Let You Imagination Run Wild at the Children's Museum, Carson City

Address:

813 N Carson Street, Carson City, NV 89701

Directions

Website

Hours, directions, more pictures & reviews on Yelp

With its population of only 55,500 people, Carson City managed to create a special, hands-on, play-based museum for children.  Geared toward younger children, you will find many exhibits where kids can let their imaginations go wild through play.

There are many well-thought-out exhibits that are nicely made and my kids can spend a lot of time role-playing.  At the hospital exhibit, they can treat their patients, learn how to take care of a baby and develop their bedside manner.  At the supermarket, they learn how to budget their money and love to prepare gourmet meals for mommy.  When they need an outlet for extra energy, they will climb up the indoor structures, crawl around the tunnels, and slide down countless times with joy.  

The children's museum also has a lower level where children can engage in STEM activities and art.  Please call in before your visit to check for availability.      

I love that the children's museum has story time and hosts special events throughout the year.  Me and my kids love attending their annual Chinese New Year Celebration, where you will find activities such as calligraphy and origami, and have a chance to watch Chinese cultural dances.  The date for Chinese New Year changes each year and falls between January 21-February and is determined by the Chinese lunar calendar.

Imagination development and creative play is really big with my family as it is part of what me and my husband think is integral in a well rounded upbringing.  For this reason, The Children's Museum of Nevada is a really big hit with us.  

-visit website for general admission rates

-Story time: Wednesdays 10AM & Saturdays 10AM (Please visit their website for their current schedule)

-Snacks for sale at check-in

-Toddler section available (alphabet toys, books, play table)

-Educational displays with facts

-Art room open Saturdays & Sundays 1-3PM 

-Museum Store

-Birthday Parties 

-Yearly membership available

-Volunteer opportunities available 

-Closed on major holidays

-moving rock climbing wall

-special field trip rates
-Reno Taiko Japanese drummers performed during Chinese New Year. Click HERE to follow them and find out about their next performances

-elevator access for strollers/wheelchairs available. Check in with front first to ask for assistance/access

Rates as of 3/2021

Please check website for current rates

Japanese New Year Tradition

Categorized under "Museums and Birthday/Event Venues"

Step back in History at The Lake Mansion, One of Reno's Oldest Buildings (1877)

250 Court St. Reno, NV 89501

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Website

Every summer, Reno holds a month-long art festival called Artown, which is held throughout the whole month of July.  The festival features many events produced by many organizations and businesses all around town.  Arts for all Nevada- The Lake Mansion was only one of many participants and held a Summer Sizzles Art Festival.  I knew I had to check it out with my kids because 1: I had to get a bite of history and check out the 1877 Victorian/Italianate mansion and 2: the kids would have eight stations of art enrichment.

This event, open to all ages and free of charge, turned out to be a huge hit with the whole family.  Some art included shaping clay, art with pastels, assembling paper birds, making stick bumble bees, paper butterflies, and more.  They even had books and face paint for all.

It was priceless for the kids to work on multiple art projects, exercising their creativity while building their skill set.  It was also nice having guidance available when needed.  Only one knows the endless influence these art projects will have on their future selves.  

Upon arrival, I immediately felt the excitement of all the kids.  All the volunteers and workers were happy to be there, teaching.

I love that they kept track of which schools kids were coming in from so that they can have a better picture and make arrangements for funding.  

They hold kids' birthday parties(outside food and decorations allowed), special events, legit tea parties (tea and food available for purchase), and weddings.  I've seen pictures of their events on their website and they looked amazing.  I'm definitely going to do tea and throw a birthday party here one day, especially knowing that I'll be in good hands and the funds will go toward maintaining the beautiful property.

Check out their website for events details for rentals, tours, lessons, camps, and volunteer opportunities (they're always looking for art people to teach).  Also be on the lookout for their three amazing art festivals they host throughout the year (summer, spring, fall).

Thank you Lake Mansion for having a passionate, artistic heart and thank you Reno, for hosting art town for the betterment and enjoyment of the whole community.

Categorized under "Artown and Birthday/Event Venues"