Jurassic Quest is the largest family-friendly, educational, & interactive dinosaur event that travels all over the United States & Canada.
The event usually takes place over three days.
Experience exhibits larger than life, with amazing models of dinosaurs displays that take you back to the land before time, along with fun, unique, and immersive activities, suitable for all ages.
Whether riding on the back of your favorite dinosaur or learning about dinosaur poop, the whole family is sure to get lost in lots of fun.
You can read my "Tips and Notes" at the end of this post to make the most of your trip if you plan on attending.
Wondering if they'll visit your city? Check out their schedule HERE.
What age groups are ideal for Jurassic Quest?
Kid's tickets, both standard and unlimited, are for children ages 2–10.
Children under two are free and have their own tot area with a bounce house & stationary dinosaurs they can climb and sit on (Reno, NV location). Pay an extra $6 per attraction not included in standard admission.
Standard or Unlimited Admission?
12/3-4/2022 Rates for Reno, NV
Standard Admission Raptor training experience show (plays every hour on the half hour), concession stand, dinosaur exhibits, including "ask an expert" fossil section, "Jurassic Quest" experience to earn a certificate, sticker, and $5 dollar off coupon for souvenirs at the gift shop, souvenir shop, and photo opportunity sets (3 sets in Reno location).
Kid's Unlimited Admission
Includes all of the above mentioned in standard, plus craft stations, inflatable attractions (4–7 at Reno location), walking dinosaur ride, huge stationary dinosaur ride, race car ride for children ages 4–7, fossil dig.
Height, Weight, and Other Requirements
*For stationary dinosaur rides and large inflatbles - must be at least 36" and no more than 120lbs.
*Children must have socks for inflatable attractions (socks available at event for purchase)
*Age group for race cars (aka power wheels) of 3–7 years old
*Tickets can be purchased online or in person. In person tickets are not guaranteed. Purchasing them online is recommended.
Picture taken during raptor experience that happens every hour on the half hour.
Descriptions of Attractions at Jurassic Quest
Standard
*Dinosaur Exhibits - larger than life dinosaurs, including some huge animatronic ones that move (T-Rex & Triceratops). The details on these dinosaurs are incredible and the way they set them up with props and lighting contributes to a prehistoric atmosphere. Each dinosaur has a educational plaque. There is a bonus "Ancient Oceans" section that includes a HUGE sea turtle, shark, and megladon.
*Photo Opportunities - 3 photo sets, including stationary dinos that you can climb and sit on, dino egg shells, Jurassic Quest backdrop with professional lighting. You can also take pictures in front of any of the huge dinosaurs on set.
*Baby Dino Experience - Encounter a worker walking around with a "baby dino." Find out how fun (and mischievous) baby dinos (and humans) are by having a fun interaction with them. One of the highlights of our visit as the baby dino suddenly decided he was hungry and went for an adult's neck.
This worker was so fun and made his baby dino puppet come to life. He made the kids giggle.
*Raptor Training Experience - A fun and interactive show that plays every hour, on the half hour. Children get up close and personal with a very fun and outgoing raptor while training it to "turn around," "come," "fetch," and "play nice".
Pet this fun raptor at The Raptor Training Experience that plays every hour on the half hour.
A super fun raptor trainer that put on a great show with her "mischievous" raptor.
*Ask an Expert Exhibit - Marvel at some real fossils, compare your foot print to a T-Rex foot print, and learn about the amazing history of dinosaurs.
*Go on a "Jurassic Quest" Activity - Scavenger hunt-like game that uses riddles that take you to stations to complete an activity like taking a selfie, doing a craft, and figuring out which dinosaur is the most famous. After your quest is completed, collect a certificate, sticker, and a $5 off coupon for the souvenir shop.
*Souvenir Shop - toys and merchandise available for purchase. There was a super cute and popular dino balloon that walks on the ground as you pull it. $25, $20 with their coupon.
