Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Las Vegas, NV

Travel an hour outside of Vegas in any direction and you'll probably find yourself in the middle of nowhere. Or so you'd think. There are actually a lot of great places to visit with kids that are well outside the neon shadow and pretty darn cheap, too. Try these on for size.

The Railroad Trail at Lake Mead
Pack up the kids and head down to Lake Mead by way of Boulder City. It's an easy hike on a wide trail through a piece of very important Nevada history. You'll be tracing the path of the railroad that brought workers and supplies to and from Hoover Dam during its construction.  It's an easy, flat walk (but not stroller-friendly due to the gravel surface) with beautiful views of the lake. You can even bring your dog as you explore the tunnels and play choo-choo with your little engineers.

Lake Mead Marina
When you're done with the Railroad Trail, head into the park and stop for lunch at the Marina. Be sure to bring your stale bread, crackers and/or popcorn to feed the ducks, grackles, and carp.

Corn Creek Field Station at the Desert National Wildlife Refuge
Head out of town like you're going to Mount Charleston and make a right at the signs. Walk along a dirt path through the cottonwoods around a beautiful natural spring. You'll find all kinds of birds and plants year round. They even have a huge tank in the middle with some of the tiny indigenous spring fish from the area. (You'll have to look really closely because the tank's full of algae.) You can get your dose of fall color and crunch in the leaves or see the first buds of spring pop through the cold ground. Leave your canine friends at home, though if you want to see any wildlife other than the ones you bring with you!

Mount Charleston/Lee Canyon
If you want to see some snow, make your way up the mountain and make your favorite snow creatures or sled in the play area. (Be sure to sled in the designated areas only and wear a helmet!) If you want to try your snow angel out on skis, check out the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort. They have lessons available for kids as young as four. Prefer to take in the vista from a warmer spot? Stop by the Mt. Charleston Lodge or the Mount Charleston Hotel for a snack and some hot chocolate.

Spring Mountain Ranch
Need a little more drama in your life? Come out to the Spring Mountain Ranch for their Super Summer Theater program. You can spead out your blanket, eat a picnic dinner and take in a play under the moonlight. Nearly every season includes at least one kid-friendly production (e.g., Beauty and the Beast, Seussical, etc.). It's a fun night for the whole family.