Mckinley Arts And Culture Center
The McKinley Arts and Culture Center is housed in the former McKinley Park School. The building was renovated in 1999 and now houses office spaces, two art galleries, arts and crafts workshops, and an auditorium and boardroom that are available for rental.
The McKinley is also the home of the Reno Philharmonic and the Reno Chamber Orchestra, the Masterworks Chorale, and the Reno Pops Orchestra. Guests can immerse themselves in the arts and cultural climate of Reno by taking a guided tour of the center and viewing the artwork in the galleries or by taking in a musical performance at the center.
925 Riverside Drive, Reno, NV 89503, Phone: 775-334-2417
Sparks Heritage Museum And Last Chance Joe
Sparks Museum & Cultural Center
The Sparks Heritage Museum is one of the top most fascinating historical sites to visit in Reno.
It covers 4,000 square feet indoors for exhibit room.
It tells the tales of the state and this city, giving you insight into mining, ranching, immigrant settlers, and more.
The museum provides visitors with a unique look into the past of Truckee Meadows and Sparks.
It shows the use of permanent indoor exhibits, large rotating outdoor exhibits, dioramas, reproduction buildings, artifacts, materials, railroad items, an immigrant-built railroad bridge, a memorial, a Pullman car, and a steam engine.
There is also an additional fun attraction known as Last Chance Joe, which is a gigantic statue of a cartoon character prospector and cowboy.
He was actually originally made by Roscoe E. Duke Reading for Last Chance Café and its owner, Richard L. Dick Graves.
This huge figure was attached to the front of one of the casinos owned by Graves in 1957, but when new owners took over in 2014, they planned to have the figure removed.
Then the citizens of Sparks fought back against the destruction of what was now a beloved fictional icon to them, and the statue found its way to Sparks Heritage Museum.
Address: 814 Victorian Ave, Sparks, NV 89431, United States
The Grand Sierra Resort & Casino
Dont let the mention of a casino lead you to believe that the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino is not family-friendly!
With a bowling alley, movie theater, escape room, driving range, ice rink, laser tag, arcade, virtual experiences, and an adventure land that includes multiple go-kart tracks, there are plenty of things at this resort to keep the entire family entertained.
The Grand Sierra also boasts a large pool scene and a wide array of restaurants including kid-friendly classics like Johnny Rockets, California Pizza Kitchen, and the Grand Buffet. For a more upscale dining experience head to the resorts restaurant row for sushi at the Rim or tacos and deep-fried ice cream at Uno Más.
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Take A Walk Through Wingfield Park
This park is the perfect place to take a stroll, have a picnic, or go for a jog. It is also home to the Truckee River Whitewater Park, where you can go kayaking, rafting, and more.
While youre here, explore the Reno Arch! This iconic landmark is located in downtown Reno and has been a symbol of the city since 1926.
Reno is a great city for travelers who want to get outdoors and enjoy some fresh air. The Reno Riverwalk is a perfect place to do just that.
This scenic walking path runs along the Truckee River and offers beautiful views of downtown Reno. The Riverwalk has a reputation as one of Renos best free tourist attractions.
It follows through the Truckee River and displays many different cultural attractions, sounds, and activities. Urban Renaissance hasnt had a greater life than it does now along the Reno Riverwalk.
If youre looking for a leisurely stroll or an afternoon bike ride, this is the place to do it. The trailhead is located just south of downtown Reno where you can find parking as well as bathrooms and water fountains.
The trail itself meanders through parks, past several bridges and underpasses that allow access across busy roads without having to cross them at street level. So whether youre a Reno local or just visiting, be sure to check out the Reno Riverwalk!
Visit The National Automobile Museum
In Reno, you can visit one of Americas most exciting museumsthe National Automobile Museum! The museum is home to over 200 incredible cars and other automobiles.
The exhibits at the museum date back to the late 18th Century and most were from the collection of William F. Harrah. These exhibits appear in four galleries: one large collection of racing cars as well as a racing car park near the entrance area.
This museum is a must-see for car enthusiasts of all ages. It houses over 200 vintage and classic vehicles, ranging from muscle cars to luxury automobiles.
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Nevada Historical Society Museum
The Nevada Historical Society Museum in Reno is Nevadaâs oldest museum, founded in 1904, and has been going strong ever since. Some of the most interesting permanent exhibits include âLiving on the Land,ââNeon Nights,â and âRiches of the Earth,â which together provide a fascinating insight into the human habitation of the Reno area over the past 10,000 years, from the early Paleo people to the Paiute, to the coming of the Euro-Americans and events right up to the present day. The museum also hosts an impressive research library, along with a well-stocked book store.
Address: 1650 North Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada
Reno Philharmonic Reno Nv
The Reno Philharmonic Orchestra has been bringing classical and popular favorites to Northern Nevada since 1969. Each season, the “Phil” performs an impressive array of pieces from the classical repertoire, as well as pops pieces from Broadway and Hollywood.
