Free Things To Do in Las Vegas With Kids

Got kids at home this summer and want to get them out of the house for a fun activity? Well, the crowded Strip isn’t the only place in the valley that offers kid-friendly free activities.

Cool Indoor Activities for the Summer

We all know it’s blistering hot outside in the summer, but there are lots of indoor (meaning, air conditioned) activities for kids in Greater Vegas.

If you’re looking for a free kids’ activity that’s a little more laid back during the hot summer months, the Silverton Casino Aquarium houses a 117,000-gallon tank that’s home to thousands of tropical fish. Your kids may even spot a few mermaids swimming through the water if you time your visit with one of the aquarium’s many free daily shows.

Revert to your inner child along with your kids with a visit to the Pinball Hall of Fame, located in a 25,000 square foot building just across from the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign. The museum houses hundreds of classic, coin-operated pinball machines. Admission and parking are free, but bring along some quarters if you want to test your skills on that old Pac-Man machine.

Free Outdoor Activities

Another great free thing to do in the Greater Vegas region with kids is to explore the breathtaking options for outdoor recreational activities inside and outside Clark County. Remember though – temperatures can heat up quickly in the summer, so be sure to get outside early in the morning and bring plenty of water and sunscreen!

There are nearly endless trails to hike within a 45-minute drive of the city. Start with Red Rock Canyon, a national conservation area formed by ancient sandstone red rock filled with meandering trails. There are lengths and difficulties for every age, making Red Rock a great option to explore with kids. While there is a $20 per car entrance fee into the main area of Red Rock, you can head to nearby Calico Basin, which offers several hiking areas free of charge.

For trails that are a little more advanced and often several degrees cooler in the summer months, drive just forty minutes to the famed Mount Charleston in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. In winter, it’s a local skiing and snowboarding hotbed, but miles of trails guide you up the mountain and through dense forest providing free and healthy entertainment for the whole family during the summer. Don’t forget to bring along a picnic lunch!

If hiking isn’t quite your speed, you can still spend time outside with the family by exploring areas like Lake Las Vegas, a quaint artificial lake surrounded by boutique shops and restaurants. Enjoy free summer concerts, live entertainment, and window shopping in and around the picturesque Village at Lake Las Vegas.

If you’re hoping for a more educational experience for your kids, birdwatching inside the Henderson Bird Preserve is an incredible chance to see a variety of birds in their natural habitats entirely for free. And be sure to check out the Clark County Wetlands Park, which spans 2,900 acres on the eastern edge of the valley. With a 210-acre Nature Preserve and five trailheads, the park provides recreation opportunities and wildlife viewing for all ages.

For kids who need to expel some energy, places like the Container Park in the Downtown area boast a free children’s treehouse and play zone that’s unlike any your kids have ever seen. It features a 33-foot slide, a NEOS playground where kids can chase flashing lights in an interactive game, and intricate play areas that will keep your kids (and you) entertained for hours.

Free Cultural Activities

Want your kids to be infused with a little bit of culture where they live? Las Vegas is rich with it, which can provide even more free things to do with kids. The Smith Center, the region’s main performing arts center, offers free, guided walking tours for residents to learn about the art, architecture, and history of the center.

Las Vegas City Hall also offers two free art galleries to explore. The Grand Gallery features local and national artists’ work, and its exhibits change every few months. The Chamber Gallery features artwork primarily by local artists, specifically focusing on cultural diversity. Both are great free learning opportunities for kids and parents alike.

First Friday in Downtown Las Vegas is a can’t-miss monthly free arts and culture event to get an authentic taste of what it means to be a local. Held on the first Friday of every month, it showcases local artists, musicians, food vendors, and more and is entirely free to attend and peruse.

These free, family-friendly activities are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Las Vegas’s offerings. We understand the importance of giving your kids a home where they can learn, grow, and thrive, all without having to break the bank. Exploring our city will quickly reveal that it’s packed with perfect options for doing just that.