Family Entertainment in Northern Nevada

Top Family Fun Things to Do in Reno, Sparks, and Lake Tahoe

Sep 8, 2008

Think Reno and Tahoe offer only adult entertainment and fun? That's not the case. Reno and Lake Tahoe are great family destinations, because there's plenty to do.

Find out just what the entire family can enjoy in these top picks of the best family things to do in Reno and Lake Tahoe, and discover a whole new side of Northern Nevada that's family friendly, exciting, and something the kids will look forward to.

Wild Island is an awesome family entertainment center in Sparks. Water, sun, and a whole bunch of fun, is what families find there. Kids will love the water slides, pools, and other water park attractions, but there's much more. There are also enjoyable go-cart rides, miniature golf, the coconut bowl bowling alley, and a roller coaster. The water park is only open during the summer, but everything else is open year 'round. Located off Sparks Boulevard at 250 Wild Island Drive, call 775-359-2927 for hours and more information. Prices vary by age and activities, but purchasing season passes before the summer season begins is always a good deal.

A museum just for kids located just down the road in Carson City. It's a great day trip any time of the year, and it offers interactive exhibits that will keep the kids entertained. Kids can enjoy a variety of activities and hands-on exhibits created with them in mind. New exhibits include a climbing wall, a teen activity center, and a space shuttle interaction game. The museum is located at 813 North Carson Street in Carson City, call 775-884-2226 for more information. Ticket prices are: Toddlers (1 & Under) are free, Children (2+) are $3.00, Adults (14+) are $5.00 and Seniors (55+) are $4.00 The museum is open 10:00am - 4:30pm, but check for special hours on holidays.

The Boomtown Family Fun Center has grown into one of the most kid-friendly and popular family destinations in Reno. Kids will love the motion theater, miniature golf, and carousel, and there's a center just for teens, too. They've also added a climbing wall, Ferris wheel, a flight simulator, and more. It's a great place for the entire family. Boomtown is located 9 miles west of Reno on Interstate 80 at the Boomtown exit. Family vacation packages are available at the resort, too, call 800-648-3790 for more information.

This trip to Lake Tahoe makes a great outing for the entire family. The Taylor Creek Visitor Center is located three miles northwest of South Lake Tahoe on California Highway 89. Hiking trails like "Smoky's Trail" teach the family about campfire safety, but the best trail is the Rainbow Trail that leads to the Stream Profile Center, an underground chamber that puts kids face to face with a real mountain stream, complete with fish, plants, and aquatic animals. There are picnic areas and beaches to enjoy, too. Call 530-543-2674 for seasonal hours of operation.

The Great Basin Adventure is another area attraction geared to children and families. There's a petting zoo, an awesome dinosaur exhibit and log flume ride, pony rides for the young ones, and an arboretum for mom and dad to explore, too. The Adventure is located in Rancho San Rafael Park, at 1595 North Sierra Street. It's open from Memorial Day through the second week in September. Call 775-785-4064 for current ticket pricing and more information.

The copyright of the article Family Entertainment in Northern Nevada in Nevada Travel is owned by Sherril Steele-Carlin. Permission to republish Family Entertainment in Northern Nevada in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.