of darts to keep the family competition going.

    Need 2 Speed

    Experience the thrill of indoor go-kart racing at Need 2 Speed in Reno! With state-of-the-art electric karts, a blacklight mini golf course and immersive VR experiences, there's something for the whole family.

    South 40

    Looking for food, entertainment, and an arcade all under one roof? Be sure to check out South 40 as it has it all!

    Food options:

    • Full menu featuring steak, seafood, pasta, and more

    Arcade highlights:

    • 50+ games including skee ball and claw machines
    • Popular games like Mario Kart
    • VR experiences

    “The Backyard” indoor fun area:

    • Bowling
    • Cornhole
    • Axe throwing

    As if this wasn’t enough, South 40 also offers a stage for live music, comedy and more.

    The Discovery

    Located in the heart of downtown Reno and regularly named “Best Place to Take the Family” and “Best Indoor Activity” in Northern Nevada, Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum is a unique and engaging activity in Reno that you and your family won’t forget.

    Explore these permanent and featured exhibits:

    • Allosaurus: Travel back to the Jurassic era and explore a full-scale 25 ft Allosaurus replica
    • Brick Masters Studio: Build with LEGO® bricks and see 100+ LEGO® sculptures built by Sean Kenney
    • Inside Out: Hands-on anatomy exhibits that showcase how the human body works, grows, and heals

    Check out more of the museum’s permanent and featured exhibitions that are sure to inspire curiosity, creativity and the joys of lifelong learning for all visitors.

    The Puzzle Room

    The Puzzle Room is a great way for kids to flex their critical thinking skills while enjoying themselves. Each room transports you into another mysterious time and place to solve clues and escape the room before the clock runs out.

    Puzzle rooms available for booking:

    • Valley of the Kings: Explore King Tut’s tomb and find a missing teammate before the Pharaoh’s Curse strikes.
    • Below Ground: Descend into an abandoned coal mine, stop a criminal plot, and defuse a bomb before time runs out.
    • The Asylum: Wake up trapped in a mysterious asylum and uncover its secrets. This is typically a scarier room for younger children so plan accordingly.
    • Lost Cabin: Investigate your missing uncle’s disappearance at a remote cabin and confront strange clues and surprises.
    • Blackbeard’s Treasure: Imprisoned on Blackbeard’s ship, escape and uncover the legendary Montezuma’s Chalice.

    Spots fill up fast, so book ahead to secure your family’s escape adventure!

    Wild Island Coconut Bowl

    If you’re searching for things to do in Reno with kids that guarantee hours of entertainment, Wild Island Coconut Bowl has it all. Activities span from:

    • Bowling: Challenge each other to see who wins
    • Go-Kart Racing: Race through a blacklight jungle
    • Multi-Level Play Structure: Climb, slide, and explore
    • XD Adventure Theater: Interactive games bring the action to life
    • Mini Golf: Indoor blacklight course or outdoor option

    Check out Coconut Bowl’s hours of operations and even plan what adventure you want to embark on ahead of time!

    Summer, the Local Way

    Being a mom of three and an outdoor enthusiast means Kay Kroshus knows exactly where motherhood and childhood create simple bliss in Reno Tahoe. Slow down with Kay and discover how to experience the region like a local—with slow mornings on the lake and family-friendly events.

    Kay’s Summer Guide

    Outdoor Activities for Kids

    Andelin Family Farm

    Andelin Family Farm in Sparks offers fun for all ages!

    This local farm offers seasonal festivities:

    Make it an annual tradition to visit with friends and family, and continue the farm fun by connecting with the animals through the petting farm, festival events and educational tours.

    Animal Ark

    Animal Ark is a wildlife sanctuary for non-releasable animals located about 30 minutes north of Reno.

    What you can experience:

    • Special programming events for children and families
    • Educational tours focused on wildlife and ecology
    • Opportunities to connect with nature and wildlife

    Be sure to check out Animal Ark’s event calendar and see what fun events are coming up. Animal Ark is open seasonally from April through November.

    Food Truck Events

    When the food trucks hit the streets in Reno, you know summer has arrived! Reno is famous for its family-friendly food truck events, making it easy for foodies of all ages to enjoy delicious eats together. Be sure to check out Feed the Camel and Food Truck WTF.

    Feed the Camel

    • Days: Wednesdays
    • Months: June through August
    • Where: McKinley Arts Center
    • What to expect:
      • Reno Tahoe’s best food trucks
      • Arts and crafts sold by local artisans

    Food Truck WTF

    • Days: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
    • Months: May through September
    • Where:
      • Wednesday: Cyan Park
      • Thursday: North Valleys Regional Park
      • Friday: Idlewild Park right off the Truckee River
    • What to expect:
      • 20+ local food trucks and vendors
      • Plenty of grass area for kids to run around
      • Kid favorite, pop-up rock climbing wall
      • Live music from local performers

    Mini Golf

    While Reno offers both indoor and outdoor mini golf, Magic Carpet Ride is the largest outdoor miniature golf course in Nevada! Enjoy a family-friendly, competitive game across 66 holes and three themed courses, featuring unique animal and fantasy sculptures like dinosaurs and a genie.

    Raptor Adventures

    While taking a trip to visit Animal Ark, stop by Raptor Adventures which is located right inside! Raptor Adventures is an exhilarating outdoor experience for families wanting to learn more about various raptors.

    Open seasonally from spring into fall, you can book group and private experiences to feel the thrill and connect with these birds of prey!

    Reno Aces Baseball

    During spring and summer, the Reno Aces, minor league affiliates of the Arizona Diamondbacks play upwards of 60 home games with fun events and promotions including:

    • Play area for kids located behind outfield
    • Fireworks show after Friday night home games
    • Themed nights like Family Sunday with $1.50 hot dogs or Mickey Mouse Night

    Grab the kids, some Cracker Jacks and enjoy the event at the Greater Nevada Field.

    The Great Reno Balloon Race

    Taking place in early September, The Great Reno Balloon Race features over 100 hot air balloons filling the sky for a spectacular show. Families can start the morning with a pajama party and hot cocoa while watching the sunrise as the balloons take off. Once the balloons are in the air, the scene makes a perfect backdrop for memorable family photos.

    Virginia City

    Take a day trip to Virginia City, a historic little town just 30 minutes from downtown Reno. Families can step back into history with:

    • Guided tours around Virginia City
    • Train rides
    • Museums
    • Quirky shops
    • Exploring iconic landmarks

    It’s your playground to discover this mining town that put Nevada on the map.

    Wild Island Waterpark

    Cool off in the summer at the Waterpark at Wild Island. With 10+ slides, three pools, and plenty of food options, this is heaven for families with kids of any age. Tiny Tides is a brand new waterpark feature for children under 54”. It features a mini wave pool, spray pad, slides, and more, creating fun for the whole family!

    Family Fun in Reno Tahoe Doesn’t Stop There

    Browse our Family Activities page to discover even more kid-friendly inspiration, including best local hotels and restaurants that cater to families.

    Your Parenting Shortcut to a Perfect Afternoon

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