What if we told you there’s a way to get your kids (big or small) to willingly put down their screens this fall? Yup, we’re serious. Just whisk them away to Reno Tahoe in Nevada, where you’ll find yourselves walking through the crisp air with colorful leaves crunching beneath your boots en route to a bucket list-worthy lineup of nonstop action and adventure (Minecraft, who?).
Whether your crew’s looking to explore some scenic trails, head out on a leisurely bike ride, or hit up an interactive museum or wildlife adventure, Reno Tahoe puts all the seasonal activities you could ever want right at your fingertips. And we’ve got you covered on the top eight things to do that’ll immerse you in the beauty of a Nevada autumn.
So grab your sweaters, pack up the car, and head out for a fall getaway the kids will be gabbing about for ages.
1. Hike through Chickadee Ridge for incredible views of Lake Tahoe
If you’re looking for a way to connect with your kids and get them excited about nature, the Chickadee Ridge is it. As part of the Tahoe Rim Trail, this 2.3-mile hike is perfect for even your smallest explorers (it only takes about an hour to complete). It has a manageable incline and plenty of opportunities to spot birds, chipmunks, and the famous chickadees that’ll eat right out of your hand—say hello to adorable photos! Known for its breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe, this hike further rewards families with stunning panoramas of its crystal clear waters and the Sierra Nevada mountains that’ll wow your whole group.
832J+67, Incline Village, alltrails.com/trail/us/nevada/chickadee-ridge–2
2. Get up close with wildlife at Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary
This one’s a must for curious little critters! You’ll find an unforgettable mix of education and adventure at the Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary, where wide-eyed kids will be thrilled to see cheetahs, tigers, wolves, and bears in action. For an even closer experience, book a weekend animal “Meet and Greet” to get up close with some of the park’s amazing residents, or try the “Raptor Adventures” to interact with a hawk, falcon, and owl. If you’re visiting in the fall, the Harvest Festival is a can’t-miss event filled with trick-or-treating, sweet treats, and plenty of seasonal fun.
1265 Deerlodge Rd., Reno, animalark.org
3. Take a scenic bike ride through Sparks Marina Park
Head to the Sparks Marina for a laid-back, kid-friendly ride. The flat trail loops around the marina for breathtaking views of its striking blue waters and vibrant autumn hues. No worries if your tots are still perfecting their cycling skills, as there’s plenty of space to practice without feeling rushed. Afterward, keep the fun going with a shaded family picnic, an energy-burning stop at the playground, or teach your kiddos to cast their first line at the fishing pier.
300 Howard Dr, Sparks, cityofsparks.us
4. Go leaf peeping along the Tahoe Rim Trail
Your kids will be mesmerized by the peak fall foliage along the Tahoe Rim Trail. Stretching 165 miles around Lake Tahoe, it’s famous for its diverse landscapes, open meadows, and surrounding mountains. But don’t let its length intimidate you! There are plenty of easy and moderate sections perfect for little legs and lots of opportunities to snap some impressive family pictures (hello, holiday cards!). So grab some snacks and brace yourself for a backdrop of golden aspens and red maples so stunning it puts Instagram filters to shame.
Parking at Bonanza Parking Lot (East Lake Tahoe), Incline Village, tahoerimtril.org
5. Enjoy a laid-back day at the Riverwalk District
When you need a little down time after all that adventuring, you can easily spend an entire day exploring Reno’s Riverwalk District along the Truckee River. Grab a coffee and a seasonal treat at a local café before setting the kiddos loose to watch ducks in the river and soak up the public sculptures living along the riverwalk. With art installations scattered throughout the district, al fresco dining options, a movie theater, and nearby attractions like the National Automobile Museum, there’s no shortage of ways to shut down complaints of boredom. The best part? Walking around and soaking up Reno’s downtown vibe is completely free.
135 N. Sierra St., Reno, renoriver.org
6. Pick pumpkins at Ferrari Farms
No fall adventure is complete without a trip to a pumpkin patch, and Ferrari Farms is the ultimate spot for picking a gourd to carve and decorate back home. Just a short drive from downtown Reno, this charming farm has all the goods—like an expansive pumpkin patch, corn maze, and bounce house—to keep your children in good spirits. There’s also a petting zoo where brave animal lovers can get up close with friendly goats, sheep, and cattle. Before heading out, grab some local produce and seasonal treats that grocery stores just can’t match.
4701 Mill St., Reno, ferrarifarms.org
7. Explore, play, & learn at the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum
Cap off your family adventure with a stop at the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum (a.ka. The Discovery, according to locals). This hands-on attraction is a must for curious little minds, packed with interactive exhibits where kids learn about science, art, and engineering through play. They can build their own inventions at the Spark!Lab, or inspect some massive dinosaur fossils at the Allosaurus exhibit. And if they’ve got beans to burn, challenge them to reach the top of the Cloud Climber jungle gym. For your tiniest explorers, the Little Discoveries area offers even more climbing structures and age-appropriate creative spaces.
490 S. Center St., Reno, nvdm.org
8. Dive into a full day of activities at the Grand Sierra Resort
Pool time doesn’t have to end with summer—especially when there’s a year-round heated option at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno. Grab a drink at the poolside bar and set your little fishies loose. Once the “I’m bored”s creep back in, the resort is also home to Fun Quest, a kiddie paradise packed with carnival games, an arcade, laser tag, and bumper cars (literal hours of entertainment). When you’re ready for even more fun, you’ll find a movie theater, bowling alley, escape rooms, a virtual reality arena, and even axe throwing. If this doesn’t get the kids to bed early, nothing will!
2500 E. 2nd St., Reno, grandsierraresort.com
Ready to start building your perfect Reno Tahoe fall bucket list? Head to visitrenotahoe.com for more recommendations on things to do in Reno, plus detailed information on how to make the most of your autumn adventure.