Homeschool & family fun in Reno, Carson City & Tahoe

Fall festival weekend at the wildlife sanctuary.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 24, 2026; Sun, Oct 25, 2026

• When: Sat–Sun, Oct 24–25, 2026
• Time: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Price: See site.
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

Drop-in maker activity in the museum's Shop.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 24, 2026; Sun, Oct 25, 2026; Wed, Oct 28, 2026; Sat, Oct 31, 2026

• When: Oct 24, 25, 28 and 31
• Time: Weekends 10:30 a.m.; Wed 4:30 p.m.
• Price: Free for members; included with admission for nonmembers.
• Ages: Ages 5 and up
• Booking: Not listed on source

Homeschool music ensembles that meet Friday afternoons.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Nov 6, 2026; Fri, Nov 13, 2026; Fri, Nov 20, 2026; Fri, Dec 4, 2026; Fri, Dec 11, 2026; Fri, Dec 18, 2026

• When: Fridays through Dec 18 (no practice Nov 27)
• Time: 2–5 p.m.
• Price: $70 for the fall session.
• Ages: Youth (see NNHS page)
• Booking: Register through NNHS.

⚠️ The NNHS page lists the first practice as "Friday, October 24th" (Oct 24, 2026 is a Saturday) and says practices exclude Oct 30 and Nov 27. It also mentions 7 sessions at $10. Confirm dates and fees with NNHS.

Homeschool group tickets to the pro hockey team's school-day game, arranged by NNHS.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Nov 19, 2026

• When: Thursday, Nov 19, 2026
• Time: 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
• Price: $23 per student (ages 3+) and adult. One free teacher ticket per household.
• Ages: Ages 3+ need a ticket
• Booking: NNHS registration for this game is closed. Listed so families know the date.

⚠️ Registration closed on the NNHS page.

Homeschool open-jump hour arranged by Northern Nevada Home Schools.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Nov 20, 2026

• When: Friday, Nov 20, 2026
• Time: 12–1 p.m.
• Price: $10 per jumper.
• Ages: Homeschool families
• Booking: Register through NNHS.

A short, narrated Nutcracker for families, with group tickets through NNHS.

Upcoming dates: Sun, Nov 29, 2026; Mon, Nov 30, 2026

• When: Sun, Nov 29 at 2 and 5 p.m.; Mon, Nov 30 at noon
• Time: See dates
• Price: $6 per ticket (ages 3+). Lap babies free.
• Ages: Ages 3+ need a ticket
• Booking: NNHS ticket sales end Oct 31. Non-refundable.

⚠️ Nov 29: two shows, 2 and 5 p.m.

A 45-minute narrated Nutcracker for families, with group tickets through Northern Nevada Home Schools.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Dec 5, 2026

• When: Saturday, Dec 5, 2026: 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. shows
• Time: 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
• Price: $6 per ticket (ages 3+). Lap babies free.
• Ages: Ages 3+ need a ticket
• Booking: Buy through NNHS. Ticket sales end Oct 31. Non-refundable.

⚠️ Two shows; pick one.

Spelling bee for homeschooled students in grades K–8.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Feb 20, 2027

• When: Saturday, Feb 20, 2027
• Time: 10:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
• Price: Free. Optional $5–10 donation.
• Ages: Homeschooled K–8 students who were under 15 on Aug 31, 2026
• Booking: Register through NNHS by Feb 17, 2027.

Guided educational tours (about 90 minutes) of the wildlife sanctuary. Homeschools can book.

• When: Open seasonally; closed December through March
• Time: Sanctuary hours 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
• Price: $6 per child, $8 per adult. Minimum 8 children.
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Book through Animal Ark.

⚠️ Animal Ark says it is closed during the winter, December through March. Book spring dates now.

Planetarium field-trip programs. Homeschool and charter groups are welcome.

• When: Monday–Saturday, select dates
• Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Price: $5 per person, $75 minimum.
• Ages: School groups
• Booking: Book at least 2 weeks ahead.

⚠️ The planetarium is closed to drop-in visitors from May 4, 2026 into early 2027. Field trips run on select dates only.

Self-guided or docent-guided K–12 field trips through the car collection and its historic street scenes.

