Sure, Las Vegas may have earned its fame as a grown-up playground, but don’t forget that Nevada—and Vegas, for that matter—is a top-tier family destination. Pack the car, fasten the booster seats, and get ready to explore national parks by starlight, spot bighorn sheep on cliffsides, enter century-old mining tunnels, and unwind at family-friendly resorts. With its wide-open spaces and one-of-a-kind attractions, your next unforgettable family vacation starts in the Silver State.
Family Activities in Nevada
Adventures for Every Family
From children’s museums and wildlife preserves to fun outdoor destinations, Nevada is full of family-friendly adventures that kids of all ages will enjoy.
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Outdoor Adventures
Wildlife Sightings
Nevada is still wild at heart, making it the perfect place to spot animals that most kids (and grown-ups) only read about in books. Millions of acres of protected lands offer up-close encounters with desert bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, and wild horses. Just outside Las Vegas, Desert National Wildlife Refuge sprawls across 1.6 million acres: the largest wildlife refuge in the Lower 48. In northern Nevada, Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge—located just outside Fallon—is the top breeding ground for American white pelicans and the perfect place to spot a dozen bird species in one afternoon.
Animal lovers can also visit sanctuaries across the state. Meet and greet exotic animals on a guided UTV or tram tour with Mesquite’s Camel Safari, get up close with big cats at the Lion Habitat Ranch in Las Vegas, and see tropical birds at Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary. Further north, Reno’s Animal Ark and Imlay’s Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary rescue and rehabilitate exotic and native species alike. Even the Las Vegas Strip has a feathered surprise: the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Hotel & Casino.
State Parks
Nevada’s 27 state parks serve up crowd-free adventures where your family can roam, climb, and learn together.
Head to Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park to explore the remains of a mining-era ghost town and see 225-million-year-old marine reptile fossils. Tour the 30-foot-tall beehive-shaped kilns at Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park in Ely. Explore marble rooms, limestone formations, and the world’s oldest trees at Great Basin National Park. Or see the breathtaking red-banded canyons and towering sandstone peaks at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Las Vegas.
Historic Landmarks
Introduce your family to Nevada’s roots at hands-on historic sites. At the Tonopah Historic Mining Park, walk through tunnels and see mining equipment that fueled the Silver State’s early boomtowns. Visit Hoover Dam to see this modern marvel and take a tour to learn about its fascinating history.
More must-visit attractions include Ely’s Nevada Northern Railway, where families can ride historic steam and diesel trains and freely explore this working railyard’s sprawling facilities.
Farms & Gardens
Bring the whole family out to spend a day at Nevada’s farms. Visit Jacob’s Berry Farm in Gardnerville or Lattin Farms in Fallon, where you can pick fresh produce, hop on a tractor ride, or get lost in a corn maze.
If urban green spaces are more your style, check out the lush gardens and walking trails at Las Vegas’ Springs Preserve. This 180-acre oasis is home to immersive desert exhibits, restaurants, and the Nevada State Museum—Las Vegas. The 16-acre Acacia Demonstration Gardens in Henderson is a popular spot for families, offering picnic tables, a playground, a splash pad, and more.
In Reno, don’t miss Rancho San Rafael, a massive public park packed with gardens, groves, nature trails, and the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
Rides & Tours
Lake Tahoe’s Caribbean-blue waters sparkle on the M.S. Dixie scenic cruise, and the London Bridge Jet Boat Tour offers a new perspective on the mighty Colorado River. Elevate the day (literally) with a ride up the Heavenly Gondola in Lake Tahoe. Buckle up for adventure as you take a ride into the breathtaking backcountry with Virginia City Off-Road Experience.
Head to eastern Nevada to experience the thrill of the old Wild West with a guided OHV (off-highway vehicle) tour through Byway Adventures. Or embark on a family kayaking adventure in southern Nevada’s Black Canyon with Trek Las Vegas Kayaking Tours and Rentals.
