Family-Friendly Reno Offers Outdoor Adventure, Shopping, Culture, and ....Family Portraits!


Tucked into the high desert at the base of the Sierra Nevadas, Reno, Nevada, is a little bit of everything. Its moniker, "The Biggest Little City in the World," hints at Reno’s modest size but grand offerings. It has outdoor adventure, vibrant arts and culture, R&R, and Reno is truly family-friendly. As a photographer specializing in outdoor, lifestyle family photography, I continually see the magic this area has to offer. Whether you’re here to explore or call it home, it’s the perfect time to book a family portrait session to capture memories against this stunning backdrop. I’m excited to share my recommendations for things to do, whether you are fortunate to live here or you're just checking us out!

Reno, A Gateway to Stunning Natural Landscapes


The Truckee River runs through downtown Reno, offering scenic walks, kayaking, and tubing. A short drive takes you to awe-inspiring Lake Tahoe, a hub for skiing, hiking, and water sports. This mountain-rimmed lake offers glistening, azure water and cozy, friendly beaches. Did I mention that we have natural hot springs all over the place? These stunning backdrops also make for unforgettable family photos. Imagine a portrait with Lake Tahoe’s crystal-blue waters or snow-capped peaks in the background.


The Great Outdoors


  • Downtown Reno Kayaking/Tubing - I have my own tubes, so I don’t have any companies to recommend, but I do see tubes for rent near Wingfield Park. A nice place to put in is Dorostkar Park, and get out downtown at Wingfield Park. There’s also a whitewater park for kayaks.


  • Skiing
  • Diamond Peak - In Incline, NV, it looks like you’ll ski right into Lake Tahoe from some spots.
  • Mt. Rose - 45 Minutes from Reno, Mt. Rose has grown and grown again! Lots of terrain.
  • Northstar - Even though this is a full-on resort, it feels more like the wilderness than some of the other spots. Northstar has a well-developed village at the base with lots of offerings. It’s a destination for any time of the year.
  • Beaches - Some of my favorites:
  • Lake Tahoe Sand Harbor - Such a popular beach, they recently implemented a reservation system
  • North Tahoe Beach - Public beach in the quaint town of Tahoe City
  • Chimney Beach - On the Nevada side of Tahoe, this beach requires a somewhat challenging hike, but it’s so worth it! This beach does not have public beach amenities and for that minor inconvenience, you are awarded with fewer people and lots of secret coves.
  • Bonsai Rock - While it’s not a typical beach, it is every bit as relaxing (once you’ve made the trek). You can claim a boulder and just take in the view. This rugged, boulder-hopping beach is one of the most-photographed places on earth.
  • Mountain Biking at Northstar
  • Hikes - I have taken every hike on AllTrails top ten for Tahoe list except no. 10. Every one is worth the work! There are also lots of small mountain lakes within an hour of Tahoe that provide for fun hikes on well-traveled trails. My favorite are the trails at Kit Carson pass in July and August. The wildflowers are abundant!
  • Rafting
  • Truckee River Rafting Co. - Great guides and a fun family experience




Reno's Art, Culture, and Shopping


Reno’s locals can bring it when it comes to art and shopping! We have numerous galleries, museums, and theaters. Throughout the year, the city hosts a variety of festivals and events, including the famous Reno Hot Air Balloon Races and the month-long Artown festival (July). The Nevada Museum of Art and the Nevada Discovery Museum provide top-notch indoor experiences, handy if you happen to visit on one of the few non-sunny days we have in Northern Nevada. Reno has more than 300 sunny days per year. Its unique, curated shops and outdoor adventure retailers make it a haven for both trendsetters and outdoor enthusiasts alike.


The lists, while not extensive, are some of my favorites.

Museums

Performing Arts

Galleries


Eclectic Shops

  • Natural Selection - Their tagline: Purveyor of the Odd and Beautiful Since 2014. A charming, engrossing little shop of the exotic! Wins a Tommie Guy Photography Can’t-Leave-Without-Buying-a-New-Succulent award! Check this one out! Trust me.
  • Junkee Clothing Exchange - This is a favorite for buying Burning Man outfits and theme-party essentials. They also have antiques. The atmosphere is done up big, so you can’t help but enjoy shopping here!
  • The Nest - Cool, cozy store featuring eclectic vintage goods, including furniture, home accents & apparel. Wins a Tommie Guy Photography Favorite-Place-To-Browse-on-a-Sunday-Afternoon Award!
  • Home Means Nevada - Wins a Tommie Guy Photography Best-Place-To-Purchase-Reno-Souvenirs award! It is truly a unique shop with apparel, home decor, and the best gifts!
  • Freestyle Clothing Exchange - Curated racks of pre-loved clothing. You’ll love Freestyle! Unique, personality-infused clothing.
  • Mountain Music Parlor - A place to jam with others, catch a small concert, and buy instruments. BUT, it’s more! Very cool place.
  • Vasser House - Located in Midtown, The Vasser House is a quality, curated collection of Americana. Wins a Tommie Guy Photography Favorite-Place-to-Treat-Myself award. 
  • The Freckled Frog - Swoon-worthy! Elegant and unique. When I want to purchase a gift for a gal-pal, this is where I go.


Adventure-Themed Retailers


Malls



Rest and Relaxation


  • Spa Toscana in The Peppermill - Rated No.3 Best Hotel Spa in the Nation by USA Today. Personal favorite.
  • R&R Massage Therapy - Support Local! Shannon and Chris Rowden offer the best massages at the best prices. They’re also just really cool people that you’ll be glad to meet.

Parks and Nature Areas


  • The Sparks Marina - When you need a beach in 15 minutes. The lake is surrounded by a walking path. This is a beautiful walk in the evening when the area lights are reflecting off the water.
  • Galena Creek Park - One of my favorite places to take family photos, this park is just 20 minutes south of downtown Reno. 
  • Caughlin Ranch Parks and Trail System - The parks are located along the northern end of the trail. The locals call the first one “The Caughlin Ponds”, it is near the intersection of Kingston and Caughlin Parkway.
  • Chrissy Caughlin Park - Next to the Truckee River with plenty of open space. 
  • Rancho San Rafael - a 580-acre park just north of downtown Reno and next to the University of Nevada Reno. It encompasses the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Gardens (FREE)



The Perfect Souvenir: Family Portraits in Reno/Tahoe


Reno is a city that offers something for everyone, whether you're seeking outdoor adventure, unique shopping experiences, or cultural discoveries. From the stunning landscapes of Lake Tahoe to the vibrant arts scene downtown, the Biggest Little City in the World is a perfect destination for families.


Destination family portraits are the perfect souvenir! Whether it’s a serene beach, our majestic mountains, or Reno’s iconic MidTown district, this souvenir will bring back the shared memories of your visit. Tommie Guy Photography offers many services to make this experience memorable and comfortable. As an outdoor family photography specialist, I’d love to plan the perfect shoot with you!