3 Great Things To Do With Kids I Virginia City, Nevada

You want to know one of the best things to do in Reno with kids is?

Leave—and go to Virginia City instead!

No disrespect to the city of Reno (which to be fair, can actually be pretty fun for kids), but Virginia City (just 35 minutes away) has the feel of traveling back in time, where the town’s bright lights don’t come from a casino, but rather, a headlamp while making your way through a 19th century mine shaft.

Intrigued? 

So were we! And we’re so glad we went. 

This mining boom town was once the most important industrial city between Denver and San Francisco, and many would argue that San Francisco itself was built with the money that was pulled from these hills—over $300 million in silver and gold!

There’s a TON of history all over Virginia City (like Mark Twain’s desk? I mean c’mon—it’s Mark Twain’s desk!), but kids can only stay in museums for so long, so we needed to seek out some family activities that would keep the kids engaged. 

Luckily there’s plenty to be found in these hills, so if you’re planning heading to Virginia City with kids, be sure to check out these three great activities to get a feel for the town.

Go Underground On A Chollar Mine Tour

Of all our activities in Virginia City, this one was definitely the best. 

You’ll join a guide and walk 400 feet back into the pitch black mine shaft, and while the guided tour only lasts 30 minutes, that’s plenty of time for the kids to get the feel of what it was like to be a miner, and all of the dangers involved. 

You can hear about dynamite, learn how the mine was built, and crouch inside a very small room, hearing tales of mining by candlelight. 

Sure—it’s a little bit disconcerting being way back inside of the mine (Heather and Caden actually stayed outside…), but Tanner and Tristan were 6 and 4 and they thought it was an awesome experience.

You can find hours, admission prices, and details on their website—highly recommend! (Bring cash).

Ride the V&T Railroad

Any time your kids get to ride on a train, it’s pretty much a family travel victory. 

The V&T railroad runs 35-minute train rides between the end of May and late October, and it connects Virginia City with the historic Golf Hill mining outpost. 

You’ll pass through tunnels, hear the steam whistle (pro tip: the steam whistle is actually super loud—consider headphones for the kids), and be treated to train top views of of the valley—definitely a Virginia City highlight!

AND, kids 4 and under ride free—added family bonus! Check out their website for pricing and schedules. 

Also, don’t be like us and arrive at the last minute; it’s better to arrive at least 15 minutes before the departure time to ensure you get tickets and a seat on the train. Cut it close, and there could be tears. 

See “Really Old Stuff” At The Way It Was Museum

That’s the way our kids described it, at least, but if you choose a single Virginia City museum, you should probably make it this one. 

It’s the world’s largest collection of memorabilia from Nevada’s Comstock era, and you can find everything from pistols to mining tools and wagon parts in this small, but informative space. 

If nothing else, it’s a really good spot for explaining to kids that things weren’t always the way they were now, and admission is only a couple bucks—check the website for details. 

As a bonus, unlike the Chollar Mine and the V&T train, which are a short drive out of town, the Way It Was Museum is right along Main Street, which makes it an easy stroll from here to the restaurants, shopping, and live music venues that make this one of America’s most happening and historic downtown streets.