There’s no end to the sunshine-fueled adventures waiting for families in Reno Tahoe, from scenic paddleboarding to wildlife and a slime factory. Plus, the panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada are core memory material. To help you squeeze out every last bit of fun, we’ve curated a four-day itinerary that lets you maximize your time and see the best of what the region has to offer.
Day 1: Explore the best of Reno
Ease into your vacation with an exciting first day exploring the best of Reno’s outdoor scene, from manageable treks with your tiny hikers to wandering the iconic Riverwalk District.
Tackle the morning with a scenic hike:
Kick off your trip with a family-friendly hike that gets everyone moving while soaking in those Instagram-worthy views. Just a short drive from downtown Reno and adjacent to the Truckee River, the Tom Cooke Trail is an easy 1.2-mile, round-trip route (perfect for little legs!). Plus, Fido can join on a leash, so no one in your crew is left out. For a more challenging trek that’s also within reach of downtown, Keystone Canyon offers a longer trail, higher elevations, and sweeping views of the city and the Sierra Nevada.
Nosh on breakfast at Squeeze In:
Grab a hearty bite at Squeeze In, known for its legendary omelets and kid-approved eats, including fluffy, bear-shaped pancakes and creative egg scrambles. With its laid-back vibe, quirky decor, and a menu packed with options for picky eaters and other dietary needs, this hometown staple is just the spot to refuel before your next activity.
Stroll through the Reno Riverwalk District:
Spend the afternoon and evening on a casual stroll along the Truckee River, where you can take in public art installations as tots burn off any extra energy. Depending on the season, you might even catch a family-friendly event or live entertainment. When it’s time to eat, the Reno Riverwalk District has plenty of dining options to satisfy all cravings, from classic American comfort food to Japanese, Mexican, and North Indian cuisines.
Day 2: Just because the snow is gone doesn’t mean the fun is over
Take a quick, scenic drive to Tahoe for a day packed with seasonal fun. Whether your crew is ready to tuck into some lakeside burgers or hang with raptors, Tahoe delivers the best of summer.
Cozy up with a hot chocolate & lunch:
Lounge inside the resort’s cozy lodge, where you can order lunch from Timber’s Bar & Grill. They serve up kid favorites like pizza, burgers, quesadillas, sandwiches, steamy soups, and hefty pasta bowls that guarantee a full belly. Children will love the lodge cafe’s hot cocoa, and parents can get a much-needed latte (or hot toddy!) from the coffee bar.
See how the mountain lions roam:
Complete your day’s adventure with a visit to the Animal Ark, about a 30-minute drive outside Reno. Recently opened for the season, this 38-acre non-profit wildlife sanctuary located in the Northern Nevada foothills features bears, felines, rodents, reptiles, and raptors (think owls, not dinosaurs). Check the schedule for daily feeding and training sessions as well as animal meet and greets.
Enjoy lakeside dining:
Once the sun sets, make your way to the popular Incline Village. Nestled along the northwest shore of Lake Tahoe, this charming town offers a little bit of everything, from a mix of upscale and casual dining to unbeatable lakeside views, unique shops, and plenty of homey or upscale lodging options if you’re staying the night. Stop by Inclined Burgers and Brews for a crowd-pleasing dinner where juicy patties and crispy garlic fries steal the show. Parents can unwind with a local craft beer, while kids (and kids at heart) will love the classic ice cream floats.
Day 3: Embrace a Reno Tahoe adventure—at a slower pace
Treat the family to a day of laid-back fun with baby chickadees, a tasty lunch, and hands-on activities that make it easy to slow things down—without anyone getting bored!
Have them eating out of your hand (literally):
For a fun, low-key activity that gets the kids moving, take a scenic trek through Chickadee Ridge. This easy, 2.3-mile trail near Incline Village and Crystal Bay is a perfect stop before heading towards Reno. It offers breathtaking mountain views and a peaceful landscape that’s unmatched—plus, bring a small bag of sunflower seeds and the area’s friendly chickadees will eat right from your hand!
Reward yourself with lunch:
After a morning of adventure, head to Schussboom Brewing Co., a family-friendly brewery in South Reno known for its relaxed vibe and comfort food that hits the spot. Dig into shareable favorites like mozzarella wedges, loaded buffalo chicken tots, fried Wisconsin cheese curds, and Thai-style pizza. If your crew leans toward the classics, there’s no shortage of crowd-pleasers, including burgers, sandwiches, and wraps. And while your tots run around the play area, you can kick back with a well-earned craft beer!
Make ooey-gooey slime creations:
Parents, it’s time to roll up everyone’s sleeves and get ready for some messy fun at The Slime Kitchen, Reno’s newest creative play space. Here, budding crafters can make their own slime just how they want it—with no clean-up required! Through an easy, guided 10-step process, they can choose from a huge collection of colors, textures, scents, and add-ins like glitter, charms, and sprinkles. The best part? Little ones get to take home their masterpiece in a jar (a.k.a. the perfect souvenir!).
Day 4: Get back to nature in Tahoe
Wrap up your vacation with one final adventure through Reno Tahoe’s great outdoors. Giddy up for an awesome trail ride, snuggle some kittens, and paddle into the sunset. It’s the kind of ending that your kids will talk about months from now.
Saddle up for a morning ride:
Have any little cowboys or cowgirls in the making? Piping Rock Horses in Reno Tahoe offers family-friendly trail rides for all skill levels and ages. The Ranch Kids Ride lets animal lovers visit the petting zoo before a beginner-friendly ride, while the Saddle Up Ride gives first-timers a one-hour intro that starts in the arena before heading into scenic meadows and pine forests. For a bigger adventure, the Picnic Ride includes two hours on horseback with a scenic lunch break (just bring your own meal!). But heads-up: Piping Rock is closed until the end of March, so be sure to plan ahead.
Enjoy a snack break:
Take a paws (see what we did there?) from your adventures and grab lunch at Kitty Kisses Cat Café in Reno, the first and only one in the city. Snack on light bites, like chips with guac, and meat and cheese plates, while animal lovers cuddle and play with the café’s adorable, adoptable cats. It’s a win-win for all! Be sure to book your visit in advance to secure your family’s spot.
End your trip with a splash:
If you have a little bit of free time before saying goodbye, squeeze in one last Reno escapade. Head over to Sparks Marina for a fun paddleboarding session. It’s a great way to soak up some sun, enjoy the beautiful scenery one last time, and tire out your little ones just in time for a peaceful trip back home.
For a one-of-a-kind destination where summer is in full swing, you can’t go wrong with a family vacation in Reno Tahoe. Save this itinerary for easy planning and head to visitrenotahoe.com for more picks on lodging, dining, and entertainment.
