This museum is a hidden gem. They're constantly bringing new and exciting exhibitions to our…read morecommunity, specifically those that are geared towards our elementary aged kiddos, which I sincerely appreciate. Most recently we visited Toytopia. This exhibit offers the chance to explore a hands-on history of toys from the past and into the future. My kids loved the oversized robotic claw, reminiscent of an amped up arcade machine. It was a blast trying to get the individually articulating fingers to close around the ball in order to lift it into the basket for the big reward. We also enjoyed the oversized battleship game. So fun to play and we spent 20-30 min there. Mr Potato Head was old school fun too. We made a competition out of it to see who could make the wackiest example. I think I won... or maybe my kids let me win. But the favorite had to be the mini arcade they had setup with some of the best old school cabinets. Donkey Kong, DK Jr., Dig Dug and so many more are all here as part of the exhibit and you could spend a long time here without realizing it! Oh and there's even a Zoltar fortune teller too! When you're done at toytopia you can go learn the history of Wilbur D May on the other side of the museum. I personally love exploring the artifacts and treasures he collected from his travels, especially the hunting and fishing trophies! All in all, a great little place to spend a

Wonderful experience for my family. Roaming around the gardens and taking a tour of the museum…read more Plenty of places for a picnic on the grounds. Just understand that May was a "big game" hunter when that was not frowned upon as it is now. Many of his "trophies" are found throughout the museum.

We loved our visit to the Discovery Museum in Reno! We only had about an hour before closing, so it…read morewas a bit rushed--but even in that short time, we had so much fun exploring all the different areas. Heads up: the gift shop closed before we could grab anything, and the closing announcements were pretty firm--if you weren't already in line, it was a no-go. Totally fair, just something to keep in mind when planning your visit! There are so many exhibits that we definitely had to move quickly, but it was still 100% worth it. Pro tip: save the downstairs water feature for last--it's an absolute blast for the whole family! As a special needs family, we felt really comfortable here. Our 5-year-old loved the freedom to walk and explore, and our 1-year-old had a great time in the littles area and with the water play. The huge cloud play structure looked amazing, but we skipped it since there's only one way in and out--just didn't feel like the right call for us this time. Bonus: let your kids take the stairs to burn off energy! But if you've got a stroller, wheelchair, or just want an easier route, elevators are available too. Overall, such a fun spot--we'll definitely be back (with more time next time)!

I will say the kiddos love this place…read more We have been twice. Before I wanted to get a membership, but now seeing how it is. I am happy thay we just go once in a while. The museum is not very large and most of our kiddos love the Truckee river exhibit as they play there more. It could be the age. Just bring some spare clothes or a towel as they may be drenched. As they get older they may like to do the other exhibits more. They have lego, space, anatomy, physics, and engineering zones. They also have a lab with daily activities. The amazing part is there are plenty of things to do. The downside is the parking lot gets packed fast, but thats a good thing. So give yourself time if looking for a spot. Its super cool for the kiddos and there is even a cute little toddler playground. So please enjoy the space and time.

I have never been to burning man, and really have no interest, but this little celebration gave me…read morea taste of the playa life. Bonanza Casino put on a art car and mutant vehicle show. Each vehicle had one thing in common, huge massive speakers. There was a vehicle that looked like a swing line stapler. A car that looked like a sardine can with the top peeled. A mobile stripper pole car and several other just odd looking cars. I guess a big part of burning man is the art and music. The music was cool but way loud. Multiply that by about 700 to 1000 and you get slot of weird vehicles playing loud music and some shooting flames. Maybe one day I will go , it was cool.

Had a great time at the Fleischmann Planetarium. The planetarium part itself was not necessarily…read morethe biggest or most comfortable one we've been in, but the show we saw, narrated by Diego Luna, about the elemental makeup of the universe, was eye-opening. The real highlight of the place, though, was the museum-quality sci-fi movie and TV show displays they had throughout the building. It was like geek heaven. You could tell it was assembled with a combination of passion for the subject matter and a desire to share as much as possible with visitors. There were tons of obscure and iconic Star Wars-and Star Trek-related items in display cabinets everywhere, as well as a lot of interesting information about science-related human accomplishments through time. It's too much to describe . . . I highly recommend a visit if you're at all interested in anything sci-fi-related. It was fascinating for me; I had a really good time taking in as much as I could learning about meteorites, learning about the T.A.R.D.I.S. from Dr. Who, posing next to the R2-D2, etc. etc. It was great. Parking in the West Stadium Parking Complex was super easy; you just park on the third floor (which is the garage-entrance floor off the main street) and the Planetarium is practically connected right to the garage via a very small walkway/bridge right off the third floor.

