Ethel M Chocolate Factory & Botanical Garden

Ethel M Chocolate Factory is one of those rare Las Vegas family attractions that delivers a genuinely enjoyable experience for absolutely free. Founded by Forrest Mars Sr. (of the Mars candy dynasty) and named after his mother, the factory produces premium chocolates in a facility in Henderson that welcomes visitors for self-guided tours.

The factory tour is straightforward: you walk through a corridor with large viewing windows overlooking the production floor. When production is running (most reliably on weekday mornings), kids can watch chocolate being tempered, molded, filled, and packaged by workers and machines. Informational displays explain each step of the chocolate-making process.

At the end of the tour, every visitor -- including children -- receives a free chocolate sample.

The botanical garden is the unexpected bonus. Three acres of immaculately maintained desert landscaping showcase over 300 species of cacti and succulents from around the world. Giant saguaros, prickly pear forests, and bizarre-looking specimens from Madagascar and South Africa line the walking paths.

A scavenger hunt sheet (available at the entrance) turns the garden walk into a game for kids, challenging them to find specific species.

During the holiday season (mid-November through early January), the botanical garden transforms into one of Las Vegas's most beloved free events: the Holiday Cactus Garden. Over a million lights are draped across the cacti and desert plants, creating a surreal illuminated landscape that is unlike any holiday light display elsewhere. Tall saguaros wrapped in warm white lights, barrel cacti glowing from within, and animated light sequences throughout the garden make this a genuine must-see.

The event is free and draws large crowds -- arrive early in the evening.

The gift shop is large and well-stocked with Ethel M chocolates. The design-your-own chocolate box station lets kids (and adults) select individual pieces to create a custom assortment. The chocolate-covered caramels and mint truffles are widely considered the best items. Budget something for purchases -- resisting the gift shop after the tour and tasting is nearly impossible.

The entire visit takes 1-2 hours and pairs well with other Henderson attractions. It is particularly valuable as a free, air-conditioned activity during summer when outdoor options are limited by extreme heat.