
The Day of the Dead's fiesta will take over the Springs Preserve with a plethora of artistic exhibitions including Mariachis. (Courtesy Spring Preserve)
October is in the rearview mirror, now it’s time for another month full of fun in Nevada. There are tons of family-friendly activities happening across the Silver State.
From cultural celebrations to nonprofit fundraisers, even some early visits from Santa, here are some of the coolest things to do with your kids in Nevada this month.
Las Vegas
Día de Muertos Celebration
When: 5-9 p.m., Nov. 3-5
Where: Springs Preserve in Las Vegas
Cost: From $7; Free for kids 2 and under
Info: www.springspreserve.org
Live it up on the Day of the Dead at the birthplace of Las Vegas. This colorful family fiesta takes over the open-air grounds of the Springs Preserve with mariachis, face painting, arts, crafts, games, community-created ofrendas and authentic food. You’ll even have a chance to vote on your favorite altar.
Native American Heritage Month Celebration
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Nov. 4-5
Where: Discovery Children’s Museum in Downtown Las Vegas
Cost: Free with museum admission
Info: www.discoverykidslv.org
Whether creating art inspired by the patterns in indigenous basketry or exploring ancient pictographs in Nevada, this celebration is an opportunity to learn more about Native American heritage from Southern Paiutes at the Discovery Children’s Museum. Demonstrations and special activities will take place at different zones throughout the museum.
Art Workshops
When: Saturdays and Sundays in November
Where: Las Vegas Natural History Museum in Downtown Las Vegas
Cost: Free with museum admission
Info: www.lvnhm.org
Immerse yourself in vibrant Mexican culture at a workshop led by artist Vanessa Maciel, a Nevada Arts Council member who is originally from Ocotlán, Jalisco México. The activity will be presented in English and Spanish for kids and families, ages 6 and up.
Youth Fest 2023
When: 10 a.m., Nov. 18
Where: Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix Family Fun Center
Cost: $35
Info: www.facebook.com
Grab the family and race on over to this family-friendly festival at the Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix with vendors, a live DJ and youth performances. A portion of ticket sales goes to Nevada Child Seekers, a non-profit dedicated to finding the state’s missing children.
Carson City
Día de los Muertos
When: 5-7 p.m., Nov. 3; 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Nov. 4
Where: The Nevada State Museum in Carson City
Cost: Free
Info: visitcarsoncity.com
Celebrate The Day of the Dead at the Nevada State Museum with music, traditional foods, face painting, crafts, folk dance and music. But first (Friday), get in the spirit of the holiday with altar presentations in the Dema Guinn Concourse.
The Nutcracker
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 24 & 25; 2 p.m., Nov. 25 & 26.
Where: Bob Boldrick Theater at the Carson City Community Center
Cost: From $25
Info: www.nevadadancecompany.com
Experience the magic of the holiday season through the eyes of a child at Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s famous fantastical ballet, set at the foot of a Christmas tree.
Reno
Small Wonder Wednesday at The Discovery
When: 9-10 a.m., Wednesdays in November
Where: The Discovery in Reno
Cost: Free for members; From $11 for nonmembers
Info: nvdm.org
Families with kids ages 5 and under are VIPs during Small Wonder Wednesdays with the opportunity to enjoy fun activities like story time and art projects an hour before the museum opens to the public. Explore the museum and enjoy its exhibits without worrying about the crowds.
Lake Mansion Holiday Family Arts Festival
When: Nov 11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Lake Mansion Arts & Cultural Center
Cost: Free
Info: www.artsforallnevada.org
Santa is starting the season early with a stop at Lake Mansion (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) but there will also be activities and treats for the whole family including creative art stations, ornament making and a toy drive benefiting Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation. Face masks are required.
Disney On Ice presents Frozen & Encanto
When: 7 p.m., Nov. 16-18; 3 p.m. Nov. 18 & 19
Where: Reno Events Center
Cost: From $25
Info: www.visitrenotahoe.com/
Disney’s Mickey and Minnie host this magical ice-skating adventure to the mythical land of Arendelle with Frozen’s Anna, Elsa, Olaf and friends, followed by a visit to a mountain casita in Columbia with Encanto’s Isabela, Luisa and Mirabel. Get ready to sing along to the Disney films’ soundtracks with your favorite characters..
Blippi Live! The Wonderful World Tour
When: 6 p.m., Nov. 29
Where: Reno Events Center
Cost: From $27.50
Info: www.visitrenotahoe.com/
Beloved by young kids all over the world, Blippi is headed to Reno for a singing, dancing and learning adventure at the Reno Events Center. Fans can have their picture taken with the international sensation for an added cost.
South Lake Tahoe
Heavenly Holidays Family Festival Tree Lighting
When: 6:30 p.m., November 24
Where: The Shops at Heavenly Village
Cost: Free
Info: https://theshopsatheavenly.com/
It’s time to light the 65-foot Christmas Tree at the Shops at Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe. Holiday fun for children and adults alike continues through Dec. 31, with daily tree lightings, ice sculptures, breakfast with Santa and chances to meet your favorite Disney Characters.
2023 Winter Wonderland
When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Nov. 18 & 19
Where: Elko County Fairgrounds
Cost: Free
Info: elkocountyfair.com
Gather your family and head to the Elko County Fairgrounds for a winter wonderland filled with activities, crafts, food trucks, gingerbread houses and local vendors. Rumor has it, there will also be a visit from Santa!
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