Fun Things to Do in and around Reno/Sparks/Tahoe

The following list was put together with the help of the “Way West Herders,” a bunch of individuals who live in or around the Reno/Sparks/Tahoe area. These folks generously donated time and attention to offer suggestions as to how Way West 2021 attendees might have a better experience in the Reno/Sparks/Tahoe area. Thus, when you read this list, you’ll be getting an excellent idea of what the locals would recommend.

Of course, visitors to the Reno/Sparks/Tahoe area can gamble. But they can also do a crazy amount of other incredibly fun (and family friendly) things that do not necessarily involve the wagering of hard-earned money or the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

• If getting back to nature is your thing, you’re in for a treat. You may have heard about this place called Lake Tahoe. That’s right. Lake Tahoe.
  • Simply pick a spot on the Tahoe Rim Trail, go for a hike, and while you’re at it, congratulate yourself for making an excellent decision to go on this trip. Here’s a map. Now scram!
  • Find beautiful hiking in Incline Village or Kings Beach.
  • Check out the local faves such as Monkey Rock and Picnic Rock.
  • Camp at Donner Lake and/or the surrounding areas.
  • Want a family friendly beach? Check out Nevada Beach in South Lake or Kings Beach in North Shore.
  • Find opportunities to boat, jet ski, and do other lake activities on Tahoe’s north beaches.
  • Water ski. If you dare. Or go paddleboarding or kayaking.
  • Go mountain biking at Lake Tahoe’s Northstar Bike Park.
  • Ride the scenic Heavenly Mountain Gondola.
• Hit the streets and use your legs.
  • Find cool bars and restaurants and stuff in Midtown District Reno.
  • Walk around and eat in the Riverwalk District.
  • Visit the pubs on the Reno strip.
  • Ice skate at Reno Ice.
• Do family friendly things.
  • Have a grand old time at Wild Island, which has go karts, laser tag, bowling, and more. They’ve also got a waterpark.
  • Visit the National Automobile Museum in Reno.
  • Learn about celestial bodies at the Fleischmann Planetarium.
• If you’re feeling gutsy, go for a climb on a BaseCamp artificial climbing wall. As per the Guinness Book of World Records, they’ve got the world’s largest artificial climbing wall.
  • Note: The “Climb to the Top” may not be open, depending on the weather.
  • They’ve also got indoor bouldering.
• Step back in time and explore Virginia City, a 19th century mining town.
• Roadtrip. Want to go for a longer drive? Sacramento is 2 hours away, Yosemite is 4, and Napa is 4.
• Trap and untrap yourself in one of several escape rooms. Note: What follows is not to be confused with the Escape Room(s) at the WWHF Way West conference itself.
  • Key & Code – two in Sparks at Legends Mall near the Nugget (also a Reno location)
  • Breakthrough – at the GSR in Reno 
  • Puzzle Room Reno – Downtown Reno 
  • Keystone Escape Games 
• Attend the Reno Rodeo scheduled for June 17 – 26, 2021. 
• Shoot a gun at one of the many ranges. According to one Way West Herder, “You can shoot until your trigger finger falls off.”
• Throw some axes.
  • Reno Axe – in Reno
  • Axe & Throw – in Sparks at Legends Mall near the Nugget
• Take a seat.
  • Catch a movie at Galaxy Theaters. There’s one at Legends Mall and one at Victorian Square, both by the Nugget.
  • Watch a Reno Aces Minor League Baseball game. 
• Find a casino and do casino things.
  • If you’re staying at the Nugget Casino Resort, work up a sweat in their fitness center or go for a dip in their pool. 
  • Look up the fun and games at Circus Circus Reno. 
  • Grand Sierra resort has cheap seat movies and ice skating.