When Reno's summer sun cranks up to "surface of Mercury" levels and even the slot machines start sweating, locals retreat to their secret climate-controlled sanctuaries. The Biggest Little City didn't build all these indoor playgrounds just for the tourists—we need somewhere to hide when the high desert decides to cosplay as an oven.
National Bowling Stadium | The Taj Mahal of Tenpins
Downtown Reno's giant silver disco ball isn't actually a disco ball—it's the geodesic dome of the National Bowling Stadium, aka the world's most over-the-top bowling facility. With 78 championship lanes and the world's longest movie screen at 440 feet, this place takes bowling from sad rental shoes to spectacular sport. They host major tournaments, but lucky for us regular folks, they occasionally open lanes for public bowling.
While you can't just waltz in any day for casual games (it's primarily a tournament venue), catching one of their public events is like bowling in the Vatican of strikes and spares. The attached Bowling Museum showcases artifacts that'll make you appreciate how far we've come from rolling rocks at sticks. The stadium offers tours and hosts special events throughout the year. Check their calendar for public bowling opportunities.
The Discovery | Where Kids Rule and Adults Pretend They Don't
If you've ever wanted to climb inside a cloud or wondered what it's like to be a hamster in a giant tube system, The Discovery has you covered. This 67,000-square-foot playground disguised as a science museum turns learning into an extreme sport.
The Cloud Climber alone—a massive jungle gym that reaches toward the ceiling—will exhaust your kids faster than a triple espresso wears off. General admission runs $19.95 for adults and $15.95 for kids, with half-price admission after 4 p.m. on Wednesdays. Plan your scientific adventure today.
National Automobile Museum | Chrome Dreams and Gasoline
Step into automotive heaven where more than 200 vintage rides sit pretty in climate-controlled comfort. From James Dean's actual Mercury from "Rebel Without a Cause" to a 24-karat gold-plated DeLorean, this place is automotive eye candy at its finest. The museum's street scenes make you feel like you're time-traveling through automotive history, minus the exhaust fumes.
Even non-gearheads will geek out over the rare Dymaxion car—Buckminster Fuller's three-wheeled wonder that was literally rescued from being a chicken coop. Admission is $15 for adults, with discounts for seniors and kids. Rev up your visit here.
Nevada Museum of Art | Culture Without the Crowds
The only AAM-accredited art museum in Nevada sits pretty in downtown, offering four floors of "please don't touch but definitely Instagram" artwork. Their permanent collection focuses heavily on land and environment art—fitting for a state that's mostly beautiful dirt and rocks. The rotating exhibitions keep things fresh, and the building itself is a work of art designed to mimic Black Rock Desert's geological formations.
Pro tip: Thursday nights are open until 8 p.m., perfect for avoiding the weekend warriors. General hours are Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Mondays). Admission is $15 for adults, with free entry for kids 5 and under. Explore your artistic side.
Downtown Reno Library | The OG Cool Spot
Before fancy arcades and climbing walls, there was the library—and honestly, it's still one of the best free escapes in town. The Downtown Reno Library isn't just about dusty books; it's a mid-century modern architectural gem with enough plants to qualify as an indoor jungle.
Beyond books, they host events from story time to tech help sessions. Plus, it's completely free, has reliable AC, and nobody judges you for spending four hours reading graphic novels. Located at 301 S. Center Street, open hours vary but generally run Tuesday through Saturday. Discover your next great read.
Moana Springs Aquatic Center | Public Pool Without the Public Pool Vibes
City-run doesn't have to mean depressing, and Moana Springs proves it. This indoor aquatic facility offers lap swimming, water fitness classes, and open swim times in a space that's actually maintained. The water stays warm year-round, making it perfect for escaping both summer heat and winter cold.
They offer everything from toddler swim lessons to adult water aerobics, plus dedicated lap lanes for serious swimmers. Public swim schedules vary but generally include afternoon and evening sessions. Day passes are surprisingly affordable at $4 for adults, $2 for kids. Dive into the schedule here.
Grand Sierra Resort's Fun Quest | Arcade Nirvana
Beyond the seizure-inducing lights of 125+ arcade games, you'll find Reno's largest laser tag arena (9,000 square feet of tactical madness), bumper cars, and a jungle gym.
