If you’re looking for a little Las Vegas magic outside the Strip, Hemenway Park in Boulder City, overlooking Lake Mead, is such a gem — especially if you have animal-loving kiddos. We took a quick trip out there today, and it was one of those simple afternoons that somehow turn into the core memories.
Right as we pulled up, the famous bighorn sheep were already grazing across the lawn like they owned the place (which… honestly they kind of do). Henry, totally obsessed, instantly started to ask all the questions. “Why do they all have horns?” or “Which ones are the boys?” or “I bet that one is the King.” All I could think about was how amazing it was that we were this close to real bighorns just doing their thing in the sunshine.
We even spotted a roadrunner, and fun fact: they are shockingly beautiful birds… but tragically do not go “meep meep.” (Childhood dreams crushed.)
Between the playground slides and climbing wall, walking the trail path, and sheep-watching breaks, the whole afternoon felt easy, peaceful, and so very “desert living done right.”
13 years in Vegas and still finding new places to explore – today’s gem: a roadrunner, bighorn sheep, desert views, and Lake Mead sparkling below.
Don’t forget to pack water, sunscreen (because even in the winter here the sun is intense), snacks, and let the desert do the entertaining. Next time, we are going all in picnic style! Who doesn’t want o graze on a food board watching these majestic beast graze on the grass next to you.
Plan before you go! Check out the Ram Cam here to see if the sheep are grazing or not.
With a week off school, I’ve been on the hunt for fun, low-stress activities to get the kids outside and burn some energy — and today’s adventure might be one of my favorites yet. So, you’re a fellow mom trying to fill these bonus days off or looking for some fun weekend adventures with something memorable (and affordable), Hemenway Park is a must-do.
