Family-Friendly Nature Reserves in Las Vegas

Springs Preserve is an extraordinary 180-acre cultural and historical institution dedicated to exploring the natural history of Las Vegas. Families can immerse themselves in a diverse environment featuring a desert preserve, vibrant botanical gardens, and engaging walking paths. This complex is renowned for its interactive museums and various events, making learning about sustainable living both fun and accessible for all ages. It’s a perfect escape for those seeking a blend of education, outdoor exploration, and tranquility, offering a unique perspective on the desert ecosystem right within the city.

Type

• ✔ Park and Garden

Good for

• ✔ Children: Yes

Allows

• ✔ Dogs: No

Parking options

• ✔ Free parking lot

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance

Payment options

• ✔ Credit Card
• ✔ Debit Card
• ❌ Cash Only

Just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area beckons with its striking crimson peaks and diverse desert landscape. This natural wonder is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike, offering extensive hiking trails suitable for various skill levels, rock climbing challenges, and a breathtaking 13-mile scenic drive. Children will love spotting wildlife and exploring the unique geological formations. It’s an expansive area where the whole family can connect with nature, capture incredible photos, and create lasting memories amidst Nevada’s iconic desert beauty.

Type

• ✔ National Park

Good for

• ✔ Children: Yes

Allows

• ✔ Dogs: Yes

Amenities

• ❌ Wifi

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance

Payment options

• ✔ Credit Card
• ✔ Debit Card
• ❌ Cash Only

Clark County Wetlands Park offers a surprising oasis of marshland and riparian habitat just minutes from downtown Las Vegas. This tranquil park is a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers, boasting miles of paved and dirt trails perfect for walking, biking, and observing a rich array of local wildlife. Families can enjoy scenic picnics, explore the extensive trail system, and visit the impressive 45,000-sq.-ft. nature center, which provides engaging educational exhibits about the park’s ecosystem. It’s an ideal spot for a peaceful family outing, offering a refreshing change of scenery and an opportunity to connect with nature.

Type

• ✔ Park and Garden

Good for

• ✔ Children: Yes

Allows

• ✔ Dogs: Yes

Amenities

• ❌ Wifi

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance

Payment options

• ❌ Debit Card
• ❌ Cash Only

Exploration Peak Park is a dynamic, Western-themed park that guarantees endless fun for families in Las Vegas. This vibrant green space features expansive picnic areas, perfect for enjoying a meal outdoors, and exhilarating uphill hike and bike trails that reward adventurers with spectacular valley views. A highlight for younger visitors is the Old West-themed play area, complete with a refreshing splash pad during warmer months. It’s a fantastic destination for active families looking to combine outdoor exercise with imaginative play, all within a beautifully maintained and engaging environment that truly embodies the spirit of exploration.

Type

• ✔ Park and Garden

Good for

• ✔ Children: Yes

Allows

• ✔ Dogs: Yes

Amenities

• ❌ Wifi

Parking options

• ✔ Free parking lot

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance

Payment options

• ❌ Credit Card
• ❌ Debit Card
• ❌ Cash Only
• ❌ NFC

The Desert National Wildlife Refuge, the largest wildlife refuge in the contiguous United States, offers an unparalleled opportunity for families to experience the raw beauty of the Mojave Desert. This vast mountainous, scrub-covered landscape is a crucial habitat for the iconic desert bighorn sheep, offering rare wildlife viewing opportunities. Families can explore numerous trails and enjoy primitive campgrounds for a true wilderness experience. It’s a place where educational discovery meets rugged adventure, providing a profound connection to the desert’s unique biodiversity and a quiet escape from urban life.

Type

• ✔ Wildlife Refuge

Good for

• ✔ Children: Yes

Amenities

• ❌ Wifi

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance

Payment options

• ✔ Credit Card
• ✔ Debit Card
• ❌ Cash Only
• ✔ NFC

Aliante Nature Discovery Park is a vibrant 20-acre community park that lives up to its name, offering a fantastic blend of natural beauty and recreational fun for families. At its heart lies a captivating dinosaur-themed kids area, guaranteed to spark imagination and hours of play. The park also boasts a serene lake with ducks and a beautiful waterfall, perfect for leisurely strolls and peaceful moments. With tennis and volleyball courts, it caters to active families seeking outdoor sports, making it an all-encompassing destination for discovery, relaxation, and memorable family adventures.

Type

• ✔ Park and Garden

Good for

• ✔ Children: Yes

Allows

• ✔ Dogs: Yes

Amenities

• ❌ Wifi

Parking options

• ✔ Free parking lot

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance

Payment options

• ❌ Credit Card
• ❌ Debit Card
• ❌ Cash Only

Floyd Lamb Park offers a sprawling 2,040-acre natural oasis in the northern part of Las Vegas, providing a refreshing escape into nature. Families will delight in the park’s four serene fishing lakes, extensive picnic areas, and abundant wildlife, including graceful peacocks and various duck species roaming freely. It’s a perfect spot for birdwatching, leisurely walks along paved paths, or enjoying a quiet afternoon surrounded by lush greenery and historic buildings. The park’s vast open spaces invite exploration and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for families seeking tranquility and a touch of wilderness within the city.

Type

• ✔ Park and Garden

Good for

• ✔ Children: Yes

Allows

• ✔ Dogs: Yes

Amenities

• ❌ Wifi

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance

Payment options

• ✔ Debit Card
• ❌ Cash Only

Just an hour’s drive northeast of Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park is Nevada’s oldest and largest state park, a truly magnificent landscape carved from ancient red sandstone. Its vibrant, fiery hues create a dramatic backdrop for family adventures. Visitors can explore fascinating petrified wood, discover ancient petroglyphs, and embark on various hiking trails suitable for all ages. With designated camping spots and ample picnic areas, it’s an ideal location for an immersive outdoor experience, offering breathtaking photo opportunities and a chance to witness geological wonders that have formed over millions of years.

Type

• ✔ State Park

Good for

• ✔ Children: Yes

Allows

• ✔ Dogs: Yes

Amenities

• ❌ Wifi

Parking options

• ✔ Free parking lot

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking

Payment options

• ✔ Credit Card
• ✔ Debit Card
• ❌ Cash Only

Spring Mountain Ranch State Park offers a unique blend of history and nature, set against the stunning backdrop of Red Rock Canyon. This historic ranch site provides families with ample opportunities for hiking on scenic trails, enjoying peaceful picnics, and even catching outdoor theater performances during certain seasons. Children will be fascinated by the historical re-enactments and the chance to spot wild burros roaming the grounds. It’s a serene escape that combines cultural enrichment with outdoor recreation, offering a glimpse into Nevada’s past while enjoying its natural beauty, making for a truly enriching family day out.

Type

• ✔ State Park

Good for

• ✔ Children: Yes

Allows

• ✔ Dogs: Yes

Amenities

• ❌ Wifi

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance

Payment options

• ✔ Credit Card
• ✔ Debit Card
• ❌ Cash Only
• ✔ NFC