Indoor Experiences
Museums
From Reno to Las Vegas and beyond, Nevada museums prove that learning and fun aren’t mutually exclusive.
In Reno, The Discovery Museum features 67,000 square feet of engaging activities that allow visitors to get hands-on with all things science, engineering, and logic. If history and geography are more your speed, head to the Wilbur D. May Museum to explore artifacts from across the world, including Egyptian tombs, African villages, and ancient Asia.
Down south, Las Vegas’ Discovery Children’s Museum spans three stories of interactive experiences, from invention labs to theatrical performances. The Las Vegas Natural History Museum goes prehistoric with dinosaurs, mammoths, and fossil-filled exhibits that fascinate young paleontologists.
Get a little out there in rural Nevada and you’ll find more must-visit museums that the whole family will love to explore. On the way to the Donkey History Museum in Mesquite, maybe you’ll see one of the wild bands of burros that are the star of the show here. In Boulder City, don’t choose between extraterrestrials or movie villains: See them both at the neighboring Outpost 51 Alien Museum and Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum. And at the Hawthorne Ordnance Museum, everyone is wowed by the authentic military tanks and munitions that are worth pulling over for in Hawthorne.
Planetariums
In Las Vegas, the College of Southern Nevada Planetarium offers star shows immune to the big city’s millions of bright lights. Head to the University of Nevada, Reno’s campus to visit the Fleischmann Planetarium. Built in 1963, the whole family will have fun learning about space in their unique, dome-shaped theater.
Family Resorts in Nevada
Nevada’s resorts aren’t just for grown-ups. All across the state, you’ll find family-friendly stays where the itinerary writes itself.
Edgewood Tahoe Resort
Situated on the shores of Lake Tahoe, Edgewood Tahoe Resort combines luxury with family-friendly amenities. Enjoy spacious accommodations, a private beach, and activities including water sports, nature hikes, and evening s’mores by the fire pit. Be sure to check out the Family Adventure Package as you plan your visit.
Downtown Reno
A connected trio of resorts in the heart of the city, Silver Legacy Resort Casino, Eldorado Resort Casino, and Circus Circus Reno Hotel & Casino combine family-friendly dining, arcade games, and entertainment for all ages. It’s a great basecamp for urban adventures and day trips to Lake Tahoe.
Circus Circus Carnival Midway
Step right up! The Circus Circus Reno resort features classic circus acts and carnival games daily. Whether you’re watching acrobats, tossing rings, or loading up on snacks, the Circus Circus Carnival Midway is packed with all-ages appeal.
David Walley’s Resort
Just south of Carson City, David Walley’s Resort is tucked into the scenic eastern Sierra. After a day of family drives past rock formations or hiking nearby trails, unwind in soothing hot springs with a panoramic mountain view.
Excalibur Hotel & Casino
Be transported back to the mythical days of King Arthur at the Excalibur Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. With four heated pools, a water slide, medieval-themed games at the Fun Dungeon, and the Tournament of Kings Dinner Show, this stay is fun for both kids and adults.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nevada Family Activities
How much would a trip to Nevada cost?
A family trip to Nevada can cost as little or as much as you’re looking to spend, depending on where you go, how you get there, and when you visit. Budget-conscious travelers opt for free outdoor parks or museums with minimal entry fees, while luxury seekers might choose resort stays, shows, or guided tours. Costs vary by season, too. Expect higher prices around holidays and summer in popular destinations like Las Vegas or Lake Tahoe.
How can families plan a vacation in Nevada?
When you’re planning a Nevada vacation, a lot depends on the region you’d like to visit. We recommend packing for the weather, booking lodging early during peak seasons, and checking for any special events or park ranger programs. If you’re road-tripping across the state, be sure to map out fuel stops and snack breaks—some stretches are uncommonly remote.
#TravelNevada
With dozens of amazing family events, children’s museums, wildlife preserves, and fun family activities in and out of doors, it’s easy to make family memories here. Tag #TravelNevada to share yours, and if we love your photo, you may find it featured here.