*Concession Stand - Vendor may or may not be available depending on location.
In Reno, we had Keva Juice that served hot dogs, fruit smoothies, pretzels, pop corn, coffee, lattes, candy, lemonade, and soft drinks.
Attractions Included in Unlimited Admission
(all standard attractions above from standard included in this option)
*Inflatable Attractions - HUGE bounce houses, run while attached to a bungee inflatable, soccer, football, and basketball inflatables, sit in the mouth of a shark inflatable
*Crafting Stations - Exercise your creativity with fun dino crafts. All supplies included with unlimited admission option.
*Walking Dinosaurs Ride - Ridable baby dinos that move forward slowly. There were 5 available at the Reno location.
The worker at this station was so kind and fun.
*Huge Stationary and Rideable Dinosaurs - Children fall in line to ride on the back of a huge dino of their choosing. I chose the smallest one as it moved much more than the bigger dinos. There were 5 to choose from at the Reno location.
*Car Races - Smaller children (3–7 years old) ride in a "power wheels" kind of car and take a couple of laps around a small round track. Each car is led by an adult with a remote controller. The adult controls the speed of the car while the child steers. They go pretty fast, so kids have a blast on them.
*Fossil Dig - Children channel their inner palentologist to uncover dinosaur fossils
Upgrades
Upgrade for "Quest Packs" include three different levels of surprise packs made of a surprise combination of souveniers. Pick up packs at check-in.
Be sure to follow Jurassic Quest on Instagram to look out for their discounts. This past Thanksgiving, they offered a 30% off discount on admission for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Tips & Notes:
*The event took place indoors at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. There's plenty of room for strollers. They may come in handy for holding things and helping a tired child rest and get from place to place.
*They did not check my bags and stroller on my visit. I would think it would be ok to bring your own water and snacks. You can always contact them or the venue directly to double-check their food policy.
*If you're looking to avoid long lines, afternoons are their least busiest times. Though the lines in Reno went fairly fast, around 10am-2pm on a Saturday.
*If you're not planning on bringing a stroller, make sure to bring a bag to hold crafts, clothing, and water.
*Be sure to bring water as the children are likely to get thirsty from lots of activity
*I highly suggest catching the Raptor Experience show. It was a fun and immersive experience for children as they helped teach the silly raptor to "turn around" and behave. The raptor expert was great at keeping the audiences attention and was full of positive energy. Parents had a blast watching their children interact with a silly raptor that made lots of erratic movements. Check in well before the half hour to see if people are starting to wait for the show to begin. Help kids find a spot right in front of the gate and ask them to sit. When the show starts they will be instructed to stand so they could play with the raptor.
*Tag Jurassic Quest's social media accounts in your pictures and get a $5 off coupon at their souvenir shop. You can also redeem a coupon at the quest certificate station. @JURASSICQUEST or #JURASSICQUEST
*Be sure to instruct children to stand away from the gates of the car track as the car can crash into the unbolted gate and knock them over.
*No re-entry
*Souveniers are pretty pricey. If you're looking to save money, you can have a talk with your child before your trip to let them know that you don't plan on purchasing souvenirs. If you're really looking for a souvenier, you can purchase a toy of their choosing before your trip.
*The food options in Reno were delicious. My hot dog was basic and good, smoothies were fresh and delicious (the tropical was not as sweet as the strawberry), lemonade was freshly squeezed (but could've used a tad bit more sugar), and the pretzel was fresh, soft, and not salty. Be sure to spend a bit more on food at this attraction if you plan on eating here. Alternatively, you can make sure to load up on food at home before visiting.
*Service was excellent!!! Everyone was so kind and a few workers went above and beyond to make sure my kids had a blast.
*There may or may not be parking fees depending on the venue. At the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, I paid $10 for all day parking.
*A couple of the inflatables were not the cleanest and the velcro belts on one of the inflatable activities could be changed as they kept on sliding off, but that didn't stop the kids from having fun.
