Las Vegas Natural History Museum: Tickets, Hours, Exhibits & How to Visit (From The Strip + Airport)

Want a family-friendly break from the casinos without leaving the city? The Las Vegas Natural History Museum (also known as the Las Vegas Science & Natural History Museum) is a surprisingly packed stop near Downtown: dinosaurs, live marine life, Ancient Egypt, and hands-on science zones—all in an easy half-day visit.

📍 Quick Visitor Facts

🎟️ Tickets & Hours (What You’ll Actually Pay)

Hours: Open daily 9:00 AM–4:00 PM.

Standard admission:

• Adult: $14
• Senior / Military / Student: $12
• Child: $7
• Children 2 & under: Free
• Members: Free

Also: Nevada residents get $1 off with valid ID.

Holiday notes (don’t get burned):

• Some holidays operate 11:00 AM–4:00 PM (example shown: New Year’s Day).
• Closed for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and the Dino Ball fundraiser gala (last Saturday in September).

🦖 What to See Inside (Best Exhibits in a Smart Order)

The museum is built for “wow first, learning second”—so plan your route like this:

1) 🦈 Marine Life Gallery (don’t skip)

This is one of the most memorable areas: a large marine exhibit with sharks/rays (and often scheduled feedings/events).
Tip: Ask staff at entry if there’s a feeding time that day so you can time your loop.

2) 🏺 Treasures of Egypt

Expect Ancient Egypt displays and notable replicas/artifacts-style presentation (it’s one of the museum’s signature galleries).

3) 🦴 Prehistoric Life (Dinosaurs + big photo ops)

You’ll see large-scale dinosaur displays—including a major T. rex feature highlighted by travel sources—and other prehistoric-focused exhibits.

4) 🐾 Wildlife + Nevada nature zones

The museum is known for galleries spanning Nevada ecosystems and global wildlife themes (great for kids because it’s visual and fast-moving).

5) 🔬 Kid-friendly science areas

There’s a dedicated, younger-visitor-friendly science/learning zone mentioned among the museum’s galleries.

✅ How Long You Need (Realistic Timing)

• Fast visit (highlights only): 60–90 min
• Normal visit (see everything + photos): 2–3 hours
• With kids + breaks: 3–4 hours (you’ll spend longer in hands-on areas)

⚠️ Common mistake: arriving too late. With a 4:00 PM close, last entry that still feels “worth it” is usually 2:00 PM-ish if you don’t want to rush.

🚗 How to Get There (From The Strip, Downtown, or by Bus)

Option A: 🚖 Ride-share / Taxi (easiest)

Set destination to:
Las Vegas Natural History Museum — 900 Las Vegas Blvd N
Parking is free if you’re driving.

Option B: 🚌 Public transit (best budget route)

Las Vegas public transit is bus-based (no metro). Your key hub is the Bonneville Transit Center (BTC).

Step-by-step from The Strip:

1. Take The Deuce northbound to Bonneville Transit Center (BTC) (it’s a major downtown stop on the route).
2. Transfer to Route 113 (Las Vegas Blvd North).
3. Get off at the Washington timepoint/stop on the 113 line, then walk a few minutes to 900 Las Vegas Blvd N.

Bus passes (tourist-friendly): RTC lists Strip & All Access prices as:

• Single Ride $4
• 2-Hour Pass $6
• 24-Hour Pass $8
• 3-Day Pass $20

Buying passes: The RTC also promotes the rideRTC app as the fastest way to buy passes.

✈️ Airport Connections (LAS → Museum)

Fastest: 🚖 Ride-share / Taxi

If you want the simplest route with luggage, ride-share/taxi is the easiest.

Cheapest: 🚌 Bus via BTC → Route 113

You can reach BTC from Harry Reid International Airport (Terminal 1, Zero Level) using:

• Route 108 (Paradise) → BTC
• Route 109 (Maryland Parkway) → BTC (and it notes frequent/24-hour service)

Then:

1. Arrive at Bonneville Transit Center (BTC)
2. Transfer to Route 113 toward Las Vegas Blvd North
3. Exit at Washington (113 timepoint) and walk to 900 Las Vegas Blvd N

⚠️ Common Mistakes & Pro Tips

✅ Go early if you want calm galleries and better photos (open at 9:00 AM).
✅ Plan your museum loop around Marine Life (ask about any feeding/special times).
✅ Don’t worry about parking costs (it’s free).
⚠️ Don’t assume it’s walkable from mid-Strip—it’s a Downtown location; use ride-share or bus.
⚠️ Double-check holiday/closed dates if you’re visiting around late September, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.

FAQ

Is the Las Vegas Natural History Museum good for kids?
Yes—dinosaurs, marine life, wildlife displays, and a kid-focused science area make it very family-friendly.

Is it open every day?
Yes, it lists Open Daily, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, with specific holiday hours and closed dates.

How much does it cost?
Adults $14, seniors/military/students $12, children $7, ages 2 and under free.

Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes—accessible building and restrooms, plus wheelchairs available at no charge (first-come).

Conclusion

If you want classic Vegas energy outside the casino floor, this museum is one of the best “smart breaks” you can do—especially with kids or anyone who loves dinosaurs, marine life, and Ancient Egypt. With daily hours, clear pricing, and free parking, it’s an easy win for a morning or early afternoon before you head back to the Strip.