Inside out

The Reno-Tahoe area is great for outdoorsy folks all year long WITH THE plethora of snow-filled fun to be had now that fall is upon us. But what if you’re not big on snow? Or even cold weather? It’s tempting to give in to the sedentary lifestyle of these frigid seasons, especially because of the imminent feasting and holiday treats. But you don’t have to like snow to stay active during the forthcoming chilly months. For families, there are ways to keep everyone’s bodies and minds active all through the fall and winter without enduring the cold weather.

Sundance Books and Music

Local bookstore Sundance Books and Music frequently holds readings by local and regional writers, and they have a particular event geared toward families and children specifically. Every first Friday of the month, local art teacher and illustrator Paula Robison hosts Story Time at Sundance Books and Music. A time devoted to sharing stories, rhymes, songs and activities for 3- to 6-year-olds, Story Time is meant to instill the joy of reading and learning at a young age. Check their calendar online at www.sundancebookstore.com as they are always adding readings and events.

Sundance Books and Music, 121 California Ave., 786-1188. Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Story Time at Sundance Books and Music, Dec. 2, Jan. 4, Feb. 1, and March 1 (every first Friday), 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m.

Nevada Museum of Art

The Nevada Museum of Art also offers many activities for children and their parents throughout fall and winter. On three Saturdays in November, there’s the workshop Clay Turds for Toddlers, which allow for 1- to 3-year-olds and their parents to experiment with clay and creation. A similar clay workshop for parents and their 3- to 6-year-olds called Four Hands Playing is on the same dates. For a more festive twist, parents can also enjoy making holiday ornaments on a Toddler Art Adventure with their 2- to 5-year-olds on three Sundays in December. For older children (8- to 12-year-olds), there will be a one-day acrylic painting workshop in November. Also, on the second Saturday of every month, hands/ON! offers free family workshops from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty St., 329-3333. Clay Turds for Toddlers, Nov. 3, 10, and 17. 9:30 a.m.-10:15 a.m. Members: $24. Non-members: $27. Four Hands Playing Nov. 3, 10, and 17. 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Members: $32. Non-members: $36. Acrylic Painting for Kids Nov. 10. 9 a.m.-noon. Members: $24 Non-members: $27. Hands/ON! Nov. 10. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Toddler Art Adventure: Holiday Ornaments, Dec. 2, 9, and 16. 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Members: $24. Non-members: $27.

BaseCamp @ CommRow

Indoor rock climbing is a great way to stay active during the cold months, plus it keeps the mind active through problem-solving when you’re trying figure out the best way to climb to the top. CommRow’s rock climbing park, BaseCamp, has an indoor climbing area designed for children under 100 pounds, so kids can learn and climb in an environment made just for them. There is also has an indoor climbing area for adults close by, so families can enjoy climbing together. Note that this indoor climbing area only has what is known as bouldering, which does not require ropes or harnesses, but does have cushy padding on the floor surrounding the boulders. BaseCamp offers day passes as well as monthly and yearly memberships along with discounts for families and students. Rentable climbing gear is also available for families who are new to climbing.

BaseCamp at CommRow, 255 N. Virginia St. 398-5443. Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight. For specific rates and additional information, go to www.commrow.com/basecamp.

Rock Sport Indoor Climbing

Rock Sport is another option for families to go rock climbing in a safe and controlled environment. If you’re thinking about getting more serious about rock climbing, Rock Sport offers a “Getting Off the Ground” intro course every Wednesday evening. This lesson includes basic climbing moves and belaying (when a climber controls the rope being used to harness their climbing partner) as well as gear (shoes, ropes, harness, chalk, etc.). Once you and/or your kids have gotten off the ground, Rock Sport also offers Kids Climb Time, held every Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. This is ideal if children are eager to climb, but whose parents are not skilled in belaying, because the staff will be on hand to belay. Rock Sport offers day passes and memberships. Discounts for families and students are offered as well.

Rock Sport Indoor Climbing, 1901 Silverada Blvd., 352-7673. Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Getting Off the Ground! Every Wednesday 7 p.m.-8 p.m. Kids Climb Time, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit www.rocksportreno.com for more information, including rates.

EZ Air

Three words: indoor trampoline park. There really is no better way to warm up in the winter, especially for kids who have more energy than they (or their parents) know what to do with. EZ Air offers the experience of jumping around on trampolines for an hour at a time, and if that doesn’t sound like long enough, then you haven’t been to a place that has 3,000 square feet of trampoline. Foam pits also make space for safe landings after epic flips and jumps. And if kids are still not tired, how does trampoline dodge ball sound?

EZ Air, 895 E. Patriot Blvd., 775-853-1200. Monday-Thursday 3 p.m.-8 p.m. Friday 3 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Visit www.ezairsports.com for more information, including booking an hour of jumping ahead of time.

Discovery Museum

The relatively new Nevada Discovery Museum offers a hybrid of mind and body activities, at least for kids. With exhibits like the Cloud Climber, which is part jungle gym and part discussion of the water cycle, and Da Vinci’s Corner, a gallery that blends art projects with science demonstrations, there is likely to be a section of the museum that will appeal to all families. In addition to the diverse exhibits and galleries on display, the Discovery Museum also offers Small Wonder Wednesdays. On the third Wednesday of each month, families with children 5 years old and under get the whole museum to themselves for one hour starting at 9 a.m. Every Wednesday, however, admission is reduced to $4 from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. for non-members (normally $8). The Discovery Museum will also be holding All Wrapped Up!, a free gift wrapping techniques workshop that will also display toys and games that are great for learning.

Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, 490 S. Center St. 786-1000. Sunday: noon-5 p.m. Tuesday:10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular non-member admission: $8. Children under 1-year-old: Free. Memberships available. Every Wednesday $4 Admission after 4 p.m. Small Wonder Wednesdays, Nov. 21 and Dec. 19 (third Wednesday of each month) 9 a.m.-10 a.m. All Wrapped Up! Thursday Nov. 29, 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Free for members and non-members. Go to www.nvdm.org for more information.