*Choose the smallest stationary dino to ride if you want the most action. The other bigger ones only move their heads.
A kind worker that made my son's ride so fun.
Conclusion
Me and my family had the greatest time at this event and really enjoyed the variety of activities and experiences offered.
We are happy to have this event in town and highly recommend it for families with smaller children.
The kids will always remember the time you took them to see the dinosaurs.
***Information subject to change. Please check in with Jurassic Quest for the latest updates. All opinions are my own.
One thing I love most about Reno is its holiday spirit and festive nature towards the changing seasons.
There are endless events and experiences in and around Reno that always give locals and visitors something exciting to look forward to, many of which become traditions that lend themselves to precious moments & memories.
Take advantage of spectacular fall scenery and ideal crisp weather, all with the best events, destinations, experiences, and eats.
Find plenty to do in town or travel short distances to reach more action.
Hope you have the best fall yet.
Peace, Love, and Kindness,
Katherine
Notes ***I will update this guide often as I get more information.
If you find something is missing from my lists or would like to recommend any places, events, and experiences, please don't hesitate to let me know.
*Snatch up tickets for events as soon as possible as they sell out fast.
*Arrive early to events for good parking and minimal wait times.
Weather
It's possible for snow to arrive as early as the end of October. I always check Accuweather ahead of time to avoid hazardous road conditions and to dress accordingly. If you're looking for more tips, you can check out my WINTER GUIDE.
Included in this Guide
*Where to get fall treats *What farms to visit
*Spooky places for small thrill seekers *Fall Events
*Creepy escape rooms *Where to see fall folliage
*Family Friendly Halloween Movies
*Where to get Costumes
*Decorated Homes in Reno
The Chocolate Shoppe in Gardnerville
Fall Bucket List
-jump into a pile of fall leaves
-look for fall foliage
-do a fall craft
-watch a Halloween movie
-pick your own pumpkins & apples
-drink an apple milkshake made with apples straight from an orchard
-make a scarecrow/have a contest
-have a fall photo session
-take a road trip out of town
-listen to Halloween music
-light up scented fall candles all over your house
Mix Bakeshop has wonderful pies and so many to choose from. They have seasonal pies on top of their usual suspects. They also come in smaller cutie pie sizes that make sampling each one a piece of cake (or pie). Pre-order ahead of time to beat the crowds. Their sugar cookies are so delicious.
Batch Cupcakery is a local bakery favorite that makes one of the best pumpkin cupcakes. This shop uses all natural ingredients and caters to different dietary needs: paleo, vegan, keto.
Great Basin Co-op is another place you can get seasonal goods. They cater to different dietary needs as well. Their pumpkin cupcakes are also extremely delicious.
Don't get me started with Perenn Bakery. They do pastries and food on another level, and if you follow them on Instagram, they'll do you a favor and keep you updated with their seasonal creations.
The Chocolate Shoppe
Halloween Themed Chocolates & Other Treats
*The Chocolate Shoppe in Gardnerville (50 minutes away form South Reno) has the widest selection of holiday-themed chocolates. They can whip up custom baskets that fit your budget and have them sent out by mail.
*Dorinda's has a wide array of everyone's favorite treats and makes delicious pumpkin truffles that I love eating as is and also added into their rolled ice cream. One in the ice cream and one on top. Drizzle with caramel. You'll thank me later. My favorite location is the one at The Village at Rancharra, which is one of my favorite places to hang at.
View in front of Dorinda's at the Village at Rancharra
Tip: Add any of their chocolates from their case to make yourself a special ice cream concoction.
*Sierra Nevada Chocolate Co. makes everything in house and has a fun selection of truffles, brittles, caramels and also sells delicious caramel apples. If you're pressed for time on gifts, they also have helium balloons for sale. Espresso bar in house.
If you're a serious party person during the holidays, they rent out chocolate fountains.
