Visitors to Henderson, Nevada will be amazed by all the interesting things to do in this desert city near Las Vegas. From exploring exhibits on regional history and restored vintage homes at Clark County Heritage Museum to checking out the big cats at Lion Habitat Ranch. Those who are interested in natural attractions will be pleased to hike valleys and trails near Lake Mead or Sloan Canyon National Conservation area with its over 300 ancient rock art panels displayed at its petroglyph site. You also have multiple accommodation options to choose from - you can stay in one of these Airbnbs with a pool or you can opt for one of these townhomes for rent. Your itinerary can also include a mind-blowing flying excursion where you and your wingman can soar higher than eagles while performing aerial and fighter jet manoeuvres at Sky Combat Ace. Scroll down to find the top things to do in Henderson, Nevada.
1. Dine at Borracha Mexican Cantina
If you’re looking for something to do this weekend in Henderson, then check out this amazing restaurant nestled within the vibrant Green Valley Ranch. Embracing the spirit of the renowned Day of the Dead, this restaurant offers a tantalizing blend of Mexican-inspired dishes and an extensive drink menu featuring cervezas, tequila, and speciality cocktails.
Shareable plates encourage conviviality, while inventive burritos and entrees make the ambience lively. From tortillas to irresistible tacos filled with roasted chicken, slow-cooked short ribs, and Baja fish, each bite will revive your taste buds. The intimate lounge, adorned with an attractive mural radiates festive energy.
Borracha Mexican Cantina
Address: 2300 Paseo Verde Pkwy, Henderson, NV 89052, United States
Website: Borracha Mexican Cantina
Opening hours: Mon - Thurs: 4pm - 10pm; Fri - 4pm - 11pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 11pm
2. Learn about plants at Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden
If you’re looking for free things to do in Henderson, Nevada, then discover the wonders of the Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden. Renowned as the largest botanical cactus garden in the state, it is a captivating destination for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of this garden meticulously designed following the naturalistic English landscape model. As you explore, you will be greeted by a remarkable collection of over 300 plant species. Many of the cacti and succulents are predominantly from the American Southwest. The best part? The self-guided tour and access to the Cactus Garden are completely free, allowing you to enjoy this botanical wonderland all year round.
Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden
Address: 2 Cactus Garden Dr, Henderson, NV 89014, United States
Website: Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
3. Step back in time at Clark County Heritage Museum
Venture back to a by-gone era when train travel was popular across the American frontier by hopping aboard one of the locomotives at Clark County Heritage Museum. Wander through the historical homes furnished with phonographs, TVs, record players, and various other vintage appliances used to depict daily life throughout the decades in the local area. Admire the classic cars while spending quality time with your family at the museum or reserve the restored chapel for a venue to celebrate your special day.
Clark County Heritage Museum
Address: 1830 S Boulder Hwy, Henderson, NV 89002, USA
Website: Clark County Heritage Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 2 USD adults, 1 USD seniors & children
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
Graffiti house with amazing pool
Henderson, Nevada, United States
Pvt Guest House w/pool, spa, View of Vegas strip!
Henderson, Nevada, United States
The Zen house *Crystal Pool*
Henderson, Nevada, United States
4. Observe the native birds at Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve
Bird lovers coming to Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve will be able to observe the thousands of migratory waterbirds and numerous desert bird residents during their visit. Prepare by bringing a hat, binoculars, sunscreen, and water along with walking shoes for a visit to this serene natural hideaway. Visitors can enjoy laid-back evenings during the summer months strolling through the grounds, watching live music performances, or by spending an evening under the stars watching feature films.
Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve
Address: 350 East Galleria dr., Henderson, NV 89011, USA
Website: Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve
Opening hours: 6am - 12pm (daily)
Price: Free
5. Play the tables at M Resort Casino
When not enjoying your state of the art amenities in your luxury suite and its floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the mountains or famed Las Vegas Strip, head over to the casino to enjoy poker, black jack, slots, and various other games offered. After spending a morning playing the tables, enjoy the afternoon under a palm tree in a private cabana poolside cooling off from the desert heat with a refreshing cocktail from the bar. This 4-Star Forbes and AAA Four Diamond resort provides guests with a world-class spa to unwind, a suite to test your skills at virtual golf or hockey, and a variety of dining experiences ranging from casual to fine dining to enjoy.
