Discover the Best Parks and Recreation Spots in Las Vegas for Outdoor Fun
Las Vegas isn’t just about bright lights and big shows—it’s also home to amazing parks and outdoor spaces. Whether you live here or are just visiting, you’ll find plenty of fun in the sun. From splash pads and skate parks to scenic walking trails and grassy picnic spots, the city has something for everyone. Families love visiting places like Sunset Park, which has a huge lake and room to play, or Floyd Lamb Park, where you can see peacocks and go fishing. These parks are great for relaxing, getting exercise, or spending quality time with loved ones.
The City of Las Vegas also offers lots of recreation programs. You can sign up for youth sports, fitness classes, or community events at your local recreation center. During the summer, some parks show free outdoor movies or host festivals with games and food. Many spots also have playgrounds, basketball courts, and dog parks. Las Vegas might be in the desert, but it’s full of green spaces where you can have fun, stay active, and enjoy nature without leaving the city.
🌿 Outdoor Adventures & Nature Activities
✨ Mount Charleston Area
🥾 Hiking Trails – Family-friendly routes like Mary Jane Falls and Cathedral Rock
❄️ Snow Fun (Winter Months) – Sledding, snowball fights, and scenic winter walks
🔭 Stargazing – Clear mountain skies perfect for spotting constellations
🏜️ Red Rock Canyon
🚶🏻 Scenic Nature Walks – Great beginner hikes like Calico Tanks Trail
🧗 Beginner Rock Climbing – Guided climbing opportunities for adventurous teens
🌅 Picnic Areas – Shaded spots with incredible desert views
📸 Photography & Wildlife Watching – Look for wild burros and bighorn sheep
🚣 Las Vegas Wash & Wetlands Park
🚴♀️ Biking Trails – Smooth paved paths along lush desert landscapes
🦅 Bird Watching – Spot egrets, herons, and other desert birds
🌱 Nature Education Center – Hands-on exhibits and seasonal family programs
🧺 Picnic & Walking Areas – Serene outdoor spaces for light hikes and gatherings
🌳 Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs
🐟 Fishing Lakes – Stocked ponds perfect for a peaceful family fishing day
🦆 Wildlife Viewing – Ducks, geese, and even peacocks roam the park
🚶♂️ Walking & Bike Trails – Paved and dirt paths for exercise or leisure
🌳 Picnic Areas – Shaded tables, BBQ grills, and open spaces for family fun
🐴 Historic Ranch Tours – Learn about early Las Vegas ranch life
🧒 Playgrounds & Open Fields – Great for kids to run and play
📷 Photography Hotspot – Ideal for family photo shoots with mountain backdrops
🌄 Outdoor Adventures in Boulder City, Henderson, Lake Mead & Valley of Fire
🏞️ Boulder City
🚂 Nevada State Railroad Museum & Train Rides – Historic train rides through the desert
🧭 Historic Downtown Boulder City – Quaint shops, art murals, and family-friendly dining
🛹 Bicentennial Park & Skate Park – Shaded playgrounds, open lawns, and ramps for older kids
🪨 Hemenway Park – Popular stop to see wild bighorn sheep roaming the grass
🧺 Veterans Memorial Park – Lakes, playgrounds, and family picnic spots
🚶♀️ Historic Railroad Hiking Trail – Scenic, stroller-friendly path through old rail tunnels
🧃 Coffee Cup Café – Famous roadside diner featured on TV, fun for families
🌿 Henderson
🧸 Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve – Peaceful walkways with over 200 bird species
🛝 Cornerstone Park – Large lake, trails, picnic areas, and shaded play structures
🌸 Ethel M Cactus Garden – Free garden tours and holiday light displays
🚴 Union Pacific Railroad Trail – Long paved trail perfect for biking or scootering
🌞 Heritage Park – Water play zone, dog park, and walking loops for families
🥎 Paseo Verde Park – Sports fields, shaded areas, and a splash pad in summer
🧗 Fiesta Henderson & Water Street Events – Community festivals, car shows, and more
🌊 Lake Mead National Recreation Area
🏖️ Boulder Beach – Family-friendly shoreline for swimming, picnics, and fishing
🚤 Boating & Kayaking Rentals – Rent a pontoon or paddleboard for a day on the water
🚶 Historic Railroad Trail (access from Lake Mead too!) – Great views and fun tunnels
🎣 Fishing Spots – Catch catfish, bass, and more (license required for adults)
⛺ Camping & RV Parks – Lakeside spots for overnight adventures under the stars
🧺 Picnic Areas – Covered tables with lake and mountain views
🚣 Willow Beach (nearby) – Launch kayaks into the Black Canyon or enjoy a riverside stroll
🔥 Valley of Fire State Park
🧗 Easy Hikes for Families – Fire Wave, White Domes, and Mouse’s Tank are all kid-friendly
🪨 Petroglyph Viewing – Ancient rock carvings viewable right from the trails
🏜️ Bright Red Rock Formations – Perfect natural playground for climbing and photos
🌄 Scenic Drives – Watch the landscape shift with colors at sunrise and sunset
📷 Photography Spots – Eye-catching rock arches and dramatic backdrops for family pictures
🚻 Visitor Center – Learn about desert wildlife, geology, and history
🌌 Stargazing – Dark sky location for amazing views of the Milky Way
🔥 Moapa Tribal Fireworks Stand (Year-round) – Shoot fireworks safely in designated areas