Updated November 15, 2026 · 10 local picks
Reno has more to offer families than its casino skyline suggests. Within a few miles of downtown there's a hands-on science museum, a major car museum, an art museum, big regional parks and a handful of old-school entertainment spots like mini golf and a bowling alley. Most of it is easy to reach in a short drive, and a lot of it works whatever the weather.
This guide pulls together family-friendly picks from our listings. Each links to its RenoLocal page for the address, map and listed hours. Admission, age limits and hours change, so check each venue's own site before you go.
Family-friendly picks
- 1
Museum · Downtown Reno
A hands-on science museum on South Center Street in downtown Reno, built for kids and families. A good rainy-day or hot-afternoon option.
490 South Center Street, RenoView listing - 2
Museum · Downtown Reno
A car museum on Museum Drive by the Truckee River downtown, built around the collection of the late casino owner Bill Harrah. Kids who like cars will be happy here.
1 Museum Drive, RenoView listing - 3
Museum · Downtown Reno
Nevada's art museum on West Liberty Street at the edge of downtown and Midtown. Check its site for family days and programs.
160 West Liberty Street, RenoView listing - 4
Museum · University District
A natural history museum at the University of Nevada, Reno. Its listing links to the university's site for current details.
University DistrictView listing - 5
Nature area · University District
A large regional park north of downtown near the university, with open lawns and trails. It's also where the Great Reno Balloon Race launches each September.
University DistrictView listing - 6
Park · Old Southwest
A classic city park along the Truckee River west of downtown, with big lawns and shade trees. An easy place to let kids run around.
1505 Idlewild Drive, RenoView listing - 7
Mini golf · South Reno
A mini golf course on South Virginia Street in South Reno.
6925 South Virginia Street, RenoView listing - 8
Bowling alley · Meadowood
A bowling alley on South Virginia Street near Meadowood, open seven days a week per its listed hours.
3390 South Virginia Street, RenoView listing - 9
Attraction · Spanish Springs
A family farm and attraction on Pyramid Way in Spanish Springs. Check its site for seasonal open dates.
8100 Pyramid Way, SparksView listing - 10
Coffee shop · South Reno
A cat café on Double R Boulevard in South Reno, a fun stop for animal-loving kids.
8555 Double R Boulevard, RenoView listing
Planning a family day
Downtown is the easiest base: the Discovery Museum, the Automobile Museum and the Nevada Museum of Art are all within a short drive of each other, and the Truckee River and Riverwalk are right there for a break between stops. Idlewild Park is a few minutes west along the river.
Summers in the Truckee Meadows are hot and dry, so plan outdoor time for mornings and evenings, bring water and sunscreen, and save the museums for the middle of the day. In winter, the indoor spots and the bowling alley are good cold-weather options.
More ideas
Sparks has its own family day out around the Marina and Victorian Square; see our Sparks guide. For playgrounds and green space near you, our parks and open spaces guide and the full outdoors category cover more than a hundred parks across both cities.
Business details come from our listings, compiled from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) and businesses' own websites. Hours and offerings change; confirm with the business before you go. Places are chosen editorially and are not ranked or paid for, except listings marked Featured, which are paid placements.