Family-Friendly Activities in Reno & Lake Tahoe
Loading Results
Redefine Family Fun
Embrace the magic of new memories.
When it comes to family-friendly activities, Reno and Lake Tahoe have a lot to offer. Indoor, outdoor, winter or summer – you name it, we’ve got it. Sure, we’re bursting at the seams with nightlife, eateries and outdoor recreation, but part of what makes this area so great is that there is something for everyone, little humans included.
Reno Family Activities
You can start your family adventures by taking the kiddos to a family-friendly hotel resort such as The Grand Sierra Resort, offering bowling and laser tag. Or maybe get out in the fresh air and enjoy one of Reno’s parks. Hit up one of Reno’s popular events, like the Reno River Fest or the Reno Rodeo. You’ll find water parks, regular parks, museums, restaurants, nature, and just about whatever else you can think of.
Lake Tahoe & Beyond Family Activities
More family-friendly activities can be found in Lake Tahoe, Virginia City, and Sparks. Visit Kings Beach or Sand Harbor for swimming and sandcastles. Take an old-time family portrait in Virginia City and check out historic attractions. There are endless possibilities right at your fingertips.
FAQs
Reno packs in options for every kind of weather and age group.
- Fly High Trampoline Park for foam pits and trampoline dodgeball
- BaseCamp or Mesa Rim for indoor rock climbing
- Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum for hands-on exhibits
- Kimmie Candy for a free factory tour
- Wild Island Waterpark for slides, pools, and Tiny Tides for younger kids
- Andelin Family Farm for seasonal events like Baby Animal Days and pumpkin patches
- A Reno Aces baseball game
- The Great Reno Balloon Race in early September
Full details, hours, and links for each spot: Things to Do in Reno With Kids.
Lake Tahoe delivers family fun in every season.
- Kings Beach, Sand Harbor, or Carnelian Bay for swimming and sandcastles
- Eagle Falls near Emerald Bay for a short, kid-friendly hike
- Epic Discovery at Heavenly for zip lines and a mountain coaster
- Northstar or Boreal snow parks for tubing and sledding
- Northstar's outdoor ice rink for skating by the fire pits
- Bowl Incline for bowling and arcade games
- KidZone Museum in Truckee for hands-on play with younger kids
Full guide with all the details: Things to Do in Lake Tahoe with Kids.
Reno and Lake Tahoe offer plenty to do without spending a dime.
- In Reno, hit the trails - Hunter Creek Trail, Hidden Valley Regional Park, Steamboat Ditch Loop, and Evans Canyon/Miner's Trail Loop are all local favorites.
- Walk or bike the Truckee River Walk through Wingfield Park, Idlewild Park, and the Riverwalk District downtown.
- Explore the Wilbur D. May Arboretum in Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, home to more than 4,600 native plant species.
- Catch free live music and public art downtown, including performances during Artown in July, and tour the University of Nevada, Reno's 12 on-campus museums.
- Browse the Riverside Farmers Market, window-shop at local malls, or treasure hunt at thrift shops and the monthly Reno Antique Faire.
- Bring the kids to Reno's parks, splash parks, snow parks, or the downtown library for story times and events.
- At Lake Tahoe, walk the shoreline, swim, or take in the views from free scenic overlooks (note: many beaches charge for parking, but the beach itself is free once you're there), and explore the area's extensive hiking and biking trails.
For the full list with trail links and seasonal event details, see Free Things To Do in Reno, Lake Tahoe & Beyond.