Photo Credit: MOUNT CHARLESTON

Recommend these five unexpected outdoor places in Las Vegas.

The holidays are here and it means that the time to host the extended family for Christmas and New Year’s Eve is near. Family is great, don’t get me wrong, but sometimes it can become exhausting. Some family members come and go while others take a very much deserved one week off. However, later becoming a very dreadful week for the host— let’s be honest. Here’s a list of unexpected outdoor places for your holiday guests’ to explore. Who knows? Perhaps you’ll even join them.

1. LAKE LAS VEGAS

Photo Credit: LAKE LAS VEGAS

This little oasis in the middle of the desert is an outdoor activity your family will not expect. Lake Las Vegas feels like a members-only residential area except it’s completely inclusive. Lake Las Vegas offers countless of restaurants to dine from, yacht rides and other water activities, hotels and casinos, and yes, you can even live here.

2. BONNIE SPRINGS RANCH

Photo Credit: TITA CARRA

Bonnie Springs Ranch is a replica of an old western town. Quite frankly, this is one of the best-kept outdoor secrets in Las Vegas. Even some locals don’t know it exists (trust me, I’ve asked). Bonnie Springs Ranch has a street gunfight show, peacocks roaming freely, a hotel, horseback riding, a pond with ducks, a train, a saloon, and a restaurant with a cozy fireplace.

3. MOUNT CHARLESTON

Photo Credit: MOUNT CHARLESTON

Not normally found in the Mojave Desert, the Spring Mountains are the ultimate escape during any season. Mt. Charleston is the main attraction during winter for its merry fluffy-white snow. It is the highest point of the Spring Mountains measuring 11,918 feet. On the voyage up to Mt. Charleston you’ll see wild elk crossing the street, a school, a lodge, cabins, endless amounts of snow, and finally a restaurant. Sledding, hiking, and skiing activities are also available.

4. BOULDER CITY

Photo Credit: BOULDER DAM HOTEL

Exploration is certainly a rewarding experience. Boulder City is a quaint but adventurous town 30 minutes from Las Vegas with much to see. You can choose to eat from 20 plus family-owned restaurants; historic sights to explore like the Boulder Dam Hotel that’s remains operable since 1933, and museums.

5. LAKE MEAD

Photo Credit: NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Lake Mead has been a local family-favorite for decades. Aside from their enormous Mississippi river-boat cruise, boating, lodging, camping, restaurant, and historic railroad trails, the feeding fish insanity outshines them. The marina at Lake Mead is home to huge catfish whose hefty physique is due to the generous families that feed them. You’re encouraged to stop at the nearby grocery store to buy a minimum of four loaves of bread per person; catfish pile one another hoping to swallow a whole slice. You will also find ducks positioned away from the madness, assuming position in case the generous stranger tosses a piece. Although the plural of loaves to purchase may seem extreme to you, you will rid them easily.