Each summer, their “Pops on the River” concert is a major fundraiser for the orchestra, and each December, the Phil showcases their holiday spirit with their “Spirit of the Season” extravaganza. The show features singers, dancers, and even Santa Claus himself.
925 Riverside Drive, Ste 3, Reno, NV 89503, Phone: 775-323-6393
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Fun Things To Do In Reno With Kids
Known as the Biggest Little City in the World, Reno is a small town with a big city vibe. Despite the fact that it sits in a sparsely populated part of Nevada, there are plenty of fun things to do in Reno with kids.
With its proximity to the desert, lakes, rivers, and mountains, Reno is a great hub for finding fun and trying something new. Its home to the Great Reno Hot Air Balloon Race, the largest free hot-air ballooning event in the world, and one of the biggest classic car events in the country, Hot August Nights.
While gambling is still a big moneymaker in Reno, downtown hotels have more than gambling floors. The Renaissance has a venue with Bocce ball courts, dart boards, Skee-Ball, and ping pong. The Whitney Peak Hotel has a climbing wall on its façade! So, come find adventure in Reno, you wont regret it!
Explore more of the state! Here are the best things to do in Nevada with kids.
Sit Front Row In The Eldorado Showroom
Another entertainment venue famous for sell-out shows albeit this one far more intimate than the Grand Theater the 600-seat Eldorado Showroom features everything from Cirque du Soleil to comedians and popular rock bands.
If you happen to be visiting during the holiday season, the annual Christmas Spectacular comes highly recommended.
And, after catching a show, feel free to make your way around the Eldorado Casino with table games, slot machines, and plenty of entertainment and drinks, the night is what you make of it.
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What To Do In Reno: National Championship Air Races
Every year in September at the airport just outside Reno at the site of the former Stead Air Force Base, thousands of air race enthusiasts from all over the world come to watch the National Championship Air Races, an exciting event for northern Nevada. The races last a week, and during that time hundreds of pilots and crews descend on Reno with their lovingly maintained aircraft.
There are six racing classes, a huge standing display of aircraft, and a number of civil and military flight demonstrations. Bill Stead organized the first races in 1964, and since then they have missed only one year the year of 9/11. Unfortunately, the Reno air races are the last of their kind.
Reno Air Racing Association, 14501 Mt. Anderson St. Reno, NV 89506, Phone: 775-972-6663
Hit Up The Hunter Creek Trailhead
Located just 15 minutes drive from downtown Reno, this trailhead is one of the most popular spots in the area for hiking and with good reason.
With stunning views along the creek the whole way up the 6-mile hike, the path climaxes at the 30-foot Hunter Falls, a cascading and intimidating waterfall that sells itself as one of Renos most spectacular natural attractions.
Its no wonder hikers come here by droves to enjoy some peace and quiet, admire the landscape, and get some fresh air.
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Play Scientist For A Day At The Discovery Museum
Smack-bang in downtown Reno and spread across more than 67,000 square feet of all things science and technology, The Discovery is a world-class interactive center that puts its visitors right in the middle of all things STEM .
A great option for anyone with kids or who loves to get their hands dirty tinkering around on gadgets, the Museum dives into themes like astronomy, anatomy, robotics, sound and more, all under the mantra of inspiration and education for all ages!
Take The Kids To Animal Ark
Animal Ark is one of the best things to do in Reno with kids. It is a 38-acre wildlife sanctuary that was founded on March 1, 1981, with the aim of becoming a resource center and secure place for rescued wild animals that cannot be easily released back to their homes.
Animal Ark is home to various types of animals, primarily local species, and all of them are very well treated with enormous enclosures that match their native habitat.
Animal Ark is an excellent place to learn about and experience wildlife up close, making it a perfect activity for families and animal lovers alike.
The Great Reno Balloon Race is one of the most iconic events in Reno, and even though it takes place in September, its still a great time to visit.
The festival features countless balloon launches, balloon glow flights, and even an opportunity to get up close and personal with some unique activities you might not be able to find anywhere else and youll get some amazing views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
For example, there are several opportunities for visitors to sign up for glow flights that will take them high above the city at nightwhen all of its sights are lit up like a Christmas tree. If youre looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, the Great Reno Balloon Race is definitely worth a visit.
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Get A Little Loose On The Reno Fun Train
Where party bus meets Amtrak, the Reno Fun Train is a three-day event full of dancing, drinking, making new friends, and covering hundreds of miles in the process.
Operating just for thee=ree months in the year January through March the Fun Train leaves from Emeryville near San Francisco on Friday and makes three stops along the way, then into the mountains en route to Reno.
Two days later, after youve quenched your thirst for partying, gambling, and stuffing your face with food, the train takes you back on Sunday morning.