• When: By reservation
• Time: Not listed on source
• Price: $5 per student self-guided; $8 guided. One free chaperone per 5 students; extra chaperones $10.
• Ages: Grades K–12
• Booking: Groups of 20–60 students. Book through the museum's education page.

⚠️ The page does not mention homeschool groups by name; ask when booking.

Reserved field trips to the museum in the historic Carson City Mint: Nevada history, the walk-through mine and natural history.

• When: Field-trip season Jul 17, 2026–Mar 31, 2027
• Time: Not listed on source
• Price: Admission for ages 17 and under is free; adults $10.
• Ages: School groups
• Booking: Field trips need a reservation through the museum.

⚠️ The museum's bus reimbursement program does not cover homeschools.

Hands-on science museum. Group-rate visits work for homeschool groups, scout troops and large families.

• When: During museum hours
• Time: See site
• Price: $14.95 per person for groups of 20 or more. One adult chaperone required for every 5 visitors age 13 and under.
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Reserve and get confirmation at least 2 weeks ahead. Pay on arrival. Whole group must arrive together. Free member admission does not apply.

Lake Tahoe science exhibits with guided tours, plus kid-friendly curricula for school groups.

• When: Tuesday–Friday. Guided tours 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; self-guided 1:30–4:30 p.m.
• Time: 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
• Price: $5–10 with advance timed tickets.
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Buy timed tickets ahead online.

⚠️ Closed Thanksgiving week (Wed–Fri) and winter break (last week of December and Jan 1).

Build and code LEGO robots that travel across challenge boards. New coders and experienced builders welcome.

Upcoming dates: Tue, Oct 27, 2026; Tue, Nov 3, 2026; Tue, Nov 10, 2026; Tue, Nov 17, 2026; Tue, Nov 24, 2026; Tue, Dec 8, 2026; Tue, Dec 15, 2026; Tue, Dec 29, 2026; Tue, Jan 12, 2027

• When: Tuesdays
• Time: 4–6 p.m.
• Price: Free.
• Ages: Ages 8–16
• Booking: Register for a time slot on the library event page.

Weekly story time with a themed craft afterward.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Oct 30, 2026; Fri, Nov 6, 2026; Fri, Nov 13, 2026; Fri, Nov 20, 2026; Fri, Nov 27, 2026

• When: Fridays
• Time: 9:30–10:15 a.m.
• Price: Included with admission (free for ages 17 and under; adults $10). Free for members.
• Ages: Young children
• Booking: Not listed on source

Early-learning play sessions for little kids and their grown-ups.

Upcoming dates: Mon, Nov 2, 2026; Tue, Nov 3, 2026; Mon, Nov 9, 2026; Tue, Nov 10, 2026; Mon, Nov 16, 2026; Tue, Nov 17, 2026; Mon, Nov 23, 2026; Tue, Nov 24, 2026; Mon, Nov 30, 2026

• When: November: Downtown Reno Tuesdays 10:45 a.m.; Spanish Springs Mondays 11 a.m.
• Time: See schedule
• Price: Free.
• Ages: Young children
• Booking: Not listed on source

⚠️ End times aren't listed; calendar entries use a 1-hour placeholder.

Navajo dance performances at the museum.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Nov 6, 2026

• When: Friday, Nov 6, 2026
• Time: 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
• Price: Kids free (museum admission for adults $10).
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

Kids practice reading aloud to therapy dogs.

Upcoming dates: Sun, Nov 8, 2026; Thu, Nov 12, 2026; Sat, Nov 14, 2026

• When: Nov 14 (second Saturday) at Northwest Reno, Sierra View, South Valleys and Sparks 11 a.m., North Valleys 2 p.m.; Spanish Springs Sun Nov 8; Downtown Reno Thu Nov 12 11 a.m.
• Time: See schedule
• Price: Free.
• Ages: Young readers
• Booking: Not listed on source

Monthly free admission day with hands-on art activities, storytelling, a docent-guided tour and live performances.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Nov 14, 2026

• When: Saturday, Nov 14, 2026
• Time: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Price: Free admission for all visitors.
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

⚠️ Held on second Saturdays. December date not yet posted as its own event page.

