Best Things To Do In Las Vegas With Kids – An Outdoor Adventure Guide

ByEric James Updated on

Planning a family trip to Las Vegas might feel like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. You picture flashing lights and crowded casinos, wondering where your kids—and your love for the outdoors—could possibly fit in.

I promise you, there’s another side to Vegas. Beyond the Strip lies a world-class hub for outdoor adventure, making it one of the most exciting (and surprising) family destinations in the American Southwest.

This guide will show you the best things to do in las vegas with kids that get you off the pavement and into the wild. We’ll cover breathtaking day trips, essential desert safety tips, and how to turn your Vegas vacation into an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Why Vegas is a Surprisingly Great Hub for Family Outdoor Adventures

Most travelers see Las Vegas as the destination itself. For outdoor enthusiasts, it’s the perfect basecamp. The city’s infrastructure provides a comfortable place to recharge after a day of exploring some of the most unique landscapes on the planet.

One of the key benefits of best things to do in las vegas with kids here is accessibility. You can be standing in the Mojave Desert’s stunning wilderness less than 30 minutes after leaving your hotel. This unique proximity allows for incredible flexibility.

You can spend the morning hiking through ancient petroglyphs and the afternoon relaxing by a pool. This blend of comfort and rugged adventure is hard to find anywhere else, making it ideal for families with varying energy levels and interests.

The Perfect Blend of Comfort and Wilderness

Using Vegas as your base means you don’t have to rough it every night unless you want to. You have access to grocery stores for stocking up on trail snacks, gear shops for any last-minute needs, and a comfortable bed for a good night’s sleep.

This setup is perfect for introducing younger kids to the outdoors. It minimizes the discomforts that can sometimes sour their first experiences, like sleeping in extreme temperatures or dealing with limited food options.

The Best Things to Do in Las Vegas with Kids: Your Adventure Itinerary

Ready to explore? Here is a field-tested best things to do in las vegas with kids guide that focuses on manageable, high-reward adventures. These destinations are close to the city but feel a world away.

Explore the Mars-Like Landscape of Valley of Fire State Park

Just an hour from the Strip, Valley of Fire is a must-see. Its brilliant red Aztec sandstone outcrops look like something from another planet and are guaranteed to capture your kids’ imaginations. The park is manageable in a day and offers trails for all skill levels.

  • Kid-Friendly Hikes: The Mouse’s Tank Trail is a short, sandy walk through a small canyon that ends at a rock basin that collects water. The trail is famous for its dense concentration of ancient petroglyphs—a real-life history lesson.
  • Pro Tip: Go early in the morning to beat the heat and the crowds. Pack a cooler with a picnic lunch and plenty of water, as services within the park are limited. A good pair of closed-toe shoes like Keen sandals or light hikers is essential to protect feet from hot sand and sharp rocks.
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Hike and Scramble at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Red Rock Canyon is Vegas’s backyard wilderness, located just 25 minutes from the city. It features a 13-mile scenic drive with numerous pull-offs for trails and viewpoints. It’s the perfect place for a half-day adventure.

  • Best for Kids: The Lost Creek Children’s Discovery Trail is a clear winner. It’s a short, 0.7-mile loop that often features a seasonal waterfall and is perfect for little legs. Older kids will love the Calico Tanks trail, which involves some fun rock scrambling and rewards you with a great view of Las Vegas.
  • Safety First: The sandstone here can be slick. Teach your kids to maintain three points of contact when scrambling. Always check the weather; flash floods can be a real danger in the canyons, even if it’s not raining directly overhead.

Discover the Engineering Marvel of the Hoover Dam

While not a “wilderness” trip, the Hoover Dam is an incredible outdoor sight. The sheer scale of the dam, set against the backdrop of the Black Canyon, is awe-inspiring for all ages. It’s a great way to mix a bit of history and science into your trip.

Take the guided tour to see the inner workings of the dam, but also be sure to walk across the top. The perspective and views are incredible. This is a great activity for a hotter day, as much of the tour is underground where it’s cooler.

Essential Gear and Prep for Desert Day Trips with Kids

Success in the desert is all about preparation. Heading out unprepared is one of the most common problems with best things to do in las vegas with kids. The right gear and mindset make the difference between a great memory and a dangerous situation.

The Non-Negotiable Packing List

For any desert outing, even a short one, your daypack should always contain these items. This is a core tenet of our best things to do in las vegas with kids best practices.

