Idlewild Park
A vibrant 49-acre community park along the Truckee River, featuring beautiful gardens, playgrounds, and event spaces.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps & Food Truck Fridays
Idlewild Park
Best Time
Cooler temps & Food Truck Fridays
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant 49-acre community park along the Truckee River, featuring beautiful gardens, playgrounds, and event spaces.
"This park is so beautiful and clean. I give complements to the city of Reno and the park service for keeping up with it, good job."
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome! Enjoy walks along the river or at the dog park.
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking can fill up quickly during events. Arrive early or consider public transport.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sensory Garden & Rose Garden
Near the Sensory Garden entrance
A tranquil escape with diverse plants, soothing sounds, and fragrant blooms. Perfect for a peaceful stroll.
All-Abilities Playground
North end of the park
Features multiple slides, climbing structures, a zipline, and inclusive play elements for all children.

Truckee River Access & Trails
Along the riverfront
Enjoy scenic walks, bike rides, or simply relax by the water. Connects to the Tahoe Pyramid Trail.

Food Truck Fridays
Main park area
Savor diverse culinary delights from local food trucks every Friday during the summer.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Reno's Green Oasis on the Truckee
Event Hotspot & Family Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome! Enjoy walks along the river or at the dog park.
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking can fill up quickly during events. Arrive early or consider public transport.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Bring sunscreen and water, especially during summer. Plenty of shade trees available.
📅 Check Event Schedule
Idlewild hosts many events; check their calendar to plan around crowds or catch a festival.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome! Enjoy walks along the river or at the dog park.
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking can fill up quickly during events. Arrive early or consider public transport.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Bring sunscreen and water, especially during summer. Plenty of shade trees available.
📅 Check Event Schedule
Idlewild hosts many events; check their calendar to plan around crowds or catch a festival.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring trails and gardens.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Idlewild Park for its beauty, cleanliness, and family-friendly atmosphere. It's a cherished green space along the Truckee River, offering a refreshing escape with well-maintained gardens and excellent playgrounds. While some note parking can be challenging during events, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its value as a community asset.
"I stopped here for an hour with my family and our dog as we stayed one night in town passing through on our family vacation and we were not disappointed. This park is so beautiful and clean. I lived here for a couple years as a child and I have fond memories of this park, and I was pleasantly surprised to see it still there and just as wonderful as I remember it. I give complements to the city of Reno and the park service for keeping up with it, good job."
Sky Jay
"We are blown away at the beauty to be found in this lovely park.
Having been traveling through lots of desert for the last few weeks, this was a huge breath of fresh air - literally and figuratively.
And the trees we've never seen before!
Their pines, cones, branches and scents were out of this world amazing.
We love talking long walks in Nature, and this had it all, something for all the senses (esp hit the Sensory Garden and the Rose Gardens!!).
So happy we were staying right across the river from here and could go here as often as we wanted/needed for our outdoor therapy 💗"
Lea Rose Bell
"We love going to Idlewild park with our dog Leroy and his many friends! Easy access to the river, great walking and bike paths, lots of shade and grass. It's a wonderful neighborhood park with great access and connectivity to other trails and areas of the city."
Kerry Flanagan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Idlewild Park is located at 2055 Idlewild Dr, Reno, NV 89509, close to downtown and along the Truckee River.
It's easily accessible by car, with parking available throughout the park. Public transportation options may also serve the area; check local transit schedules for routes and times.Yes, there is parking available within Idlewild Park. However, it can fill up quickly, especially during popular events like Food Truck Fridays or festivals.
Arriving early is recommended, particularly on weekends or during scheduled events.Absolutely! Idlewild Park is connected to the Tahoe Pyramid Trail and other local paths, making it a great destination for cyclists and walkers.
It's a scenic and accessible way to reach the park, especially if you're coming from nearby areas.From Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), you can take a taxi or rideshare service directly to Idlewild Park. The drive is approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Public bus routes might also be available, but would likely involve transfers.
Idlewild Park is designed to be accessible, with paved paths and accessible playground equipment.
The park aims to provide an enjoyable experience for all visitors, including those with mobility challenges.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Idlewild Park is a public park and does not charge an entrance fee for general access. You can enjoy the grounds, gardens, and playgrounds for free.
Entry to the park itself is free. However, specific events held at Idlewild Park, such as the Reno Night Market or festivals, may have their own ticket requirements or costs associated with them. It's best to check the event organizer's website for details.
Idlewild Park is generally open from 8:00 AM until sunset.
