Do you need ideas for what to do this summer in Reno/Sparks and surrounding areas? We've compiled ten of the best local areas and events in Northern Nevada that you will want to check out below!

 

Also, feel free to explore our Reno Area Blog!

 


Just an hour’s drive away from Reno/Sparks is the beautiful Lake Tahoe. This gorgeous, sparkling blue lake lies amongst the Sierra Nevada Mountains, with many beaches dispersed around its shores. The clear water in Lake Tahoe creates a perfect occasion for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, or floating! Many restaurants, beaches, and campgrounds reside on the shore all around the lake. Lake Tahoe is a perfect place for a day trip, vacation, or summer night out! Visiting Lake Tahoe this summer is definitely a must. Whether you like being in the water, sitting amongst the trees, or simply taking in the mountain air- you will love Lake Tahoe!

Looking for summer fun near a body of water without actually getting wet? Look no further! The Truckee River runs through the heart of Northern Nevada, and the Reno Riverwalk District takes full advantage of its beauty. In the downtown Riverwalk District, you will find places to eat, drink, shop, or simply walk along the river and enjoy the scenery!

 

Especially in the summer sun, the Riverwalk is bursting with excitement and fun! Take a walk through the downtown district and enjoy the many restaurants, cafes, shops, and views!

The Wild Island Family Adventure Park is one of the best family-friendly attractions in Reno/Sparks. The water park is a great spot for fun in the sun with ten water slides, a lazy river, wave pool, and kiddie pool area! Around the park, you will find places to sit, snack, and eat between the swimming fun!

 

Next door to the water park is the Coconut Bowl, the place to play in the Wild Island Adventure Park! Coconut Bowl is made up of areas to play mini-golf, laser tag and laser maze, arcade games, bowling, and go-kart!

To finish off the long summer with Labor Day weekend, head on over to the Rib Cook-Off! For six days in September, barbecue companies from across the US come together to compete for the title of the best ribs! Food and shopping vendors fill up 6 city blocks in downtown Sparks to celebrate the cook-off. Whether or not you are a BBQ fanatic, you are bound to find something delicious as you explore the festival. Often considered the best rib cook-off in the country, you don’t want to miss it! 


Known as being the world’s largest free hot-air balloon event, the Great Reno Balloon Race happens in September, located in the beautiful Rancho San Rafael Park. For a weekend at the end of summer, vibrant and colorful hot air balloons fill the Reno skies. Before sunrise each morning of the balloon race, families gather on the grass with blankets to watch the hot-air balloons prepare for the day’s race with their “glow show” as dawn approaches. 

 

Don’t forget to grab a blanket, hoodie, and cup of hot cocoa or coffee from vendors in the park as you settle down to watch the Great Reno Balloon Race!

Interested in beautiful pieces of art and music? Head over to Artown, a music and art festival during the month of July in Reno! Every day of the Artown festival brings great music, along with intriguing art to explore! Check out this Reno art festival during evenings in July!

On the north side of Lake Tahoe lies the Squaw Valley Resort nestled amongst the mountains. As the site of the 1960 Olympics, Squaw is not only an amazing ski resort in the winter but a notable location for summer fun! Glide up the mountain on an aerial tram ride, arriving at the high camp of Squaw Valley where you'll find hiking and biking trails, roller skating, dining, ropes courses, and a swimming pool!

 

The Greater Nevada Field is home to the Reno Aces baseball team! For a fun sports event with your date, family, or friends, head on over to a Reno Aces game! The Greater Nevada Field is a great baseball stadium and venue, filled with shops and restaurants along the edge of the stadium to give you the full baseball game experience! A Reno Aces game makes for a fun night out, along with bringing you near Reno's Midtown, where you can experience many great cafes, coffee bars, restaurants, and shops!

As the late summer heat rolls into Reno in August, along with it comes the Hot August Nights festival! For a full week in August, cars from years past enter Reno and fill the air with rumbling engines. Many casinos around Reno participate in hosting Hot August Nights. Hot August Nights is the perfect event for you if you love cars and rock n’ roll!

 

If you love breathing in the mountain air while enjoying the scenery of beautiful Lake Tahoe, you will enjoy the Tahoe East Shore Trail! This trail begins near Incline Village, and winds 2.6 miles next to Lake Tahoe, leading to the Sand Harbor trailhead. The Tahoe East Shore Trail was recently completed and open to the public, creating a beautiful path for walking, jogging, or biking! The path follows the Northeastern shore of Lake Tahoe and is full of breathtaking views.


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Posted by Heath Montgomery on

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