Build-and-play cardboard camp.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Nov 18, 2026; Thu, Nov 19, 2026

• When: Wed–Thu, Nov 18–19, 2026
• Time: 2 p.m.
• Price: Free.
• Ages: Ages 3–7
• Booking: Registration required.

⚠️ Starts 2 p.m.; end time not listed.

Story time with live music.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Nov 19, 2026

• When: Thursday, Nov 19, 2026
• Time: 11 a.m.
• Price: Free.
• Ages: Kids & families
• Booking: Not listed on source

⚠️ Starts 11 a.m.

Birthday party for Pooh with crafts, games and treats.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Nov 25, 2026

• When: Wednesday, Nov 25, 2026
• Time: 11 a.m.
• Price: Free.
• Ages: Kids & families
• Booking: Not listed on source

⚠️ Starts 11 a.m.

Two-day LEGO robotics camp: build and code robots and use gears to control their speed.

Upcoming dates: Mon, Dec 21, 2026; Tue, Dec 22, 2026

• When: Mon–Tue, Dec 21–22, 2026
• Time: 1–3 p.m.
• Price: Free.
• Ages: Ages 5–7
• Booking: Not listed on source

Hands-on program about volcanoes and volcanic rocks, presented by the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Dec 30, 2026

• When: Wednesday, Dec 30, 2026
• Time: 1–2 p.m.
• Price: Free.
• Ages: Kids
• Booking: Not listed on source

Baby Bookworms (ages 0–2) Tuesdays 10:30 a.m.; Bedtime Bears (all ages) Wednesdays 6:30 p.m.; Big Kid Butterflies (ages 1–5) Thursdays 10:30 a.m.; Lego Club Wednesdays 4–6 p.m.

• When: Weekly
• Time: See schedule
• Price: Free.
• Ages: Babies to all ages
• Booking: Lego Club is drop-in, no registration.

Walk-through mine, ghost town, Nevada history and natural history in the old Carson City Mint. Coin Press No. 1 demonstrations on Saturdays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

• When: Daily; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
• Time: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
• Price: Free for ages 17 and under and members; adults $10.
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

Low-cost entry to the science museum during normal hours.

• When: Tuesday–Sunday (Wednesday until 8 p.m.)
• Time: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Price: $5 per person (up to 6 people) with an EBT/SNAP, WIC or TANF card. Regular admission: $13.95 child (1–5), $15.95 youth (6–17), $17.95 adult. Under 1 free.
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

Baby, toddler and preschool story times at branches across the county.

• When: Weekly; times vary by branch
• Time: See schedule
• Price: Free.
• Ages: Babies to preschool
• Booking: Not listed on source

⚠️ All Washoe County libraries are closed Nov 11 and Nov 26.

Evening walk-through lantern festival.

• When: Nightly through Nov 29, 2026
• Time: Oct 2–Nov 1: 6–10 p.m.; Nov 2–29: 5–9 p.m.
• Price: Weekdays $23.75 (12+), $17.75 (ages 3–11); weekends $27 (12+), $19.75 (ages 3–11). Under 3 free.
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

Stories, climbing and art, with the whole museum to yourselves for an hour before it opens. Families with kids 5 and under only.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Oct 28, 2026; Wed, Nov 4, 2026; Wed, Nov 11, 2026; Wed, Nov 18, 2026; Wed, Nov 25, 2026; Wed, Dec 2, 2026; Wed, Dec 9, 2026; Wed, Dec 16, 2026; Wed, Dec 23, 2026; Wed, Dec 30, 2026

• When: Wednesdays
• Time: 9–10 a.m.
• Price: Members free. Nonmembers $13.95–$17.95.
• Ages: Ages 5 and under with a grown-up
• Booking: Not listed on source

30–35 minute rides behind the restored Virginia & Truckee steam locomotive No. 25 over Nevada Day weekend.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Oct 30, 2026; Sat, Oct 31, 2026; Sun, Nov 1, 2026

• When: Fri–Sun, Oct 30–Nov 1, 2026
• Time: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (last train 3 p.m.)
• Price: $12 ages 12+; $6 ages 4–11 and members; 3 and under free.
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Tickets are sold in person.

Nevada's statehood parade down Carson Street from William St to Stewart St. A Kids Market & Adventure Zone opens at 8 a.m.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 31, 2026

• When: Saturday, Oct 31, 2026
• Time: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Price: Free to watch.
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

⚠️ Same day as Halloween.

