Reno Dads

Sharing Love to Small Businesses: Shop, Support, Save (and Win)

The past year was difficult for everyone, but none were hit as hard as smaller, local businesses. More than 100,000 businesses have permanently shut down in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic, with nearly 150,000 business layoffs in Nevada alone. I think we all know we need to pitch in to save our favorite…

Reno Dads Podcast Episode 26: Clint & Joanie Malarchuk

In this episode of the Reno Dads podcast (welcome back!), we welcome a local dad, Clint Malarchuk, who played goalie and coached in the NHL for more than 20 years and faced death multiple times – once by a freak accident on the ice and once by a suicide attempt. He shares his story of…

Always Angry: Lessons Learned from Hal Runkel’s ScreamFree Parenting

In Marvel’s 2012 movie The Avengers, one of my favorite scenes is when the Chitauri, a race of extraterrestrial shape shifters, invade New York. It’s in this scene when we, the audience, get to see the Avengers assemble for the first time on the big screen— a very cool moment for an old comic book…

2020 Reno Dads Griswold Award Winners

2020 may not have been an amazing year in general, but it’s been an amazing year for Christmas lights and displays in our community. Reno Dads recognizes those houses that, in the spirit of dad extraordinaire Clark W. Griswold, go above and beyond with decorations and lights to bring joy to the holiday season. Truthfully,…

Family Fun in the Sierras… Safely

Like many families in our community, mine is feeling the side effects of a reduced social calendar, absent extracurriculars, and increased homebodying (probably not a word, but oh well). What are our options, really? I’ve realized how much we rely on events and crowded spaces to keep us busy. As we grew further stir crazy,…

We’ve Got to Find The Music During the Pandemic Holidays

I grew up with a pretty musical family. My siblings and I all played a different instrument and my sister and I were always singing to songs like “Songbird” by Fleetwood Mac and “Seasons of Love” from the musical, Rent. While my dad didn’t really sing along, he was our biggest cheerleader. He was always…

2020 Map of the Best Christmas Lights in Reno/Sparks

UPDATE: See 2021 Christmas Lights Map If you’re looking for the best Christmas Light displays in the Reno/Sparks area, look no further. Below is a map to help guide you from neighborhood to neighborhood and show you the houses in Reno you shouldn’t miss this year! If you have any trouble seeing the map below,…

Reno Parents, Can We Clear the Air?

Guest Author: Steven Fine, Reno resident since 1969 Does it ever feel like we’re living in some kind of weird Groundhog Day – but for the whole year? I know so many parents who spend every day doing the same (though admittedly, very admirable) thing, over and over: keeping their kids engaged and happy, helping…

Calling All Griswolds

At Reno Dads, we celebrate all things fatherly, and no dad better personified the time-honored dad tradition of the Christmas lights display. As such, this year we are again in search of the best Christmas yard displays in the greater Reno/Sparks area. We’ll award the best of the best with the Griswold Award for their…

Halloween Alternative: Virtual Murder Mystery Fundraiser

Considering something other than trick-or-treating this year? How about a virtual murder mystery that you can play from home? Sierra Arts Foundation, a nonprofit that advocates for arts and artists in the Truckee Meadows, is now selling a specially-crafted virtual murder mystery game, “Who Killed the Queen of the Reno Art Scene,” that will funnel…

Halloween Fun in the Time of COVID-19

For most families, Halloween will be spun on its head (imagine the scary scene in The Exorcist!). The only thing scarier than ghosts and ghouls is COVID-19 spread. But social distancing and mask regulations don’t have to slash your family’s Halloween fun. There are plenty of entertaining and innovative ways to take in the spooks…

V&T Railway Offers Family-friendly Railbike Rides for Halloween

V&T Railway Commission (V&T Railway) is celebrating Halloween with family-friendly and spooky railbike rides. Running Friday, Oct. 23 through Sunday, Oct. 25 and Wednesday, Oct. 28 through Sunday, Oct. 31, V&T Railway will offer family-friendly haunted railbike rides at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. and adult-focused Halloween railbike rides at 8 p.m. Each ride will…