7 amusing things to do in Henderson, Nevada
Looking for things to do in Henderson? You can see lions, watch birds, walk a historic street, eat free chocolate, and more.
Once nicknamed Hendertucky by locals, the city of Henderson has grown into a major player in Nevada.
Named one of the best mid-sized cities in the United States by HGTV, it’s a great place to live and to visit with enviable qualities, like 74 city parks, which were ranked among the top 25 in the nation by the Trust for Public Land. The second largest city in the Silver State, Henderson has high marks on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index (MEI) for fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor recreation or a new place to eat, you’ll find tons of things to do in Henderson for kids and adults. From kayaking on a manmade water reservoir to walking on Water Street, here are seven fun activities to try when you’re there.
1. Lake Las Vegas
1600 Lake Las Vegas Pkwy., Henderson
An oasis in the desert, not far from the man-made Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, Lake Las Vegas is a luxurious neighborhood and getaway featuring a 320-acre lake, two resort spas, hiking trails, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, and an outdoor mall. The mall has shops, restaurants, and even a grocery store, as well as grassy areas and benches for taking in the stunning views.
From live concerts to water activities, this oasis in the desert is fun for a date night or a family outing.
2. Lion Habitat Ranch
382 Bruner Ave. Henderson
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! OK, there aren’t any tigers or bears at Lion Habitat Ranch, but there are plenty of lovable lions in this habitat sanctuary. This is among the most unique things to do in Henderson, offering learning experiences and special events. You can Feast With the Beasts, go behind the scenes with the lions and their handlers, or simply get plenty of amazing photos of the kings of the jungle.
Lion Habitat Ranch opened in 1989 to protect wild lions, providing them with a safe environment to live out their lives while also advocating for African lions in Kenya. Resident giraffe Ozzy sadly passed away in 2024, but the lions continue to draw visitors and accolades.
3. Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve
350 E. Galleria Dr., Henderson
As Southern Nevada’s third-largest body of water, Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve is home to more than 270 species of resident birds and avian visitors. It is a lush 140-acre desert wetland with nine ponds surrounded by five miles of trails, including an ADA-accessible, paved trail.
While biking and running are not permitted on the trails, you’ll still enjoy walking and some of the best birding in Nevada. Serving as a wastewater treatment facility since the 1960s, the facility began welcoming bird lovers in the mid-1990s, thanks to the help of the National Audubon Society. Visitors will find a variety of family-friendly programming and events.
4. Ethel M Factory Tour and Cactus Garden
2 Cactus Garden Dr, Henderson
Chocolate. The only thing better than that? Free chocolate. Ethel M Chocolates in Henderson offers a free chocolate factory tour, followed by a free sample. Kids and adults love watching as this delicious chocolate is made through a large window before heading to the retail area to purchase individual chocolates and boxes.
The luxury chocolate shop’s flagship store is also home to a three-acre Botanical Cactus Garden with over 300 different species of desert plants. This gorgeous public garden is free to explore year-round.
5. Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area
2998 Nawghaw Poa Road, Henderson
Located about 10 miles past Henderson’s Inspirada community toward the mountain-lined southern skyline of the valley, the 48,438-acre Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area was designated for preservation by Congress in 2002. It stands out for its volcanic features and 1,700 examples of rock art dating back to indigenous tribes, including the Puebloan and Southern Paiutes. The 14,790-acre North McCullough Wilderness lends itself to hiking, biking, and horseback riding on trails like the Petroglyph Canyon Trail and the 101 Trail.
Slated to open in 2026, the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area Visitor Contact Station is currently under construction.
6. Clark County Museum
1830 S Boulder Hwy., Henderson
Focused on the history of Nevada’s most populous county, the Clark County Museum is comprised of an exhibit hall and a Heritage Street with eight historic buildings, including restored houses from the early to mid-1900s, a railroad cottage from downtown Las Vegas, and a wedding chapel, once located on the Las Vegas Strip. Visitors can learn about the history of the state’s southernmost county, such as its Native American inhabitants, the Paiutes, and the impact of mining, railroads, and gaming on Henderson and Las Vegas.
7. Water Street District
Water Street, between Lake Mead Parkway and Ocean Avenue
A historic one-mile stretch of road in downtown Henderson, the Water Street District runs along Water Street between Lake Mead Parkway and Ocean Avenue. Rebranded in 2002, the area is home to Henderson’s city hall and other municipal buildings. It has been undergoing improvements and revitalization since 1995, with stores, restaurants, bars, breweries, casinos, and the Henderson Silver Knights practice arena among its draws.
It’s a fun place to visit for family-oriented events, such as festivals, parades, art shows, and farmers’ markets. Explore on your own or learn all about the city’s history on a walking tour.
Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. Please see our republishing guidelines for use of photos and graphics.
