Having lived in Las Vegas, Nevada for over 10 years, and now being a fulltime traveler, I'm often asked for advice on activities in Vegas, especially kid-friendly ones. So instead of repeating myself, I figured I'd just blog it for quick reference.
Everyone seems to know what is available on the strip. We actually spent very little time downtown, so I'm going to move on to the places and activities that hold my heart.
Valley of Fire State Park- ok, so I'm starting with a park that isn't actually in Vegas. It's about an hour north, but if you spend more than a couple days in Vegas and miss this, you've really missed out. Drive to Rainbow Vista for a hike thru red sandstone rocks. The views, rocks and colors here are amazing. You'll find more international travelers here than locals.
Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area- Drive the loop thru the park. Take the time to get out and scramble around and take some photos. There is a campground across the street, though it's all dry camping and only has room for about 6 RVs. We also like to explore the fee-free area known as Calico Basin- take the road just East of the Red Rock entrance.
Mt Charleston- at just under 12,000ft, the temps here are around 20-30 degrees cooler than Vegas, so in the summer it offers a respite from the heat and in the winter, snow for sledding or skiing.
Floyd Lamb Park- An oasis in the desert, this park has stocked lakes, green grass and beautiful trees. Trails wind around the park where you'll find peacocks and rabbits roaming free. Low-cost horseback riding is available at Horses4Heroes on the south end of the park.
Desert National Wildlife Refuge- The largest wildlife refuge in the lower 48 states. 1.6 million acres to explore if you have a high clearance vehicle. If not, you can still enjoy the views from the trails behind the visitor center. This is the #1 birding hotspot in Nevada (per Ebird). There is a tent campground for those with high clearance vehicles (about 90 minutes thru the rough backcountry roads). There's room for up to 2 RVs to boondock in the first pullout on the right side of Alamo Road. Pull over in front of the visitor center and walk up Alamo Road before driving it with an RV because if that area is full, you won't be able to turn around to get out and the roads are not safe for an RV past that. Warning- do NOT park here if any rain is expected! This is a flash flood area and the roads get washed out easily which would leave you trapped or worse!
Lone Mountain- climb this mountain in the NW for a great view to go with your exercise for the day. There's a nice park at the base of the mountain for the kids to run and play.
Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve- OK, if you're not into birding, you may not be drawn to this spot, but it is an interesting place to walk around the ponds and view the strip from a different vantage point. The bird displays in the visitor center are very educational.
Clark County Wetlands Park- Another spot that has nice trails, and a birding hotspot. The visitor center is a fun, interactive learning center for kids and adults.
Tule Springs National Monument- Recently established, there is no visitor center. The bones of mammoth, camel and lions were unearthed here. Explore this area from the parking area where Durango dead ends just north of Floyd Lamb Park.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area- So much to do here. Of course you can rent a boat or jet ski to explore the water. Our favorite is to float the canyons south of the dam! Anniversary Narrows slot canyon is our favorite hike in the area.
Our favorite activities-
Riding horses at Horses4Heroes Community Equestrian Center at Floyd Lamb Park. Low cost riding, sometimes as low as $5-10 for everyone ages 2 and up. Entrance is usually included to their barnyard area with goats, burros, alpacas, and a mini cow that you can pet and brush. They also offer classes, summer camp and day camp whenever the local schools have a day or more off.
Roos 'n More Zoo- This one is also about an hour away in Moapa, but worth the drive for a private tour which offers an incredible opportunity to hold, pet and feed many of their animals. At this time, I believe you must book a private tour. Grab your friends and split the cost. Trust me, it's worth it! Hopefully soon they will be open to walk-in visitors. Check the website for details.
Children's Discovery Museum- While this is an expensive outing, it is one of the best children's museums in the country.
The Farm- a great place to buy produce, local honey and stay to see all of their farm animals for a few dollars per person.
Westwind Drive-In- This drive in has all digital screens, doesn't charge for children under 5 (under 11 are only $1) and has special pricing on Tuesdays. Every night is a double feature, so two movies for less than the price of one in a theater and sitting outside or in the back of your truck just makes it so much more fun.
Bonnie Springs- an old west experience plus a petting zoo
Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary- a fun place that is inexpensive to visit and is home to lots of different kids of animals
Gilcrease Orchard- The largest orchard in town. Check the website for what's in season. They have a huge pumpkin patch, hayrides and apple cider donuts for fall.
Exploration Peak Park- This neighborhood park in the southwest is one of the best in town. After playing at all of the fun features, take a picnic lunch to the peak to enjoy a new view of the city.
Ok, now a couple things that we have enjoyed downtown-
Indoor Skydiving- Seriously so much fun! We went for our anniversary before kids. I believe there's a 50lb weight minimum, but as soon as my kids hit it, we're taking them!
Downtown Container Park- A large play area for the kids surrounded by little shops built inside shipping containers in the Fremont area.
Mandalay Bay Shark Tank- Aquarium in the Mandalay Bay
Watching planes takeoff and land at McCarron Airport from the viewing lot on Sunset. *You can also watch small private planes and helicopters from the 2nd story outdoor balcony at the North Las Vegas Airport. Both fun experiences.
When we stay in a hotel, we always choose a suite in the Gold Nugget's Rush Tower. The rooms are super fancy, the buffet is good, but the pool is the best part. Where else can you swim with sharks without the danger? They, along with many other fish, are in a giant aquarium in the center of the pool. There's a tube slide that actually runs thru the center of the shark tank and dumps you into the pool. Lots of fun.
Fremont Street Experience- Ok, this one is debatable. We have taken our kids to walk around Fremont during the day and it was fine, however, if you have older kids who can read, it may not be appropriate. As it grows dark, it gets more crazy (inappropriate) and crowded- sometimes to the point of having to squeeze thru the people which would be scary with children. While the light show and street performers are quite entertaining, if you're bringing the kids, I'd suggest taking them back to the hotel before dark.
In the winter, Opportunity Village decks out the Magical Forest with lights, rides and a snack bar. It's a fun night for a good cause. Check Groupon for discount tickets. The Ethel M Chocolate Factory does an amazing job decorating their desert garden with lights for the holidays. Walk thru, say hello to Santa and tour the chocolate factory all in one stop.
Outside of Vegas
Death Valley National Park- About two hours from Las Vegas, this park has so many different areas to explore. Tumble down the sand dunes, walk across the salt flats, hike the mountains. You could easily spend a week here....but don't do it in July or August. It's not called "furnace creek" for nothing!
Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge- Located just outside of Death Valley, this makes a great stop on your way to or from the park. A boardwalk will take you to natural spring pools that hold five different endangered species of fish and you just might spot some bighorn sheep at Point of Rocks.
Zion National Park- 2.5 hours away is a different hiking experience in beautiful Zion. It's worth the drive. Of course if you're going that far, you might also consider Bryce, Arches and Canyonlands.
China Ranch Date Farm- a fun place to see where dates come from. Enjoy some date milkshakes and take some home with you. To burn off those extra calories, try hiking right from the parking lot.
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