Fun Fall Foods - Las Vegas: Kid-Friendly Dining and Activities

Home in Las Vegas, NV 89145 shows how pomegranate trees produce fruit and thrive in the fall season.

Fall: A Season to Dine and Taste Fun Fall Foods 

Fall foods!  Fun fall foods are a favorite way to celebrate autumn in the Las Vegas Valley. Fun fall foods in Las Vegasoffers ideas to experience kid-friendly dining and activities. The fall fruits and vegetables may be unfamiliar or appear less appealing, but life is an adventure! Carpe Diem! Take advantage to tempt your senses and give your body a boost in nutrition, and teach children about delicious, flavorful foods.

The Finds: Fall Dining in Southern Nevada

Try and taste Carrot Parsnip Cakes at Whole Foods Summerlin, Las Vegas, NV 89145

When planning with children, know your neighborhood and the amenities. Families look for great neighborhoods, great schools, and great restaurants!

Here are 10 restaurants to visit October, November and December in southern Nevada.

1. Apple: Mimi's Café serves Fall Harvest Salade with mixed greens, honey-glazed walnuts, dried cranberries, green apples, and crumbled goat cheese tossed in honey Dijon vinaigrette in three neighborhoods. Each visit to Mimi's Café has been a welcoming experience for my family. 1121 S Fort Apache Rd, Las Vegas, 7315 Arroyo Crossing Pkwy, Las Vegas and 596 N Stephanie St, Henderson.
2. Brussels Sprouts: Vegetables & Small Plates at Echo and Rig present Brussels Sprouts with Pistachio and Fresh Lemon (P.S. Add Pumpkin Squash, Rosemary & Brown Sugar to your plate!).
3. Kale: Did you know P.F. Chang's offers seasonal menus? The Fall Menu selections include Shanghai Waldorf Salad with chopped kale, Pumpkin Wontons, Harvest Vegetable Quinoa "Fried Rice" (with red quinoa, butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and much more), Caramel Apple Wontons, and four more delicious options. 4936 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, 3667 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, and 1095 S Rampart Blvd, Las Vegas
4. Parsnip:  In the Prepared Foods Department take home or enjoy in the dining area Carrot Parsnip Cakes. Fort Apache Whole Foods Market at 8855 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas.
5. Pear: Snacks at The Yardhouse will treat you to crisp and sweet Pear & Gorgonzola Flatbread. Town Square 6593 Las Vegas Blvd S Unit 161, Las Vegas  and Red Rock Hotel & Casino 11011 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas (P.S. Sweet potato fries are on the menu too!).
6. Pomegranate: Rich in antioxidant properties and Vitamins C, A, E and folic acid, experience Pomegranate Chicken, marinated in the fruit juice at the Market Grille Café 7920 W Tropical Pkwy, Las Vegas and 7070 N Durango Dr, Las Vegas.
7. Pumpkin: Mini Pumpkin Pies are ready to devour at Layers Bakery.  Full size raspberry-peach, apple, cherry, blueberry and pumpkin pies are available.  Note: No trans fat, no artificial ingredients, no preservatives, 100% natural AND the bakers use organic flour, sugar, dairy and eggs! A favorite place for me and my family!  665 S Green Valley Pkwy, Henderson
8. Sweet Potato: Herbs & Rye prepare Starter Bites called Sweet Potato Tots. 3713 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas.
9. Swiss Chard: Vegetarian Autumn Squash Soup with butternut squash, pumpkin, cinnamon, honey, cinnamon, curry to name some of the ingredients. Low-Fat Vegetarian Garden Vegetable Soup with Pesto with swiss chard, many vegetables and pearl barley. The Roasted Turkey Harvest Wheatberry Salad has all-natural, antibiotic-free roasted turkey. Panera Bread 7175 W Lake Mead Blvd, Las Vegas, Boca Park at 740 S Rampart Blvd Ste 3, Las Vegas, and The District at 605 Mall Ring Cir, Henderson.
10. Winter Squash: Butternut Agnoletti with brown butter sage sauce is on the dinner menu at Parma by Chef Marc. I enjoyed a Happy 2nd Birthday dinner for my toddlers with Chef Marc and his staff, Parma is a favorite eatery. 7591 W. Washington Ave Ste 110, Las Vegas.

  

The Fun: Kid-Friendly Fall Food Activities

What is this?

A red fruit, grows on a deciduous shrub or tree, with red jewels inside called arils? It is a pomegranate. The fun in dining in all seasons is to inform children and provide kid-friendly activities about the nutritional value of fruits, vegetables and other foods.  With adults as the guide, their encouragement and  the experiences will teach children to eat better more often.  In addition to exploring restaurants, menus and ingredients, projects are another way to extend the learning of fall foods.

