No Limits Family Trip: Reno Tahoe

What if your next family getaway didn’t come with a set agenda—just the freedom to go where the day takes you? Find yourselves in Reno Tahoe, a land of no limits and plenty of outdoor bounty: waterfalls, wildflowers, and all-around wonderment. Plan your trip around the many family-friendly events, with favorites like the River Festival and Balloon Race. In Reno Tahoe, you come as you are and choose your own adventure. Your family, your Reno Tahoe. Now go!

Waterfalls, Wildflowers, Wonderment

Are there waterfalls? Where can I find some wildflowers? What’s a great place to catch a sunset? In Reno Tahoe, you’ve got choices—lots of them!

A spring standout is the 6-mile (round-trip) hike to Hunter Creek Falls, where desert peach wildflowers brighten the landscape and the marquee waterfall flows strong with snowmelt. The terrain shifts from exposed canyon to rocky hillsides bursting with color, then into a canopy of sugar pines before the finale: a two-tiered, free-flowing oasis.

See Reno Tahoe’s best waterfall and wildflower hikes

Ready to go big? Mount Rose delivers a waterfall and a peak, with some of the region’s best views. This 10-mile out-and-back is ideal in spring, with longer days, wildflowers, and glimpses of hidden lakes. About 2.5 miles in, a waterfall makes a perfect break. It’s a challenge—2,425 feet of elevation gain—but the 10,778-foot summit reward is ridiculously Reno Tahoe! Pro Tip: Check ahead before hiking as the peak is not always accessible in spring (especially if there’s been recent snowfall; if that’s the case—bookmark it for a summer adventure!)

For sunset, Huffaker Hills is a sure bet and teems with wildflowers in spring. Take a short, easy hike amid seasonal wildflowers like bright yellow Hooker’s balsamroot and sweeping views. It’s like stepping into a watercolor painting when the sun’s golden orb sinks over the Sierra Nevada as the lights come up in downtown Reno.

Detours of Discovery

Wait, what’s here? You’ll be saying that a lot in Reno Tahoe! Let your curiosity get the best of you.

The Biggest Little City in the World makes you feel like you’ve traveled the world at the Wilbur D. May Center. This museum and arboretum feature gorgeous gardens with a global influence and a museum of interesting artifacts.

Ready for another cool discovery? Head to The Discovery museum for hands-on fun. Interactive exhibits, climbing structures, and creative STEM zones make it a hit for both kids and adults.

Do car shows rev you up or keep you solidly in neutral? Car lover or not, the National Automobile Museum is worth gearing up for! Themed galleries showcase rare and classic cars, including celebrity rides like Elvis Presley’s Cadillac, all set along immersive streetscapes from different eras. Get your motors runnin’.

Discover Reno Tahoe’s Outstanding Arts & Culture

BONUS FOOD & DRINKS: Did someone say Taco Time? Reno Tahoe’s food scene is A+ for variety, with dining spots that are welcoming breaths of fresh air. Al fresco dining along the Riverwalk, family-friendly brewpubs, and taco spots worth seeking out are part of the adventure.

Find your favorite outdoor dining spot in Reno Tahoe.

The Unexpected Wild

Adventure runs wild in Reno Tahoe—from neon-lit city strolls to high-desert wildlife and the lively Truckee River.

Call it the River Wild. The Truckee River is one of the most pristine and impressive rivers in the country, and it runs right through the heart of Reno. Get your fill of it walking or cycling next to it, getting onto it (rafting!) or getting into it (take a fly-fishing lesson and wade on in with your expert guide by your side).

BONUS EVENT: The river gets even wilder, kicking off summer with the annual Reno River Festival (May 29-31, 2026)—the wettest, most rollicking family-friendly event on the river. Enjoy all kinds of festivities at Idlewild Park, from the Ride the Wave River Rally to a Dog Jog, Splash & Smash, and an 18-hole Bucket Golf Course … Fun fore sure!

We’re not horsing around when we say that Reno Tahoe’s legendary wild mustangs are real. Often spotted just outside city limits in places like Washoe Valley or east of Reno-Sparks, these iconic animals roam freely. Remember, they’re called wild for a reason…it’s not a petting zoo. Seeing them is truly like getting a glimpse into the Wild West!

While you may not run wild like the mustangs, you can fully experience the beauty of Reno Tahoe’s diverse landscape, with stellar horseback expeditions by Piping Rock Horses, Bader Ranch Trail Co., and Heavenly Hoof Prints.

After sundown, it’s time to walk the line: The J Resort’s Reno Neon Line is a dynamic streetscape showcasing art from Burning Man and other local enclaves, along with historic and restored neon signs. The permanent Wind Wall changes colors based on the weather. Glow for it!

PRO TIP: Save the Date for The Great Reno Balloon Race! We’re not full of hot air in saying that the world’s largest free hot-air ballooning event is a no-fee marvel. Every September, on the weekend after Labor Day, the Reno Tahoe sky will be a rainbow of stylish balloons reaching great heights, and creating family delight (plus some really great photos).