Family events in Elko County, NV

At the FFA Livestock Show and Sale, youth exhibitors present market beef, swine, goats, and sheep. All events take place at the Elko County Fairgrounds, including a show for the animals and a live auction where buyers can purchase them. Nevada Gold Mines is recognized as the show sponsor. For questions, contact the FFA advisors at jbutz@ecsdnv.net or twolfe@ecsdnv.net.

Join CTIC for a hands-on day of history for kids ages 7 to 12. Campers will explore what it was like to live on the California Trail by building, packing, playing, and solving problems the way 1850s pioneers did. It’s all about daily work, teamwork, and determination that helped shape the westward journey.

Explore the basics of wheel throwing in a beginner-friendly class for ages 9 and up. Tuition is $45 plus tax and includes guided instruction, approximately three pounds of clay that usually results in two to three pieces, plus firing and glazing. Class size is limited to three students to allow individualized attention. Reservations are required, drop-in attendance is not available, and the instructor will be on site only if at least one person has registered.

Second Saturday is a free, monthly children's program. This edition celebrates the 50th anniversary of the arrival of Silver the Bald Eagle at the museum. The program opens with a short tribute film highlighting Silver's life and connection to the Elko area. After the screening, participants can make an eagle picture, and guests are welcome to explore the museum. For questions, call 775-738-3418.

Elko Cosmic Con gathers pop culture fans in Elko, Nevada for a celebration of comics, sci-fi, fantasy, anime, gaming, and cosplay. Highlights include standout costumes with plenty of photo opportunities, a marketplace of vendors and artists offering unique collectibles, and a lineup of panels, activities, and fan experiences. The setting is family friendly and welcoming, giving fans of every age and every fandom a place to connect. Costumes are encouraged but not required, and attendees can support local and regional creators while exploring Elko’s growing pop culture scene.

An interactive beginner class at Crystals EnLight invites kids to explore the basics of energy and magick. Participants learn what energy is, what it means, how it works, how to notice it, and simple ways to apply it. The session includes an introduction to a few crystals and a focused practice on using them to support yourself and others. Everyone discovers what a crystal grid is, builds one, and practices how to activate and deactivate it. Each attendee takes home a personal grid and crystals, and also chooses a dragon to accompany their magickal journey. Designed to be hands on, this first class in the series welcomes ages 8 to 81 and serves as an introductory experience in energy work. The cost is $25 per participant, with space limited to 15 people.

Mark National S’mores Day while watching the Perseids meteor shower alongside Nevada Outdoor School and the California Trail Interpretive Center. Spend a sweet, starry evening making s’mores and looking for shooting stars in a family friendly environment. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, a water bottle, and a light jacket for when the night turns cooler.

Held at the Centennial Observatory at the Herrett Center for Arts & Science, this monthly free star party features opportunities to view double and multiple stars, explore deep sky objects as the night goes on, and take advantage of a moonless sky for darker conditions. Plans depend on the weather, and the Centennial Observatory Star Line at 732-MOON(6666) provides the most up-to-date information.

Before plastic, 19th century settlers met everyday needs with what the land provided, crafting containers and bags from sturdy fabrics like canvas and denim, tough leather, animal hides, and woven plant fibers. Build on that tradition at the Trail Center by sewing a back to school pencil bag that swaps single use plastic for a durable, handmade alternative. The finished pouch will be classroom ready, distinctive, and a small step toward less waste and more sustainable habits. All materials and tools are supplied.

This kid-focused program offers playful learning that encourages children to discover the natural world and reflect on how they fit within it. It is designed with ages 3 to 7 in mind, and participants of any age are welcome to take part.

This session offers playful, interactive learning that helps children explore their connection to the natural world. It is designed with ages 3 to 7 in mind, while welcoming participants of any age.