*Fuzziwig's in Scheel's at the Outlets at Legends, Sparks, makes the widest varieties of caramel apples and they're all really yummy.
Year-Round Farmer's Market
Riverside Farmer's Market is dedicated to nourishing the community with seasonal local produce, made from scratch goods, entertainment, all natural products, educational activities for children, and the most welcoming atmosphere and community.
This market is my medicine and a welcome addition to any day.
They're gearing up for their transition fall, so be on the lookout for the most amazing seasonal goods/products/crafts. Follow them on Instagram for the latest updates.
Subscribe to their newsletter on their website to learn more about the rad businesses that make this market one of the best in town.
Andelin Farm is a must during fall and is run by a fun and friendly family that treats their guests like family.
Pay a flat fee to enter and enjoy all of the many activities included in admission.
Pay extra for pony rides, gem mining, zombie paintball, corn creepers (popular haunted corn maze), fire pits, & corn maze.
Families with kids love the seasonal pass that lets them in all season long. Take comfort in knowing the whole farm is enclosed with a gate and that the whole family can have a safe and fun time meandering the grounds safely.
Some Activities on the Farm:
-pet farm animals
-food trucks (hot dogs, mini donuts, apple cider custard slushies).
-food/craft vendors
-Hamster Wheel (human sized)
-U-pick pumpkins (so many beautiful varieties)
-lassoing
-Pumpkin Shooters (slingshot corn kernels)
-water pump duck races
-barrel rides
-hay rides
-photo cutouts
-slides
-zip line
-gift shop with pantry items and souvenirs
-zombie paintball and corn creepers at night (reserve early as spots always run out)
Notes:
-Andelin Farm usually gives out discounts (15% this year, ended) to email subscribers early in the season. Visit their website to subscribe.
-Rent out a fire pit for nights (limited quantity available).
-Andelin Farm has a fun corn maze that changes in theme each year
-Don't pass up their apple slushie. People wait so long for these at Apple Hill and Bishop Pumpkin Farm. Their hot dogs and mini donuts are also yummy. Take home some pantry goods as souvenirs from their market in the barn.
Ferrari Farms has its own charm and while on the smaller side, brings lots of action each year. Admission is free. Pay per activity.
Some Activities on the Farm:
-Pumpkin picking (about 40 varieties)
-Photo opportunities
-Trunk or Treat (TBA, very small)
-Scenic hayride (short and sweet)
-Band Cover Show held at night in the barn (follow Holland Project for updates)
-Watch a movie and make s'mores outdoors under the stars next to a fire pit
-Navigate a corn maze (zombie version available at night)
-Face paint
-Food Vendors
-Carnival rides (super slide, funhouse, train ride, spinning cars): I suggest buying the wristband for unlimited use if you want to let your kids have at it. I always get this and always as the kids thoroughly enjoy all of the attractions.
Notes
*Parking lot is not paved so you can probably expect for your car to get dusty.
*This Year, The Holland Project will be organizing a lineup of bands
*Always check hour to hour weather to dress accordingly
If you're looking for the ultimate farm experience with fun entertainment, great hot food, beautiful grounds, and delicious apple goods, Bishop Pumpkin Farm is the place to be.
Free admission. Pay per activity. I highly suggest their ticket bundle. Tickets never expire.
On weekend nights, enjoy fireworks and Halloween movies at their whimsical pumpkin patch laid with huge pumpkins and winding vines.
Ride a tractor to the biggest U-Pick pumpkin patch in the country, at 90 acres, and find the right pumpkin for yourself.
Tips:
-Weekends in October are the busiest. Plan on arriving early or come on a weekday to beat the crowds.
-Halloween movies only play during the busiest times in October during weekends
-They take cards here, but it's always good to have cash on hand.