Rotating drop-in builds: Topographic Maps (Nov 4–14), Turkey Catapults (Nov 18–29), Winter Ornaments (Dec 16–20) and Winter Pull Toys (Dec 26–27). Recycle Round-up Nov 14; STEM Lab: Healthcare Heroines Nov 21.

Upcoming dates: Sun, Nov 1, 2026; Wed, Nov 4, 2026; Sat, Nov 7, 2026; Sun, Nov 8, 2026; Wed, Nov 11, 2026; Sat, Nov 14, 2026; Wed, Nov 18, 2026; Sat, Nov 21, 2026; Sun, Nov 22, 2026; Wed, Nov 25, 2026; Sat, Nov 28, 2026; Sun, Nov 29, 2026; Wed, Dec 16, 2026; Sat, Dec 19, 2026; Sun, Dec 20, 2026; Sat, Dec 26, 2026; Sun, Dec 27, 2026

• When: Wednesdays 4:30–7:30 p.m.; weekends 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
• Time: See schedule
• Price: With museum admission (see site).
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

Two-day celebration: Friday evening event and a Saturday daytime celebration with family activities.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Nov 6, 2026; Sat, Nov 7, 2026

• When: Fri, Nov 6, 5–7 p.m.; Sat, Nov 7, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Time: See schedule
• Price: Free admission; some activities $10 per person.
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

Rides of about 30 minutes on restored early-1900s rail motor cars: the McKeen Motor Car (Nov 7–8) and the 1926 Edwards Motor Car (Nov 14–15).

Upcoming dates: Sat, Nov 7, 2026; Sun, Nov 8, 2026; Sat, Nov 14, 2026; Sun, Nov 15, 2026

• When: Sat–Sun, Nov 7–8 and Nov 14–15, 2026
• Time: Rides about every 30 minutes, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Price: Tickets online; price not listed on the event pages.
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

2-mile Thanksgiving morning run/walk.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Nov 26, 2026

• When: Thursday, Nov 26, 2026
• Time: 8:30 a.m.
• Price: $35 through Nov 23; $50 Nov 24–26.
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Online registration only (RunSignup).

⚠️ Starts 8:30 a.m.

Holiday event at the ballpark; buying through NNHS supports the homeschool nonprofit.

• When: Select dates Nov 27–Dec 23
• Time: See site
• Price: See site.
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

Holiday weekends with photos with Santa (11 a.m.–5 p.m.) and free kids' crafts.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Nov 27, 2026; Sat, Nov 28, 2026; Sun, Nov 29, 2026; Sat, Dec 5, 2026; Sun, Dec 6, 2026; Sat, Dec 12, 2026; Sun, Dec 13, 2026; Sat, Dec 19, 2026; Sun, Dec 20, 2026

• When: Weekends Nov 27–Dec 20
• Time: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Price: Kids' crafts free. Santa photo price: see site.
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

Holiday lights, local artisans, food, entertainment and family activities over the Truckee River.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Nov 27, 2026; Sat, Nov 28, 2026

• When: Fri–Sat, Nov 27–28, 2026
• Time: 4–9 p.m.
• Price: Free and open to the public.
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

Capitol tree lighting with 5th-grade carolers, sleigh rides, Santa and the Grinch, and hot chocolate.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Dec 4, 2026

• When: Friday, Dec 4, 2026
• Time: 5:30–8:30 p.m.
• Price: Not listed on source
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

Tree lighting with free hot chocolate (Victorian Ave & Victorian Plaza Circle East), then a Saturday parade down Victorian Ave from Pyramid Way. 39 North Pole runs 4–9 p.m.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Dec 4, 2026; Sat, Dec 5, 2026

• When: Fri Dec 4 tree lighting 6:30–7 p.m.; Sat Dec 5 parade 1 p.m.
• Time: See schedule
• Price: Free to watch.
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

⚠️ Parade starts 1 p.m.

