Las Vegas is so much more than an adult-only tourist destination. It’s actually one of the top cities in the country for families, thanks to its variety of fantastic family-friendly parks, trails, preserves, and green spaces. There are so many to choose from, it’s hard to narrow down all the terrific options. So make it easy on yourself and take advantage of our picks for the top seven awesome parks near North Las Vegas, Nevada.

Aliante Nature Discovery Park

Kids play at a waterpark in North Las Vegas, Nevada

“At The Park” licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 via Flickr by Sue90ca

Finding a unique park in North Las Vegas isn’t hard to do, especially when you have choices like Aliante Nature Discovery Park. Locals call it Dinosaur Park for a reason. Organizers completely fenced in this 20-acre oasis for added safety, and the modern bathrooms are close enough for kiddos who are potty training. Located on Nature Park Drive, it features a great Jurassic-themed children’s play area and other recreational amenities, such as:

  • Tennis courts.
  • Volleyball courts.
  • Sandpit.
  • Lake with waterfall.
  • Playground.
  • Walking path.
  • Wildlife viewing.
  • Splash pad.
  • Picnic areas.
  • Seasonal outdoor festivals and events. 

The Adventuredome Indoor Theme Park

Not every awesome park is outdoors, especially in Las Vegas! Escape summer’s blistering heat right on the Strip. Located inside Circus Circus Hotel and Casino, this 5-acre indoor amusement park offers plenty of rides and games for kids of all ages, including adults, and admission is free. Adventuredome features mild rides for your 5 and 6-year-olds to thrilling roller coasters for your teens. Amenities include:

  • 18 holes of miniature golf
  • Rock climbing
  • Bungee jumping
  • Classic video arcade
  • Midway games
  • Clown shows
  • Roller coaster rides
  • Bumper cars
  • Laser tag
  • 4D theater
  • Classic carousel ride
  • Ferris wheel

Cowabunga Bay Water Park

If you can’t stay indoors, the only other way to spend a hot Nevada summer day is in the pool. So head to Cowabunga Bay Water Park on Galleria Drive in nearby Henderson for a day of cool family fun. This world-class, seasonal water park features loads of attractions for everyone from parents to infants, including:

  • Water slides
  • Wave pool
  • Slash pools
  • Lounging area and beach
  • Heated pool
  • Kids’ area
  • Lazy river
  • Full-service eatery
  • Numerous snack stands
  • Wine and craft beer bar

Craig Ranch Regional Park

Craig Ranch Regional Park, located along State Route 573, sits on the former site of a golf course. It’s the largest public park located in North Las Vegas, sprawling over 170-acres. There’s so much to see and do at Craig Ranch, from cultivating vegetables to a fierce family game of Frisbee on the grass. This remarkable parkland offers guests:

  • 65,000 square-foot skate park
  • Four reservable civic plazas
  • Two baseball fields
  • Tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts
  • Expansive grassy open spaces
  • Community garden plots
  • Playgrounds with slides
  • Walking and biking paths with stone benches
  • Fishing ponds and waterfalls
  • Picnic shelters
  • Spray pool and swimming
  • Three dog parks
  • 7-acre amphitheater with seating for 8,000 guests

Tropical Breeze Park

Tropical Breeze Park on East Tropical Parkway is a beautiful place for a family outing in North Las Vegas. This beautiful outdoor facility has three pavilions, each with a charcoal grill. There are also adult fitness activities, kid’s play equipment, and picnic areas. This park also hosts a wide range of activities and events, such as nature walks. You’ll also find:  

  • Spray pool
  • Pond
  • Reservable ramadas
  • Bicycling and walking trails
  • Community gardens
  • Soccer field
  • Golf course
  • Baseball diamond
  • Dog park
  • Volleyball, tennis, and basketball courts
  • Grass lawns

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Red Rock Canyon is a natural wonder located just a few miles west of Sin City. The area is full of dramatic sandstone cliffs and rock formations, making it a terrific destination for active families. Hiking, biking, or rock climbing are some of the most popular activities at the Canyon.

Escape from the fast pace of the city and enjoy the Mojave Desert’s incredible scenery. If you prefer not to hike the trails, there’s a 13-mile scenic loop you can drive from the comfort of your car. It twists and turns through the desert, offering up numerous spots to stop for photographs. If you’re lucky, you might spot a critter or two that call this conservation area home. There is an abundant species of wildlife at the preserve, including:

  • Migratory birds, like the western bluebird
  • Black-tailed jackrabbits
  • Lizards, such as desert iguanas
  • Bighorn sheep
  • Peacocks
  • Wild burros

Willie McCool Regional Park

Does your family love flying model airplanes? Then what are you waiting for? Head to Willie McCool Regional Park on Horse Drive. This 160-acre recreational area is located next to the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument and Ice Age Fossils State Park and is the premier site for aviation hobbyists. It’s also the most remote site in our city’s parks system. The desert surrounds the park, and it offers plenty of open land for a variety of activities.

This facility is truly an awesome place, thanks to its world-class model airplane flying field. Residents and clubs fly electric and fuel-powered airplanes every day and frequently host various meets and competitions. You must pre-purchase your annual pass from the Neighborhood Recreation Center on North Bruce Street if you want to fly.

This area is also home to the University of Nevada at Reno and the Cooperative Extension Service’s trial nursery. Situated at the other end of the park, professors and students test water usage and the adaptability of non-native plants to Nevada’s harsh climate in its experimental garden. This park is pretty lean on features. However, in addition to the flying field and gardens, you’ll find: 

  • Shade structure
  • Parking lot
  • Portable toilet

That wraps up North Las Vegas’s top seven awesome parks close to home. The state of Nevada has so many outstanding parks, we couldn’t possibly remember them all! Do you have a favorite kid-friendly destination that we missed? Drop us a line and let us know which park is your family’s favorite. We can’t wait to add it to our growing list.