David Goldman Environmental

Instead of having the kids stand in front of a video game, give them a chance to move around for some good old fashioned exercise at Fun Quest, located inside the Reno Hilton. In addition to a great selection of video games, the kids can enjoy a turn behind the wheel on the magnetic bumper cars, the Galaxian Video Game Theater and laser tag. Plus, mom and dad will enjoy the 50 lane bowling alley, 2 screen movie theater and shopping mall. Fun Quest could be the best family attraction in Reno - you be the judge.

Maybe hitting the river with a group of experienced rafters who know how to have a good time is more your style of rafting recreation. If that's the case, then get ready for a wild ride along either the American River or Truckee River thanks to the students at the University of Nevada's Campus Recreation Department. They are not only well-versed in riding the whitewater waves, but also in having an excellent time doing it.

The Nevada Opera is a nationally recognized group that consistently delivers accomplished performances of classics, and creates some of its own in the form of themed engagements and special nights like Opera in Blue Jeans held at the local Wingfield Park during the summer months. There's also the very popular Juke Box Opera fund raiser that lets you choose the music the opera will interpret. And, of course, there are the touchstone works like The Marriage of Figaro and Trial By Jury that keep opera newcomers and veterans equally satisfied.

Who's got the best ribs in the west? Find out at the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off held every Labor Day weekend. For 23 years, the holiday weekend comes alive in Victorian Square in downtown Sparks and with plenty of food, live music, crafts and family-oriented fun to end the summer on a positively spicy note.