Looking for a place to take your little ones this week? Look no further! Here is a list of family-friendly (and fun!) activities and events happening this week around Carson City.
Toy Drives
Carson City Holiday Tradition: Tiffani and Bailee’s 12th Annual Sealed Toy Drive
November 18 – December 2. Locations throughout Carson City, Reno, Douglas County, Mound House, and South Lake Tahoe.
Multiple Days
Willy Wonka, Jr. follows the enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he holds a contest, hiding golden tickets in five of his delectable candy bars. At the Brewery Arts Center.
Carson City’s “Santa Christmas Elevator Experience” Brings the North Pole to Life
Step into Santa’s magical elevator and ride to the North Pole! Visit Santa at his workshop for unforgettable family photos. Weekends at the Carson Mall with prices starting at $40.
Come visit the Carson City Library and hang out in a space designed with teens in mind! Monday through Friday 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. All teens welcome!
Edwards Motor Car rides at the Nevada State Railroad Museum
Come down Saturdays and Sundays and take a ride on the historic Tucson, Cornelia & Gila Bend No. 401 Edwards Motor Car. Built in 1926 by the Edwards Motor Car Company, the 401 hauled passengers between Ajo and Gila Bend, Arizona, from 1926 until 1947. Rides occur approximately every 40 minutes from 10:00am until 2:00pm. Fares are $8 ages 12 and over; $4 ages 4-11 and museum members; and FREE ages 3 and under.
Tuesday, Dec. 3
Recurring:
After school art for kids offered at the Brewery Arts Center in Carson City
The Brewery Arts Center will be hosting After School Art for Ages 7-13 on Tuesdays beginning Oct. 22 through Dec. 3, 2024 with instructor Lee Netzle.
Open Play at Messy Kids Art School
Includes babe area climbing structures for ages 0-2 and gross motor climbing structures for ages 2-8. Dramatic play town, occasional indoor bouncy house and ball pit, open art studio, caregivers internet lounge and coffee bar. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ages 1 and up $10 with siblings half off after first child.
Toddler Time at the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada
Toddler Time Tuesday & Friday 9:30am-11:30am. Designed for children 1-3 years of age. Play with educational toys, encourage social development, and meet other caregivers.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
Recurring:
Creating with Polymer Clay: Mini Donuts at the BAC
Come learn how to sculpt various miniatures and figures with polymer clay in this beginner-friendly class with instructor Kaleb Wyckoff! Every class session is a different item and requests can be made in advance.
Maggie M’s Beginning Art Classes for Teens every Wednesday
Maggie M’s Beginning Art Classes will provide instruction in drawing, sketching, and painting with watercolors and acrylics 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm every Wednesday.
Board Game Night at 3 Arrows Games
Join the Minden Board Game group and others for a weekly meet up of table top fun. Bring a game to share or jump in with others to learn something new for a night of fun. Everyone is welcome!
Open Play at Messy Kids Art School
Includes babe area climbing structures for ages 0-2 and gross motor climbing structures for ages 2-8. Dramatic play town, occasional indoor bouncy house and ball pit, open art studio, caregivers internet lounge and coffee bar. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ages 1 and up $10 with siblings half off after first child.
Grown Up and Guppies at the Carson City Aquatic Center
Head over to the Carson City Aquatics Center every Wednesday at 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. for Grown ups and Guppies. Making the water fun for your guppy is the most important step in preparing for swim lessons. This class is designed to acquaint adult and child wild play activities and to teach very basic fundamental skills. The course is parent-driven, under the supervision of an instructor. No registration required. Class is limited to 12 adult/child pairs on a first-come first served basis. For ages 6 months to 4 years.
Storytime Wednesdays at the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada
Join in for weekly storytime with an accompanying craft each Wednesday. Recommended for children ages 1 – 6. All included with museum admission.
Art Studio Craft Classes at the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada
Drop-in art studio every Wednesday and Friday from 2 – 4 p.m. Creative art studio projects are included with museum admission. All ages welcome. Additional crafts are available for cost.
Lego Club at the Carson City Library
For elementary school aged children. Build self-led creations through hands-on learning with Lego education materials. No registration is required. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Bedtime Bears Storytime at the Carson City Library
For kids of all ages: Join us every Wednesday night for stories, songs and crafts designed to help kids wind down at the end of the day. From 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
In this class you’ll learn about problem-solving through art, as well as how to draw with instructor Kaleb Wyckoff. Whether you can sketch a stick figure or a portrait, this class is for you! All skill levels are welcome. Every class is different and designed to strive for accessibility.
