The Terry Lee Wells Discovery Museum is a hands-on museum for both children and adults that celebrates Nevada's science, history, technology, engineering, art and nature. The museum is located in downtown Reno near the Washoe County Library and features interactive exhibits including the three-story tall Cloud Climber.
Best and worst time to go to the Nevada Discovery Museum
The best times to go to the Nevada Discovery Museum are during the weekends. There are usually special events going on and sometimes speakers and special exhibits. The worst time to go is during the week when there are school groups attending the museum. It's more crowded and noisy during those times. You can call ahead to find out when school groups are attending.
Must see/do at the Nevada Discovery Museum
The absolute must see for both adults and children is the three-story Cloud Climber. This structure, built to represent the region's water cycle, is a multiple story jungle gym that will keep children occupied for hours. Another must see and do for both younger and older children is the Truckee Connects interactive water exhibit. It represents the area's Truckee River that flows from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake. Be prepared to get wet.
Admission to the Nevada Discovery Museum
The admission for adults and children is $8 per person. Veterans and active duty military members can get in for $7 and children under one years old are free. On Wednesday nights after 4:00 you can get in for $4.
Parking and public transportation to the Nevada Discovery Museum
There is a parking lot with plenty of free parking behind the museum. The Route 1 RTC public bus stops right in front of the museum.
Food at the Nevada Discovery Museum
There is no restaurant at the Nevada Discovery Museum, but you there are cafeteria rooms where you can bring a picnic or have a party. Nearby restaurants that serve breakfast and lunch include Great Full Gardens on Virginia Street and Peg's Glorified Ham & Eggs on Liberty Street.
Insider tip for visitors to the Nevada Discovery Museum
If you have very small children, the Little Discoveries room has a mining theme built just for them. The plush life size boulders, soft corners and floor will allow them to crawl all they want. Adults might get a kick out of the Under the Stars room where you can pack a backpack and lie down in a tent under the Nevada sky.
Christina Nellemann is a writer and designer living in Reno who gets a kick out of the Under the Stars room at the Nevada Discovery Museum. The tents are cool.