We have lived in Vegas for more than a decade and raised our three kids here. Below is a list of some of the places we have used to entertain our kids.
The Old Mormon Fort
The Old Mormon Fort is in North Las Vegas and is a very underated location.
The first time we went, we didn’t enjoy it very much, but our kids were young and we ignored a lot of what makes this place great.
The inside area is worth paying attention to and helps you enjoy the experience more.
What really made our last visit fun was the scavenger hunt they offer for kids. Our children really enjoyed finding everything and getting a prize.
Its fun learning a bit of the older history of Las Vegas that is so much different than the history of mobsters and casinos that usually are the focal point of any Las Vegas history.
There was also plenty of interactive exhibits that was great for keeping the kids active and entertained.
Finding any water in Las Vegas is a treat so even this little creek was fun for the kids to play in.
Floyd Lamb State Park
Even further north is Floyd Lamb State Park, which is a great park and worth the visit.
The roaming peacocks are always a big hit for kids, but some of the other buildings have lots of birds living inside.
The beautiful landscape is very popular for photographers so you can expect to see families and others out there getting photographed. So if your kids are into getting their pictures taken, you will have unlimited opportunities to do so at this park.
There are also some ponds here for fishing if you want another activity.
The Las Vegas Farm
The Las Vegas Farm is another location in Northern Las Vegas, not far from Floyd Lamb.
It is a small “farm” that you pay to walk around a few old vehicles and animals and shop. We were very disappointed after the long drive to get here. Would not recommend paying to go here as there are so many better places in town.
Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat
We don’t do a lot with our kids on the Strip because it is such a pain to do anything on the Strip, but we had discount tickets to go here so gave it a try.
Our overall impression was that this attraction was not worth the money, but it was still an enjoyable time.
We have done dolphins and other animal encounters at many places and this was similar, but with the premium price tag that comes with anything on the strip. If dolphins are your thing and you like to travel, save a dolphin encounter for Mexico or somewhere it is going to be cheaper.
There is a big aquarium here that is pretty impressive and fun for spending a few minutes.
Make sure you stay for the dolphin show. This was the highlight of the trip for sure.
In addition to the dolphins, there are some tigers and other animals to see.
Because we don’t have a zoo in Las Vegas, this is one of a couple places you can see big cats and other cool animals, but if you have been to a zoo, there isn’t much difference.
Seaquest Aquarium
When our kids were younger, we always kept a season pass for Seaquest. It is a bit expensive for drop in visits, but the passes are affordable and the aquarium is a great way to spend a couple hours with young kids.
The aquarium isn’t a hug facility, but it packs a lot of punch in the space they have. The sting ray and shark aquarium is the big draw, and our kids will spend a ton of time here watching, feeding and playing with the animals.
Surprisingly, our kids like watching from the side, but you can get “inside” the tank for a different view.
Always eager for food, the rays will come right up and let you pet them.
There are a lot more smaller tanks that have all kinds of different fish and sea creatures.
It’s not all just fish though. There are lots of other animals to see. Some of our kids’ favorites are the otters, birds, capybara, tortoise, and so forth.
As with any aquarium, feeding the animals is a big attraction. The food is spendy, but buying in bulk with the annual pass helps make it more affordable.
Aviator’s Baseball Game
When we first moved to Las Vegas, there weren’t many options in the way of sports. Now, there is hockey and football that dominate the scene, but also volleyball, lacrosse, WNBA, soccer and more. Probably our favorite games to attend as a family though are the Aviator’s AAA baseball game.
The obvious downside is the heat, but there is a splash pad for the kids to keep cool and the late evening games can be enjoyable.
They do a good job of in-game entertainment for the kids. Our kids liked seeing the mascot walking around and playing with the kids.
Nelson Ghost Town / Eldorado Canyon Mine Tour
A bit off the beaten path, the Eldorado Mine, located not too far from Las Vegas, offers an intriguing look into Nevada’s mining history. While it’s not as well-known as other historic sites in the area, it provides visitors with a unique glimpse into the hard work and challenges faced by miners in the early 20th century.
The owner has quite the eclectic taste and you can find all kinds of old buildings, vehicles, and other relics throughout the location.
We learned there is local roadrunner that makes frequent visits for hot dogs fed by the staff.
Our kids also enjoyed the gift shop. It is what you would expect at a site like this, but it is always fun to check out.
Though it’s not fully developed as a tourist attraction, it’s a fascinating spot for history buffs and those looking to explore Nevada’s mining past.
The actual mine tour is what I really enjoyed. The mine itself has been pretty well restored and is fun to tour.
Clark County Wetlands Park
Clark County Wetlands Park is a hidden gem in Las Vegas, offering a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle. The park features scenic walking trails, abundant wildlife, and a well-maintained nature center with educational exhibits. The park is free to enter and is rarely busy.
There is also a small playground tucked away and often missed if you don’t happen to be going to the right trail.
Many people in Las Vegas are surprised that we even have a wetlands since the city is so dry. There is a surprising amount of water here though, and even a fairly big water.
If the weather isn’t too hot, it is pretty easy to spend a few hours exploring and just enjoying the water and nature.
If you walk a bit into the trails you will find a decent sized little river with plenty of ducks and wildlife and a good view of the Strip.
Boulder Beach
Boulder Beach, located on the shores of Lake Mead in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, is a much-too-popular destination for people desperate to enjoy water.
The “beach” is just dirt and rocks and you have to wear shoes the whole time. The water is filthy. But, the worst part is it is full of people getting drunk and making a mess. Save yourself the mess of this place and rent a boat, find a different spot on the lake or go feed the massive fish at the harbor.
Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon is a staple for our family. It is a perfect way to escape the heat and enjoy some time in nature. Unfortunately, the crowds have made it a bit more of a headache. Visiting Red Rock now involves making reservations and paying extra fees, but I guess that beats not being able to find a parking spot, which had become a real problem. If you don’t want to deal with crowds or don’t have a reservation, check out the neighboring Red Springs Boardwalk or First Creek Canyon.
The below image is from Red Springs Boardwalk, which is a fun little boardwalk the kids can play on with great views of red rocks and some easy areas to climb around.
Below is a shot from First Creek Canyon in Winter. It’s more desert hiking, but still a good time with a little oasis and waterfall. You won’t find snow like this very often though!
Springs Preserve
Springs Preserve is a place we loved taking our younger kids, but they have outgrown it at this point. It has some fun walking paths, exhibits, historical buildings, state museum and a great playground. It is an easy way to spend a half day, do something educational, and spend time outside.
Exploration Peak
Exploration Peak is a small peak accompanied by a great park. A quick hike to the top provides great views of Vegas, the mountains, and Red Rock. After your climb, there is a great park and lots of green area for playing. A walk around the park usually leads to a bunny sighting as well.
