Family-Friendly Things to Do in Reno

Waterpark: Late May - Late September

Sparks' seasonal water park and year-round entertainment complex. The waterpark has 10+ slides, three pools, a wave pool, lazy river, and dedicated kids' areas. Off-season: Coconut Bowl bowling (40 lanes), mini golf, go-karts, arcade, and High Ballocity indoor playground.

• + Little Lagoon (toddler area with mini slides)
• + Hurricane Cove treehouse with dumping bucket
• + Montego Bay wave pool
• + Dragon Slide Tower (the famous 'Toilet Bowl')
• + Year-round Coconut Bowl: bowling, arcade, mini golf, go-karts

"One of the longest waterpark seasons on the West Coast. Cold water even in summer — that's just how it is."

-- r/Reno

Tip: Go early on weekdays to avoid crowds. Tubes are free but rentals available. Lockers recommended.

Reno operates 5 public pools — 3 indoor (year-round) and 2 seasonal outdoor. The best budget swim option in the area. Indoor pools have lap lanes, diving boards, and training pools for young kids.

• + Moana Springs — indoor, diving boards, year-round
• + Northwest Pool — indoor, 3-ft training pool perfect for little kids
• + Idlewild Pool — outdoor, summer only, in the park
• + Traner Pool — outdoor, slides, summer only, $2-4
• + EMNECC Pool — indoor, northeast Reno

"Wednesday and Sunday discount days are the local move. $2 for kids to swim all day."

-- r/Reno

Tip: Check reno.gov/aquatics for closures — swim meets frequently take over lanes. Free for kids 0-2.

Sparks' main indoor public pool with a dedicated tot/family pool alongside the lap pool. Open year-round with open swim, aquacise, and lessons.

• + Indoor year-round
• + Dedicated tot/family pool
• + Open swim daily
• + Affordable ($3-5)

Tip: Summer hours extend to 7pm. Call (775) 353-2376 for current schedule.

Nevada's largest hands-on science center. 67,000 sq ft of interactive exhibits across multiple galleries. Rotating exhibits keep it fresh for repeat visits. Consistently the #1 family recommendation on r/Reno.

• + 67,000 sq ft of interactive exhibits
• + Cloud Climber (3-story indoor climbing structure)
• + Minors' Mine, Water exhibit, building zone
• + Rotating special exhibits
• + #1 family recommendation on r/Reno

"If you have kids under 10, The Discovery is the single best thing in Reno. Period."

-- r/Reno

Tip: Go on a weekday morning to avoid school field trip crowds. Memberships pay for themselves in 2-3 visits.

April - November

A wildlife sanctuary housing rescued predators — wolves, bears, cheetahs, mountain lions, birds of prey. Educational tours and special events. The cheetah run is legendary.

• + Rescued wolves, bears, cheetahs, mountain lions
• + Educational guided tours
• + Cheetah run (seasonal special event)
• + Peaceful setting 30 min from town

"The cheetah run alone is worth the drive. Kids go absolutely nuts."

-- r/Reno

Tip: Check their event calendar for cheetah run dates — they sell out. Bring water and sunscreen, it's exposed.

Over 200 vintage and classic vehicles displayed in themed street scenes across four galleries. Surprisingly engaging for kids who love cars and trucks.

• + 200+ vintage cars in themed street scenes
• + Free admission for children under 5
• + Interactive displays
• + Downtown location near the Riverwalk

Contemporary art museum with rotating exhibits. Free for children under 12. Regular family programming and workshops.

• + Free admission for children under 12
• + Rotating contemporary exhibits
• + Family workshops and programs
• + Beautiful building and sculpture garden

Nevada's largest indoor climbing facility. Massive bouldering walls of all difficulty levels plus roped climbing. $40 one-week intro package includes gear rental and belay lesson.

• + Massive bouldering area (no ropes needed)
• + Roped climbing walls for all levels
• + $40 intro week with gear + lesson
• + Yoga and fitness classes
• + Open 6am-10pm weekdays

"Mesa Rim is legit world-class. Kids who climb here get hooked for life."

-- r/Reno

Wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball courts, and obstacle courses. Dedicated toddler time sessions for the little ones.

• + Wall-to-wall trampolines
• + Foam pits and dodgeball
• + Obstacle courses
• + Dedicated toddler sessions
• + Birthday party packages

Indoor adventure park with trampolines, warrior course, climbing hill, Tubes Playground for toddlers, and dodgeball. Birthday party packages available.

• + Tubes Playground (ideal for toddlers)
• + Warrior course and climbing hill
• + Jumperoo sessions for ages 5 & under ($10.99)
• + Birthday party bundles with private rooms

Retro roller skating rink with black light atmosphere. Clean wood floor, games, and skate walkers for beginners. Affordable, fun, and surprisingly good for all ages.

• + Black light skating atmosphere
• + Skate walkers for beginners
• + Birthday parties and events
• + Affordable family fun

"Roller Kingdom is a Reno institution. Kids, teens, adults — everyone has fun here."

-- r/Reno

40,000 sq ft arcade and entertainment complex inside GSR. Video games, bumper cars, bounce activities, laser tag, and a massive prize counter.

• + 40,000 sq ft arcade
• + Bumper cars and bounce activities
• + Laser tag
• + Inside GSR (combine with pool day)

Dedicated indoor playground with toddler area, slides, balloon room, ball pit, climbing structures, and interactive projections. The go-to for the under-5 crowd.

• + Dedicated toddler area
• + Slides, ball pit, balloon room
• + Interactive floor projections
• + Birthday party packages

Developmental play gym focused on fine/gross motor skills and sensory play. Parent lounge with coffee and tea. Perfect for rainy days with little ones.

• + Developmental play (motor skills, sensory)
• + Parent lounge with coffee/tea
• + Birthday packages
• + Drop-in or 2-hour passes

580-acre regional park with trails, playgrounds, and the Wilbur D. May Museum and Arboretum. The petting zoo and farm area is a hit with little kids. Free entry, free parking.

• + Free entry and parking (580 acres)
• + Wilbur D. May Museum (artifacts, taxidermy, curiosities)
• + 🆕 TOYTOPIA Exhibit — interactive history of toys (Thu-Sun through Feb)
• + Arboretum & Botanical Garden
• + Nevada Farms & Families petting zoo
• + Disc golf, trails, picnic areas
• + Great Reno Balloon Race launch site

"Best free family outing in Reno. Pack a lunch, hit the trails, let the kids pet the goats."

-- r/Reno

Tip: The petting zoo has specific open-house days — check washoecounty.gov for schedule. TOYTOPIA exhibit runs Thu-Sun!

Reno's premier city park with two playgrounds, duck ponds, a seasonal kiddie train, the Truckee River walk, and Idlewild Pool in summer. The default family outing.

• + Two playgrounds (toddler + older kids)
• + Duck ponds
• + Seasonal kiddie train ride
• + Idlewild Pool (summer)
• + Truckee River walking path

"The default 'what should we do today' answer for every Reno parent."

-- r/Reno

Spring - Fall

Nevada's largest miniature golf course with 66 holes across themed outdoor courses. A Reno classic.

• + 66 holes — largest in Nevada
• + Multiple themed courses
• + Affordable family activity