A Guide To Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery, Museum

Things to do

Check out the Exhibits

Naturally, if you’re going to come and explore the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, you’re going to want to check out all the museum has to offer. The museum is divided into different sections each focusing on different STEAM themes (science, technology, engineering, art, and math).

Although the museum is geared towards shaping the little minds of tomorrow, the interactive exhibits are also fun for adults where they too can participate in some of them such as the Cloud Climber Exhibit where you’ll learn about the water cycle in a jungle-gym like structure that is fully climbable. Right below the “Cloud Climber” is the Truckee Connects exhibit where you’ll learn about the Truckee River through this interactive display. Learn about where it starts and ends and why it is so important for Reno and Nevada. Get a little wet and follow the water’s journey from chilly depths of Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake. If you’re more interested in the body, the interactive display on the body will surely teach you something new about growth, healing and the things that make us uniquely human.

Explore Mindbender Mansion

For the people out there who enjoy brain teasers and puzzles, this fully interactive display is tons of fun for the whole family. Explore this “mansion” and solve all the puzzles and brainteasers that will challenge even the most seasoned puzzle masters. Find clues and secrets hidden in the rooms and solve the clues to get passwords. Guests will make their way through this “house” and try to find their way out. Some puzzles require group participation but your fellow guests will be there to help you out. This activity is a little bit like an escape room without the time constraint or being locked-in.

Spend an evening at an event night

The museum plays host to various events around the year that are for a limited time. Events such as Tech Nights come with displays of new and emerging technology. Learn the fundamentals of coding, build an interactive robot or check out the 3D printer and make something unique for yourself. There is also a LEGO-themed night that’s great for kids!

What to eat

Holey Schmidt Donuts

Located right at the main entrance of the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, this shop is there for your coffee fix and something to satisfy your sweet tooth. Holey Shmidt Donuts has over 50 varieties of donuts and it is a great family-friendly place to grab a snack before or after your visit to the museum and they are open seven days a week.

Dining area

The museum has an on-site dining area that’s perfect for those who brought a snack or lunch and want to eat while inside the museum. There are high-chairs and family dining tables available. Although food is not served here, packed lunches are welcome.

Things to buy

Puzzles, toys, and games

The Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum has a great gift shop on site with tons of great toys and games for kids as well as adults. The selection of things here is massive with a lot of great educational toys and games. Learn about building things with blocks and LEGOS or chemistry with a chemistry set. For the future doctors out there, why not buy a scale model of the human body complete with skeleton and organ systems.

Gift Card

Picking up a gift card is a great option for those who don’t know what to get when they’re here. It’s available in the gift shop as well as available at the front desk. Cards available in any amount can be bought for the science lover in your life.

Travelers tips

Attire

Although there are no restrictions on attire or anything like that, it should be known ahead of time that plenty of the exhibits are interactive including the water-related ones. If you’re planning on being around there or your child is, consider bringing an extra shirt or towel just in case things get a little too wet.

Consider the seasons

During the holidays and during normal out of school seasons like the summer and school breaks, the chances of the museum being busier than normal is likely. If you’re looking to go and be surrounded by too many crowds, consider going during the weekdays or during their off-hours when there are fewer people.

How to get there

By Bus

Reno’s transit system is pretty good and comprehensive covering a lot of the important areas of the city center. A single fare ride costs 2 USD and the S Center Street and E Liberty Street stop on the VRGN line stop right in front of the museum.

By Car

Getting here by car is a good option for those with a vehicle. Parking is available onsite for free and access to the museum is available from the I-80 East and West as well as Hwy 395 North and South.

How to book tickets

Tickets can be bought online before you arrive at the museum through their website here. Tickets can also be bought in person at the museum with prices being 11 USD for kids and 13 USD for adults and 12 USD for seniors.

Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum information

Address: 490 S Center St, Reno, NV 89501, United States

Opening hours: Tue: 10am - 5pm; Wed: 10am - 8pm; Thu - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Cost: 11 - 13 USD

Website: Official Website

Department of Tourism: Visit Nevada