When people hear Las Vegas, the first thing that pops into their minds is the Strip. However, there’s a lot more to Las Vegas than high-end casinos and clubs. Sin City isn’t just for gambling and parties. There are countless outdoor family activities and amazing adventures for you to try out. So, if you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and its crowds, here are some ideas that will help you be one with nature, get some fresh air, and admire the wonderful scenery.
4 Outdoor Family Activities You’ve Got to Try in Las Vegas
1. Go on a kayak tour.
If you want to spend a day outdoors with your family, why not do it on the water and explore the majestic natural sceneries through a guided kayak tour?
Evolution Expeditions is dedicated to providing an exceptional Las Vegas kayaking experience. From the magnificent Hoover Dam to the spectacular Emerald Cave, our kayak tours rank high on the list of the most unforgettable outdoor family activities.
What’s great about our tours is that it’s not all about paddling down the Hoover Dam, the crystal clear waters of the Colorado River, and through the Black Canyon. It’s also a day of hiking, learning from professional guides who know the fascinating history of these places by heart, and soaking in geothermal hot spring pools.
You’ll also get the chance to witness wildlife and waterfalls, as well as indulge in a delicious catered lunch on a remote beach where you can swim and hang out with your family and friends.
If this is anyone in your family’s first time kayaking, worry not: Our tours are for both beginner and advanced paddlers.
2. Hike and go on a picnic.
Who doesn’t love a nice picnic? Here are some of the best hiking and picnic spots in Las Vegas that you might want to check out.
Lake Mead Recreation Area
From the picturesque Muddy Mountains and red rocks to the Alan Bible Visitor’s Center that has an interactive museum full of history of Lake Mead and the area, visiting Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers a day of fun and excitement.
There are plenty of places to stop for a picnic, and then there’s also the Historic Railroad Trail where you can go hiking or biking. Kids will love entering the tunnels and the idea that it’s the same path where supplies used to build the Hoover Dam passed through.
Not only does this trail have a low incline that beginners will appreciate, but the scenic view of Lake Mead is also something that can’t be missed.
Red Rock National Conservation Area
Offering hiking, rock climbing, and an outdoor Visitor’s Center, Red Rock Conservation Area is a must-see for people of all ages. Families can choose a nice spot at the Willow Springs and Lost Creek area, while kids can enjoy the Children’s Discovery Trail.
While hiking, you might be lucky enough to see a desert tortoise, which can usually be spotted in burrows.
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
From Red Rock National Conservation Area, you might want to drop by Spring Mountain Ranch State Park next. The 502-acre state park takes guests on a trip back to how life was like for the early settlers and introduces native plants.
There’s an area where you can have a pleasant picnic, while your kids can play and explore the grounds. If you want to learn about the area’s history, embark on a tour to the main ranch house.
Another awesome thing about this property is that there are six springs that can be found here.
3. Spend a day with animals.
It’s always a good idea to expose your children to nature and animals. Fortunately, Las Vegas has plenty of spots that allow you to do just this.
Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat
Get a chance to see some of the most majestic creatures Vegas has to offer, like the bottlenose dolphin, white lion, white tiger, and leopard. They even have a program where you and your kids can actually touch, feed, and pose for a photo with a bottlenose dolphin. The package comes with a printed and digital copy of the photo, so you can take this brief yet memorable experience home with you.
Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
Away from the buzz of the city, the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is a serene four-acre garden with streams, fish, turtles, exotic birds, and waterfalls.
Some of the wildlife that you’ll witness include Chilean flamingos, brown pelicans, sturgeons, albino catfish, koi, native hummingbirds, and some local songbirds. Admission is free!
Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary
This seven-acre lifetime care facility for both domestic and exotic animals offers an educational and cultural experience for guests. There are more than 500 exotic birds and domestic animals here, and they also have an incredible outdoor space where you can go on a picnic or simply gather with friends and family.
4. Have some water fun!
Another outdoor activity that never goes out of trend is swimming.
Mandalay Bay, with its world-famous aquatic playground, features a beach with 2,700 tons of real sand (open seasonally), a 1.6-million gallon wave pool, and a lazy river. There’s also the pool at Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel & Casino with a slide that passes through a 200,000-gallon tank with fish and sharks.
If you’d like to relax in giant hot tubs, go to the Sandbar Pool at Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa. However, if you’re looking for the most kid-friendly pool, the Splash Zone at Circus Circus Hotel Resort is the best spot. Kids love its 50-foot tower with three water slides, a cool water feature playground with sprinklers, and a food truck that serves yummy snacks.
The next time you plan to visit Las Vegas, don’t hesitate to bring your kids with you. The city has many diverse outdoor family activities, entertainment, educational and cultural experiences, and other family-friendly options.
Keep the whole family engaged and try out all the unique and exciting Las Vegas experiences we featured in this article.
Ready to go on an adventure with Evolution Expeditions? Contact us today to learn more about our kayak tours.
Book a Tour
Kayak Emerald Cave Express
Kayak Emerald Cave Deluxe
Kayak Hoover Dam & Hot Springs Hike
Lake Mead Sunset Paddle