On Las Vegas’ east side, the Las Vegas Wash carves a green ribbon of ponds and cottonwoods through the desert – and Clark County Wetlands Park is where families come to explore it. The park’s excellent Nature Center introduces kids to desert wildlife with hands-on exhibits, and its shaded trails lead to boardwalks and overlooks where ducks, herons, turtles and even beavers go about their day.
At 2,900 acres it’s one of the largest urban wetlands parks in the country, yet it stays peaceful and uncrowded – and it’s completely free. Bring binoculars, stop for the junior naturalist programs and watch children discover that the desert, up close, is absolutely full of life.