M Resort Casino
Address: 1 12300 S Las Vegas Blvd, Henderson, NV 89044, USA
Website: M Resort Casino
Opening Hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: 80 - 295 USD (off season to peak season)
6. Savour a cold one during movie night at Bad Beat Brewing
Enjoy an evening of darts, Nintendo, or cinema while knocking back one of the craft beers produced in-house. Visitors can go behind the scenes by touring the cellar where 130 barrels can be stored during the brewing process. If you can’t make it over to sample one of these cold refreshments, grocers, liquor stores, and various restaurants supply them throughout the Henderson-Las Vegas area.
Bad Beat Brewing
Address: 7380 Eastgate Rd #110, Henderson, NV 89011, USA
Website: Bad Beat Brewing
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 5pm - 10pm; Thu: 4:30pm - 11pm; Fri: 2pm - 12am; Sat: 12pm - 12am; Sun: 12am - 10pm
7. Enjoy whiskey tasting at Las Vegas Distillery
Guests to the Henderson-Las Vegas area have the unique opportunity to visit the first Nevada post-Prohibition distillery and only craft spirits producer in the Las Vegas Valley. All spirits are manufactured in-house and include vodka, gin, rum, moonshine, and whiskeys. To learn more about the process and to sample some of the critically acclaimed whiskeys, book online or call for a reservation to take a distillery and tasting tour here at Las Vegas Distillery.
Las Vegas Distillery
Address: 7330 Eastgate Rd #100, Henderson, NV 89011, USA
Website: Las Vegas Distillery
Opening hours: Tues - Fri: 11am - 5pm; Sat: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 15 - 25 USD
8. Cool off from the dessert sun at Cowabunga Bay Water Park
Take a break from the scorching desert heat by splashing around in the waves in a 1950s drive-in theatre-themed wave pool. If you don’t feel like getting knocked around or getting landed on by other visitors tossed by the waves, enjoy relaxing in a tube as you slowly float down the lazy river accented by giant surfboards, water features, and a VW bus. Don’t forget to try out the wide variety of water slides ranging from mild to extreme to enjoy during your visit either for solo, group, or family fun.
Cowabunga Bay Water Park
Address: 900 Galleria Drive
Website: Cowabunga Bay Water Park
Opening hours: Fri: 5pm - 9pm: Sat: 11am - 7pm: Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
Price: 12 - 40 USD
9. Delight in the lions at Lion Habitat Ranch
Escape the neon lights and return to nature by visiting Henderson’s nature preserve where guests can pull up a table and enjoy dining al fresco in a glass walled enclosure beside the lion cage. Take a tour to learn about these beautiful creatures from their trainers and witness daily feedings, bathing, and watering of the animals. Make certain to enlist for a chance to feed the lions or their resident giraffe to create memories that will last a lifetime. Have a great time during your visit to this amazing wildlife preserve located just outside of Las Vegas’ bustling neon desert oasis.
Lion Habitat Ranch
Address: 382 Bruner Ave, Henderson, NV 89044, USA
Website: Lion Habitat Ranch
Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 10am - 2pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
Price: 25 USD
10. Soak up the sun on the banks of Lake Las Vegas
Check into one of the immaculate Mediterranean villa-style homes situated along the freshwater lake before heading out to take part in boating, paddleboarding, swimming, or tubing across the expansive waterfront. Enjoy spectacular views from your room or from one of the many golf courses located lakefront. There are also many hotels from the Hilton to Westin where you can stay, shop, dine, or enjoy various entertainment options during your visit to the spectacular 3.5 USD billion development of Lake Las Vegas.
Lake Las Vegas
Address: Henderson, Nevada
Website: Lake Las Vegas
11. Check out the petroglyphs at Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area
Enjoy traversing the massive wilderness of Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area by mountain bike, horseback, or by hiking its many trails. View the petroglyph area where you can behold one of the 300 pieces of native artwork along rock walls but make sure not to touch or make rubbings of them as this will damage them. During your adventure through the rugged desert and volcanic rock areas of the park, remember to be cautious while observing the wildlife which includes birds, lizards, snakes,cougars, big horn sheep, bears, and other residents.
Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area
Address: Nawghaw Poa Rd, Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Website: Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area
Opening hours: 8am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: Free
12. Wander through Bowl of Fire
One of the best Henderson activities that you can do is to visit the Bowl of Fire with its red rocks which can be found in the Lake Mead Recreational Area. Visitors can hike through the trails or camp overnight to explore the vast desert area with craggy rock ledges, mountains, numerous trails, and lakes. Be certain to exercise caution while hiking due to the antelopes, snakes, scorpions, spiders, chipmunks, and big horn sheep that call this park home. Note that you will be a ways from civilization if you should get into a situation that requires emergency assistance.