What a fun place to explore! If you set your expectations that this isn't a huge planetarium, and…read morecheck the showtimes before you go, adults will have a fun time. Little ones (6 and under) will enjoy the age geared show. The sun dome in the center of the planetarium is where the shows are held. It's not huge inside, maybe a dozen rows. Kids won't stay quiet so be prepared for that while you watch the toddler show, but still really fun. Before the actual show starts they show constellations and views of space. Such a cool learning experience for littles and a reminder of how small we all are on this planet. Downstairs there is interactive astronaut stuff and a bunch of movies memorabilia. Upstairs is a beautiful moon display with a lot of American history. Bathrooms clean! Plentiful parking. Pay attention to signs. There's a walkway straight to the planetarium entrance.

This was such a fun event. I wish I had taken more pictures. Everybody was dressed up and looked…read moreamazing! The mansion was beyond beautiful and each room featured a cocktail from four different bars. They were all delicious and perfectly crafted, it was so hard to choose a favorite. Our night ended with a little crafting where we got to decorate our own candle holder. I hope there's another event like this one. 10/10!!

We came for the free event last week sponsored by Nevada Arts For All. Our 3 yo got to create…read moreseveral Christmas themed art projects, got a free Christmas themed book, and told Santa what he wanted for Christmas. We had a great time watching our boy learn to create, without spending much money. I really love this organization and location and encourage parents to check out their offerings. Truly a blessing to our community.

Visited on a Saturday afternoon at approx. 3pm. The cafe has closed by then, and the museum wasn't…read morebusy. We managed to visit two floors of exhibits in about an hour. There were many thought-provoking and educational pieces. I love that the fruit and vegetables planted on site is accessible to everyone. I also love the floral mural and curtains in the lounge. The retail items in the gift shops are gorgeous as well. Would have been awesome if there were NMA merchandise to purchase for souvenirs!

The wife and I decided to have a ditch day from work and while having breakfast I wanted us to do…read moresomething we don't often do but both enjoy, and that's why we came to the Nevada Museum of Art. As a walk in on a week day there were a couple groups of students touring and a few other walk ins, but for the most part it seemed like we had the place to ourselves. We spent a couple hours taking in as much as possible, from fully immersing ourselves in Ernesto Neto's Children of the Earth to exploring other works like one of my favorites, Ducks in a Row by Clare Rojas. We then enjoyed the bakery in the lower level, quickly admired the Bristlecone clock in the library before departing. There was a section under development that we were unable to explore and we did almost miss the Ernesto Neto exhibit as the entryway was right next to the blocked off area under development. As we were preparing to exit, my wife saw the small entryway next to a table where someone was stationed to block off the section under development. The person stationed there said nothing. Luckily her curiosity led us the exhibit, but we could've easily missed it.

Free Event yearly!!! It was an amazing experience seeing all the balloons up close. Rancho San…read moreRafael is such a big place it can accommodate all balloons that are joining the race. It's not a regret waking up 2 in the morning to see this magical event. The dawn patrol started at 5am so we were there about 3:30. Parking starts to fill at that time and we were all bundled up. If you plan to do this event, wear comfy shoes as there's a lot of walking to get to the parking and going into the park itself. There's $25 cash parking fee if you park at San Rafael. But if you park outside, it's always free. Bring blankets and folded chairs. There's merchants selling food and other things which start serving at about 5:30 am. The place is almost at full capacity as early as 5am so be there at least 3:30am. I'm sure you will have an amazing time! All balloons for Dawn Patrol ascended at 5:30. Then about 7am all the other balloons started going up. See you again, next year!

What a cool event!! I am kicking myself for being here in town for the last 4 years and not…read moreattending this awesome event. Its an early wake up for sure as the gates open at 3:30 and you should probably be there by 4:30 at the latest. the illuminations (glow) of the balloons before dawn is an incredible sight. They have all kinds of vendors selling food, drinks (including good bloody marys) and crafts. Its super cool being so close to the balloon crews and pilots. You are right there it the mix of it all and sometimes they might even ask you for a little help, which is fun. I got to help hold down a balloon basket just before launch. You can bet that I will be back each and every year to this very fun event. Another feather in the cap for Reno!

