One of my favorite things about Reno is how easy it is to enjoy a variety of experiences outdoors. We get 250 to 300 days of sun a year, and even some cold days are fantastic for hikes, snowshoeing and general nature shenanigans.
One of our favorite places for a quick family jaunt is Davis Creek Regional Park, 25 Davis Creek Road, New Washoe City. This 200-acre park features several trails, a small fishing pond, and fantastic views of Slide Mountain and Washoe Lake. Most of the trails are easy enough for toddlers to navigate, and the pond and picnic area are close enough that hauling the kiddos, the picnic goods and the other ephemera necessary for kid life isn’t too much of a hassle. The tall pines and mountain views allow you to feel like you’re deep in the woods—even though you’re only 10 minutes from the Shayden Summit mall.
Any search for fun family things to do in Reno will inevitably include The Discovery children’s museum, 490 S. Center St.—and for good reason. Reno’s hands-on science museum never disappoints, and even older kids will have a blast building and creating. The Cloud Climber is the central installation, with a jungle gym and a hands-on water feature. It’s a fan favorite and truly a stunning feat of artsy engineering. People-watching is at a premium while all of the parents are stuck below as their kids ascend into the giant climbing structure. Some often overlooked spots in the museum include the Spark!Lab and The Shop, where children can actually build awesome STEAM-focused projects. The museum is always offering events and classes, so be sure to check the calendar and schedule a trip.
A hidden-gem recommendation is the Rail City Garden Center, located at 1720 Brierley Way in an industrial area of Sparks. This locally owned plant center has been helping the region’s gardens for decades. It’s a little oasis complete with a kids’ treehouse, swings, a giant fish pond, the obligatory friendly garden-center cats, and even pond turtles. When parenthood feels overwhelming, the Rail City Garden Center is a peaceful spot for kids to explore while parents can literally stop and smell the roses. The staff is always so sweet, taking the time to talk with the kids and teach them about the plants. The garden store features fun surprises like ladybugs, free popcorn and a somewhat secret freezer full of ice cream sandwiches.
The library is one of those places whose constant presence can make you take its magic for granted. Reno is blessed with a stunning downtown library branch that is a true architectural marvel. It features a pond, a fountain and a jungle of plants, making the entire space feel like a fairyland. While the downtown branch deserves mention, my family loves the Sparks Library the most. Located at 1125 12th St., in Sparks, this branch has a wonderful Young People’s Library that includes games, building materials, STEM elements and a tiny courtyard where kids can read under a tree. My 6-year-old recently enjoyed a quiet afternoon at the library, making new friends, playing board games and learning on the computer with the ABCmouse platform. The library has a cozy and welcoming vibe, and the layout of the space makes it feel extra safe for young literary explorers.
Tucked inside San Rafael Regional Park, the Wilbur D. May Museum, 1595 N. Sierra St., has great hands-on touring exhibits that are always family friendly. Some of our past favorites included giant animatronic dinosaurs and games, and the vintage toy exhibit which featured a giant Lite-Brite and Battleship. It’s a smaller museum, which allows you to give the kiddos more freedom. The other portion of the museum has a permanent exhibit of Wilbur D. May’s collection of artifacts, taxidermy and saddlery. When you’re done at the museum, you can check out San Rafael Regional Park, with all of its playgrounds, ponds and fields.