Best Things to do with Kids in Las Vegas, NV
Best Things To Do With Kids In Las Vegas
Planning a family trip to Las Vegas and wondering how to keep your children entertained? Despite its reputation as an adults-only playground, Las Vegas, NV offers a surprising variety of kid-friendly attractions and activities that make it an exciting destination for all ages. From interactive museums and dazzling live shows to outdoor adventures and immersive themed experiences, families will discover countless ways to create lasting memories together. Moreover, many of these attractions are conveniently located along or near the famous Las Vegas Strip, making it easy to plan a full day of exploration without long drives. As you explore your options, you’ll find that Las Vegas is increasingly focused on providing safe, engaging, and educational fun for kids, ensuring an enjoyable experience for both parents and children. In the sections that follow, we will highlight the top activities, attractions, and hidden gems that every family should consider.


Best Things To Do With Kids In Las Vegas NV
Las Vegas, NV, may be known for its nightlife and casinos, but it is also a surprisingly family-friendly destination. From interactive museums to outdoor adventures, there are countless kid-friendly activities in Las Vegas that keep children entertained and engaged. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, the city offers a wide variety of attractions tailored to families.
Top Family Attractions On The Las Vegas Strip
The Las Vegas Strip is filled with exciting experiences that are appropriate for all ages. Many resorts have dedicated spaces for families, making it easy to balance adult entertainment with fun things to do with kids.
One of the most popular stops is the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, where kids can see sharks, rays, and exotic fish up close. Additionally, the Adventuredome at Circus Circus is an indoor theme park with roller coasters, arcade games, and family rides. For stunning city views, families can ride the High Roller Observation Wheel at The LINQ, which offers spacious cabins and a smooth, gentle ride perfect for younger children.
| Attraction | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Shark Reef Aquarium | Mandalay Bay | Over 2,000 animals, touch pools, walk-through tunnel |
| Adventuredome | Circus Circus | Indoor rides, mini golf, arcade, thrill and family rides |
| High Roller | The LINQ Promenade | 550-foot observation wheel, panoramic city views |
Educational And Interactive Experiences
For families seeking both fun and learning, Las Vegas offers several educational attractions for kids. The Discovery Children’s Museum is a standout, featuring hands-on exhibits about science, art, and culture. Children can climb, build, experiment, and explore in a safe, imaginative environment.
Similarly, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum provides fascinating exhibits on dinosaurs, marine life, and ancient Egypt. These attractions offer a welcome break from the excitement of the Strip and allow kids to engage with interactive displays that encourage curiosity and critical thinking.
| Attraction | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery Children’s Museum | Interactive Museum | Ages 2–12, hands-on learning |
| Las Vegas Natural History Museum | Science & History | Dinosaur lovers, school-age kids |
Outdoor Adventures And Day Trips
In addition to indoor attractions, Las Vegas is surrounded by impressive natural landscapes that are perfect for families. A visit to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers easy hiking trails, scenic drives, and opportunities to spot desert wildlife. Another excellent option is Hoover Dam, where guided tours explain the history and engineering behind this iconic structure.
For a more relaxed outdoor experience, many resorts feature family-friendly pools and lazy rivers. These spaces give children room to play while parents unwind in the sun, creating a balanced and enjoyable day for everyone.
Planning A Family Friendly Las Vegas Vacation
When planning a trip, it is helpful to stay at a kid-friendly hotel in Las Vegas that offers amenities like pools, arcades, and non-smoking areas. Booking shows suitable for all ages, such as magic acts or family-friendly Cirque du Soleil performances, can also enhance your itinerary.
By combining attractions on the Strip, educational museums, and outdoor adventures, you can create a well-rounded vacation that appeals to both kids and adults. With a bit of planning, Las Vegas becomes an exciting and memorable destination for families, offering far more than its famous casinos and nightlife.
Finding the Best Things to Do with Kids in Las Vegas, NV
How can I find family-friendly attractions on or near the Las Vegas Strip?
Look for attractions that explicitly advertise themselves as family-friendly and list age recommendations. Many hotels on the Strip, such as The Mirage, Mandalay Bay, and Excalibur, highlight kid-appropriate activities on their official websites under “Things to Do” or “Family” sections. Reputable travel websites allow you to filter activities by “family” or “kid-friendly.” Reading recent reviews will help you confirm whether shows, exhibits, and attractions are genuinely appropriate for children. Also consider time of day; morning and early afternoon are typically better for families than late-night time slots on the Strip.
What are some popular indoor activities for kids in Las Vegas, NV?
Las Vegas offers a wide range of indoor options that work well for kids, especially in hot weather. These include interactive museums like Discovery Children’s Museum, immersive exhibits in major resorts, themed aquariums such as Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay, and indoor amusement centers with arcades and rides. Many properties also feature indoor shows suitable for families, such as magic acts, acrobatic performances, and themed productions with no age-restricted content. When planning, verify age minimums, show lengths, and whether strollers are allowed to ensure a comfortable visit with children of different ages.
Are there outdoor activities and nature experiences for kids near Las Vegas?
Families can enjoy several outdoor destinations within a short drive of the Strip. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers scenic drives, short hiking trails, and viewpoints that are manageable with kids. Lake Mead National Recreation Area provides opportunities for easy walks, picnics, and water-based activities offered by licensed operators. Springs Preserve, closer to the city, combines nature trails, gardens, and educational exhibits specifically designed to engage children. When visiting outdoor sites, plan around the desert climate by starting early in the day, bringing ample water and sun protection, and selecting shorter, clearly marked trails for younger children.
How do I choose kid-friendly shows and entertainment in Las Vegas?
Begin by filtering shows based on age recommendations listed by the venue or ticket provider. Many magic shows, variety acts, and certain acrobatic or circus-style performances are designed for a broad audience and clearly indicate if they are family-friendly. Avoid shows labeled as adult-only, burlesque, or 18+ and up. Read recent guest reviews to confirm whether language, themes, and special effects are appropriate for your children’s ages. Additionally, check show length, seating options, and availability of earlier performances, as late-night start times may not be ideal for younger kids.
What should families consider when planning a kid-friendly Las Vegas itinerary?
When organizing a family itinerary, balance high-energy activities with downtime to avoid overstimulation and fatigue. Group nearby attractions on the same day to minimize walking distances and transportation time, especially on the Strip where locations can be farther apart than they appear. Review each hotel’s family policies, such as pool rules, quiet hours, and availability of cribs or adjoining rooms. Factor in meal options that suit children’s tastes and schedules, and make reservations for popular family restaurants when possible. Finally, keep in mind that Las Vegas has busy, adult-oriented areas; plan routes that pass through well-lit, family-friendly zones and schedule most activities during daytime or early evening hours.
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