A modest, family-friendly museum near downtown with dinosaurs, an Ancient Egypt gallery, African savanna and rainforest displays and a hands-on area for young children, at a fraction of Strip prices.
The Las Vegas Natural History Museum has been a local institution since 1991. It is the museum Las Vegas families take their own children to, rather than one built for tourists. It sits on Las Vegas Boulevard North, a short drive from Fremont Street, in a low-rise building packed with galleries. The scope is broad: prehistoric life, Ancient Egypt, the African savanna, a rainforest, Nevada's own wildlife and marine life.
The dinosaur gallery is the main draw for children. Its star is an animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex that moves and roars, and it shares the room with other full-size dinosaur figures and fossil displays. The Egypt gallery recreates a tomb setting with replica treasures in the style of Tutankhamun's tomb.
Elsewhere you will find mounted African animals in savanna settings, a rainforest area and exhibits on the plants and animals of the Mojave. The Young Scientist Center and a newer learning lab give younger visitors hands-on activities, so it is easy to fill a couple of hours with kids.
Set your expectations accordingly. This is a smaller, older-style museum, not a national institution. Some displays look their age and the building is compact. Its strengths are its price, its manageable size and how well it suits children aged roughly 3 to 12. Adults travelling without children may find it less rewarding than the Mob Museum or the Neon Museum.
Admission is in the cheapest tier of anything in this guide, and there are reduced rates for children, seniors, students and the military. Check the current prices before you go, because the rates published online vary.
The museum is open daily from 9am to 4pm. That makes it a good morning activity, before the Neon Museum opens in the afternoon a few blocks south on the same boulevard. Parking is on site. From the center Strip, plan on about 15 minutes by car or rideshare. Downtown buses also run along Las Vegas Boulevard if you are already near Fremont Street.
What to expect
The experience
The prehistoric gallery features an animatronic T. rex alongside other life-size dinosaurs and fossils. It is loud and a little dramatic, so very young children may want a hand to hold the first time it roars.
Best time
Morning, since it closes at 4pm.
How long
90 minutes to two hours.
Tips
Other galleries cover Ancient Egypt with a tomb-style display, African wildlife in savanna settings, a rainforest, marine life and Nevada's desert plants and animals. The variety keeps children moving and interested. The Young Scientist Center and learning lab give children hands-on activities and are the best places to slow down with under-10s. They are included with general admission. Open daily 9am–4pm at 900 Las Vegas Blvd North. Most families spend 90 minutes to two hours. Parking is on site, and the building is compact enough for strollers. This is a small, older-style community museum, not a Smithsonian-scale institution. It is very good value for families with young children, but adults on their own may prefer the downtown history museums. Among the lowest-priced attractions in Las Vegas, with extra discounts for children, seniors, students and the military. Go in the morning. It closes at 4pm, and the Neon Museum opens at 3pm a few blocks away.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with children aged about 3 to 12 who want a cheap, easy morning out.
- Families
- Made for children about 3 to 12, with dinosaurs and hands-on areas.
- Couples
- Mostly a family stop; the Neon Museum a few blocks away suits couples later in the day.
- Pair with
- The Neon Museum for the adults later in the day, or Springs Preserve for another family-friendly stop.
- Time needed
- 90 minutes to two hours.
Good questions
What is at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum?+
Galleries on dinosaurs (including an animatronic T. rex), Ancient Egypt, African wildlife, a rainforest, marine life and Nevada's desert ecosystems, plus the hands-on Young Scientist Center for children.
How long does it take to visit?+
Most visitors spend 90 minutes to two hours. Families with young children who use the hands-on areas may stay a little longer.
What are the opening hours?+
Daily from 9am to 4pm. Arrive by early afternoon so you are not rushed before closing.
Is it worth visiting without children?+
It is mainly a family museum. Adults without children usually get more from the Mob Museum, the Neon Museum or the Atomic Museum.
Where is the museum?+
At 900 Las Vegas Boulevard North, just north of downtown and close to the Neon Museum. It is about 15 minutes by car from the center Strip, with parking on site.
