Kids & Family

Strength: Best source of sustenance

Consider the sandwich: two pieces of bread, with meat and cheese, or peanut butter and jelly, or whatever else, between them. It’s a simple template, but, like jazz or baseball, open to endless variations and moments of pure art. At Michael’s Deli in Reno, the simple food is done to perfection, exemplifying the tarot card Strength. The sandwich menu is huge, with something for everyone, but a special recommendation must be made for Dave’s Panini ($6.25). It’s basically a toasted Reuben, with pastrami, coleslaw, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing. It’s a whole world of deliciousness distilled into something simple, solid and incredibly fortifying.

Readers choice

Most kid-friendly restaurant

1. Red Robin Gourmet Burgers

4999 Kietzke Lane, 825-7246

2. Chuck E. Cheese’s

5000 Smithridge Drive, 827-5100

3. Squeeze In

5020 Las Brisas Blvd., 787-2700

25 Foothill Road, No. 3, 853-6090

Best weeknight activity

1. Go to the movies

2. Reno Aces game

250 Evans Ave., 334-4700

3. Bike ride

Best weekend activity

1. Lake Tahoe

2. Truckee River

3. Reno Aces game

250 Evans Ave., 334-4700

Best toy store

1. Toys R Us

5000 Smith Ridge Drive, 827-8697

2. Learning Express Toys

197-D Damonte Ranch Parkway, 853-7884

5110 Mae Anne Ave., No. 704, 787-5646

3. Rockabboo

538 W. Plumb Lane, 825-0700

Best things to do on a Friday night

1. Movies

2. Reno Aces game

250 Evans Ave., 334-4700

2. Drink

Best place to take the kids

1. Wild Island Family Adventure Park

250 Wild Island Court, Sparks, 359-2927

2. Outdoors/area parks

3. Reno Aces game

250 Evans Ave., 334-4700

Best place to introduce kids to nature

1. Rancho San Rafael Regional park

1595 N. Sierra St.

2. Lake Tahoe

3. Galena Creek Regional Park

18350 Mt. Rose Highway

Best picnic spot

1. Truckee River

2. Rancho San Rafael Regional park

1595 N. Sierra St.

3. Idlewild

1900 Idlewild Drive

Best park

1. Rancho San Rafael Regional park

1595 N. Sierra St.

2. Idlewild

1900 Idlewild Drive

3. Wingfield Park

300 W. First St.

Best local library

1. Downtown Reno Library

301 S. Center St., 327-8312

2. South Valleys Library

15650 A. Wedge Pkwy., 851-5190

3. Northwest Reno Library

2325 Robb Drive, 787-4100

Best family outing

1. Reno Aces game

250 Evans Ave., 334-4700

2. Lake Tahoe

3. Wild Island Family Adventure Park

250 Wild Island Court, Sparks, 359-2927

Best charter school

1. Rainshadow Community Charter High School

121 Vesta St.,322-5566

2. Coral Academy of Science Charter School

Secondary campus, 1350 E. Ninth St., 323-2332

3. High Desert Montessori

2590 Orovada St. 624-2800