Fleischmann Planetarium & Science Center
The Fleischmann Planetarium & Science Centerwas first built in the year 1963, as part of the University of Nevada, Reno.
It is located on campus grounds but is open to the public for a relatively cheap price, with observatory viewing, field trips, and tours available to show you the area.
The center is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings, not only for its educational value but for its unique architecture, which is in a hyperbolic paraboloid design created by Ray Hellman.
Thats what makes it among the most stunning Reno attractions.
Inside, you can see all kinds of hands-on and information exhibits that will teach you about outer space.
Within the center, youll be able to watch fun and interesting digital planetarium shows within a large, grand dome theater using a Spitz SciDome digital projector.
Its one of the first planetariums to use this technology, which uses bright 3D images in vivid and jaw-dropping colors.
The shows educate the audience on the solar system and planets.
You can also opt to book a classroom for events, visit the Science Store, or check out the exhibit Hall.
In addition to all that, theres a publically-run stargazing program to join if youre drawn to the heavenly bodies!
Address: 1664 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89557, United States
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What To Do In Reno: Peppermill Casino
The Peppermill Casino is more than just a casino the property contains a resort with luxury lodging, multiple dining options including fine and casual, two nightclubs, and a full-service spa. The Peppermill is a AAA 4-diamond award winner and is the #1-ranked hotel in Reno.
The casino offers table games, poker, keno, and slots, all housed in a clean, upscale environment. The casino’s Passport Rewards Club members can take advantage of VIP services including a complimentary room and concierge services. The resort is also has available spaces for weddings, meetings, and corporate events.
See Whats On At The Reno Events Center
As one of the largest venues in Reno and all of Northern Nevada, for that matter!- theres always something to do or see at this massive event center.
From concerts by high-profile artists like Snoop Dogg and Carrie Underwood to sporting events such as MMA fights and family-friendly performances from the likes of Disney On Ice, theres always something exciting on the Reno Events Centers calendar!
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Spend The Day At Lake Tahoe
Looking for amazing day trips from Reno?
Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area for a reason its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain backdrop are simply breathtaking.
Just less than one hour away from Reno, it offers a wide variety of outdoor activities with small towns and villages lined along its coastline.
Lake Tahoe is one of the largest alpine lakes in the world and is located along Californias Nevada border. Its waters stretch across seemingly endless distances, surrounded by beautiful beaches, dense forests, and snowy mountain landscapes in the background.
Whether youre looking to hike, bike, swim, boat or just relax on the beach, Lake Tahoe is the perfect destination for a nature lover.
Bowl A Strike At Wild Islands Coconut Bowl
Selling itself as a stylish bowling alley with a decent food and drinks menu to boot, Wild Islands Coconut Bowl is a great Reno attraction for the whole family.
Outside of the three different bowling areas, fun-packed Wild Island also boasts black-lit mini-golf, laser tag, pool tables and an arcade with more video games and prize-winning machines than you can imagine all in all, its the ideal family night out.
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Museums In Reno For Kids
Although Reno is not exactly the biggest city around, it does have a wide variety of museums. But, what about museums for kids? Are there museums that can help keep your children occupied for hours? Well, there are. You can take your kids to The Fleischmann Planetarium. The museum hosts a wide variety of astronomy seminars and exhibits. In addition to that, The Fleischmann Planetarium also shows ¨full-dome¨ IMAX movies.
If you have children with you, it would be criminal of you to not take them to The Discovery museum. The museum is a celebration of the nature, science, and weather of the Silver State. Your kids can learn a great deal about the early pioneers, study archeology, and create their own farm or ranch. In addition to that, they can also build different art and structures while learning more about intellectuals such as Leonardo Da Vinci. The place also offers fishing areas, areas for camping, and gives visitors a chance to meet Northern Nevada´s wildlife. We are certain that your kids will have the time of their lives in The Discovery.
National Championship Air Races
Jeff Schultes / Shutterstock
The National Championship Air Races known also as the Reno Air Races take place every September, on a lot that was once the Stead Air Force Base but is now the Reno Stead Airport.
Thousands of spectators rush to the scene annually to have fun watching the week-long races.
The race first came to life in 1964, organized by Bill Stead, and have gone on every single year since then, aside from in 2001 in respect for 9/11.
Air racing is regarded as the fastest motor sport in the world and never fails to get the audience pumped thanks to its high-stakes, adrenaline-rushing event.
Six different racing classes participate in these races, some of which date back to World War II, and others which are self-built by participants.
Youll be able to view different aircraft displays in a huge exhibition and witness some flight demonstrations of a military and civil variety.
You will also be able to enjoy some shopping at stalls and eating yummy meals from food vendors.
The National Championship Air Races are the last of their kind in the entire world, meaning theres nowhere else that you can find an event even remotely similar.
Its a great option if youre there at the right time and looking for the most interesting kinds of stuff to do today!
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