Family Friendly Activities

Here are links to some of our posts about our adventures in and around Las Vegas, Nevada.

Events

Bellagio Conservatory January 2012 – We checked out the blown glass ceiling, the conservatory, and the chocolate fountain – if you are there in the evening you can also see the beautiful fountain show outside the Bellagio as well.

Christmas Tree Recycling at Sunset Park – Not so much an activity, but useful to know!

Ethel M Chocolates Annual Cactus Garden Lights – We’ve gone the last 3 years and will certainly go again – free and beautiful.

Free Comic Book Day – Exactly what the name implies, my favorite store is Alternate Reality Comics.

Gilcrease Orchard Pumpkin Patch - Worth the drive to the northern part of town, many friends also take family photos in the beautiful orchards.

Moapa Valley Art Guild Pomegranate Art Festival - We’ve gone in 2009 and 2011, be sure to drive through the Valley of Fire on the way there or back if you make the trip!

The Smith Center Broadway Series – Beautiful building, fantastic shows.

Springs Preserve Bet on the Farm Farmer’s Market – Every Thursday at the Springs Preserve.

Springs Preserve Plant Sale – Stock up on water-tolerant plants, there are also booths and raffles.  Arrive early to get the best selection.

Libraries

Clark County Library – An entire floor is the children’s library with great story times.  You can also catch free shows like the Maori Dancers from New Zealand.

Sahara Library – We saw Jim Gill here, it was wonderful!  This has to be my favorite children’s library, there are puzzles and games to play with as well as kid sized shelves.

Windmill Library – We saw the Fratello Marionettes and a Gallery Exhibition by Dave Thompson here.

Museums

Clark County Museum – Affordable (only $2 for adults!) and teeming with interesting local history, we loved our visit.  I posted about another visit here.

Las Vegas Natural History Museum - Downtown Las Vegas, a little bit in disrepair but they have enough to occupy a couple hours.

Outdoors

Backyard – We’ve got some great wildlife in our own backyard, like these Desert Spiny Lizards.  Also, here are some of our plants, and the grass – gardening is a great family activity.

Desert National Wildlife Refuge – A bit of a drive but a great place to hunt for wildflowers and enjoy the silence.

Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve – Tucked away in the south east part of town, this is a wonderful morning walk.

Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail – We loved this, a great hike or bike ride near Lake Mead.

McCarran Airport Plane Viewing – Off of Sunset there’s a great place to stop and watch the planes take off and land at our local airport.

Parks

Harmony Park – One of the few well kept parks in Las Vegas, usually we prefer Henderson parks but this is a nice small neighborhood park.

Heritage Park – Next to the Natural History Museum, a great picnic spot.

Hidden Falls Park – Another new park in Henderson, this one is set high in the hills and has a lovely playspace for younger and older children.

Mission Hills Splash Pad – Fenced in and a great way to cool off.

Morrell Park – Adjacent to the Valley View Recreation Center, an older but well maintained park.

Reunion Trails Park – Brand new, with some interesting features and a splash pad.

Stephanie Lynn Craig Park – Pretty basic but lots of space and a nice play structure.

Silver Springs Park – Newly reopened and a lot of fun for even toddlers.

Springs Preserve Play Area – Unique, don’t forget sand tools.

Sunset Park – Under renovation but still some wonderful trails and open spaces.

Town Square Playground – Do some shopping and get a little playground time in too.

Pools

Black Mountain Activity Pool – We love the grassy area by the pool.

Whitney Ranch Activity Pool – A zero depth entry and a more toddler friendly water feature.

Shopping

Alternate Reality Comics – A comic book store near UNLV that even features a small artist’s gallery.

Bountiful Baskets – The local food co-op, weekly baskets of fruits and veggies.

Star Nursery – They have a lot of plants to look at as well as a nice fish pond.  Another bonus, pulling the kids around in red wagons while you shop!

The Las Vegas “Strip”

Bellagio and City Center – The two are connected by the City Center Tram but check out the Conservatory at the Bellagio before you head over to see the Water Tornadoes at the Aria.

Trips

La Jolla Cove, California – This is around San Diego, a perfect getaway.

Legoland California – I love Legoland, even though it is under new ownership.  Even if you don’t go on any rides, just seeing the models is a treat.

Mission Beach – Kind of the classic California beach.

San Diego Wild Animal Park – The Safari is worth it but it is a long walk to get there!

Traveling With Food Allergies – Part One, Part Two.

(Updated 5/11/2012)

Other sites with ideas for family friendly activities in and around Las Vegas:

Desert Wildflower Reports for Nevada

Kid Friendly Activities in Las Vegas at Wandering Off