Family-Friendly Attractions in Reno, Nevada

Reno, Nevada is usually thought of as an adults-only vacation destination because of all the casinos, but there are several family-friendly attractions in Reno as well. The Reno area itself offers many great outdoor activities for families, especially for those who enjoy skiing or snowboarding. For indoor family-friendly Reno, Nevada attractions, try the Circus Circus casino or Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center. The Rancho San Rafael Regional Park has a wide assortment of kid-friendly attractions, from a petting zoo to pony rides. Here are three of the best family-friendly attractions in Reno, Nevada.

Family-friendly attractions in Reno, Nevada: Rancho San Rafael Regional Park

Rancho San Rafael Regional Park offers many animal-themed activities that your kids are sure to love. Wilbur's Farm is intended to be an authentic farm, just in miniature form. There is even a replica building of an old stamp mill, along with many farm animals that your children can pet. Pony rides are another popular family attraction at Wilbur's Farm in Reno's Rancho San Rafael Park. The on-site arboretum has several Koi ponds and waterfalls, along with exotic plants. The Wilbur D. May Museum has a collection of stuffed animals and interesting rotating exhibits that display kid-friendly creatures such as dinosaurs.

Family-friendly attractions in Reno, Nevada: Circus Circus

Despite also being a casino for adults, Circus Circus in Reno, Nevada is mainly designed to cater to children. The midway arcade is always a popular destination for families with kids. Besides video games, the Circus Circus arcade also includes favorite midway games such as Skee Ball, ring toss, coin pitching, shooting galleries, and more. This can be a good entertainment choice for large groups that have a mix of adults and children. The adults can rotate and some can gamble while the other take their turn watching the kids. There are also daily circus acts your children may enjoy, including clowns, aerial artists, and magicians.

Family-friendly attractions in Reno, Nevada: Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center

For children who enjoy science, visit the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center located on the University of Nevada at Reno campus. The planetarium offers films twice each day in the SkyDome theater. Recent features have included "Cosmic Safari" and "Helicopters in Action". This film schedule is subject to change, so call ahead if this is an important consideration for your family on their trip to Reno, Nevada. On Friday nights, if the sky is clear enough, the Nevada Astronomical Society allows visitors to view the stars from the Fleischmann Planetarium.