As always, please verify that the activity and experience is still happening!
As a mom, I know how important it is to find fun, engaging activities for our little ones without breaking the bank – especially when they are so young and having that additional expense. Fortunately, living in Southern Nevada gives us a lot of options for free family friendly things to do in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Boulder City.
Whether you’re looking to explore nature, get creative, or enjoy a little local culture, there’s something for everyone—and the best part? It’s all free!
Table of Contents
The Best List of Free Family Friendly Things to Do in Las Vegas Area
Here’s a list of some of my favorite free activities for kids in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Boulder City:
Story Time at Your Local Library
A great way to get your little ones involved in reading and learning is to head to your local library for story time. Many libraries around the valley offer free programs where kids can listen to stories, sing songs, and engage in crafts.
Check out the schedules for libraries in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Boulder City for the most up-to-date information. Plus, libraries are a great place to foster a love of reading from a young age!
- Free Storytime in Las Vegas, Henderson, & Boulder City
- Nature Tales – second Wednesday of the month from 11am-12pm @ CC Wetlands
- Toddler Tales – every Friday @ 10:45am @ Discovery Museum (included in membership)
- Toddler Time – every Mon/Thur/Fri from 11am-12pm @ Springs Preserve (include in admission)
For more free events around the valley, check out our daily calendar of events in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Boulder City.
Explore the Wetlands
If you’re looking for a nature break, the Clark County Wetlands Park is a hidden gem. This natural oasis features walking trails, wildlife viewing areas, and educational exhibits. It’s a peaceful, kid-friendly place to explore nature, and the best part is it’s completely free! Whether you’re birdwatching or taking a quiet stroll, the Wetlands offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Looking for more ways to connect with nature?
Tour the Ethel M Chocolate Factory
While chocolate tours might not sound like they belong on a free activity list, the Ethel M Chocolate Factory offers a self-guided tour that’s absolutely free. Your kids can learn how chocolate is made, enjoy the gorgeous cactus garden outside, and of course, try a free sample. It’s a sweet, family-friendly activity that is both educational and delicious!
*Note: during select seasons, there is an admission fee for the cactus garden at night (factory is always free). Check out the Holiday Cactus Garden and Lights of Love.
Open Gym at Silverado Ranch Recreation Center
If your kids need to burn off some energy, the Silverado Ranch Recreation Center offers an open gym session every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This is a perfect chance to let your kids play, run around, and interact with other little ones in a safe, enclosed space. Plus, it’s completely free!
You can find the open gym and other activities for ages 0-5 in our guide of 20+ Activities for Toddlers in Las Vegas and Henderson!
Fantasy Lab “Colors of Mexico” Immersive Experience
Kids love a little bit of magic and wonder, and the Fantasy Lab’s “Colors of Mexico” immersive experience is a perfect way to spark their imaginations.
Right now, admission is free for all, but I am not sure how long they will offer that. It’s an artsy, colorful way to introduce kids to Mexican culture and art!
Looking for more creative and immersive experiences in Las Vegas?
- Immersive Disney Animation, a Local’s Review (not free)
Watch Planes Take Off and Land
If your little ones are fascinated by airplanes, a trip to the airport can be an exciting outing. Head to the McCarran International Airport (or as it’s now called, Harry Reid International Airport) and watch the planes take off and land from one of the many viewing spots around the airport. It’s a fun and educational activity that’s totally free!
Where Else to Watch The Planes
- Lazy Dog
- Town Square Play Area
- Ethel M Chocolate Factory
Window Shop on Water Street, at Town Square or Downtown Summerlin
Looking to stroll, window shop, and explore? Water Street, Town Square, and Downtown Summerlin both offer family-friendly spaces to wander around, enjoy a snack, or let the kids play in the designated areas.
Whether you’re shopping or just people-watching, it’s a fun way to get out of the house and enjoy some fresh air without spending a dime!
Explore a New Park
Las Vegas, Henderson, and Boulder City are full of amazing parks for kids of all ages. From playgrounds and splash pads to larger green spaces with plenty of room for running, you’ll never run out of parks to explore. Some of my favorites include Discovery Park, Cougar Creek Park, and the beautiful Hemingway Park (to see the sheep). Make a goal to check out a new park every week!
Looking for park recommendations? Check out our guide to the best parks in Las Vegas for kids!
Go for a Hike or Walk
If your kids love outdoor adventures, why not go for a family hike? There are tons of easy, kid-friendly trails all around the Las Vegas area. Popular spots like Red Rock Canyon or the Fletcher Canyon offer family hikes with stunning views. It’s a great way to stay active and enjoy nature without spending a penny.
For more outdoor adventures, read our post on best walking and hiking spots for families in Las Vegas.
Build for Free at the Lego Store Build Stations
Got a little builder at home? The Lego Store offers a free build station where kids can get creative and build something new. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, it’s a fun way for your kids to tap into their imagination while you browse!
Watch a Mermaid Show or Stingray Feeding
One of the most unique experiences you can have in Las Vegas is watching the mermaid show or the stingray feeding at Silverton Casino. The mermaid show takes place in a giant aquarium, and the stingrays are fed in front of the tank. It’s totally free to watch and will surely leave your kids in awe!
You can learn more about the mermaid shows and stingray shows, here.
Visit the Bellagio Conservatory
The Bellagio Conservatory is one of my favorite places to visit year round. The conservatory changes for each season in addition to a special display for Chinese New Year.
This event is free and you can check out the free fountains show after!
More Family Fun in Vegas
There’s no need to spend a lot of money to have fun with your kids in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Boulder City! Whether you’re exploring nature, indulging in some sweet chocolate, or letting the kids run wild at a park, these activities are all free and fun for the whole family.
If you have more favorite free family things to do in Las Vegas, Henderson, or Boulder City to share, leave a comment below or share your thoughts with us on social media! For more ideas on how to make the most of family life in our area, check out the other helpful resources on nvmoms.com.