Children exploring hands-on exhibits inside The Discovery in Reno.
VerifiedFixed locationChildren's Museums

The Discovery

Downtown Reno, Reno, NV

Downtown Reno children’s museum with hands-on exhibits, a younger-kids area, family programs, and birthday parties.
Plan This Visit

Best for

Best for toddlers through upper elementary; works well for mixed ages.

Hours

Tuesday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Visit style

Exhibit-based exploration with some younger-child-focused play.

Birthday parties

Available

Profile

Strong profile coverage

Atlas Perspective

Editor's Take

A strong pick for families who want more than a simple play gym. It works especially well for mixed ages because younger kids get their own zone while older siblings still have plenty to do.

Atlas Perspective

Best Fit

Best For
  • Mixed-age sibling outings
  • Rainy-day museum-style play
  • Families who want exhibits plus open-ended exploration
  • Birthday parties with built-in activities
Less Ideal For
  • Families looking for purely padded soft play
  • Quick toddler-only visits at peak times
  • Parents who want cafe-style lounging

At a Glance

Venue type

Kids activity center

Age groups

BabiesToddlersPreschoolersBig kidsMixed ages

Play features

Museum exhibitsPretend playToddler area

Birthday party options

Birthday partiesPrivate party roomParty packages

Accessibility and comfort

Wheelchair accessible

Visit options

Drop-in visitsMembership availableClasses or events

Price range

Mid-range

Toddler-friendly

Yes

Verified only

Yes

Operator type

Museum

Play model

Mixed open play + classes

Supervision model

Caregiver supervised

Max recommended age

Under 13

Structured classes or guided programming

Yes

Hours vary due to private events

Yes

Plan Your Visit

Hours

MondayClosed
Tuesday10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Younger KidsLittle Discoveries provides a more age-appropriate area for younger children.
Admission ModelTimed entry is not required for standard visits; families can visit during open hours.
Parking TransitDowntown location with nearby parking and RTC Rapid service access.
Membership AvailableYes
Caregiver SupervisionChildren under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Pricing Snapshot

Discounts
Museums for All / Discovery for All admission available for qualifying EBT, SNAP, WIC, or TANF households: $5 per person for up to 6 people.
Memberships

Dual

$85/year

Individual

$60/year

Large Family

$185/year

Small Family

$135/year
General Admission

Adults

$16

Under 1

Free

Ages 1 To 5

$11

Ages 6 To 17

$14

Seniors 65 Plus

$15

Unr Tmcc Students

Free with valid ID

About the Venue

The Discovery is Reno’s flagship hands-on children’s museum and science center, with enough interactive indoor play to work well for a family outing even beyond a traditional museum visit. Families can explore larger exhibit zones, spend time in the Little Discoveries area geared toward younger children, and use memberships, drop-in admission, classes, camps, and birthday-party options throughout the year.

Atlas Perspective

Indoor Play Atlas Notes

Age FitBest for toddlers through upper elementary; works well for mixed ages.
Noise Levelmoderate
Visit StyleExhibit-based exploration with some younger-child-focused play.
Energy Levelmoderate
Parent ComfortGood for parents who like educational play and structured public spaces.
Booking FrictionLow for regular visits; moderate for parties.

Birthday Party Snapshot

Notes
Party pricing includes museum admission for guests.Room choices and package details vary by day and membership status.
Packages

Name

Blue Room Party

Capacity

Up to 25 children / 60 total guests

Member Price

$350

Non Member Price

$400

Wednesday After 4 Pm Member Price

$175

Wednesday After 4 Pm Non Member Price

$225

Name

Orange Room Party

Capacity

Up to 15 children / 40 total guests

Member Price

$225

Non Member Price

$275

Wednesday After 4 Pm Member Price

$100

Wednesday After 4 Pm Non Member Price

$150

Name

Exclusive Party

Member Price

$600

Non Member Price

$650

Name

Slumber Party

Member Price

$875

Non Member Price

$1,025

Accessibility & Comfort

Notes
Families needing reduced-cost admission may qualify for Discovery for All / Museums for All pricing.
Service AnimalsService animals are permitted in accordance with ADA guidelines.
Wheelchair AccessPublic museum spaces are wheelchair accessible.
Wheelchair accessible

External Links

Nearby Alternatives

Use these nearby profiles to contrast fit, coverage, and planning details around Reno and the wider Reno–Sparks area.

Quick Summary

Best for

Best for toddlers through upper elementary; works well for mixed ages.

Hours

Tuesday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Visit style

Exhibit-based exploration with some younger-child-focused play.

Birthday parties

Available

Contact Information

Address

490 S. Center Street

Reno, NV, 89501

Source & Verification

Last updated

April 18, 2026

Verification summary

Last verified: April 9, 2026

Checked against 3 public sources.

Reviewed as

Business website and booking-flow review

What Changed

Verified official address, current public hours, admission pricing, memberships, and party package details.

Expanded editorial fields for family planning and mixed-age visit fit.

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