Springs Preserve

333 S. Valley View Blvd., 3 miles NW of The Strip, (702) 822-7700. $18.95, 65+ $17.05, 5-17 $10.95; seasonal butterfly exhibit +$2-$3, under 2 free.

Owned and operated by the Las Vegas Valley Water District, this 180-acre site is built around Las Vegas Springs--the original water source for the town. Springs Preserve includes desert botanical gardens, museum galleries, an attractive outdoor concert venue, an indoor theater, an historic photo gallery, and almost 3½ miles of picturesque walking trails. The gardens hold the only complete collection of Mojave cactus and succulents in the world.

A LEED Platinum facility, the preserve displays ways to live comfortably and green in a desert environment. You’ll see rammed-earth walls, plus the parking area is in reality the reservoir’s roof and the parking area’s roof in turn collects solar energy used to generate power for the entire complex.

The Origen Museum displays a Native American Village, features an awe-inspiring flash flood pulsing through a recreated desert ravine, and additionally has an outdoor animals exhibit with a Gila monster, desert cottontails, and more. I found touring the small solar-powered DesertSol house particularly interesting, and kids are sure to enjoy the playground, Butterfly Habitat, and trackless train ride. There is more, and spontaneous activities and interactive exhibits occur here and there. Divine Cafe serves refreshing cold drinks and lunch daily, plus brunch on weekends.