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40 Things To Do in Boulder City with kids and family!

Places to go and Things to see! Your Boulder City Bucket List for family fun!!

By Gayle Helton- Henderson & Boulder City Macaroni Kid Publisher January 11, 2023

Ready to get out with your family and have some Fun?  If you know me, I am ALWAYS looking for fun and engaging ways to sneak in education. Boulder City has no shortage of educational offerings! 

Boulder City's Nature Discovery Trail and Rock Garden

If you are day-tripping to Boulder City this is your first, or your last stop. The kids will applaud you for letting them stretch their legs and get in on that fresh air while taking in the picturesque views.  You will even get to sneak in the education!  Getting up the paved 1800-foot trail with larger-than-life Scorpions, Roadrunners, Horned Lizards, and Gila Monsters! Bring a picnic and dine at the pavilion at the top.

Historic Railroad Trail

Are you up for a 4-mile hike along a historic route? At 3.74 miles this unpaved non-loop trail takes you through a piece of history in and out of railway tunnels. The trail hugs the mountainside with spectacular views of Lake Mead.

Boulder City Pool & Racquet Ball Complex

Grab a towel and jump into the Boulder City Pool!  There is a year-round recreation/lap pool!  During the summer months a wading pool for the tots. There is also a Diving pool that includes a 1-meter diving board and two 16-foot-high climbing walls! 

Looking for something a little less wet? there are 3 racquetball/wallyball courts and cross training room!

My 4 Sons Comics, Cards and Games

A self-proclaimed Family of nerds has opened the doors to this nerd paradise. Everything from graded comic books to vintage action figures gives this nerd hub some serious street cred! There are weekly meetups from D&D to... I'm not real sure!

Boulder City Rec Center

The hub of the Boulder City Parks and Rec Department. The historic recreation center features an amazing retro gymnasium!  The rec center hosts events all year long! The Playground is dirt/sand free and has super cool musical toys near the play structure! Did I mention a TIRE SWING!!!

Boulder City Hoover Dam Museum

This interactive museum offers a look at life in Boulder City when men and their families traveled to find work during the great depression. There are talking exhibits that celebrate the history of Boulder City, the first government-planned community, and how it represented a brighter future for America. Don't forget to ask for your Scavenger Hunt!

Nevada Southern Railway TRAIN

Take a train ride on a historic locomotive. Check out the model train museum or take a ride on a steamer!  Do you like to be in the driver's seat? You have the opportunity to be a train conductor for an hour, ride along in the cab, or even rent out the train for your kiddo's birthday or your own private event. Whatever you decide, the train station boards up every weekend.

Hemenway Valley Park

The best place to see Big Horn Sheep. Like really see them. Like just a few yards away. The Sheep come down the mountain every day to graze on the 10 acres of grassy areas. The park offers horseshoes, play structures, tennis courts, softball courts, and picnic gazebos.  Hemenway Valley Park is on the list of Top 5 Places to take photos!

Veterans' Memorial Park

Whether you are in the mood for catching a little league game at one of the 4 lighted baseball fields or spike the volleyball in one of two sand volleyball courts, Vet's Park has you covered. And that is just like the beginning!  Sail a model boat in the model boat pond or catch a fish in the 3-acre children's fishing pond.  Bring the dog to the dog park, fly a kite on the rolling fields, or catch the annual dog agility show!  Vet's Park even has a Skate Park for skaters and scooters! Did I mention the splash pad?

Alan Bible, Lake Mead Visitor Center

If you are heading to the Lake, or just passing it, make a quick stop at the Visitors Center. There is a cool (free) video on repeated that starts over every 30 minutes.  The gift shop offers Native American jewelry and art, books on the region, and other great finds. Chat up the rangers and they will set you up with a great hike and provide maps!  Kids can even be sworn in as Junior Rangers. 

Tom Devlin's Monster Museum

A unique museum featuring creature suits and other memorabilia from Tome Devlin's collection from years in the Special Effects makeup industry.  See props from the big screen and witness the evolution of monsters! Family-friendly and amazing haunted house in October!

Ruben's Woodcraft and Toys

More than just a toy store. This is a great place for budding artists to show off their skills and paint, just like Ruben! Also, an amazing place to have an unforgettable party or join others in a class. 

Boulder Bowl

Family fun at its finest!  Drop in for a game with or without bumpers!  Boulder Bowl has been setting them up and knocking them down since 1947. Enjoy a game for a few bucks, rent out a couple of lanes for a couple of hours or take over the whole place for nominal rates!

Desert Adventures

Ready to get outdoors? Desert Adventures has everything from Stand Up Paddle Board Breakfasts to guided multi-night adventures. No guide needed? Rent some camping supplies for the whole family!

Downtown Boulder City

From Nevada Way to Arizona and Wyoming Streets, Downtown Boulder City offers antiquing and quirky shops that will busy your family from sun up to sunset. Back in Thyme, Sherman's House of Antiques, Goat Feathers, Bloom, The Flying Saucer, Haunted Boulder City Tours, Boulder City Soap and Candle, Bella Marketplace and Beauty Kitchen are some favorites!

Hoover Dam

Guided and self-guided tour options are available to what many call the eighth wonder of the world. (It is the only government project to be completed under budget and ahead of schedule. A few tips on visiting the Dam. You will pass a security checkpoint. No Guns, No marijuana, and no offensive/revealing clothing.

Best Brunches of Boulder City


Fox Family Bakery- Offering made-from-scratch Danishes, Cinnamon Rolls, and much more!

The Coffee Cup Cafe- World-Famous Breakfast popularized by Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives!

Boulder City Co. Store- Grab a cup of caffeine and some Boulder City Swag!

Dam Roast House& Broward Bookstore- Delicious toast options and addictive smoothie bowls!

Grandma Daisy's- If you want ice cream and old-fashioned candy from childhood, stop in!

Lunches and Dinners


Tony's Pizza- Best place for Pizza and wings! Check out the daily specials!

Mom's Hot Dogs- The Best Hot Dogs in Boulder City.  Add the Toppings!

Boulder Pitt Stop- The Best Burgers in Boulder. Ask for Tristan or Jayden and Fried Zucchini!

Chilly Jillyz- Dole Whip it, whip it good. From frozen yogurt to Romantic Dinners on the Patio!

Fox Smokehouse BBQ- Try the BBQ Sunday or just order meat by the pound. You will be back.


After Hours Night Out


Boulder Dam Brewing Company- With 8 brewing tanks and live music this is the spot!

Beer Zombies Boulder City- Craft beers and good times make this a must-do location.

Cleveland's The Lounge- Cocktails and Conversation mixed with entertaining Piano.

The Backstop- Token Dive bar offering a FREE Drink any day the sun doesn't shine!

Milo's Cellar- Classy. Best wine in town!