Planning your family getaway can be exhausting. Long drives, overpriced parks, and conventional activities can turn the amusing into the mundane. But there is another option to consider when formulizing your fun-filled family vacation – Northern Nevada. Offering something for everyone, Northern Nevada features education-based activities, delicious dining, and historic ventures that will add some memorable moments to your family getaway. Here are a few of the many family-friendly things to do in Northern Nevada.

All Aboard!

There is no better way to experience Northern Nevada history than on a steam-powered train. Their one-of-a-kind 24-mile excursions feature a fully-narrated, relaxing trip along the original Virginia Truckee Railroad right-of-way featuring beautiful views of the Nevada mountains and canyons. When you take a ride on this transcendent train, you will experience true history and glimpse the area’s wildlife, including wild horses. You’ll stop in historical Virginia City where you can stroll the boardwalks and explore restaurants, shops, saloons, museums, underground mines and more. With a steam train ride from Eastgate Depot and time in Virginia City, you will feel first-hand what it was like to travel back in the olden days. V&T Railway offers an escape from the normal and a chance to embrace the nostalgia of Northern Nevada.

Take on the Lake

Home to Lake Tahoe and the Truckee River, Northern Nevada has a number of family activities sure to whet your appetite for the outdoors. If your family is in the mood to dive into some fun, you can enjoy scuba diving, jet skiing, and fishing expeditions available to guests. Or, if you’d prefer to stay dry, your family can experience the natural beauty of Nevada’s hiking or biking trails. With an extensive variety of paths, you and your family can explore the mountains of Northern Nevada or enjoy a leisurely trek down the majestic, rolling hills. The wonderous waterfalls and sweeping views of the Sierra Mountains will capture you.

Game On

If your family likes to play, Northern Nevada has a wide range of fun games and activities to keep their imaginations and competitive juices flowing. At the Wild Island Family Adventure Park in Sparks, Nevada, your family can splash the day away at the waterpark, filled with extreme slides and a river that’s perfect for some relaxing floating. After that, your family can put their sport skills to the test at the indoor go-karts and 18 holes of traditional mini golf. If you are still looking to get your game on, you can head over to the arcade and choose from the huge variety of classic and contemporary games to play. And we haven’t even mentioned the premier bowling alley just steps away, open day and night for some pincredible fun.

Those are just a few of the activities that await families in Northern Nevada. Whether it’s Reno, Carson City, Sparks, Truckee, or Virginia City, there is plenty of fun to get into during your trip. Zoos, museums, and state parks are just some of the affordable and available offerings for your family expedition. With so much to discover, it’s easy to see why thousands of family vacationers are choosing Northern Nevada as their destination for fun.