Nature classes are one of the most popular asks I get and I usually include them in the Top Things to do in Vegas with Kids post. Want to crack a geode, learn about bats or wols, earn your junior ranger badges or just enjoy educational and fun snow day activities? There are many nature classes in and around the Las Vegas valley and Henderson area for kids of all ages. From the Wetlands Park to the ranger-led programs in the Spring Valley Mountain Range, you can learn about local geography, flora and fauna, fossils and more. There are more classes around town in the Events Calendar. For a list of local volunteer park clean up days go here to Get Outdoors Nevada (it’s a fun time, too!).
Want to explore the region? A good day trip that is just two hours from town is the Calico Ghost Town, one of the most active ghost towns you can find. The Lost City Museum is just 45 minutes from town and there are also many cool hiking spots in and around the region for families with kids of all ages to explore and enjoy.
Free Las Vegas Games, Journals and Study Units
If you want to expand on your nature class with activity sheets and fun things to do at home, here are a few I recommend:
A nature walk photo and observation journal can be used anywhere you find natural curiosity! Explore the outdoors in your backyard or Mt. Charleston and record your findings with notes and photos. Also makes a great part of a nature study unit or keepsake of what you did this season.
Free Vegas Car Bingo for entertaining kids as you drive to the far reaches of the valley.
Desert Unit Study from Free Homeschool Ideas.
Road Trip Game Kit can pump up those long car rides or plane trips.
Anytime
“Bats Fly” Grab & Go kits
Nevada Department of Wildlife3373 Pepper Lane
Come pick up your kit during regular office hours before they are all gone. Kits are designed to highlight different wildlife species and habitats found in Nevada. Each kit includes a wildlife or nature-themed activity that can be completed at home. All materials and instructions are provided. Kits are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Tuesdays
Shark Feeding
Natural History Museum
900 Las Vegas Blvd N.
2:30-3 p.m.
Included with Museum Admission or Membership Learn about sharks as the Museum’s Animal Care Team feeds our finned friends a tasty (for sharks!) and nutritious meal.
Wetlands Explorers
Clark County Wetlands Park
10-11:30 a.m.
Ages 3-8. Fee: $5 Sign up at programs.ccwetlandspark.com
Outdoor exploration for kids! Young adventurers explore the Park and learn about plants and animals through fun activities.
Every Friday- Sunday
Crack a Geode
Springs Preserve
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
$5 members, $6 non-members with paid general admission
Young archeologists can use tools and excavating equipment to dig for buried treasures in the Fossil Dig activity. Break open a jumbo rock to discover the sparkling surprise inside, and take your treasure home!
July 29
Trail Host Day
Spring Mountain Visitors Gateway
All Day
Free
Are you looking to help out with Trail Hosting during the Spring and Summer? Trail Hosts are volunteers who help the public with directions to where trails lead, cleaning the trails, share information about the mountain, etc.
If you see us out in the field, stop by and say hello. Ask us some questions if you’re new to the area or have questions about the trails.
Jr. Ranger Climate vs. Weather
Fletcher Canyon Trail
Free
Changes in our environment, plants, and animals are all connected, but how do we know if something changes? Join an educator to explore the changes around us and learn how to become a community scientist.
Please check the weather, dress in layers, and come prepared with sturdy, close-toed shoes, water, and sun protection. Temperatures in the Spring Mountains can be 20-30 degrees cooler than in Las Vegas.
Aug. 5
Pollinators Safari
Saturday 08/05/202310:00 am-2:00 pm
The Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is a unique environment that many pollinators call home.
Discover how these pollinators benefit the environment and us.
This event will take place at the Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway from 10 am until 2 pm.
Stop by between that time for fun, FREE activities.
Participants of all ages will get their Spring Mountains Junior Ranger badge.
Any questions can be directed to programs@gomtcharleston.com
The Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway is located at 2525 Kyle Canyon Rd Las Vegas, NV 89130. For more information, see our visitor use map.
*This program is for all ages
*No registration is required
Aug. 6
Trail host orientationAll Day
Are you looking to help out with Trail Hosting during the Spring and Summer? Trail Hosts are volunteers who help the public with directions to where trails lead, cleaning the trails, share information about the mountain, etc.
If you see us out in the field, stop by and say hello. Ask us some questions if you’re new to the area or have questions about the trails.
You must complete a Trail Host Training before participating on a Trail Host Day
Trail Host Schedule for the Month
Womans moderate hike
9:00 am-12:00 pm
This is an inclusive hike for women-identifying people who want to learn more about the Spring Mountains. Join an educator at the Cathedral Rock trailhead at 9 am for a 2.8-mile moderate to difficult hike. This guided hike will introduce hikers to the natural history of the Spring Mountains while enjoying the views from Cathedral Rock.