You cant enter City Hall from the street. Park in the garage, take the elevator to the second…read morefloor enter and then take another elevator to the first floor to find the Metro Gallery. This exhibit, "Fat Chance". is a fun show exploring Gambling motifs and themes with ceramic and textiles by Joan Azzizabaiaga. It is up until April 14.

Did you know that there is an Art Gallery on the first floor of Reno City Hall?…read more Well, you do now and it is free and open to the public. They have regular exhibits of works by local artists and really makes for an impressive welcome to residents and visitors who come to City Hall. It is located in the large lobby just outside of the City Council Chamber. The space is light and open and is a great venue for a wide variety of artwork. They have regular exhibitions that are on display throughout the year. The City of Reno website has information on current and past exhibits and dates and times for the Artist Receptions. The growing public art venues in Reno are one of the reasons this is a great place to live.

Reno! Here we stand again !…read more This little city, or the "biggest little city," or charming little city needs some more attention and highlights! As we remember, we look over the past! We must look towards the present and live for the future! We stayed here a few times, it's close to Lake Tahoe and the music venues. All the natural wonders that this city has to offer . In fact it was going to be a forever dream of home, a fleeting fancy now ! Let's not pretend that you need to see Reno! It's a great day trip ! You come and see a show! Stay over night. In one afternoon you can rent a bike and see the whole city ! The wonders around each corner are endless! When we were here we wandered and found ourselves walking around. Discovering something! Who knows what we were thinking or even looking for . Beware that the city is not the best after dark ! The city of Reno is feeling the effects of crime and violence of being just a city. Just be careful and aware. Don't get into some kind of chokehold. Life is too short ! Let's make it longer! Now let's not get scared, but be aware. The old days of Reno are all over and are awaiting you. Come here and play. We enjoyed just the aspects of the natural environment that coexists between human and animal here. It's too cool! Grab some close! Feed the ducks and stroll along the water front. It's great all the coffee shops you need to see ! Let's go.

This city seems to selectively target certain people and businesses while favoring others, and it…read moreshows. Reno is billions of dollars in debt, yet it continues to drive new businesses away. I know this firsthand--our company originally planned to hire 75 people in Nevada, but due to the unacceptable treatment from current elected officials, we ended up hiring only one person and ultimately pulled out of the state. Downtown Reno, which once was a vibrant and lively area, is now largely empty and overwhelmed by homelessness. The city has driven up costs, chosen winners and losers, and created an environment where progress feels impossible. Reno needs new leadership--people with fresh ideas who genuinely care about the residents and the future of this great city. Vote for EDDIE LORTON

I love this little art studio and can't wait to take more classes here! I participated in a Dutch…read morePour Class (offered through Artown) and had so much fun making a set of coasters. The class size was perfect for this activity, allowing for the teacher to adequately share instructions, demonstrate the process, and work one-on-one with students as needed. The instructions were organized on a print out with all the materials and supplies needed to replicate the activity at home and referenced during the instruction portion of the class. The materials for the class were well-maintained and organized at each place setting for each student. I've taken other art classes elsewhere and I felt like this was a step above with regard to organization, instruction, and take away materials. I loved the experience so much that I'm going to take another class in October, and this time I'm bringing a friend! In addition to the art classes and studio, Copper Cat also has a delightful little art/gift shop with items made from the artists in studio. Most are in the front shop, but some pieces are scattered throughout. Take your time looking at all the wonderful pieces... so many great art gems for sale at very affordable prices. This little shop is now on my go-to for gift shopping.

Finally made it out to visit Copper Cat Studio! What a beautiful shop; so much larger than I ever…read moreexpected. Spacious and well-lit classroom space. I'm not a mosaic or stained glass artist, but even to my eyes, the supply they carry looked amazing. Also local artists' works (including the owner Katie's) throughout; perfect for gift shopping. Yes, original art makes great gifts, while supporting a local woman-owned business! Everything is so tastefully, lovingly displayed. Just very lovely space. Hope you'll come visit.