Best Places to Visit Around Reno
There are lots of fun places to visit in the Reno, Nevada area. Of course there are casinos and gambling all over Nevada including Reno which is like Vegas’ little brother. Outside of gambling there are lots of fun things to do as well with lots of family fun too.
The Midway at Circus Circus
The Midway at Circus Circus is an arcade wonderland for kids and kids at heart. It has lots of modern arcade games, carnival games, and free circus shows. There are classic balloon pop games, ring toss games, goblets, coin dozer games like Avengers and Superman, claw grab games, and many more. The Midway is open daily til late into the night. Just outside of the Midway there is lots of food to choose from, and of course for grown ups there is slot machines down stairs.
Wild Island in Sparks
Just outside of Reno there is lesser known water amusement park with lots of things to do that the whole family can enjoy. The park has 11 water slides, 4 pools, and 6 different places to eat. The slides range from tame rides that anyone can enjoy to more extreme rides that have vertical drops with some intense speeds. Once you’re done at the water park Wild Island has there own arcade with games that rivals the Midway at Circus Circus. There’s laser tag, go karts, arcade games, VR games, put put golf and more. Wild Islands is a great family escape for family fun.
Virginia City
Virginia City is located just outside of Carson City and is home to some of the wealthiest mines from the United States. These mines made millions of dollars in their time rivaling only the Bay Area for gold and silver production. Current day Virginia City is mostly a tourist town that takes you back in time to the days of the Old West. There’s train rides, mine tours, escape rooms, and a lively downtown packed with food and adventure. Virginia City is a must visit if you’re in the Reno area.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States trailing only behind Crater Lake in Oregon. Lake Tahoe has an east and west shore with a California side and a Nevada side, but it’s really divided more like North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe. To the North there are skiing resorts that make you forget you’re only 30 minutes from the desert. North Star California Resort might be the best known resort in the North. It feels like you’re in your own private town with stores, restaurants, a movie theater, ski lifts, a pool, trails, and even an ice skating rink in the center of it all. North Star California Resort is great for families who can’t get enough of the feeling of Christmas.
On your way down to South Lake Tahoe staying on the California side you’ll see a scenic route with waterfalls and awe-inspiring views. Once you get to South Lake Tahoe the California side and Nevada side is separated only by a small street in-between. Just as you step into Nevada you’re of course greeted by Casinos. The only Hell’s Kitchen from Gordon Ramsay located outside of Las Vegas will be located here, but keep in mind eating at a world-famous restaurant that has the season 19 winner as a chef comes at a cost.
Grand Sierra Resort
The Grand Sierra Resort or GSR for short is a casino, but is arguably the best casino in the Reno area. The GSR has much more than just slot machines, it’s one of the few places you can catch a show in Reno. Unlike Las Vegas shows are hard to come by in the Reno area. The GSR however has regular shows in their event center. Aside from shows the GSR also has a nightclub with a pool attached, a movie theater downstairs, an arcade, throwing axes, an outdoor sky coaster, and last but not least an all immersive virtual reality experience.
Zero Latency in the GSR lets you experience VR in an open world environment. Strap on a backpack, attach some headgear, and grab a rifle for this wireless experience. After you have all your equipment you’re brought into a large open room with other players that you can see in the virtual world. You’ll have your choice of battling zombies, fighting your way out of a pirate island in Far Cry VR, or other experiences. This type of VR experience is hard to find in other areas, so don’t miss this if you’re in the area.
Honorable Mentions
The Reno Sign on the Reno Strip