Unforgettable Things to Do in Las Vegas for Locals

Las Vegas is a thriving, diverse city situated in a gorgeous desert landscape. Although we are known for our casinos along the famous Strip, there is so much more to do here.

Vegas is full of activities for those who want to explore and find a little adventure.

The best part is many attractions are fully accessible. Here are our favorite things to do in Las Vegas for locals looking for something beyond the casinos.

Attractions And Events The Whole Family Will Love

Vegas may be known for its 21+ activities, but there are plenty of things to do with kids of all ages. If you are looking for some family fun, check out these family-friendly options:

• HallOVeen: The Ultimate Halloween event featuring spooky fun and plenty of treats. On 2.5 acres, you’ll explore games, rides, and maybe even do a little Trick or Treating. It is open seasonally in October.
• Neon Museum: This vibrant open-air gallery is home to iconic vintage neon signs from the city’s glitzy past.
• Magical Forest: The Magical Forest is a sparkling winter wonderland featuring beautiful twinkling Christmas lights. This event is open seasonally in November and December.

Magical Forest at Opportunity Village

Support Local Artists

Las Vegas has a thriving art scene. If you want to check out some local artists and enjoy immersive art experiences, check out these artistic activities:

• Art in the Park: One of the largest outdoor art festivals in the Southwest, funds raised at Art in the Park go to the Boulder City Hospital Foundation.
• Glass Slipper Initiative: Need a sensory-friendly art experience? The Glass Slipper Initiative is a hands-on art experience for everyone and is an online event anyone can join.
• Super Summer Theatre: Experience both live theater and stunning desert landscapes. Check the calendar to see the schedule of plays.

Don’t Miss These Seasonal Events

These events only come once a year, so you won’t want to miss them! No matter the season, here are our favorite seasonal activities in Las Vegas:

• The Las Vegas Great Santa Run: Stretch your legs and don a Santa suit. This fun run and one mile walk is a holiday tradition. Not only will you get some exercise, but you’ll also help raise funds for Opportunity Village.
• Great American Foodie Festival: Las Vegas is home to world-renowned chefs, so when we have a foodie festival, you don’t want to miss it! Held every Spring, you can explore all the flavors our city offers.

The Las Vegas Great Santa Run by Opportunity Village

Festivals For Everyone

When it comes to things to do in Las Vegas for locals, nothing beats a festival. Check out some of our favorites:

• First Friday Festival: The first Friday of every month, Las Vegas comes together to enjoy music, art, and food.
• Summer Night Market: After the sun goes down and the desert cools off, things heat back up at the Summer Night Market. Enjoy vendors, food, and family fun!

Explore The Outdoors Together

Nevada’s natural landscapes are some of the most beautiful in the world, in our opinion. If you’re looking for an escape from the city, check out these destinations:

• Wetlands Park Nature Preserve: Featuring both paved and unpaved trails with a gentle grade, you’ll wind through 14 miles of wildlife habitats, enjoy public art, and experience some of the best birding in the area.
• Floyd Lamb State Park: Nature abounds in this 680­-acre park. Featuring paved trails and a historical ranch, this park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and learn about ranching and Las Vegas history.
• The Lakes Fitness Trail: Featuring a 4.2-mile paved loop, the Lakes Fitness Trail is the perfect place to go birding and get some exercise.
• Mountain’s Edge Regional Loop: If you’re looking for an easy trail with stunning views, Mountain’s Edge is a must. Featuring 2.2 miles of paved trails, it’s the perfect destination for a leisurely day outdoors.
• Hoover Dam: If you’re hoping to get outside of the city, Hoover Dam is a perfect destination. There are both incredible man-made and natural wonders to see.

Give Back At These Charitable Events

In Las Vegas, it’s easy to have fun and help out. If you’re looking for something to do that gives back, consider these events:

• Camelot: Enjoy the magic and wonder of Camelot while helping raise critical funding for Opportunity Village to provide support and resources to people with disabilities.
• Ronald McDonald House Charity Annual Gala: This black-tie fundraiser offers auctions, cocktails, and live entertainment to help children needing medical care get access and funding.
• Night en Blanc Gala: This annual white party hosted on a ranch helps raise funds to support people with disabilities.

Camelot Gala by Opportunity Village

Experience Sensory Friendly Activities

The lights, sounds and crowds of the Las Vegas Strip may be overstimulating for some. If you’re looking for more sensory-friendly experiences, check these out:

• Sensory Inclusive Shows At The Smith Center: Designed to create a welcoming environment for all, the Sensory Inclusive Shows at the Smith Center are a blast!
• Other Sensory-Friendly Shows: Many of the most popular shows in Las Vegas including Disney Interactive offer sensory-friendly experiences. Watch the event calendar as these shows typically only happen a few times a year.
• Meow Wolf Omega Mart: Meow Wolf offers large, interactive art experiences. Their Omega Mart immersive exhibit replicates a grocery store but with weird and wild products. They designed the experience to accommodate people with all sensory needs.
• Sensory Sensitive Sundays At Chuck E Cheese: Every kid’s favorite pizza destination now offers Sensory Sensitive Sundays so that all kids can have the same fun!

Enjoy Some Free Activities

There are tons of things to do in Las Vegas for locals that are completely free. These range from visiting historic sites to experiencing public art to viewing shows. You can find a list of some of the most popular free events on the Las Vegas website.

Vegas has plenty of activities besides going to casinos. Hopefully, you find something you’ll enjoy on this list. You’re invited to learn more about all the fun events at Opportunity Village. Learn more about these events and buy tickets on our website.