Bowl of Fire
Address: Nevada 89040, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: 15 - 50 USD
13. Dine on Southern classics at Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ
Enter through the white picket fence into an American classic franchise restaurant and indulge in Southern comfort food and welcoming hospitality. Flavourful specialties include gumbo, brisket, fried chicken, ribs, and deliciously creamy banana pudding with vanilla wafers. Choose to relax in a leather booth inside or enjoy the warm sun on the patio outback while getting a taste of classic Americana dining.
Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ
Address: The District at, 2245 Village Walk Dr, Henderson, NV 89052, United States
Website: Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm
14. Play a round of golf at Rio Secco Golf Club
If you’re wondering what to do in Henderson, Nevada, then pick up your clubs and be enthralled by the sweeping views of Las Vegas as you play 18 rounds of golf at this immense and scenic course. Stop by for a lesson from top professional instructor, Butch Harmon. Enjoy leisurely walking the greens as you prepare yourself to be challenged by holes with lakes, sand traps, and numerous slopes before finishing off with a refreshing drink from the clubhouse restaurant after spending a day in the hot desert sun.
Rio Secco Golf Club
Address: 2851 Grand Hills Drive
Website: Rio Secco Golf Club
Opening hours: 7am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 69 - 499 USD
15. Cycle or hike River Mountain Loop Trail through the Mojave Desert
Prepare to be stunned by the sweeping landscape of the Mojave Desert as you hike or cycle along River Mountain Loop Trail. Enjoy speeding past volcanoes, lakes, and mountains as you go through the desert region accented by wildflowers and cactus. Make certain to dress in layers for cooler mornings and evenings which can be chilly. Meanwhile, during the day it can be so hot that it’s comparable to entering an oven so do come prepared.
River Mountain Loop Trail
Address: 1699 Equestrian Drive at Foothill Drive
Website: River Mountain Loop Trail
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
16. Explore the Grand Canyon with Big Horn Tours
Enjoy taking one of three action-packed tours to the Grand Canyon in a luxurious hummer. Take in the majestic views of the Grand Canyon while driving along the rim’s road before descending to the bottom to behold the mighty Colorado River. This option is much more luxurious and comfortable than taking a donkey down the canyon’s steep walls. For those looking to have an adventurous experience while visiting one of the Natural World Wonders of the World, consider this exciting tour.
Big Horn Tours
Address: 2657 Windmill Pkwy #357, Henderson, NV 89074, USA
Website: Big Horn Tours
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 199 - 269 USD
17. Appreciate egg-centric dishes at The Cracked Egg Restaurant
Savour mouth-watering delights such as one of many versions of eggs Benedict, omelettes, skillet dishes packed with fresh ingredients, or Huevos Rancheros. Enjoy delicious sides such as biscuits, banana chocolate chip pancakes, or fluffy hash browns. If eggs aren’t your thing, try out one of the many salads, soups, or French toast options such as the croissant version served with seasonal berries, bananas, and icing sugar sprinkled on top.
The Cracked Egg
Address: 1000 N Green Valley Pkwy #480, Henderson, NV 89074, USA
Website: The Cracked Egg
Opening hours: 6am - 2pm (daily)
18. Enjoy an evening of vintage arcades at Hi Scores Bar-Arcade
Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed
Escape the famous Las Vegas strip for an evening of classic arcade games such as Pac Man, Donkey Kong, Tetris, etc at Hi Scores Bar-Arcade. Take a break from the action to enjoy sliders, nachos, fish tacos, or a burger. Enjoy brunch Sundays, happy hours, or an evening of trivia featuring 80s pop culture, history, geography, and more at this quirky and interesting joint in Henderson.
Hi Scores Bar-Arcade
Address: 65 S Stephanie St, Henderson, NV 89012, USA
Website: Hi Scores Bar-Arcade
Opening hours: 10am - 2am (daily)
19. Indulge in some retail therapy at The District at Green Valley Ranch
Enjoy checking out the latest fashions at this desert oasis featuring fountains, palm tree-lined courtyards, and plenty of lounging areas for those accompanying their family members doing some shopping. After browsing through the shops, stop by PF Chang’s for a casual rice bowl lunch or finish off the day at King’s Fish House for dishes prepared with the freshest seafood available. Before departing this upscale shopping mecca, stop by at Ben & Jerry’s for a double scoop of Rocky Road, or Shake Shack for some signature frozen custard before heading back to your desert getaway.
