There are many things to do in Reno during the summer. In Reno, Nevada, the summer months are warm and sunny, making it a great time to visit. Whether you’re looking for water activities, air activities, or land-based activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. There are many kid-friendly things to do in Reno during the summer. Several of them are also free!
Reno’s warm summers make it easy to get outside and explore. The city offers visitors a variety of fun activities that can keep children occupied while parents relax and unwind.
#1 Spend a Day by the River
The Truckee River runs right through downtown Reno and offers plenty of opportunities to cool off during the summer months, whether you prefer to swim, rent a boat, or kayak.
Keep an eye on air quality conditions. It’s not all fun and games in Reno during the hot summer months—with more people come more air pollution emissions. And while there are tons of outdoor adventures available to you in this beautiful city, it’s important to be mindful of your health when taking advantage of them.
In 2019, for example, unusually high temperatures in Reno resulted in an Air Quality Index (AQI) rating of over 200 for several days that June. An AQI level above 150 is considered “unhealthy,” meaning that everyone can experience problems when exposed to it—sensitive groups, including children and those with respiratory illnesses, will be most affected.
#2 Go Hiking
Hiking is a great way to get out and see the area. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes. If you have allergies, check the pollen levels and make sure you take medicine if needed. Additionally, double-check the weather before leaving for your hike to ensure that it won’t rain or snow unexpectedly and catch you off guard.
Finally, tell someone where you are going hiking in case of an emergency or accident. Looking for places to go hiking? Here are some of our favorite Reno trails:
- The Truckee River Walk Trail
- Mt Rose Meadows Trail
The air quality in Reno is usually good. However, as we mentioned before, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on the AQI. That is especially necessary if you are traveling with sensitive groups that cannot tolerate high levels of carbon monoxide in the air.
#3 Check out Peavine Mountain
Peavine Mountain is a mountain range in the northwest United States in western Nevada. The name derives from the Paiute word for “snowy mountain,” and it’s known to be the most prominent mountain range outside of Reno. Because of this, Peavine Mountain is also a popular place for mountain biking, as well as running and hiking.
With its location just outside of Reno proper, Peavine Mountain grants easy access to tourists who want to enjoy any number of outdoor activities along with the entertaining nightlife that Reno has to offer.
#4 Watch a Concert in Wingfield Park
Reno also hosts an assortment of free summer concerts at Wingfield Park every year. The field is located in the Truckee River Walk, a beautiful three-mile path that starts at Rancho San Rafael Park and extends down to downtown.
During the summer, performances typically begin around 7:00 p.m. and run until 9:00 p.m., but it’s best to check the schedule because some concerts occur on different days of the week (for example, one is on Monday nights instead of Wednesday).
You can start your evening by bringing a picnic dinner to enjoy with friends and family while you wait for the show to begin. The Reno Pops Orchestra performs weekly during their shows at Wingfield Park, which start toward the beginning of May and run through August or September.
Other featured musicians include classic rock bands, jazz musicians playing big band music, and other various performers who put on impressive concerts that are completely free for all attendees.
#5 Get Adventurous with Rock Climbing
Reno is known for its casinos and bars, but it’s also a beautiful place to get outdoors in the summer. With mountains, lakes, and rivers all around you, there are plenty of opportunities for unique adventures.
To get the most out of your vacation in Reno during the summer, we recommend going rock climbing. Rock climbing is a great way to gain muscle and build upper body strength. It can also be challenging both mentally and physically. When you’re out rock climbing at places like Donner Summit or Lover’s Leap, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world!
Before you go rock climbing in Reno this summer, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Always follow safety guidelines when rock climbing
- Be sure to wear your harness properly
- Bring plenty of water–climbing can be thirsty work!
#6 Learn about Reno’s Natural Hot Springs
Did you know that the Reno area is home to many natural hot springs? That is a great attraction for those who want to visit natural hot springs but don’t want to travel far. It is also good for those who are interested in learning about how and why these natural phenomena occur.
Natural hot springs form when water underground is heated by magma from underneath the Earth’s crust. The heated water, which can be over 200 degrees Fahrenheit, rises up and out of the ground through cracks in volcanic rock formations and fissures caused by earthquakes or erosion.
Natural hot springs have been used by human beings throughout history. They were an integral part of Native American culture, and we continue to use them today for medicinal purposes, recreation, and more!
Reno has many public hot springs where people can enjoy soaking in warm water while taking in impressive views of nature. Some local spots include Valley View Hot Springs and Wild Horse Hot Springs.
Once you visit Reno, you will discover more fun things to do. For now, though, look forward to these six things and enjoy them to your fullest.
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