The Discovery

The Discovery in Reno is Nevada's hands-on science museum, located in the MidTown neighborhood of Reno at 490 S Center Street. Note that while this listing appears under Las Vegas in the directory, the museum is physically located in Reno — approximately 7 hours from Las Vegas but worth knowing for families traveling through northern Nevada.

With a 4. 7 rating from 2,354 reviews, The Discovery has established itself as one of the best children's science museums in Nevada. The exhibits are genuinely hands-on — kids don't just read about physics principles, they operate pendulums, build structures, and run experiments.

Earth science exhibits cover the geology of the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada in ways that connect to what kids see driving through Nevada's dramatic landscape.

The museum is designed for the full 2-13 age range, with dedicated areas for toddlers that are both safe and engaging without requiring adult hovering. Older kids and tweens gravitate toward the technology and physics sections where the experiments require more problem-solving.

Closed on Mondays. Wednesday evenings offer extended hours until 8PM, which is a practical option for families with afternoon schedules. Located in MidTown Reno, which has walkable dining options for before or after your visit.