Photo: The Discovery
Photo: mizuki shirao
Photo: Heidi Smith
The Discovery
★4.7(2,358 reviews)$$Museum
🕑 3-4 hours👶 Best for ages 3-12, though all ages find something engaging. Preschoolers love the Truckee River gallery and simple machines, while elementary-aged kids dive deep into the science lab experiments and Cloud Climber exhibit. Teens enjoy the da Vinci Exhibit and planetarium shows.🧡 Saved by 42 families
About
The Discovery is Reno's premier interactive science museum where kids don't just look,they touch, experiment, and explore. With over 60 hands-on exhibits spanning topics from weather and electricity to engineering and anatomy, plus an immersive OMNIMAX theater and planetarium, it's a perfect destination for sparking curiosity in budding scientists of all ages.
Highlights
- ✓OMNIMAX Theater with wraparound screen showing educational films perfect for immersive learning
- ✓Planetarium shows exploring stars, planets, and space that captivate young astronomers
- ✓Cloud Climber,a three-story rope climbing structure teaching physics through play
- ✓Truckee River Gallery with water play tables and ecosystem exploration
- ✓Build It! exhibit where kids design and test their own engineering creations
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive when doors open at 10 AM on weekdays to avoid school groups that typically arrive around 11 AM
- 2.Visit on Wednesday evenings for extended hours until 8 PM when crowds are lighter and you can explore at a relaxed pace
- 3.Check the daily schedule immediately upon arrival and plan around planetarium and OMNIMAX showtimes,these fill up quickly on busy days
- 4.The Spark!Lab design challenges near the entrance are perfect for letting kids burn energy first before moving to quieter exhibits
- 5.Pack refillable water bottles as there are filling stations throughout, and bring socks as some areas require shoes-off exploration
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (Tuesday or Thursday) right at opening offer the best experience with fewer crowds. Avoid weekends and school holidays when the museum gets packed. Wednesday evenings are ideal for families wanting a quieter, more relaxed visit.
What to Know
Admission tickets include access to exhibits, one planetarium show, and one OMNIMAX film. On-site café offers kid-friendly snacks and meals. Free parking is available in the adjacent garage, and the museum is fully ADA accessible with stroller-friendly exhibits.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with special themed events during spring break, summer, and winter holidays. Summer camps and workshops fill quickly. The museum is an excellent rainy day or hot summer afternoon activity when outdoor play isn't ideal.
Nearby Eats
Midtown Reno is just blocks away with family favorites like The Reno Public House (great burgers and kids menu) and Noble Pie Parlor (excellent pizza in a casual setting). Both are within a 5-minute drive.
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