After losing a pretty penny to the slot machines in Las Vegas, the free attractions in neighboring Henderson, Nevada, often look appealing. While the town lacks the glitz and glamor of Sin City, laid-back Henderson provides affordable activities.
Set out to enjoy the great outdoors as you explore Henderson’s more than 180 miles of biking trails, including both paved and dirt paths. The River Mountains Loop Trail is a popular 35-mile loop through the Mojave Desert to the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. Lit trails are open from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. and unlit trails are open from dawn to dusk. Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve is a 140-acre pristine urban space home to thousands of waterfowl and desert birds, including mallards, roadrunners, tundra swans and peregrine falcons. Bring a pair of binoculars as you take a stroll along the reserve’s nine ponds.
Covering nearly 3 acres, the Acacia Demonstration Gardens feature 19 sections detailing examples of different desert landscapes. Spaces on hand include cactus gardens, dry wash demonstrations, native gardens and wildlife-friendly gardens. The small garden is open daily from 6 a.m. until midnight. Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Cactus Garden provides free self-guided tours of its candy-making factory and attached garden. See candy production up close and sample chocolates before venturing out into the 4-acre cactus garden, home to more than 300 species of diverse succulents and cacti, as well as 400 tons of rocks. During the holidays, the gardens are decorated with ornate Christmas displays and lights.
The Village at Lake Las Vegas is a massive resort with luxury hotels and casinos, boutique shops and gourmet restaurants. Designed after a colorful Mediterranean village, the complex sits along the shores of a man-made lake. Each Saturday night, from 7 to 10 p.m., from early April through late October, the village hosts free outdoor concerts. The bands typically cover such genres as disco, dance, big band and rock music. In late April, the city hosts its annual Henderson Heritage Parade and Festival. Free to the public, the civic pride event includes a parade with marching bands and floats, a car show and a stage for performances, such as dance and musical acts. Free bike valet parking is offered as well.
Henderson includes nearly 60 city parks, many of which offer a variety of amenities. Bond with your four-legged furry friend at one of the 12 parks outfitted with dog parks. For athletes, Arroyo Grande Sports Complex includes horseshoe pits, a disc golf course and lighted basketball courts and baseball fields. Cool off during the intense summer heat with a trip to one of the 10 parks equipped with splash pads, such as Acacia and Hidden Falls Parks. Get wet with the splash pads' collection of geysers, waterfalls, jets and dump buckets. Six city parks have on-site skate parks, free and open to the public, including skateboarders, inline skaters and cyclists. All of the parks in town are open from 6 a.m. until midnight.
