8 Ways To Stay Fit as a Family in Henderson
While only 12 miles from busy downtown Las Vegas, Nevada, Henderson has lots of open spaces, parks, and family-friendly centers for everyone to get exercise while having fun, our team at De Castroverde Law Group has put together a list of eight locations where you and your family can get fit, make memories, and bond together.
Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve
Get some fresh air and exercise while bird-watching at the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve. This 80-acre preserve is home to over 270 local and migratory birds that settle on the nine ponds that make up the preserve. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring binoculars as you walk along the paths that line the ponds looking for songbirds, wading birds, and shorebirds.
You can make a fun family game by bringing a notebook and having everyone mark bird species that they see, and whoever gets the most diverse species receives a reward. Admission to the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve is free, and if you forgot your binoculars, you can stop at the visitor center and ask to borrow a pair.
Location: 350 E. Galleria Drive (at Moser Drive)
Telephone: 702-267-4180
Cowabunga Bay Water Park
When looking for a place to have fun with the kids around Las Vegas, everyone in the family can cool off and stay active at Cowabunga Bay Water Park in Henderson. With ten waterslides to zip down, you’ll get fit going up the stairs to the top of the slides before a thrilling ride down.
Visit the Surf-A-Rama Wave Pool to jump over the waves, dive under them, and splash in the waves that can reach up to 4 feet high. You and your family will work up an appetite after playing at Cowabunga Bay Water Park, and you can satisfy your hunger at Bullwinkle’s Boardwalk Grill. Fuel up on pizza, burgers, sandwiches, or buffalo wings at this cafe.
Location: 900 Galleria Drive
Telephone: 702-850-9000
Acacia Demonstration Gardens at Acacia Park
Kids of all ages will delight at the variety of gardens to explore at Acacia Demonstration Gardens in Acacia Park. While your family walks through the gardens, you’ll learn about the types of plants ideal for desert landscaping. You’ll find several walking trails with striking views of the surrounding mountains, and you’ll want to keep your eyes open for jackrabbits, chipmunks, and squirrels.
Bring a Frisbee, toss it to each other in the open green spaces, and enjoy lunch at one of the shaded picnic tables. The adjacent Acacia Park has a dog park, so even your furry family can play and stay fit.
Location: 50 Casa Del Fuego St.
Telephone: 702-267-4000
Lost Worlds Myth and Magic
It’s easy spending the whole day at the indoor Lost Worlds Myth and Magic family entertainment center. This medieval-themed center has a laser tag arena, an arcade room, a mini-bowling area, and a challenging ropes course. Test your upper body strength on the climbing wall, take a thrilling ride down the giant donut slide, or play in the glowing ball pit. You won’t go hungry after a full day at Lost Worlds Myth and Magic when you dine at the Cottage Cafe. You can order pizza, fun finger foods, refreshing salads, or order a family plate to satisfy the whole gang.
Location: 1450 Horizon Ridge Parkway, Suite 435
Telephone: 702-909-8888
Whitney Mesa Nature Preserve
Enjoy sweeping views of the Henderson area from the top of the sandstone mesas at Whitney Mesa Nature Preserve, located just minutes from the heart of the city. As you hike along the 1-mile trail that takes you to the top of the hill, you’ll pass by a bit of stream, unique geological formations, and a seasonal waterfall.
This is a good family hike to take during the cooler months, and you can bring a picnic to enjoy after your hike. Relax under the shaded pavilions, and if you’re at Whitney Mesa Nature Preserve in the late afternoon, stay and enjoy the colorful sunset.
Location: 1990 Patrick Lane
Telephone: 702-267-4000
Henderson Multigenerational Center
Whether you and your family want to tackle a climbing wall, swim laps in an Olympic-sized pool, or take a dance class, you can find a variety of family-friendly activities at the Henderson Multigenerational Center. Features of this center include a climbing wall for ages eight and up, indoor tracks to run or jog on, basketball courts, and a game room with table tennis, Foosball, air hockey, and pool tables. The family can also enjoy time in the water with indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
Location: 240 S. Water St.
Telephone: 702-267-2323
Equestrian Park North
If you have horses, a famous ride is in Equestrian Park North. There’s trailer parking and a holding pen for your horses, picnic areas with barbecues, and restrooms. Once you’ve saddled up your horse, you can take the Equestrian North Trail and hook up to the Equestrian South Trail, the Saguaro Trail, or the River Mountains Loop Trail for a 35-mile ride. You’ll have views of the surrounding mountains with glimpses of Lake Mead in the distance.
Location: 1350 Richard Bunker Ave.
Telephone: 702-267-2323 for reservations
Desert Pulse Park
The dog-friendly Desert Pulse Park is an excellent place for the family to spend the day. Leashed pooches are welcome to enjoy the open spaces, or you can take them to the adjacent Dakota Dog Park so they can play off-leash with other dogs. Mom, dad and the kids can play baseball or softball or climb on the skills wall, and the little ones can play on the playground. Bring a picnic and enjoy a post-exercise meal in the shaded areas.
Location: 475 Pulse Ave.
Telephone: 702-267-2323 for more information
There you have our list of ways and places to stay fit as a family in the Henderson area. What activity was your favorite and why? Did the kids enjoy our recommendations? If you know of a hidden gem where you can exercise and have fun together, feel free to let us know, and we’ll add it to our list.