Please check the weather, dress in layers, and come prepared with sturdy, close-toed shoes, 1 liter of water, a snack, and sun protection. Temperatures in the Spring Mountains can be 20-30 degrees cooler than in Las Vegas. Any questions about this program can be directed to programs@gomtcharleston.com.
About the Location
This program will occur at the Cathedral Rock trail. For more information, see our visitor use map.
This program is for participants 15 years and older.
*No registration is required for this program.
Aug. 13
Trail host training
all day
Are you looking to help out with Trail Hosting during the Spring and Summer? Trail Hosts are volunteers who help the public with directions to where trails lead, cleaning the trails, share information about the mountain, etc.
If you see us out in the field, stop by and say hello. Ask us some questions if you’re new to the area or have questions about the trails.
You must complete a Trail Host Training before participating on a Trail Host Day
Trail Host Schedule for the Month
Aug. 19
Stargazing with the LV Astronomical Society
7:30 pm-10:30 pm
Registration is required. Meeting location confirmed with registration.
programs@gomtcharleston.com
Join the Las Vegas Astronomical Society for a night of stargazing on Mount Charleston! The public can view the night sky through the telescopes of volunteer members of the Las Vegas Astronomical Society. It may warm down in the Valley, but temperatures in the Spring Mountains can be 20-30 degrees cooler than in Las Vegas. Be sure to bring a jacket and warm layers. Chairs and blankets are welcome if desired. Flashlights with red light options are recommended to keep light pollution to a minimum.
Dogs are welcome but need to be on a leash at all times.
Trail host day
All day
Are you looking to help out with Trail Hosting during the Spring and Summer? Trail Hosts are volunteers who help the public with directions to where trails lead, cleaning the trails, share information about the mountain, etc.
If you see us out in the field, stop by and say hello. Ask us some questions if you’re new to the area or have questions about the trails.
You must complete a Trail Host Training before participating on a Trail Host Day
Trail Host Schedule for the Month
Aug. 20
Volunteer Structure Removal
8:00 am-10:00 am
A structure has been spotted on one of our trails! We are looking for volunteers to help us remove this structure and restore the area. If you are able to do some heavy lifting, we would be grateful to have your help. We are going to meet at am Sunday August 20 and hike to the structure to dismantle it and dispose of trash and wood that has been left behind. Please sign up below if you would like to participate.
Please be mindful that this event requires heavy lifting. Please consider your own abilities before signing up.
This is event closes after 15 sign-ups.
If you have any questions, please email volunteer@gomtcharleston.com.
Aug. 26
A Spring Mountain Local
1:00 pm-2:00 pm
Uncommon and irreplaceable, endemic species bring significant biodiversity to our local community. Join an educator at the Upper Bristlecone Trail to learn about the endemic butterfly species of the Spring Mountains and go on a butterfly hunt. Participants will learn about the butterflies found in the Spring Mountains, get a butterfly guide, and look for butterflies. Butterflies found will be entered into the iNaturalis app contributing to the community science of the Spring Mountains.
It is recommended to download and get familiar with the iNaturalis app before participating in this program.
About this Location
Meet at the Upper Bristlecone trailhead. See our visitor-use map for more information.
*Youth participants will get a chance to earn their Jr. Ranger badge.
*Programs may be shortened or canceled because of heavy rain and lightning for staff and public safety. Our guide will make that determination before the start of the program.
Aug. 27
Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway
10-11 a.m.
Free
Join a Go Mt Charleston educator and the American Academy of Pediatrics Nevada Chapter for a Walk with A Doctor.
This month’s walk will include a talk from Terence McAllister, MD, FAAP, and focus on child check ups. After the talk, take a walk and learn about the natural history of the Spring Mountains.
For more information visit https://nevadaaap.org/walk-with-a-doc
Please come prepared with water, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable hiking shoes, and clothes
Trail host day
All Day
Are you looking to help out with Trail Hosting during the Spring and Summer? Trail Hosts are volunteers who help the public with directions to where trails lead, cleaning the trails, share information about the mountain, etc.
If you see us out in the field, stop by and say hello. Ask us some questions if you’re new to the area or have questions about the trails.
You must complete a Trail Host Training before participating on a Trail Host Day
Aug. 30
Bat Walk
Wetlands State park
7-9 p.m.
Register here.
Search for bats on this full moon walk with a Park naturalist. We will use a Bat Detector to hear their echolocation calls and make identifications. This walk starts at dusk, a great time to spot other Park creatures who don’t venture out in the heat of the day.
Advance registration required. Ages 8+. Fee: $5.