Join the Carson City High School Dungeon & Dragons group every other Wednesday at 2:30PM in the Teen Zone. Learn how to play Dungeons & Dragons and participate in fun campaigns! No registration required.
Thursday, Dec. 5
Recurring:
Open Play at Messy Kids Art School
Includes babe area climbing structures for ages 0-2 and gross motor climbing structures for ages 2-8. Dramatic play town, occasional indoor bouncy house and ball pit, open art studio, caregivers internet lounge and coffee bar. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ages 1 and up $10 with siblings half off after first child.
Big Kid Butterflies Storytime at the Carson City Library
For children ages 1 to 5; join for weekly stories, songs and crafts. No registration is required. 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Open STEM Lab Thursdays at the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada
The STEM Classroom is open every Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. for funny educational, weekly activities. All included with museum admission. All ages welcome.
Fingerboarding Club at the Carson City Library
Enjoy doing tricks and having fun with miniature skateboards. A table will be set up with a skatepark for an hour of fnigerboarding. Fingerboards will be provided but feel free to bring your own. Open to patrons 14 and up. No registration required. From 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 6
Carson City to kick off 2024 holiday season with annual Silver & Snowflake Festival of Lights
Join Brewery Arts Center, Visit Carson City and Carson City Public Works on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024 at the Nevada State Capitol Building in Carson City at 5:30 as we kick off the festive holiday season with the annual Silver and SnowFlake Festival of Lights and State Tree Lighting. Activities start at 4 p.m. The lighting begins at 5:30 p.m.
Join us for the Annual Empty Bowls Event! Help raise awareness and support the fight against food insecurity in our community.
Recurring:
Toddler Time at the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada
Toddler Time Tuesday and Friday 9:30am-11:30am. Designed for children 1-3 years of age. Play with educational toys, encourage social development, and meet other caregivers.
Art Studio Craft Classes at the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada
Drop-in art studio every Wednesday and Friday from 2 – 4 p.m. Creative art studio projects are included with museum admission. All ages welcome. Additional crafts are available for cost.
Open Mic Night at the Zen Den Stage
Every Friday at 6 p.m. head down A to Zen for their Open Mic Night which incudes music, comedy, poetry, magic; you name it! All ages and skill levels welcome!
Saturday, Dec. 7
Join us the first Saturday of every month for National “Get Outside and Play Day.” We will have fun lawn games for patrons to enjoy out in the Library garden from 10am-4pm, weather permitting. Open to kids of all ages. No registration required. Carson City Library.
Carson City Antique and Collectibles Mall to host Popcorn and Polaroids with Santa
The Carson City Antiques and Collectibles Mall is excited to announce Popcorn and Polaroids with Santa. Every Saturday and Sunday.
Carson Valley Meats 4th Annual Ag & Artisan Faire
The cowboyest craft show is where agriculture and art meet to showcase the region’s artisans and crafters along with ag students from 4-H, The Grange, Nevada Keystones and FFA showing their animals, roping demonstrations, animal exhibits, antique farm implements, Selfies with Santa, food and beverages, and tractor rides to benefit local ag education programs. In Centerville.
St. Mary’s Art Center Hosts 10th Annual Holiday Faire
St. Mary’s Art Center, a non-profit organization located in the former 1876 St. Mary Louise Hospital in historic Virginia City, is hosting its 10th Annual Holiday Faire on December 7.
18th Annual Carson Valley Parade of Lights
The Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce is excited to present the 28th Annual Parade of Lights on December 7. Join your family and friends, and grab your blankets and chairs to watch the floats, marching bands, and color guard make their way along Highway 395 from Heritage Park to Minden Park. Parade floats will begin to roll from Eddy Street onto Main Street at 5 p.m. and will head north though town, make a left on Esmeralda, and make their way to end at Minden Town Park.
Recurring:
Chess Club for all ages at the Carson City Library
Stop by and play chess, or learn to play chess, at the Carson City Library every Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. All skill levels are welcome.
Sunday, Dec. 8
Carson City’s Capital Community Band to host free holiday concert
The Capital Community Band, under the direction of Nick Jacques, will tie a big red bow around 2024 by presenting a Carson City holiday concert on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024.Enjoy seasonal favorites, marches, and patriotic music played by our 50-member band. The free concert will be presented in the Boldrick Theater in the Carson Community Center.
Recurring:
Minden Board Game Group – Carson Branch
Carson City Library in the Digitorium Sundays from noon to 3:30 p.m. All ages welcome, no registration required!
Did we miss any? Send any family-friendly event information to kelsey@carsonnow.org.