Specific facilities within the park, like the pool or skate park, may have their own operating hours, which can vary seasonally. Always check for the most current hours.As a public park, general admission is free. Discounts would typically apply to specific ticketed events or facilities like a seasonal pool if one is operating. There are no general 'Idlewild Park discount tickets' for park entry itself.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy picnics in the park. There are also food trucks available during events like Food Truck Fridays.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Idlewild Park offers a wide range of activities, including exploring the rose and sensory gardens, playing at the playgrounds,
picnicking, walking or biking along the Truckee River, and visiting the skate park. It also hosts various community events throughout the year.Yes, Idlewild Park features multiple playgrounds, including an all-abilities playground with slides, climbing areas, and a zipline.
These are great for families with children of all ages and abilities.Idlewild Park has a swimming pool that is typically open seasonally. Check with the City of Reno Parks and Recreation for specific operating dates and hours for the pool.
Yes, Idlewild Park has numerous picnic areas with tables and open grassy spaces, perfect for a family outing or a relaxing lunch outdoors. Many areas offer shade from the abundant trees.
Idlewild Park is a popular venue for various events, including Food Truck Fridays,
the Reno Night Market, Earth Day festivals, community resource fairs, and the Reno River Festival. It's a vibrant hub for local gatherings.🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
During the summer months, Idlewild Park hosts 'Food Truck Fridays' where a variety of local food trucks offer diverse culinary options.
You can also bring your own picnic to enjoy in the park's many scenic spots.Food Truck Fridays at Idlewild Park feature a wide array of cuisines, from American comfort food and tacos to international flavors. You can find everything from buffalo fries to delicious micheladas.
There are no permanent restaurants located directly within Idlewild Park. However, the park is surrounded by various dining options in downtown Reno, and the food trucks during events provide convenient onsite food choices.
Absolutely! Idlewild Park is an ideal location for picnics. There are many grassy areas and picnic tables available, offering a pleasant atmosphere to enjoy your own food and drinks.
Reviews often highlight the variety and quality of food trucks at events like Food Truck Fridays.
It's recommended to explore the different trucks to find your personal favorite, as options change.📸 📸 Photography
The Rose Garden and Sensory Garden offer beautiful floral backdrops.
The Truckee River provides scenic water views, and the mature trees create lovely natural settings. The playgrounds are also great for capturing family fun.Yes, with its mature trees, the Truckee River, and various gardens, Idlewild Park offers opportunities for nature photography. You might spot local birds or enjoy the changing seasonal foliage.
Generally, personal photography is allowed at events in Idlewild Park. However, for commercial use or if you're a professional photographer, it's always best to check event-specific policies or obtain permission.
The 'golden hour' shortly after sunrise or before sunset often provides the most flattering light for photography in the park, especially in the gardens and along the river.
The historic California Building, the train ride,
and the diverse flora in the gardens offer unique visual elements. Capturing the energy of events like Food Truck Fridays can also make for dynamic photos.For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🚶♀️ Active Individuals & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Idlewild Park's Gardens
The Sensory Garden is designed to engage all five senses, making it a unique and therapeutic experience. Visitors can enjoy the textures of different plants, the soothing sounds of water features, the fragrant aromas, and the visual beauty of the diverse flora. This garden is particularly recommended for a peaceful and mindful visit, offering a tranquil escape within the bustling park.
Both gardens are well-maintained and provide a refreshing contrast to the more active areas of the park. They are ideal for quiet contemplation, a romantic walk, or simply enjoying the natural beauty that Reno has to offer.
Family Fun and Playgrounds
Beyond the main playgrounds, the park offers ample open green space for running, playing games, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Families often gather for picnics, making it a popular spot for a relaxed weekend outing. The proximity to the Truckee River also adds an element of adventure, with opportunities for gentle exploration along the banks.
With its safe and engaging play areas, Idlewild Park provides a welcoming environment for children to burn energy and create lasting memories. It's a go-to spot for parents looking for a fun and accessible outdoor activity for their kids in Reno.
Events and Community Hub
Throughout the year, the park is also the venue for significant community gatherings such as the Reno Earth Day Festival, the Reno Night Market, and the Reno River Festival. These events often feature live music, local artisans, family activities, and a strong sense of community spirit. Checking the local event calendar is highly recommended to align your visit with one of these popular happenings.
Beyond these larger festivals, Idlewild Park also hosts smaller community events, like resource fairs and seasonal celebrations. Its central location and ample space make it an ideal setting for bringing people together, celebrating local culture, and enjoying the best of what Reno has to offer.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit