15 Fun Family Friendly Things to Do in Reno with Kids
A picturesque city in Nevada called Reno is located about 22 miles from the well-known Lake Tahoe.
The Biggest Little City in the World, Reno, is a paradise for family entertainment, offering a variety of attractions that people of all ages will enjoy.
Whatever you’re looking for – zoos, parks, museums, malls, outdoor entertainment, or delectable food – Reno offers it.
Here is a list of enjoyable activities in Reno with kids to get your family started on a beautiful experience.
- National Automobile Museum
The National Automobile Museum is a collection of vintage automobiles that first welcomed visitors in 1898.
The majority of the vehicles are from William F. Harrah’s collection.
It has four galleries that show various eras and celebrity-owned cars from the past.
Why We Recommend This Activity
The National Automobile Museum is among the best motor museums in the country.
You can view the four galleries and the unique displays.
The displays include vintage automobiles from the 1890s, race vehicles, exhibition automobiles, automobiles from popular brands, and automobiles owned by notable people like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.
The National Automobile Museum offers a wide range of entertaining events that your kids will love.
Consider the Name That Car Scavenger Hunt, in which your children explore the museum while looking up the answers in the booklet.
While doing this, you may also try dressing up in a theme and taking photos of the automobiles.
Photos of this would make beautiful souvenirs.
Recommended Ages
All ages are welcome at the National Automobile Museum.
The museum is free to enter for kids under the age of five.
- Truckee River Walk — Downtown
The Truckee River Walk is a stunning and picturesque trail in Downtown Reno’s Riverwalk District.
Truckee River Walk is surrounded by various stores, restaurants, entertainment venues, and family-friendly attractions.
Why We Recommend This Activity
You can go for a romantic stroll hand in hand along the Truckee River Walk with your loved ones and have an excellent, tranquil time together.
It’s ideal for resting while you breathe fresh air from exploring all the exciting locations in Reno.
You may observe ducks, public art, and kayaking competitions, among other things.
There are several neighborhood shops and eateries all around the Truckee River Walk.
It’s a terrific place to browse because of the variety of options offered by the stores.
The many eateries offer delicious cuisine and family-friendly options.
Recommended Ages
All ages of people are welcome on the Truckee River Walk.
There are paved roads that are ideal for strollers, making this holiday destination suitable for families with young children.
- Reno Air Races
Every September, a multi-day tournament called the Reno Air Races, commonly referred to as the National Championship Air Races, takes place.
It is the quickest motorsport in the world.
It includes competitions and incredible flying displays by pilots.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Your tribe will never forget the unique and exhilarating experience of the Reno Air Races.
There are lovely places to sit during the races and airshows, making it easier for your family to view.
Take a trip across the aerial field to get a close-up look at the planes when it’s too windy for them to fly.
Numerous merchants sell various goods, souvenirs, and delectable snacks and beverages.
Recommended Ages
Your teenagers and older kids, starting at age 7, should attend the Reno Races.
All ages are welcome. However, tiny children and toddlers might not enjoy the raucous throng or the loud noises.
- Animal Ark
North of Reno, you may find the stunning natural preserve and wildlife sanctuary known as The Animal Ark.
The 38-acre Animal Ark mainly houses native North American predators, although it also contains some foreign species.
Why We Recommend This Activity
The Animal Ark is a good choice if you’re seeking kid-friendly attractions in Reno.
Your kids will love being able to interact closely with the wildlife at Animal Ark.
In addition to seeing the animals, you can observe cheetahs galloping, bears, and other predators being fed.
A picnic area and playground are available for your family to use while you take a break from seeing Animal Ark.
Here, you can all enjoy a great lunch while taking in the sights and sounds of the animals.
You can rent golf carts to move around if your kids become weary of walking all day.
There is a gift shop where you can buy all different kinds of souvenirs, novelty goods, trinkets, drinks, and snacks your kids will enjoy, such as ice cream.
Recommended Ages
For infants, toddlers, kids, teenagers, and adults alike, Animal Ark is perfect.
Strollers are permitted in this animal sanctuary for your young children, but I advise bringing wheels with larger wheels because smaller wheels might not roll as readily on gravel roads.
- The Discovery – Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum
A science and technology museum, The Discovery – Terry Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, has various interactive displays that give youngsters lots of chances to have fun while also learning.
Why We Recommend This Activity
The Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum is a beautiful location with many kid-friendly activities.
Your entire family will enjoy exploring the twelve permanent and themed special exhibits.