-ATMs available
-Must be at least 45lbs for zipline
-Don't forget to check hour-to-hour weather to dress appropriately
-You may bring lawn chairs for the field
-Fire pits are available by reservation only (reserve early)
-Movie screens located in the pumpkin patch next to the train
-Cider Mill and bakery can be found all the way at the back to the left
-Restrooms available with running water
-Hand washing stations everywhere outdoors
-You must purchase a separate ticket at the booth for face paint. Every other ticket is good for all of the other attractions.
-This farm is perfect for photo shoots
-Take the tractor at the end of the day for U-Pick so you don't have to carry the pumpkins around all day.
-Pay for all pumpkins at entrance using weighing scales
-The grounds are beautifully landscaped and are fun to walk around
-face painting available
-I would visit the farm even if I didn't have kids
***Don't forget to bring cash. ATMs available on grounds next to Pigadeli Square
Other Activities on the Farm:
-Carousel
-Zipline
-Marble Dig
-Coyote Mountain slide
-playground with corn kernel room
-old west mini town with buildings children can enter
-Apple Slushie Float or Slushshakies (cider slush, soft serve, served in a caramel-dipped mug and topped with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a caramel apple).
-Tri Tip Sandwich and Garlic Fries
-Babe's Cookies
-Apple Dumplings with soft serve from Mrs. B's Bakery
-Caramel Corn Nuggets and fresh apple cider (from barn up front)
To get to Apple Hill from Reno, you'd take a scenic ride through South Lake Tahoe and the winding El Dorado National Forest on Highway 50. About 2 hours away without traffic.
My post on Apple Hill with some useful links and tips.
Apple Hill is an amazing association of over 55 ranchers, including Christmas tree growers, wineries, and a spa, located in Placerville and Camino, CA.
It all started with one man's dream of working the lands and reaping the rewards of being a lifelong farmer and ended up with a collection of ranchers passionate about preserving the history of the lands while providing families with good old-fashioned fun (source).
Throughout the span of 50 years, the Apple Hill Growers Association has worked hard in tailoring the perfect experiences, filled with lots of family fun.
Note: Farms in October are super busy. Going early and/or going on weekdays makes a big difference if you want to avoid lines and traffic.
Follow farms on social media to keep up with their opening dates, coupons, specials, and giveaways.
Denver Dan's U Pick
Scenic Train Ride @ El Dorado Orchards, Apple Hill
Abel's Apple Acres
My Favorite Treat During Fall
Fun Ghost Town for Kids
($5/person, 3 and under free)
Watch out for my reel of Ghost Town that I will be posting soon on my Instagram
I ran into a super cute, fun, and charming ghost town in Virginia City, located in the Sawdust Trails store. The lady at the front, Connie, was so kind and welcoming and I knew we had to check it out.
My 3 kiddos (4,6, and 8 years old) had so much fun that they asked to go through again. They definitely would benefit from a flat fee for unlimited entries for people like us. Hahah
The entrance to the ghost town is at the back of the shop and is decorated with fun dressed-up skeletons, spider webs, and sound effects.
The shop is connected to another section of the store that has a wicked cool shooting gallery. Don't forget to bring dollars if interested.
Find gemstone mining, freshly made kettle corn, a BBQ sandwiches next door on your way out. Ice cream across the street.
Creepy and Spooky Displays at Spirit of Halloween and Home Depot
Spirit of Halloween has so many spooky demo demons that people love activating. There's also a fun little tunnel that rumbles when passing through, ideal for small thrill seekers.
Home Depot has upped their game this year and has outrageously cool decorations, from huge flying witches to singing Jack Skellingtons.
Fall Events
There's no shortage of amazing events and experiences to get you into the holiday spirit. Have fun discovering new places and experiences and revisit your favorites.
I've been to so many of the events on my list and they're a big part of why I love our city so much. Experience so many settings, atmospheres, crowds, feelings, traditions, cultures, and so much more through attending these events.