  1. Water, and More Water: The rule of thumb is one liter per person, per hour of hiking. For a family of four on a two-hour hike, that’s 8 liters. Use a durable water bladder like a CamelBak or individual Nalgene bottles.
  2. Sun Protection: The desert sun is intense. Everyone needs a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Lightweight, long-sleeved sun shirts like those from Coolibar are fantastic for protecting skin without causing overheating.
  3. Salty Snacks: You lose salt through sweat, which can lead to dehydration and cramping. Pack things like pretzels, trail mix, and jerky to replenish electrolytes.
  4. First-Aid Kit: A basic kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment (moleskin), and tweezers for cactus spines is a must. We recommend the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series.
  5. Navigation: Don’t rely solely on your phone, as service can be spotty. Carry a physical map of the area and a compass, and know how to use them. For an easy-to-use GPS, the Garmin inReach Mini also provides satellite communication in an emergency.
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Navigating Common Problems: A Parent’s Guide to Vegas Adventures

Knowing how to best things to do in las vegas with kids involves anticipating challenges. The desert environment presents unique issues, but with a little foresight, you can handle them like a pro.

Managing Heat and Sun Exposure

Heat exhaustion is a serious risk, especially for children. The key is prevention.

  • Hike Smart: Plan your hikes for the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid being on exposed trails between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., especially from May to September.
  • Know the Signs: Teach your kids to recognize the early signs of heat exhaustion: feeling dizzy, nauseous, or developing a headache. If anyone shows these symptoms, stop immediately. Find shade, drink water, and place a wet cloth on their forehead or neck.

Keeping Kids Engaged on the Trail

Sometimes the biggest challenge is keeping kids motivated. Turn your hike into a game!

  • Create a Scavenger Hunt: Before you go, make a list of things to find: a red rock, a lizard, a specific type of cactus (from a safe distance!), or a bird.
  • Assign Roles: Make one child the “Navigator” (with the map), another the “Snack Captain,” and another the “Wildlife Spotter.” Giving them a job fosters a sense of responsibility and engagement.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Practices for Exploring the Mojave

As visitors, we have a responsibility to protect these fragile landscapes. A core part of the OutwardLab ethos is practicing sustainable best things to do in las vegas with kids. Use your trip as an opportunity to teach your children about conservation.

Embrace Leave No Trace Principles

The seven principles of Leave No Trace are your guide to being an eco-friendly best things to do in las vegas with kids champion. Here are the most critical ones for the desert:

  • Stay on the Trail: The desert floor is covered in a fragile, living “cryptobiotic soil crust.” It can take decades or even centuries to recover from a single footstep. Staying on marked trails is the single best thing you can do to protect the ecosystem.
  • Pack It In, Pack It Out: This includes everything—even organic waste like apple cores and orange peels. They take a surprisingly long time to decompose in the dry climate and can harm wildlife.
  • Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance. Never feed them. Feeding wildlife disrupts their natural behaviors and can make them dependent on humans or aggressive.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Las Vegas Family Adventures

What is the best time of year to do outdoor activities with kids near Las Vegas?

The best seasons are fall and spring (October-November and March-May). The temperatures are mild and pleasant, making it perfect for hiking. Winter is also great, though it can be chilly and even see snow at higher elevations. Summer is extremely hot, and outdoor activities should be limited to very early mornings or evenings.

Are there any stroller-friendly trails near Las Vegas?

Yes! The Historic Railroad Trail near Lake Mead is a fantastic option. It’s a wide, flat, gravel path that follows an old railroad grade, offering spectacular views of the lake. Many of the introductory paths at the Springs Preserve in Las Vegas are also paved and stroller-friendly.

What should we do if we see a snake on the trail?

The most important thing is to remain calm and give it space. Stop, slowly back away, and wait for it to move. Never try to touch, provoke, or get closer to a snake. Teach your children to do the same. Most bites happen when people try to mess with the animal. Respect its space, and it will almost always leave you alone.

Exploring the natural wonders around Las Vegas with your kids is an opportunity to build their confidence, teach them respect for nature, and create memories that have nothing to do with slot machines. By preparing properly and choosing your adventures wisely, you can unlock a side of Vegas that most visitors never get to see.

Get out there, explore safely, and show your family the wild heart of the desert.

Eric James
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