The crowded Las Vegas Strip isn’t the only place in the valley that offers kid-friendly free activities. Throughout the neighborhoods and communities around Las Vegas, explore museums, walk in ancient mammoth footprints, or see a mermaid swim through the water. The locally-based LVGEA team put together this list of free things to do with kids in Las Vegas.
Table of Contents: Free Things to Do with Kids in Southern Nevada
Cool Indoor Activities in Clark County
Whether you’re looking to avoid the summer heat or take a break from a windy spring day, there are lots of indoor (meaning climate-controlled) activities for kids in Greater Vegas.
If you’re looking for a free kids’ activity that’s a little more laid back during the hot summer months, the Silverton Casino Aquarium houses a 117,000-gallon tank that’s home to thousands of tropical fish. Your kids may even spot a few mermaids swimming through the water if you time your visit with one of the aquarium’s many free daily shows.
Revert to your inner child along with your kids with a visit to the Pinball Hall of Fame, located in a 25,000-square-foot building just across from the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign. The museum houses hundreds of classic, coin-operated pinball machines. Admission and parking are free, but bring along some quarters if you want to test your skills on that old Pac-Man machine.
The Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden in Henderson offers a fun, family-friendly experience. Kids can watch chocolate-making, sample treats, and explore a stunning desert botanical garden filled with cacti and seasonal lights. The self-guided tours and samples are free. The factory is named after the original Ethel Mars of Mars Candy fame.
Free Outdoor Activities for Kids in Las Vegas
Another great free thing to do with kids in the Greater Vegas region is to explore the breathtaking options for outdoor recreational activities inside and outside Clark County. Remember, though – temperatures can heat up quickly in the summer, so be sure to get outside early in the morning and bring plenty of water and sunscreen!
Red Rock Canyon
There are nearly endless trails to hike within a 45-minute drive of the city. Start with Red Rock Canyon, a national conservation area formed by ancient sandstone red rock filled with meandering trails. There are lengths and difficulties for every age, making Red Rock a great option to explore with kids. While there is a $20 per car entrance fee into the main area of Red Rock, you can head to nearby Calico Basin, which offers several hiking areas free of charge.
Mount Charleston
For trails that are a little more advanced and often several degrees cooler in the summer months, drive just forty minutes to the famed Mount Charleston in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. In winter, it’s a local skiing and snowboarding hotbed, but miles of trails guide you up the mountain and through dense forest, providing free and healthy entertainment for the whole family during the summer. Don’t forget to bring along a picnic lunch!
Lake Las Vegas
If hiking isn’t quite your speed, you can still spend time outside with the family by exploring areas like Lake Las Vegas, a quaint artificial lake surrounded by boutique shops and restaurants. Enjoy free summer concerts, live entertainment, and window shopping in and around the picturesque Village at Lake Las Vegas.
Henderson
If you’re hoping for a more educational experience for your kids, birdwatching inside the Henderson Bird Preserve is an incredible chance to see a variety of birds in their natural habitats entirely for free. And be sure to check out the Clark County Wetlands Park, which spans 2,900 acres on the eastern edge of the valley. With a 210-acre Nature Preserve and five trailheads, the park provides recreation opportunities and wildlife viewing for all ages.
Downtown Las Vegas
For kids who need to expel some energy, places like the Container Park in the Downtown area boast a free children’s treehouse and play zone that’s unlike any your kids have ever seen. It features a 33-foot slide, a NEOS playground where kids can chase flashing lights in an interactive game, and intricate play areas that will keep your kids (and you) entertained for hours.
Free Cultural Activities for Kids in Southern Nevada
Want your kids to be infused with a little bit of culture where they live? Las Vegas is rich with it, which can provide even more free things to do with kids. The Smith Center, the region’s main performing arts center, offers free, guided walking tours for residents to learn about the art, architecture, and history of the center.
Las Vegas City Hall also offers two free art galleries to explore. The Grand Gallery features local and national artists’ work, and its exhibits change every few months. The Chamber Gallery features artwork primarily by local artists, specifically focusing on cultural diversity. Both are great free learning opportunities for kids and parents alike.
First Friday in Downtown Las Vegas is a can’t-miss monthly free arts and culture event to get an authentic taste of what it means to be a local. Held on the first Friday of every month, it showcases local artists, musicians, food vendors, and more and is entirely free to attend and peruse.
More Family-Friendly Fun to Explore in Southern Nevada
These free, family-friendly activities are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Las Vegas’s offerings. We understand the importance of giving your kids a home where they can learn, grow, and thrive, all without having to break the bank. Exploring our city will quickly reveal that it’s packed with perfect options for doing just that.
Read more of our articles about what it’s like Living Here. You’ll find yourself saying, “I had no idea!”
Helpful Related Links
- 14 Best Reasons for Living in Las Vegas
- The Diverse Neighborhoods of the Las Vegas Valley
- Your Outdoor Home Base for Outdoor Adventure
- Las Vegas Schools Offer a Variety of Programs and Choice