• Recipes, crafts and décor with pomegranates Pomegranate Council
• Go on an apple hunt in Las Vegas "On the Menu: Autumn means apples"
• Play online games, use stickers and shopping planner, and more with Food Chomps
• Learn about healthy cooking and shopping with kids "Fruits & Veggies more matters: Top 10 Ways to Get Kids Involved in Healthy Cooking & Shopping"
• Information and activities for preschoolers, kids, pregnant and breastfeeding women and much more at MyPlate Kids Place at Choose My Plate.gov

Fall Fun: Foliage Southern Nevada Neighborhoods

Rainbow Family Park, Las Vegas, NV (November 2012)

Looking to Capture Autumn in Southern Nevada?

As a mother of two, I stay active looking for ways to capture each amazing moment. Two ways I celebrate my children's lives are to find engaging events and to record their experiences with photography. Fall Fun: Foliage Southern Nevada Neighborhoods was inspired by posts I read in one of my Facebook groups where mothers asked, "Where are the best places to take photos this fall?" Over the past few years, I have scoured websites, searched maps, and driven throughout the Las Vegas Valley seeking out locations and events. Las Vegas and its neighboring cities and towns have plenty of places to celebrate autumn.

Rainbow Family Park in the Canyon Gate, 89117 neighborhood (November 2012)

Here eight neighborhoods in Las Vegas, Nevada to find fall foliage:

1. Canyon Gate, 89117: Rainbow Family Park at West Oakey Boulevard and Belcastro Street (one block east of South Tenaya Way).
2. Paradise, 89121: Paradise Park at East Tropicana Avenue and Harrison Drive (next to McCleod Drive).
3. Rancho Charleston, Spanish Oaks, and Scotch 80's, 89102: Bob Baskin Park at West Oakey Boulevard and South Rancho Drive (east of South Valley View Boulevard).
4. The Willows at Summerlin, 89135: Willows Park at 2775 Desert Marigold Lane (South Hualapai Way and Count Deiro Drive). Trails intertwine and connect Desert Marigold Lane to South Town Center Drive).
5. The Gardens at Summerlin, 89135: Gardens Park  at 10401 Garden Park Dr. (West Desert Inn and Hualapai Way). A selection of photographs are posted to this map and review site.
6. Stone Mountain Ranch, 89131: Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary at 8103 Racel Street (Grand Teton Drive and North Durango Drive).

Las Vegas and Beyond the City Limits for Fall Fun

Fall foliage surrounds the Las Vegas Valley. You just need to look for deciduous trees. Still looking for family fun?  If you are looking for more adventure and great photo opportunities, put on comfortable shoes, pack up a wagon, and get ready to explore.

• North: 89131 Gilcrease Orchard (photo taken October 14, 2012)
• South: 89004 Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
• East: 89122 Wetlands Park and Nature Preserve
• West: 89136 Calico Basin
• Central: 89107 Springs Preserve

Still Have Questions about Fall in Southern Nevada? Ask a Master Gardener

The Master Gardner program in southern Nevada, is part of the social horticulture programming of Cooperative Extension. The Master Gardeners will celebrate 20 years of volunteer service to the community in 2012. There are many ways to become involved in activities in southern Nevada for all family members. You can call (702) 257-5555, complete an online request form, or visit them in person at Master Gardener Program, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, 8050 Paradise Road or one of the many farmers markets where volunteers attend.

Written by: Clairin DeMartini

Best Places to Celebrate Autumn in Southern Nevada: Pumpkin Patches, Harvest Fests, Halloween and More!

Giant pumpkins capture the attention of young eyes and minds (Bellagio Hotel, 2012)

 

Family-Friendly Autumnal Fun in Southern Nevada

Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas and Boulder City offer an abundance of family-friendly fun this autumn. Pumpkin patches! Harvest fests! Halloween gatherings! There are plenty of events to keep you active throughout October.

