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Winter Activities

A Winter Weekend Full of Reno & Lake Tahoe Family Activities

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Winter in Reno Tahoe is all about making memories—whether that means carving up the slopes or cozying up indoors. From thrilling outdoor adventures like sledding, ice skating and skiing, to indoor fun with arcades, museums and escape rooms, this destination is packed with family-friendly activities that promise a weekend you won’t forget. Keep reading to discover the best ways to fill your days with laughter, adventure and a whole lot of magic.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Reno & Lake Tahoe

Reno Tahoe knows how to deliver winter fun, both outside and indoors. So, whether you prefer playing in the snow or finding entertainment inside, you’ll find plenty of family activities to make your weekend together one for the books.

Outdoor Winter Activities

You know the classics: sledding, tubing, ice skating, skiing and snowboarding. Reno Tahoe has them all, with options for every ability and skill level.

Sledding & Tubing

Reno Tahoe’s snow parks have hills that’ll have your kids smiling all the way down and racing back up for “just one more run.” Here are some local favorites:

  • Tahoe Meadows, just off Mount Rose Highway, offers plenty of hills to zip down and open spaces for snowy exploration on public land.
  • Galena Creek offers families a more relaxed atmosphere. This snow play area is perfect for snow angels, fort-building, and even bringing along your furry friends.
  • Adventuring near Lake Tahoe? Slide down family-friendly hills at Incline Village Snow Play Area.
  • Ski resorts in Lake Tahoe are also great options for tubing:

Just remember, if you’re hitting any of the local ski hills with your own tubes, sleds and gear, please make sure to pack out whatever you bring and practice Leave No Trace principles.

Ice Skating

Want to test your ankle strength and balance? Glide at any of Reno Tahoe’s ice skating rinks for a fun-filled time:

Skiing and Snowboarding

The Sierra Nevada mountains aren’t just there for looks. Snow sports are in our DNA. Hit the slopes with your family when you visit! Lake Tahoe’s family-friendly ski resorts make it easy for little ones to find their snow legs with kid-focused lessons, while parents can sneak in a few runs of their own.

Indoor Attractions for Families

Winter in Reno Tahoe doesn’t mean slowing down the fun. The area offers so many activities to keep the whole family entertained.

Arcades & Bowling

If you’re looking for indoor activities in Reno for families, head to Coconut Bowl at Wild Island for epic bowling lanes, a laser tag arena, mini golf (both indoor and outdoor), electric go-karts, and an arcade filled with classic games that will keep everyone entertained.

For a change of pace, discover indoor Lake Tahoe family activities at places like Bowl Incline, where you can enjoy a game of bowling surrounded by stunning scenery.

Museums

No matter what the winter weather throws at you, the fun doesn’t stop at the local museums. Hands-on exhibits give your kids the chance to learn and play at the same time. At The Discovery in Reno, your family can dive into technology, science and art. They also host exciting events for all ages.

In Carson City, the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada offers an innovative, educational environment for little ones to enjoy themselves.

Escape Rooms

For families craving a little mystery, why not take on a mental exercise? You’ll have to work together to solve puzzles and unlock clues. Reno Tahoe offers exciting rooms with a wide range of themes, including the following:

Arts & Crafts

Get ready to roll up your sleeves, and let your creativity shine in Reno Tahoe. From shaping pottery on a wheel to crafting colorful slime, the region is full of hands-on arts and crafts experiences for all ages. Make a mess, memories, and maybe even a masterpiece!

Seasonal Festivals

Reno Tahoe has a festival for every family to enjoy, especially around the holidays. Get in the spirit at these celebrations:

  • Carson City’s Silver & Snowflakes Festival of Lights: Kick off the holiday season in Nevada’s capital! Enjoy the grand tree lighting, sleigh rides and warm beverages while soaking up the historic charm.
  • North Lake Tahoe SNOWFEST: Bring your family to the largest winter mountain festival on the West Coast! This ten-day celebration highlights the very best of North Lake Tahoe for all to enjoy.
  • Sparks’ Annual 39 North Pole Village: Discover festive fun, including free photos with Santa, live music, a heated vendor tent for local shopping and dazzling light displays.
  • Virginia City’s Christmas on the Comstock: Experience the magic with events like the official tree lighting, the V&T Candy Cane Express and the Electric Holiday Train O’ Lights, performances and much more.

Unique Experiences for Families

Looking to take your weekend getaway up a notch? We’ve got just the activities for you:

  • Rent some snowshoes from Bobos Ski & Board and head up the mountain to Chickadee Ridge! You’ll get a glimpse of Nevada’s landscape like never before, and pack a bit of bird seed, so your kids can feed the birds on their trek.
  • Step back in time at the Nevada State Railroad Museum! Every weekend in December, you can ride on the Santa Train and learn about historic equipment from the Virginia & Truckee Railroad.
  • Hop aboard the V&T Railway for their Polar Express event. Complete with hot chocolate, Santa and silver sleigh bells, you and your family will experience a childhood story come to life.
  • Catch a show at any of Reno’s theater companies. Holiday favorites, like The Nutcracker, are playing during the winter as well as other exciting plays.

Whether you schedule a bunch of these family activities back to back or just play on the slopes, adventure can make you hungry. Next, we’ll talk about some great places for you and the kids to fuel up.

Carson City’s Nevada State Railroad Museum

Family-Friendly Dining Options

We don’t know about you, but nothing quite hits the spot like some delicious comfort food in the winter. Luckily, Reno Tahoe is packed with cozy spots where you can indulge in all your favorites.

Restaurants

From casual bites to upscale dining, our food scene offers a variety of options that’ll satisfy every family member’s taste. Ready to dig in? Here’s a roundup of our top picks:

Places With Hot Chocolate

Kids craving a hot cup of cocoa? Besides the ski resort villages, like Northstar California and Heavenly, this is where you should take them:

Now that you’ve enjoyed a tasty meal, it’s a great time to get the kids moving again with some retail therapy.

Shopping

Reno Tahoe turns shopping into an adventure, with destinations that cater to every style and budget.

Stroll through Meadowood Mall for a mix of family-favorite stores and a food court, or head to Shayden Summit Mall, where you’ll find upscale boutiques, athletic apparel stores and a movie theater. For an open-air experience, The Outlets at Legends has dozens of popular shops, like H&M, Nike, Converse, Forever 21, Scheels and more. You can also enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities beyond clothing stores, including a movie theater, a trampoline park and sports facility and ax-throwing.

Admire handmade artisan crafts, tasty bites and more at local markets. Throughout the season, we have several events taking place during the weekends, including Riverside Farmers Market’s annual Holiday Bazaar, Carson Christmas Craft Fair and Reno’s Magic of Santa Craft Faire. Be sure to check online if they’re happening the weekend you want to visit.

Families viewing large fish tanks in Scheels sporting goods store.

Plan Your Family’s Winter Getaway

Stay close to the action with Reno Tahoe’s family-friendly accommodations. With a variety of cozy vacation rentals to modern, amenity-packed hotels to choose from, you’ll easily be able to find a spot that fits your crew’s vibe and budget.

Then pack your bags and hit the road! Families who seek outdoor adventures love it here just as much as those who prefer to kick back inside with a cup of hot cocoa. This winter wonderland delivers everything you need for an unforgettable weekend away.

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