Holiday photo op with the library's therapy-dog friends and a craft, after family story time. Duncan/Traner Dec 4; Sierra View Dec 12; Spanish Springs Dec 14.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Dec 4, 2026; Sat, Dec 12, 2026; Mon, Dec 14, 2026

• When: Dec 4, 12 and 14, 2026
• Time: See schedule
• Price: Free.
• Ages: Kids
• Booking: Not listed on source

About 20-minute train rides with Santa, departing every 30 minutes.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Dec 5, 2026; Sun, Dec 6, 2026; Sat, Dec 12, 2026; Sun, Dec 13, 2026; Sat, Dec 19, 2026; Sun, Dec 20, 2026

• When: Weekends Dec 5–6, 12–13 and 19–20, 2026
• Time: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Price: $10 adults and ages 4–17; 3 and under free on a lap. Museum admission extra for 18+ ($10); free for 17 and under.
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

Santa arrives on a fire engine at 3:15 p.m. Crafts, letters to Santa, a scavenger hunt and a tree lighting.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Dec 5, 2026

• When: Saturday, Dec 5, 2026
• Time: 3–5 p.m.
• Price: Not listed on source
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

Gingerbread houses, letters to Santa and a hot cocoa bar.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Dec 9, 2026

• When: Wednesday, Dec 9, 2026
• Time: 4–5:30 p.m.
• Price: Free.
• Ages: Kids
• Booking: Registration requested on the event page.

A reading of The Polar Express, then the movie with hot cocoa. Come in PJs.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Dec 9, 2026

• When: Wednesday, Dec 9, 2026
• Time: 4:30–6:30 p.m.
• Price: Free.
• Ages: Families
• Booking: Not listed on source

Make a graham-cracker gingerbread house. South Valleys Dec 9 (3:30 and 5 p.m.); Sierra View Dec 12 (10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.); Sparks Dec 15 (4:30 p.m.); Spanish Springs Dec 17 (4 p.m.).

Upcoming dates: Wed, Dec 9, 2026; Sat, Dec 12, 2026; Tue, Dec 15, 2026; Thu, Dec 17, 2026

• When: Dec 9, 12, 15 and 17, 2026
• Time: See schedule
• Price: Free.
• Ages: Kids (under 10 with a caregiver 13+)
• Booking: Registration required for each person building a house (Spanish Springs is drop-in; arrive on time).

Full-length Nutcracker with live orchestra. A Sugar Plum party follows the Saturday and Sunday matinees.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Dec 11, 2026; Sat, Dec 12, 2026; Sun, Dec 13, 2026

• When: Fri Dec 11 at 8 p.m.; Sat Dec 12 and Sun Dec 13 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Time: See schedule
• Price: $33–72; child discounts available.
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

Free community art festival: holiday crafts, carols, local artists, and a free book for every child.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Dec 12, 2026

• When: Saturday, Dec 12, 2026
• Time: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Price: Free.
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

Holiday story time and a visit from Santa, then wintery crafts and reading to a therapy dog.

Upcoming dates: Tue, Dec 15, 2026

• When: Tuesday, Dec 15, 2026
• Time: 10:15–11:45 a.m.
• Price: Free.
• Ages: Babies, preschoolers and kids
• Booking: Registration highly recommended.

Scot Marshall and friends tell the whole Dr. Seuss story through spoken word, song and sound effects, plus holiday songs. Downtown Reno Dec 18; South Valleys Dec 19.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Dec 18, 2026; Sat, Dec 19, 2026

• When: Fri Dec 18 and Sat Dec 19, 2026
• Time: 11 a.m.–noon
• Price: Free.
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

Holiday-themed sights, sounds and textures for babies and their caregivers.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Dec 23, 2026

• When: Wednesday, Dec 23, 2026
• Time: 11 a.m.–noon
• Price: Free.
• Ages: Ages 0–2 with a caregiver
• Booking: Registration required (children only; 20 spots).

Crafts, games and a countdown to noon for kids who won't make it to midnight. Northwest Reno Dec 30 (11 a.m.); Spanish Springs Dec 30 (11:30 a.m.); Incline Village, South Valleys and Sierra View Dec 31 (11 a.m.).

Upcoming dates: Wed, Dec 30, 2026; Thu, Dec 31, 2026

• When: Dec 30 and 31, 2026
• Time: Late morning (see schedule)
• Price: Free.
• Ages: Babies, preschoolers and kids
• Booking: Not listed on source