The District at Green Valley Ranch
Address: 2240 Village Walk Dr, Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Website: The District at Green Valley Ranch
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 8pm: Fri - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm
20. Taste exquisite drinks at the newly renovated Gold Mine Tavern
Spend an evening out casually enjoying cider, beer, wine, or hard seltzer while listening to live music being performed in the background. Shoot some pool after relaxing on the outdoor patio and enjoying a round of drinks for happy hour. Visitors can enjoy the newly renovated patio to sip their drinks with fans, comfortable seating, and a great sound system when not listening to live musicians perform.
Gold Mine Tavern
Address: 23 S Water St, Henderson, NV 89015, USA
Website: Gold Mine Tavern
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12pm - 12am; Fri: 12pm - 3am: Sat: 11am - 3am; Sun: 11am - 12am
21. Have a "Top Gun experience" with Sky Combat Ace
Join the aces at Sky Combat Ace where you can experience a no-holds barred thrill ride of commandeering your own fighter plane to do aerial maneuvers and participate in combat action against other pilots through the desert canyons. If this is too intense, there are excursions where you can enjoy doing aerial maneuvers only above the vast desert floor. No flight experience is necessary, however, there will be in-flight direction to provide a safe flight. You also have the choice of having a crew member join to pilot the plane to make visitors feel more comfortable during this once-in-a-lifetime thrill-seeker’s joy ride.
Sky Combat Ace
Address: 1420 Jet Stream Dr #100, Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Website: Sky Combat Ace
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 299 - 1999 USD
22. Hit the dance floor at FroZEN75 - Las Vegas
Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed
FroZEN 75 is dedicated to providing a safe drug- and drama- free environment to teens at Vegas’ only under 21 night club. Dance the night away under the LED lights while watching dancers in the Go-go cages perform. Teens can enjoy dancing to an array of hits spun by DJ’s on the club’s rocking sound system and taking a breather in the VIP seating area. The club also offers patrons the chance to rent out the facilities for private or public parties.
FroZEN75 - Las Vegas
Address: 890314427, 4427 E Sunset Rd, Henderson, NV 89014, United States
Website: FroZen75 - Las Vegas
23. Rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul at Parisian Day Spa
Relax while one of the talented staff members massages you with hot stones or essential oils in a soothing candlelit room. Enjoy making a day of treatments from manicures, facials, haircuts, pedicures, and waxing to many other rejuvenating procedures to calm and awaken your soul. Pamper friends or family with a gift certificate to the spa’s many soothing treatments or join them for an entire day at this spa and wellness center.
Parisian Day Spa
Address:760 Coronado Center Dr # 100, Henderson, NV 89052, USA Website: Parisian Day Spa
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 9am - 7pm; Sat: 9am - 6pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 8 - 980 USD
24. Shop till you drop at Galleria at Sunset
Anchored by retail giants Macy’s and Dillard’s, shoppers will have the time to spend an entire day scouting the bargains at these department stores along with the center’s over 100 stores. Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants or fast food joints in this beautiful indoor shopping center. Shop to your heart’s content or until your feet hurt. Leave happily with your arms filled with Macy’s iconic brown bags after enjoying a sale or promotional weekend. Make sure not to miss this stop on your Henderson itinerary as no holiday is complete without a little (or a lot of) shopping!
Galleria at Sunset
Address: 1300 W Sunset Road
Website: Galleria at Sunset
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm
25. Grab a bucket of popcorn and catch a movie at Cinedome 12
Order online or pick up your movie tickets at the self-serve kiosks before heading to the concession for popcorn and a carbonated drink. Sit back in one of the comfortable stadium seats while viewing the up-and-coming movie previews before the feature film commences on the big screen. Put on your 3-D glasses and enjoy a relaxing evening of entertainment on one of the multiple theatre screens from your plush seat.
Cinedome 12
Address: 851 S Boulder Hwy, Henderson, NV 89015, USA
Website: Cinedome 12
Opening hours: 11:10am - 10:30pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD
26. Laugh till your sides hurt at Bonkerz Comedy Club - Henderson
With 30 years of experience churning out comedic talent such as SNL’s Darrell Hammond, Mike and Molly’s Billy Gardell, Larry the Cable Guy, and many more, visitors will be in for an evening packed full of laughs. Witness up-and-comers and resident veterans at this popular venue. Laugh so hard you can’t hide the tears streaming down your face from each carefully crafted joke during each review of the evening at this 21 and over club.