The beauty of this behemoth is its something-for-everyone approach—toddlers can bounce in designated play areas while teens battle it out in laser tag. Located inside Grand Sierra Resort, it's open Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to midnight, Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Individual attraction prices vary, but day passes offer the best bang for your buck. Score big at Fun Quest.
Mesa Rim | Spider-People Training Academy
Nevada's largest indoor climbing facility sprawls across 24,000 square feet with walls reaching 52 feet high—that's basically a five-story building you're allowed to climb. Whether you're a chalk-covered veteran or someone who gets winded climbing stairs, Mesa Rim has routes for every skill level. The massive bouldering section lets you climb without ropes (don't worry, the floor is extra squishy).
They also offer yoga classes, a full fitness area, and a sauna for when your forearms feel like overcooked spaghetti. They're open Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., weekends 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Day passes run around $25, with gear rental available. Reach new heights here.
Need 2 Speed | Indoor Adrenaline Without the Sunburn
Skip the golf simulators and get your heart rate up with Italian-imported go-karts that hit 50 mph on a multi-level indoor track. This isn't your cousin's birthday party bumper cars—these electric speed demons will have you channeling your inner Formula 1 driver while staying blissfully air-conditioned. Youth karts keep it safer at 20-25 mph for the kiddos (or nervous adults).
Beyond the racing, they've got VR gaming, mini golf, duckpin bowling, and an arcade to keep the adrenaline flowing. Racing starts at $20 for a 14-lap race. Start your engines and book now.
The Immersium | Next-Level Escape Experience
Forget those cookie-cutter escape rooms with drop ceilings and flickering fluorescent lights. The Immersium transforms you into the star of your own adventure movie with elaborate sets, original music scores, and theatrical lighting that'll make you forget you're in a strip mall. Their pirate ship adventure is so realistic you might actually get seasick.
Founded by escape room junkies who wanted more than padlocks and whiteboards, this place delivers Hollywood-level production value. Private bookings for 3-10 players, with prices around $40-45 per person. Immerse yourself in the adventure.
High Desert Archery | Hunger Games Training Facility
Ever wanted to channel your inner Katniss Everdeen without the dystopian death match? High Desert Archery's 14-lane indoor range lets you loose arrows year-round, protected from Nevada's unpredictable weather. This family-owned spot caters to everyone from first-timers to competitive archers, with patient instructors who won't judge your Robin Hood fantasies.
They offer equipment rentals, lessons, and even homeschool classes for kids whose parents think traditional PE is too mainstream. The range can adjust from 20 to 30 yards, and they have a chronograph to test your bow speed (because data makes everything cooler). Open seven days a week with a range master always on duty. Take aim at adventure.
Wild Island's Coconut Bowl | Everything Under One Roof
Before it was cool to combine multiple entertainment options, Wild Island was already doing bowling, mini golf, laser tag, and arcade games under one massive roof. Coconut Bowl isn't trying to be fancy—it's comfort food for your entertainment needs. The facility features cosmic bowling on weekends, because regular bowling isn't trippy enough.
The attached arcade blends modern titles with enough old-school cabinets to spark nostalgia. They're open daily with varying hours. All-access wristbands on special promotion days offer the best value. Strike up some fun here.
Beat the Heat Like a Local
Timing is everything. Hit venues early morning or late afternoon to dodge both crowds and peak pricing. Weekdays are your secret weapon for shorter lines and actual parking spots.
Bundle up (your tickets, not yourself**).** Gaming properties like Grand Sierra package attractions with hotel stays for surprisingly affordable staycations. The Discovery and National Automobile Museum sometimes team up for combo tickets.
Bring your own bottle. The desert will suck you dry even indoors, and nobody wants to drop $5 on water when that could buy another round of laser tag. Most venues allow water bottles, so come prepared.
Mix high-energy with chill. Prevent family meltdowns by alternating between active and passive activities. Morning go-kart racing pairs perfectly with an afternoon museum crawl. Your kids' attention spans (and your sanity) will thank you for the variety.
Embrace the freeze. Libraries and museums crank their AC to arctic levels to protect their collections, making them perfect refuges when everywhere else is packed.