Your kids can learn about the universe at the Under the Stars exhibit.
Your children can engage in interactive games and marvel at breathtaking visuals.
Interactive experiments are presented with art and science at Da Vinci’s Corner.
Another entertaining exhibit where kids can learn about the process of the invention is Spark! Lab Smithsonian, where they may conduct experiments, read inventors’ journals, view the creations of great inventors, and come up with something original.
Recommended Ages
Children ages one and up should visit the Under the Stars exhibit because it offers a variety of sensory activities that can aid in sensory development.
- Idlewild Park
One of Reno’s most attractive parks is Idlewild Park.
This 49-acre park has two children’s playgrounds, a pool, duck ponds, a skate park, and a lovely rose garden.
It also hosts a lot of unique occasions.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Visits to Idlewild Park are just one of the entertaining activities you can do with young children in Reno.
This weekend, go to Idlewild Park and take a stroll while spending time with your loved ones in this serene setting.
Your children can play with a ball ad run around in the area of Idlewild Park with the grassy lawn.
There is a little park train that circles the area for your children.
Additionally, playgrounds of all sizes are great for kids of all ages.
A beautiful rose garden with more than 1750 roses may be seen in Idlewild Park.
Your family will enjoy strolling along the trails, stopping to smell the blooms, and taking lovely pictures.
Your family can swim all day in the swimming pool, which is around 50 meters long.
A tot pool is also available, perfect for your children to splash around.
Recommended Ages
The train at Idlewild Park is free for toddlers under two years old.
- Sierra Safari Zoo
The Sierra Safari Zoo is Nevada’s biggest zoo.
More than 200 exotic species from all around the world call this zoo, which first opened in 1989, home.
It’s a terrific place for cheap family pricing.
Why We Recommend This Activity
The Sierra Safari Zoo is among the top things to do in Reno with kids.
Your children will enjoy seeing tigers and other wild cats being fed, feeding, and stroking deer, llamas, sheep, alpacas, and other animals at petting zoos.
A zoo is an excellent place for your family to explore and enjoy the many animals, including peacocks, sloths, primates, reptiles, and big cats.
The entire family may enjoy special events at Sierra Safari Zoo.
For kids, slides and a little hay labyrinth are available in October, for instance.
Recommended Ages
Every age group will enjoy Sierra Safari Zoo’s family-friendly atmosphere.
This excellent zoo is free to visit for kids under three.
- Galena Creek Regional Park
The Galena Creek Regional Park is one of Reno’s most well-liked family attractions.
This park has something enjoyable to offer your tribe no matter what time of year you decide to visit.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Galena Creek Regional Park is a fantastic option if you’re looking for lots of enjoyable family activities in Reno.
Your family can enjoy outdoor activities, including hiking on simple routes, fishing at Marilyn’s Pond, going on guided treks, and seeing wildlife in this location.
In the warmer months, you can participate in ranger programs, play volleyball with your family, use the horseshoe pits, and do other activities.
Galena Creek Regional Park is a great place to go sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing in the winter.
Galena Creek Regional Park has amenities like picnic grounds and shelters where you can have a lovely family barbecue and a visitor center with toddler programs where your little ones may participate in outdoor activities, storytime, and arts and crafts.
Recommended Ages
There is no upper age limit at Galena Creek Regional Park, making it perfect for the whole family.
However, the visitor center’s toddler programs are restricted to children between 2 and 4.
- Wilbur D. May Museum
The magnificent Wilbur D. May Museum includes the Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
This museum honors Wilbur D. May by displaying the collection he amassed over his several trips throughout the globe.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Bring your family to the Wilbur D. May Museum today, and while you explore the exhibits, you’ll feel as though you’re exploring the globe.
Objects on display include European glasswork, Chinese pottery, Polynesian sculptures, African tribal masks, and Japanese swords.
Your tribe will adore the Wilbur D. May Arboretum & Botanical Garden since it is a stunning location.
Beautiful garden designs, foliage displays, children’s events like storytime, and even entertaining activities for teens like the Teen Citizen Scientists, where they conduct experiments, are all included.
Recommended Ages
All ages are welcome at the Wilbur D. May Museum. However, older children who can better understand the exhibits will enjoy it more.
Children ages six and under are welcome to storytime at the Wilbur D. May Arboretum & Botanical Garden, while adolescents ages 13 and up are welcome to the teen events.