1. The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada           FREE. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Autumn Harvest Sept. 14 – Nov. 30 (See a photo of the Fall 2012 exhibit).
2. HalloVeen at the Magical Forest presented by the charity Opportunity Village, includes rides and attractions. October 4-6, 11-13, 18-20 and 25-27 at 5:00 pm. Purchase tickets online as an option. Call (702) 259-3741.
3. Gilcrease Orchard   at 7800 N Tenaya Way, Las Vegas, NV  FREE (fee for to drive vehicle to pumpkin patch or rent a wagon). Open Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:00 am - Noon, Saturdays 7:00 am - 2:00 pm and Sundays 8:00 am - 2:00 pm. Come select and pick your own pumpkin to purchase right from the vine! Fresh produce and apple and pear cider are also available.                                         
4. Nevada Southern Railway Halloween Express at 600 Yucca Street, Boulder City, NV
   October 26 and 27: Fares and schedules are posted on website. Children ages 3-11 are FREE when wearing costume and children 3 and under are FREE. Face painting and balloon creations will be available at this event.
5. Southern Highlands Fall Festival at 10950 Southern Highlands Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV           FREE festival on Saturday, October 19 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Games, raffle prizes, costume contest, vendors, food, drinks and fun for the whole family! Field games will also take place throughout the day, awarding prizes to winners. 2013 Southern Highlands Fall Festival to Benefit DSOSN on October 19th.
6. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton's  2nd Annual BOO Bash and International Food Festival
   at 1811 Pueblo Vista Dr., Las Vegas, NV (702) 228-8311
   Saturday, October 19 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Food from India, Italy and the Philippines! Along with food we have jump houses, games, a cake walk, performances and trick or treating.
7. Our Lady of Las Vegas Harvest Festival at 3050 Alta Drive, Las Vegas, NV                           Saturday, October 12 11:00 am - 9:00 pm. Games, prizes, crafts, bounce houses, food, music, talent show, entertainment!
8. St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church will host its 10^th annual Parish Festival  at 2500 Sunridge Heights Parkway, Henderson, NV. Festival hours are Friday, October 4^th from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Saturday, October 5^th from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 6^th from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. with our annual blessing of the animals at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.  There will be food, games and entertainment for the whole family including:  Kid's Booths, International Food, Holiday Boutique, Used Book's Sale, Blood Drive, Live Entertainment and Raffles.
9. Summerlin Pumpkin Festival at the Gardens Park Saturday, October 5, 11:00 am -3:00 pm
10. Discovery Children's Museum at 360 Promenade Place  Las Vegas, NV Celebrate El Día de los Muertos October 5-11 Calaveras, October 12-18 What is Los Dias de los Muertos?, October 19-25 Fall Festivities, October 26-November 1 Celebrate Halloween.
11. Haunted Harvest at the Springs Preserve 333 S. Valley View Blvd., Las Vegas, NV October 11-13, 18-20, and 25-27 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Tickets are available online or at the ticket window. Check out other October activities like making a Halloween bracelet and pumpkin decoration. Monday story time 1:30 pm -2:00 pm October 7, 14, 21, and 28 follow a fall celebration theme as well as toddler time 11:00 am -11:30 am October 3, October 10, October 17, October 24 and October 31.
12. Weekend Science and Critter Connections at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum at 900 Las Vegas Blvd. N, Las Vegas, NV Programs begin at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm on Saturdays and 1:00 pm on Sundays. Check out Scary Science and Other Events (like the Art of Mummification). Thursday, October 31 there is a special Halloween celebration FREE for children wearing a costume!
13. Town Scary at Town Square, Las Vegas, NV October 31 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm.
14. Fall Festival October 25 - 27 at The District, Henderson, NV and Biggest Trick or Treat Party in Town October 31. 5:00 pm -8:00 pm.
15. Kids Clinics with Lowe's Build and Grow program. Make a Spooky Stacker on Saturday, October 12, 10:00 am. Register online.
16. Cox Treat Streets at Tivoli Village Sunday, October 27, 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Story time is held on Thursday, October 31 at 11:00 am.
17. Festive Halloween Events for Kids, Henderson, NV Trunk or Treat at Black Mountain Recreation Center, 599 Greenway Road., October 24, 6:00 pm -8:30 pm. Haunted at the Ranch October 25 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm.
18. Bonnie Screams at Bonnie Springs Ranch.
19. Pumpkin Patch at the McKee Ranch at McKee Ranch 8982 Dean Martin Drive, Las Vegas, NV
20. The Las Vegas-Clark County  Library District offers workshops (e.g. Decorate for the Holidays), movies (e.g. Pooh's Heffalump Halloween), story times (e.g. Spooky Storytime), Crafts/Games/Recreation (e.g. Haunted House), and Puppet Show (e.g. Monster Mash Halloween Puppet Show). There are many events and dates at the various library locations, visit the Events link at www.lvccld.org to search all events.
21. Haunted Reef at the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. Friday, October 25 - Sunday, October 27 (Community Day is October 25 10:00 am -10:00 pm), 10:00 am - 9:00 pm. Costumed children 12 and under will receive complimentary entry and candy treats and each adult also will receive one complimentary admission to Shark Reef Aquarium upon donating blood through United Blood Services.

At Jill Paige Homes, our team knows your home and community are important.  We hope this list of places to celebrate autumn in southern Nevada is helpful for you, your family and children. Life in Southern Nevada is full of family-friendly fun for this fall season. Other locations continue to post events online. The YMCA, churches, The Farm, Ethel M. Chocolate Factory, and the City of Las Vegas are just another group of resources that may schedule special events for October.