Bonkerz Comedy Club - Henderson
Address: 44 W Sunset Rd, Henderson, NV 89011, USA
Website: Bonkers Comedy Club - Henderson
Opening hours: Sat: 7am - 9:30pm (closed from Sun - Fri)
Price: 10 USD
27. Enjoy an evening out at Strike Zone Bowling Center
Begin an evening of family fun starting at 1.50 USD for the Early Bird special to 30 USD an hour for Cosmic Bowl. Enjoy friendly competition on one of the 72 lanes at the biggest bowling alley in Las Vegas. Take a breather by playing pool, arcades, or savouring some snacks or a drink from the full-service bar before starting another game. The bowling center offers promotions for office parties, school field trips, private parties, and other group events to its patrons if they need a place to enjoy an evening of enjoyment for special occasions.
Strike Zone Bowling Center
Address: 1311 W Sunset Rd, Henderson, NV 89014, USA
Website: Strike Zone Bowling Center
Opening hours: 8am - 2pm (daily)
Price: 1.50 - 30 USD
28. Engage in some target practice at Green Valley Range
Head over to the shooting range for a unique experience during your visit to Henderson. Instructors are on hand for those with no experience to help load ammunition and to give direction as to how to shoot the fire arms. Visitors can channel their inner John Wayne as they practice shooting various firearms at a target. Gun owners are welcome to bring their own fire arms for target practice instead of taking advantage of the shooting range’s rentals if they wish to do so.
Green Valley Range
Address: 175 Cassia Way A-1110, Henderson, NV 89014, USA
Website: Green Valley Range
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 7pm
Price: 10 - 20 USD
29. Pick up fresh produce and goodies at Country Fresh Farmers' Market
Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed
Browse through local farmer’s stalls featuring farm-fresh produce such as strawberries, other seasonal fruits and veggies, nuts, honey, tea, and more before purchasing some delicious organic items to bag and take home. Enjoy a freshly baked pastry while sipping on loose leaf tea as you scope out handcrafted items and artisanal souvenirs. Finish off your day with a meal from one of your favourite food trucks on site before departing with bags of ingredients for the evening’s dinner.
Country Fresh Farmers Market
Address: 200 S Green Valley Pkwy, Henderson, NV 89012, USA
Website: Country Fresh Farmers Market
Opening hours: Fri: 9am - 4pm (closed from Sat - Thu)
30. Attend Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
If you’re of the Catholic faith, make sure to stop by to attend a service and say a prayer while on vacation. Prepare your hearts and minds for a sermon given by a local pastor during Sunday’s service. Finish off the morning with traditional hymns from your song book. Make certain to refer to the website for hours for confession, services throughout the week, and events held at the church.
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
Address: 2300 Sunridge Heights Pkwy, Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Website: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
Opening hours: 7:45am - 7pm (daily)
31. Have a family picnic at Cornerstone Park
Enjoy a picnic beside the lake on the large open grass area or under covered shelters for an evening of relaxation with your family. During the day, enjoy shooting hoops or playing volley ball on one of the sports courts. Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy traversing one of the park’s numerous trails all seasons of the year. Although there is a large lake on the property, it is prohibited to use boats, canoes, kayaks, and radio-controlled models on its waters–however, it still makes for a scenic place to relax. Enjoy the views of the clear night sky and do some stargazing after your delightful picnic.
Cornerstone Park
Address: 1600 Wigwam Pkwy, Henderson, NV 89074, USA
Website: Cornerstone Park
Opening hours: 6am - 12pm (daily)
Price: Free
32. Get a bird's eye view of the Grand Canyon with Maverick Helicopters (from USD 399.0)
Soar to the skies on a tour high above the majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Grand Canyon, while taking in sweeping views of the steep terracotta canyon walls and powerful Colorado River below. Take in stunning views of the Hoover Dam and Lake Meade during your flight. Enjoy evening adventures above the neon cityscape of Las Vegas as you are whisked over numerous famed hotels along with an illuminated replica of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas while sipping champagne.
Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas
Duration 4 hours
Exploring Henderson, a desert oasis in Nevada
When people think of Nevada, they tend to think of Las Vegas as the desert destination for a getaway filled with non-stop activities to enjoy. However, Henderson which is right nearby, offers plenty family-friendly options. Explore the many park areas before heading to the Grand Canyon on a white water rafting adventure. There are comedy clubs to spend an evening out, a water park, the Galleria at Sunset for some shopping, and a gun range where you can enjoy target practice. You can also venture out of the suburbs to enjoy a helicopter tour over the famous Las Vegas strip. The options are endless so keep this list on hand on your trip.