- Carnival Midway
Reno’s best attraction for kids is the Carnival midway, located inside the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino.
It has party rooms for special occasions like birthdays, an arcade, midway acts, circus performances, and carnival games.
Why We Recommend This Activity
A great spot to spend a lot of fun playing different games is the Carnival Midway.
The giant Pacman and space invaders games worldwide are among the more than 40 games in the XP Arcade.
The arcade features a blast bar where you can relax with a drink and watch over your children as they thoroughly enjoy the arcade.
A carnival atmosphere and carnival games are available for your family to enjoy.
Your loved ones will have a fantastic time viewing circus performances, such as entertaining clown shows and seeing acrobats fly through the air.
Recommended Ages
Your young children, ages four and up, teenagers, and other adults in your family will love Carnival Midway.
- The Puzzle Room — Downtown
The Puzzle Room gives its customers a choice of five escape rooms, including the Egyptian-themed Valley of the Kings, the coal mine-themed Below Ground, the asylum, the Lost Cabin, and Blackbeard’s Treasure.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Consider going to The Puzzle Room in downtown Reno if you want enjoyable family activities.
Family-friendly challenges you to think critically and cooperate as a team rather than being frightening.
There are different difficulty levels; the Lost Cabin is among the simpler as you search his cabin for your missing “uncle.”
You must avoid being cursed at The Valley of the Kings. It is the most challenging location.
Recommended Ages
The Puzzle Room is best suited for older kids and teenagers around nine.
However, everyone is more than welcome here.
- Kimmie Candy Factory Tours
A family-run candy and chocolate factory called Kimmie Candy Factory offers tours of the facility and a gift shop.
Why We Recommend This Activity
If you’re looking for free kid-friendly activities in Reno, I highly suggest giving the Kimmi Candy Factory Tours a try.
Schedule your tour of the factory by giving them a call in advance.
A self-directed mini-tour, a full guided tour of the factory, and free tasty samples are all included in the time, including viewing an educational movie about how Kimmi Candy creates its candy.
You can visit the gift store once your family tour is through and you’ve taken lots of pictures to pick out some delicious candies and chocolates to eat or bring home as gifts.
Recommended Ages
The Kimmie Candy Factory Tours are suitable for all age groups, whether you are taking toddlers, young children, or teenagers.
- Great Reno Balloon Race
A hot air balloon event called the Great Reno Balloon Race occurs at San Rafael Regional Park.
Annually, this takes place in September.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Another fun and free activity that your loved ones will never forget is the Great Reno Balloon Race.
Give your family permission to visit the lovely San Rafael Regional Park to witness the sky explode with color as numerous hot air balloons begin to glide across the heavens.
Other events, such as the Glow Shows, which feature illuminated balloons that launch at around 5 am while they dance to music played on the field below, are part of the Great Balloon Race. Tethered rides are available for your kids, who can take them for a price.
Recommended Ages
The entire family, including your infant and aging parents, is welcome to participate in the Great Reno Balloon Races.
- San Rafael Regional Park
The nearly 600-acre San Rafael Regional Park has a variety of recreational opportunities for the whole family to enjoy.
Playgrounds, pavilions, fields, dog parks, and many more amenities are available there.
Why We Recommend This Activity
If you want to spend quality time with your family outside as they breathe the fresh air and admire the beauty of nature, I highly recommend going to San Rafael Regional Park.
Spend the afternoon having a picnic while grilling juicy burgers and enjoying your delectable prepared food. Rent a pavilion for a little more solitude.
Hiking along beautiful paths and enjoying games like volleyball and disc golf might help your family become closer.
The playgrounds will entertain your kids are available at San Rafael Regional Park.
There are also large fields where youngsters can play tag or catch or throw a ball, or frisbee is allowed.
Recommended Ages
All ages can enjoy San Rafael Regional Park, which is family-friendly.
- Wingfield Park
One of Reno’s most popular parks, Wingfield Park, draws visitors nationwide.
This Reno family favorite provides a wide range of entertaining activities.
This Reno family favorite provides a wide range of entertaining activities.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Going to Wingfield Parks is something I recommend if you’re still unsure about what to do in Reno with kids.
You kids can attempt kayaking, river tubing, and whitewater rafting here and swim in the clear, fresh water.
Along with swimming, you may go on picnics, bike on paved trails, take scenic walks, and attend performances at the theater in the summer.
Recommended Ages
All ages can enjoy the family-friendly Wingfield Park, which has no algae restrictions.
