The Discovery
4.7(2.4K)google
4.5(290)yelp
EducationalInteractiveFamily
Overview
The Discovery, officially known as the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, is a pioneering, world-class 67,000-square-foot interactive educational facility located in the heart of downtown Reno. Dedicated to inspiring lifelong curiosity through hands-on science and engineering exploration, the museum features award-winning galleries like 'Cloud Climber,' a three-story structural climbing maze illustrating the water cycle. Interactive logic puzzle labs and high-tech digital workshops make it an educational wonderland for families.
Practical Info
Mon–Tue10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thu–Sun10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration2.5-4 hours
Best TimeHighly recommended for a winter weekday afternoon (November to March) between 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM. This lets you completely miss the heavy influx of chaotic morning school field trips. Natural afternoon light floods the triple-story central 'Cloud Climber' structural engineering grid, creating an excellent, relaxed environment.
Getting ThereCommanding a corner in Reno's Midtown pocket at 490 S Center St. Extremely accessible via public transit: ride the RTC bus routes 1 or 6 to the S Virginia St stop, then walk one block east. Drivers can find a dedicated visitor surface parking lot immediately behind the museum wing, with street-side meters as backup.
Travel Tips
- The museum institutes fixed Monday and Tuesday dark closures; entry mandates real-time digital timed passes purchased online, as front desks cannot secure entry slots for unregistered general drive-ups.
- The multi-story Cloud Climber experience strictly outlaws Crocs, open-toe sandals, or slippery footwear; children must wear certified high-traction closed-toe athletic sneakers to clear the safety gate.
- On-site open parking is limited to street-side meters; during weekday city business hours, park at the downtown municipal multi-story garage to prevent swift private commercial tow-away penalties.
Reviews
Positive
- The massive Cloud Climber tower and hydro-dynamics interactive zones offer intense visual impact, packed with hands-on devices. A true kid exploration paradise.
- The building is highly modern and well-planned across three flat floors; family restrooms and nursing rooms are spotlessly clean with clear signs.
- Educators and volunteer staff are exceptionally gentle and patient with kids; monitors check each core interactive station, ensuring reassuring safety.
- The ticket rate is highly reasonable relative to the solid high-tech family educational value it provides, with zero hidden secondary fees.
Heads up
- Weekend afternoons or school summer camps bring heavy crowd overloads, making corridors loud and lines for interactive devices very long.
- In busy downtown Reno, the dedicated open lot has limited spaces; peaks force driving visitors to circle nearby blocks for paid street meters.
- The on-site snack bar is tiny, mostly selling high-calorie American fast food and snacks, lacking healthy fruit or veg choices for families.
- Because the venue tilts heavily toward youth science, it can feel a bit dull and limited for solo adult travelers seeking raw historic depth.