Springs Preserve Las Vegas, a Local’s Review

A great outdoor activity (with indoor shade options), the Springs Preserve Las Vegas is a favorite place to visit with local friends or out-of-town visitors. The expansive nature preserve features museums, playgrounds, interactive outdoor activities, gardens, a butterfly house, live desert animals, a splash pad, and lots of space to roam.

The Springs Preserve is perfect for an Earth Day visit or spending the day out with family. We are breaking down the Springs Preserve nature reserve details, pros, cons, and tips for your visit in order for you to have the best experience!

---

Related Articles You Might Like

• The Ultimate List of Indoor Playgrounds in Las Vegas and Henderson
• The Ultimate List of Kid-Friendly Aquariums, Farms & Zoos in Las Vegas & Henderson
• Is Pogo Pass Las Vegas Worth It? (Plus a DISCOUNT CODE!)

---

Springs Preserve Las Vegas

The Springs Preserve Las Vegas is easily accessible for people of all levels of mobility and across the lifespan. Families can enjoy a picnic on the outdoor grounds or catch a dog show in the Origen Museum.

The Springs Preserve is right off a major highway through the middle of Las Vegas but you wouldn’t know if once you’re on the property – it’s tranquil and beautiful (even when you’re chasing around a toddler).

Let’s break it down!

Location

333 S. Valley View Blvd.
Las Vegas NV 89107

The Springs Preserve offers parking on site for free and then overflow parking a block away at a mall on busy days (holiday time or special events like Earth Day).

Operating Hours

Springs Preserve Las Vegas / Origen Museum:

Friday-Monday 9 am to 4 pm

The Springs Preserve is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

The Nevada State Museum:

Friday-Monday 9 am to 4 pm

The Nevada State Museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Cost

Members need only to present their Membership ID for entry to Springs Preserve Las Vegas. For non-members, general admission tickets must be reserved online in advance.

Tickets include admission to the Springs Preserve and Origen Museum, Nevada State Museum, Outdoor Natural Areas (Botanical Garden and Trails), indoor galleries and attractions (including Boomtown 1905 and WaterWorks), train rides, children’s playgrounds, guided garden tours and drop-in demonstrations. (Tours and demonstrations subject to change. Please confirm daily availability onsite.)

• Adults: $9.95
• Children (ages 3-17): $4.95
• Children ages 2 and under: Free
• Free for members with valid ID

While the pricing can get pretty expensive if you have a couple of adults and a few kiddos, you can definitely get the most out of what you pay by staying there for the day and bringing in your own food/beverage.

*At the time of publishing this article, we do NOT have an exclusive discount code to offer to readers for their visit. If one becomes available, we will share it on our OFFERS PAGE and update this post. 

If you are planning on visiting several times throughout the year, we highly recommend getting a membership. We’d recommend the memberships for any family because it just makes more sense.

With a membership, you’ll get unlimited visits, access to exclusive Members-only events, being the first to find out about and explore new exhibits, and discounts on everything from workshops and summer camps at the Springs Preserve Store.

Things To Do at Springs Preserve Las Vegas

Butterfly Habitat

Note: The Butterly Habitat is only opened during select seasons (typically closed in the winter and part of summer). Please verify before visiting. 

The first activity we checked out was the “Butterfly Habitat” and while the line was long – because we went around 10 am on a Saturday that was also Earth Day – it went pretty fast and both toddlers could handle playing in the gardens while we waited. The greenhouse had several types of butterflies that we spotted and a couple of volunteer butterfly experts to help us spot them flying around!

The Butterfly Habitat is on one side of the large property and there is a small splash pad and playground area with seating adjacent to the greenhouse. A short and sweet activity to start off our time at the Springs Preserve.

Free Play Area/Splash Pad

There are two playgrounds; one that is small on the far side of the property and farthest away from the entrance. The other playground is much larger and is in the middle of the property closer to the main entrance. Both offer spots for toddlers and kids to run around, climb and explore in a safe environment if they are too young for a museum-type atmosphere.

If you love splash pads like us, you’ll want to check out the best list of splash pads (over 80!) in Las Vegas and surrounding areas.

The Origen Museum

The large and interactive Origen Museum is straight ahead once you enter the main entrance and scan or purchase your ticket. We purchased our tickets prior to going to the Springs Preserve Las Vegas since we have small children but you can purchase them at the property as well.

The Origen Museum has more traditional museum exhibits and information but then also an interactive area with live desert animals including frogs, lizards, bunnies, gopher, gray fox, and gila monsters (lizards – don’t be afraid!). This was an exciting part for our toddlers!

There are also live dog shows that happen a couple of times a day and are free with the price of admission. Check the Springs Preserve app before you go to see what shows are available that day.

Teaching Garden

The Teaching Garden at the Springs Preserve, made possible by a grant from the Rogers Foundation(Opens another site in new window), is an active, outdoor learning laboratory where students and educators can learn the ins and outs of successful gardening in the desert Southwest. We are excited to welcome you and your students on a hands-on, educational journey to last throughout the year.

Other Attractions at Springs Preserve Las Vegas

Activities for next time: WaterWorks and Train Rides. A couple of attractions were closed when we were there but next time we are looking forward to trying out the “WaterWorks” area and “Train Rides”! Below are explanations of the attractions from the Springs Preserve website:

“WaterWorks”

This exhibit features dynamic, hands-on experiences that will engage visitors in the inner workings of water-resource treatment and delivery in Southern Nevada. Visit indoor galleries and then move outdoors for an international perspective. The Global Terrace features interactive exhibits about worldwide water challenges and explores how organizations like ONE DROP™ are connecting people to protect vital water supplies around the globe.

“Train Rides”

Come see where Las Vegas began! As you walk or ride the train through the Springs Preserve’s 3.5 total miles of trails and meander through 110 acres of native habitats and archaeological sites, you will follow in the footsteps of adventurous explorers and ancient peoples.

Springs Cafe (NEW as of Oct. 2022!)

In October 2022, Springs Cafe opened up. It is a partnership between Bronze Cafe and Aspire Coffee House and it is so good! They have so many menu options from breakfast and lunch to coffee and smoothies – literally something for everyone!

The ingredients used are some of the highest quality at a very affordable price. They have a kids menu with several options as well between $5-10!

Tips for Your Visit

Give yourself at least 1.5-2 hours to enjoy Springs Preserve

Prepare to spend a good chunk of the day there as there is so much to do and see! We stayed and played for a couple of hours and could have stayed longer. And you can use the interactive app with a map to see the grounds and decide which area you want to visit first!

Stroller-Friendly

The museum is stroller-friendly with a large elevator to fit multiple families. You could even bring a wagon, although some spaces are smaller.

Nursing Areas

If you are a nursing mama there are quite a few areas for seated nursing to occur. There isn’t a specific area with a closed door but may be a good question to ask a staff member while you’re there.

Snacks and Drinks at Springs Cafe

Bring your own water and snacks and take a break on a playground or any of the other seating areas. If you want to enjoy some dining on-site, you have to check out Springs Cafe! There is also restrooms connected to the cafe for easy access for families.

Some of our favorites include:

• AB&J Smoothie (exclusive to Springs Cafe)
• Tropical Smoothie
• Unicorn Waffle

Have you visited?

Let us know your favorite things to do at Springs Preserve Las Vegas or the Nevada State Museum!