We all know how much our kids love to experience new things, so what better way to experience them than through the farms and zoos in Las Vegas, Henderson, and beyond?
To my surprise, there are actually quite a few places around Las Vegas that offer families the opportunity to view, (sometimes) pet, and enjoy animals in a safe setting.
Check out this ULTIMATE list of kid-friendly things to do when it comes to visiting our animal friends.
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Visiting Zoos in Las Vegas For The First Time?
If you have yet to visit one of our aquariums, farms, or zoos in Las Vegas or Henderson, here are some tips, so you can be prepared:
- Purchase tickets ahead of time, if needed
- For outdoor activities, bring lots of water, sunscreen, and some sort of shade (hats or umbrellas, if allowed)
- Bring an extra set of clothes for the little ones (just in case they get dirty/wet)
- Extra Cash is a great idea for snacks and souvenirs
Remember, it gets really hot where we live, so come prepared so you can enjoy every minute!
If you want to get a more VIP experience, be sure to ask what offers are available (group discounts, private tours, etc.).
Henderson
Lion Habitat Ranch
Location: 382 Bruner Ave, Henderson, NV 89044
Hours: Must book tickets online for a time slot
The Lion Habitat Ranch is a federal 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation. We strive to educate guests about our animals and how they can take part in conservation themselves.
P.S. Enjoy the Habitat Ranch on your birthday with FREE admission (proof of birthdate required).
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- Clark County Wetlands Park, a Local Mom’s Review
- Boulder City, Henderson, & Las Vegas Family Events Calendar
- Farmers Markets in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Boulder City
Las Vegas
Aquarium at Silverton (+ Mermaid Shows)
Location: 3333 Blue Diamond Road Las Vegas, NV 89139
Hours: 24/7 (Shows vary)
The signature 117,000-gallon reef aquarium will transport you to a tropical oasis where you can admire thousands of tropical fish, and three species each of stingrays and sharks. In addition, the Mermaid Lounge features two 500-gallon jellyfish aquariums lit with LED lights.
Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary
Location: 8103 Racel Street Las Vegas, NV 89131
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday from 9am-3pm
Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary is dedicated to providing a safe-haven for animals of all types while providing educational and cultural experiences for all visitors.
The historical seven-acre property offers a serene home retreat for over 500 exotic birds and domestic animals that have found a refuge when their owners can no longer care for them.
McKee Ranch Foundation
Location: 8982 Dean Martin Dr Las Vegas, Nevada 89139
Hours: Vary
Come and enjoy the rural aspect of life we have to share. Be sure to bring carrots & crackers to feed the animals.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Location: 1000 Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161
Hours: Recommend going during daylight hours
A thirteen-mile (one-way) scenic drive leads to trails, narrow canyons, sandstone cliffs, and riparian areas that attract roadrunners, rufous-sided towhees, white-throated swifts, loggerhead shrikes, and several upland birds.
One World Interactive Aquarium (previously SeaQuest)
Location: At Boulevard Mall, 3528 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89169
Hours: Sunday – Friday | 11am-6pm, Saturday | 11am-7pm
Are you ready for an exciting journey around the planet? Touch, feed, and interact with animals from five continents, right here in Las Vegas, Nevada!
Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
Location: At Mandalay Bay
Hours: Daily | 10am-6pm (last admission at 5pm)
See more than 2,000 animals, including sharks, giant rays, endangered green sea turtles, piranha and a Komodo dragon. This unique exhibit gives you the chance to dive with a higher concentration of exotic sharks than you’d ever find in the wild.
Springs Preserve
Location: 333 S. Valley View Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89107
Hours: Thursday-Monday, 7am-1pm (temporary hours, outdoor only)
Get up close with some of our most famous desert dwellers including Gila monsters, lizards, desert cottontails, a gray fox, a pocket gopher, snakes and scorpions.
The Farm
Location: 7222 W. Grand Teton Drive Las Vegas NV 89131
Hours: Year Round | Saturdays & Sundays from 9am-4pm, extended days/hours in October
The Farm offers visitors an opportunity to get up close and personal with many different animals, including chickens, peacocks, ducks, a goose, turkeys, goats, pigs, horses, cows, a mule, a llama, rabbits, cats, tortoises and more.
The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
Location: At Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel
Hours: Daily | Dawn to dusk, Pelican feedings: 8:30 am and 2 pm
The habitat is filled with exotic birds, fish and turtles. Home to a beautiful flock of Chilean flamingos, a colorful collection of other feathered friends such as Ring Teal ducks and Sacred Ibis, and two brown pelicans joined the habitat from a pelican rescue in 2012.
In addition to our namesake, you’ll find swans, ducks, koi fish and turtles living at the habitat.
Get out there, Southern Nevada Moms!
We cannot wait to see what aquariums, farms, and zoos in Las Vegas that you’re family visits. Be sure to tag us on social media @SouthernNevadaMoms & #SouthernNevadaMoms so we can see!
Plus, we might feature you on our accounts! See you out there Nevada moms!