Adventure Starts in the Door
Unleash your wild side with these indoor activities.
Our region offers next-level natural beauty. No question about it. But, sometimes, you want to enjoy vacationing without the dry heat or snow flurries. That’s why indoor attractions in Reno and Lake Tahoe are just as exciting as what you’d get at the outdoor ones.
Bowling in Reno & Lake Tahoe
Velcro up your shoes, pick your ball, and type in your weirdest nickname for the scoreboard. You’re about to enter the strike zone. After all, bowling is a big deal in Reno. Check out Wild Island’s Coconut Bowl, Grand Sierra Resort’s Grand Bowling Center, Round1 or High Sierra Lanes for a good time.
If you’re attending a tournament or hosting a big event, check out the National Bowling Stadium, which has 78 lanes for use. While they’re not generally open to the public for everyday bowling, they do have events throughout the year.
Spending the day in Lake Tahoe and want to get a game in? A cornerstone in the Incline Village community for over 55 years, Bowl Incline elevates your typical bowling experience with a fresh, modern atmosphere and the best tech in the league. Plus, you can fuel up with any of the delicious dishes on their menu.
Arcades in Reno
Thought slot machines were the only kind of gaming in Reno? You’re in for a surprise. There are plenty of all-ages arcades around; you’re sure to find one no matter which part of town you’re in. Some local favorites are the Grand Sierra Resort’s Fun Quest, South 40 and Circus Circus’ Carnival Midway Games. Each of these have a unique theme, a variety of games and, of course, prizes you can earn.
Press Start was the first bar in Reno to serve up brews in a classic arcade setting. They offer draft and bottled beer as well as cocktails. If you told the kids about this place already but are worried about it operating as a bar, don’t be. Families are welcome here until 7 p.m. every day.
Exclusive to adults during all hours of operation, Playfield ‘76 takes the bar-meets-arcade a step further by offering food. Talk about a jack of all trades. Enjoy a few rounds of Skee-Ball or pinball before grabbing a drink and a pizza. It’s located in the heart of downtown, making it a great spot to start or end your day.
Escape Rooms in Reno
It’s time to flex those problem-solving skills. Escape rooms are a classic pastime in Reno — hence why we have over 7 establishments and getting more every year. Regardless of which venue you visit, you and your crew — from friends and families to coworkers—will work together to understand the story, decipher clues and beat the clock. You can choose from escape room themes like sailing on uncharted waters in a pirate ship to outsmarting a crazed dentist to get your minds and hearts racing. Excitement is around every corner.
Play at Your Speed
Dare to Dominate
If you’re escaping the elements, but still have energy to burn, Reno has just the indoor activities for you.
Axe Throwing
Up the ante from darts with axe throwing. You’ll test your strength and accuracy as you compete for the highest amount of points in your 30- or 60-minute session. This indoor activity can be found in downtown Reno and the Legends Mall in Sparks: Reno Axe & Social and Axe & Throw respectively. (Flannel optional, closed-toe shoes required.)
Indoor Climbing
Push your limits at one of Reno’s indoor rock climbing facilities. For those looking to hone their bouldering skills, BaseCamp offers a dynamic experience with a variety of routes and obstacles to tackle. This spot is great for climbers of all levels. Mesa Rim also has bouldering for all levels, though advanced adventurers can ascend to new heights on the facility’s top rope and lead climbing routes. Chalk up. Test your strength and problem-solving skills.
Indoor Fun Everyone Will Enjoy
Kids love it here in Reno. Give them moments to remember (and wear them out) with adrenaline-pumping indoor activities, including trampoline parks, go karts, and VR experiences. Plus, we've got a hidden gem in Sparks that your family will love.
Go Karts
Urban Air Adventure Park also has go karts. So does Coconut Bowl at Wild Island in Sparks — with a unique twist of driving in a blacklight jungle — and Need 2 Speed in South Reno. Families can chase adrenaline and each other on the tracks. Check each business’ website for height requirements for kids to drive.
Trampoline Parks
At any of the trampoline parks in Reno, families are guaranteed to have a good time while they catch some air. Fly High has been bringing family-friendly adventure to beginners and seasoned jumpers in the Reno-Sparks area for years. Trying to flex? Practice your backflips, take a leap of faith, or pretend you’re a part of the American Ninja Warrior TV show with Urban Air Adventure Park’s attractions.
VR Experiences
Step into a new reality—a virtual one. Immerse yourself in free-roaming VR games in Grand Sierra Resort’s Max Action Arena. With the cutting-edge technology of Zero Latency, you and your family choose how to play by moving freely around the space. Bring up to eight people and choose over five thrilling games, including several featuring the undead. Looking for more of an entry-level, tethered VR experience? There are two tethered VR games to choose from: Reclaim and Chaos Jump.
Want to keep most of your body in one place while still enjoying fun VR-based games? Or already in Sparks, at Coconut Bowl for another exciting indoor activity? Settle into their XD Adventure Theater for a real-time 3D game where you and the kids can blast lasers at monsters on the screen.
Scheels
An indoor ferris wheel? Interactive games? A giant fish tank at the entrance? Say less. With all of these things to do plus a wide range of sporting goods, outdoor gear and apparel, Scheels is a giant playground for kids and parents alike. It’s like enjoying the fun of a carnival year-round.
Immersive Activities to Ignite Your Curiosity
Part of the magic in going somewhere new is getting a fresh perspective. A bit more knowledge than you had before. Maybe even a piece of art to bring home. Reno’s arts and culture scene is thriving—come be a part of it.
Museums
Museums in Reno aren’t stuffy. Far from it. They bring arts, culture and even education to the masses in a variety of ways — from hands-on activities to thought-provoking exhibits — proving our region knows how to engage and educate at the same time.
Get lost in artist exhibitions and contemporary collections hosted at Nevada Museum of Art, the only art museum in Nevada accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). Well-known for its beautiful architecture as well as its rich cultural programming for the community and region, the Museum strives to foster new knowledge of the visual arts to all who walk through their doors.
Ever hoped to see Elvis Presley’s 1973 Cadillac Eldorado; a gold-plated 1981 DeLorean LK, Sport Coupe; or the 1907 Thomas Flyer 35, the winner of the 1908 New York to Paris Race, in person? The National Automobile Museum makes those dreams come true. For over 30 years, this museum has impressed car enthusiasts and brought awe to people who stumbled upon it.
If your children love science, The Discovery Museum in downtown Reno and The Children’s Museum in Carson City are the places to be. Both museums provide ample opportunities for kids to get their hands dirty (figuratively speaking, for the most part), so they can stimulate their imagination while learning something new.
Planetarium
Thanks to the Fleischmann Planetarium, many galaxies don’t seem so far, far away. This historical landmark science center lets you explore constellations, planets, and more space mysteries in the full-dome theater. Check their website for hours of operations and monthly showings.
Sensology
Put your senses to the test at Sensology Reno. Literally. As you and your team (from 2-10 people) go through each room, you’ll have to rely on at least one sense — touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing — to score some points.