Just Outside Of Las Vegas Is A Less-Crowded City With Casinos, Outdoor Recreation, And Family Fun

Everyone has heard of the glitz, glamour, and gambling of Sin City, aka, Las Vegas, Nevada, America's "best city for recreation". However, less than 15 miles from the Las Vegas Strip sits another city that is less crowded but still full of fun. Henderson, Nevada, has plenty to do, with casinos, outdoor recreation, spots for the kids to enjoy, and a nearby prehistoric-themed state park, all without ever having to hit the Strip and its throngs of tourists. It's close enough for a day trip from Vegas, but if you want all the benefits of the tourist city with fewer people, having your vacation home base in Henderson might be just what you're looking for. 

You can start by taking the little ones to the Ethel M Chocolates factory and flagship store, which has a self-guided factory tour, a 3-acre cactus garden, and, of course, chocolate you can purchase. Then pay a visit to the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, which has over 270 bird species across 5 miles of trails and nine ponds. There are binoculars available if you don't have your own, and there's a path that's wheelchair accessible as well. Even if you don't make it to the preserve, a walk around town is fun, with public art all over in the form of sculptures and murals. You can find a map of them here to take your own tour. The core Water Street District is also full of galleries like City Lights Art Gallery, which has showcases, classes, and a rotating gallery. That's just a taste of the multitude of things to do in and around Henderson.

If you're looking to do some gambling and want to enjoy a casino, M Resort is a great alternative to the Las Vegas Strip. This 90-plus-acre complex has a resort hotel, an enormous pool, a spa, restaurants, bars, and a 92,000-square-foot casino. The latter features table gaming, slot machines, sports betting, video poker and keno, a high-limit room, and more. There is also Sunset Station, with a hotel, gaming of all sorts, bowling, concerts and shows, and even child care and a play center if you're just taking a vacation day for the adults.

There is plenty of outdoor adventure in Henderson as well. There are dozens of trails around the city for hiking and biking, including the easy McCullough and 610 Loop in the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area. It's a 4.2-mile loop with nearly 500 feet of elevation gain, with parking at the trailhead. The Seven Hills Trail in Puccini Park is an easy 2.6-mile loop through quiet parks and streets. If you want a challenge, there is also the 7-mile out-and-back Black Mountain Trail in the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, with a nearly 2,000-foot elevation gain.

Henderson is around a 30-minute drive from the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, which is full of great day hikes with incredible scenery. It's also got a scenic one-way, 13-mile drive if you want to stay in the air conditioning. If you're planning on being in the great outdoors, however, keep the temperature in mind. The average highs from May through September range from the low 90s Fahrenheit to around 105. Meanwhile, the highs are often only in the upper 50s in December and January. Check the weather before you go, and prepare accordingly.

One fun spot to visit with the family is The Dinosaur House, aka Shan-Gri-La Prehistoric Park. This is the home of retired school teacher Steve Springer, who loves to teach people about dinosaurs. It's been around for two decades and has over 60 dinosaurs and other prehistoric animal replicas. It's decorated for the seasons as well. You can see the outdoor exhibit from the street for free, and there are personal tours, games, toys, and treats inside during opening hours Friday through Monday. One reviewer on Google Maps says, "Omg this place is awesome. The dinosaur man has the patience of a saint! ... We'll definitely be back!"

To continue with the paleontological theme, you may want to visit one of Nevada's newest state parks, Ice Age Fossils State Park, around 45 minutes away by car. While there are some trail closures due to storm damage at the time of this writing, this 315-acre park is in an area that was once a habitat for now-extinct mammals during the Pleistocene era. There is a visitor center, a shaded area for picnics, and trails that teach kids and adults alike about the animals who once resided here and the scientists who discovered their remains. It's open Wednesday through Sunday.

The closest major airport to Henderson is Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, which is around 15 miles away. Ride-shares and taxis are plentiful in the area; however, you may want to rent a car if you plan to head further afield or take the scenic drive in Red Rock Canyon.