Wilbur D. May Arboretum

The Wilbur D. May Arboretum in Reno's Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is one of those spots that regulars fiercely protect as their own little secret — and then can't help telling every out-of-town parent about. Managed by Washoe County Parks, this 12-acre botanical garden sits right next to the Wilbur D. May Museum and feels like a completely different world from the desert city surrounding it.

For families, the appeal is immediate. The paths are fully paved, wide, and flat — a rare luxury for parents pushing strollers or chasing toddlers who insist on walking themselves. The garden is divided into themed rooms: a sensory garden with fragrant herbs and plants of interesting textures, a xeriscape demonstration garden, a rose collection, and an open-lawn children's garden with plantings sized for small people.

There are water features, sculptures, and little surprises tucked around each bend that keep curious kids engaged.

The arboretum transitions with the seasons in ways that make repeat visits worthwhile. Spring brings tulips and daffodils in bold sweeps of color. Summer is lush and green, with the shade canopy providing relief from Reno's heat. Fall turns the deciduous trees to amber and gold in a display that rivals anything in the Sierra. Even a quiet January morning here has its own austere beauty.

Admission policy has varied over the years — sometimes free, sometimes a modest fee — so check the Washoe County Parks website before visiting. Either way, the adjacent Rancho San Rafael Regional Park (always free) adds acres of open space, sports fields, and trails that extend the outing as long as your family's legs hold out.