Reno’s casinos promise entertainment for adults. You don’t have to look far, however, to find fun for children as well. The following suggestions are for attractions that both youngsters and their parents will enjoy.
One-Ring Circus
Circus Circus Hotel Casino’s mezzanine is one of the most popular places in town for children. Starting at about 11 a.m., free acts featuring aerialists, magicians, clowns and other specialty performers appear in the circus ring. There’s a midway, too, with shooting galleries, ring toss, balloon toss and penny pitching among the games (the games are variously priced). And the collection of free funhouse mirrors keep the whole family laughing. This provides a great option when some adults in a group want to gamble, while others enjoy watching the kids have fun.
Wilbur D. May Museum and Mini-Farm
Lots of stuffed animals and an un-stuffy atmosphere make The Wilbur D. May Museum (Rancho San Rafael Regional Park) is a hit even with kids who don’t usually like museums. The outstanding traveling exhibits that visit the May focus on cool stuff like dinosaurs and bugs.
Also at San Rafael Park, kids can pet pigs and ride ponies at Wilbur’s Farm. The miniature farm also includes the replica of a stamp mill; a log flume ride, and a discovery room. And though the children might not be interested in the plants in the adjacent arboretum, they’ll probably be intrigued with its gazebos, waterfalls and Koi-stocked ponds. June-October ,Tuesday-Saturday; November - May, Wednesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $2.50 for adults, $1.50 for children.
Children who enjoy museums will also want to visit the Harrah Auto Collection and Nevada State Historical Society Museum.
Star Gaze
The Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center, on the northern edge of the University of Nevada-Reno campus, presents SkyDome feature films such as “Helicopters in Action” and “Cosmic Safari” daily, with both afternoon and evening shows. On clear Friday nights throughout the year, visitors and residents can also participate in star viewing with members of the Nevada Astronomical Society. Summer (June 9 - August 25) and holidays, open 10:30 a.m.- 8 p.m., Saturday-Sunday until 9 p.m. Winter, closes at 7 p.m.
Sparks Heritage Foundation Museum
Adjacent to Reno, the city of Sparks was a railroad town in the old days. It’s now wonder, therefore, that the museum on Victorian Avenue contains conductor’s uniforms and railroad equipment, as well as other memorabilia (across the street are a steam engine, parlor car and caboose). There’s a late nineteenth-century barber shop, too, and fixtures from a 1918 grocery store. Open Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 1-4 p.m. Free admission.
A Marina and a Water Park
A former gravel pit, the Sparks Marina is a great place to picnic, sail toy boats and play on the swings. Fishing is allowed (a Nevada fishing license is required). Only rowboats, rubber floats and electric motorboats are permitted on the lake.
Also in Sparks, Wild Island Family Adventure includes a water park with more than a half-dozen slides, go-karts and mini-golf. All-day admission is $23.50 for anyone over 48 inches tall (except seniors, $6), and $18.50 for people under 48 inches. Hours are Monday-Thursday, Sunday 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday park closes at midnight. To avoid disappointment, phone in advance as park is sometimes closed for private parties.
Special Events
Several of Reno’s special events have activities especially for children. For example, each weekday afternoon during July, children can participate in Artown’s interactive sessions , which explore everything from ballet and swing dancing to folk music and theater. The free, two-hour programs take place at Wingfield Park, just two blocks from downtown’s Casino Row.
Other events both children and adults enjoy include the Cinco de Mayo celebrations in various parts of the city, the Reno Rodeo, Nevada State Fair, the Great Reno Balloon Race and the Italian Festival.