*Events may get canceled due to unforeseen circumstances such as smoke, so make sure to keep a close eye on conditions & availability and check in with businesses on social media.
An amazing non profit that provides a huge space for all things art. Strengthens community through promoting and supporting self growth through the arts.
Virginia City has so much history and is the perfect atmosphere for all things Halloween. Ghost and cemetary tours, paranormal sleepovers & investigations, Halloween trains, haunted escape rooms, Halloween parades down Main Street, creepy doll making, All Hallow's Eve Ball, and even a ghost town for littles.
Do you know about escape rooms? If not, let's just say that they're my new obsession. I conquered my first escape room a couple of years ago and have been hooked since. There's nothing more exhilarating, exciting, empowering, entertaining, and cooler than escape rooms.
Escape rooms are rooms you get locked in with other people (friends, family, and/or strangers) to play a game. Solve a series of puzzles and "escape" your way out.
Deadline's "Dead Silence" in Reno totally has all of the Halloween vibes you're looking for. Must book in advance. Hurry! And don't worry, all levels welcome. They give you as many or as little clues as you want. They guide you from another room.
They just opened up a new room called "Freak Show," a circus-themed escape room in a top tent with human cages, carnival games, and more. No Way! And THANK YOU!
Enjoy Fall Foliage in and Around Reno
Typically the second & third week of October are peak times, but it always depends on the weather.
Check out this fall foliage map to get a good idea of when leaves will hit their peak colors.
***You can download the AllTrails app on your phone and it will bring up the most popular hikes near you. Also, this app is useful for making sure you stay on trail by showing your current position in relation to the trail map. It has saved me and my family from getting lost on hikes many times.
Hope Valley
(1 hr away from Reno toward South Lake Tahoe. SLT about 26 minutes away)
Visitors Admiring the Scenery
Photographers, artists, and tourists visit Hope Valley annually, attempting to capture its beauty. Only one hour away from Reno, this stop for fall foliage is a must, with South Lake Tahoe only 26 minutes away and Markleville only 15 minutes away.
Stay in a charming Wylder Resort cabin nestled among aspen trees and make it a vacation. To walk their grounds, you will need a reservation.
Stop by Hope Valley Cafe & Market or a small cute town, Markleeville (15 minutes away from Wylder Resort) for baked goods, food, drinks, and snacks. While there, ask for some trail suggestions.
Enjoy a scenic stroll along the Truckee River, lined with tall golden cottonwood trees in the fall. This park is dog friendly and has a paved path, porta-potty, two bridges, hiking trails, and leads to Dorostkar Park.
(Tours of Mansion start End of May - End of October)
Rentable Pavilion @ Bower's Mansion
Enjoy the reds, oranges, and yellows of fall here at the park while marveling at the beauty of Bower's Mansion. The park has a massive grass area, playgrounds, and picnic tables with BBQ grills.
One of my favorite parks found on Mt. Rose Highway before hitting Galena Park. The park is in the forest with a creek running through, two play structures, a grass area, and short and long hiking trails nearby.
Beautiful fall foliage against the water makes for the perfect fall scene. Plenty of nearby eats along the river. You can park at Idlewild Park or Barbara Benette Park.
In this section I highlight some rad local shops where you can use your creativity to create your own costume.
The Nest in Reno has an amazing collection of vintage clothing.
Junkee has a wide selection of clothing and accessories.
CC'c Closet in Virginia City rents out Victorian style outfits.
Party America is our local party store that also sells Halloween costumes.
Decorated Homes in Reno
There's no shortage of fun, decorated Halloween homes in Reno. Play some Halloween hits and sip on some delicious season warm drinks while scoping out Reno's amazing Halloween spirit and the magic will follow.
There's currently a South Reno map being built of where you can find decorated houses and candy, which you can find HERE. Much love to the person that took the time to set this up.
Want to see my favorite decorated home ever in Reno (pictured above)? I just posted about it on my Instagram.
