See Also
Las Vegas Family Tours and Tickets to Book in Advance
- Location: Megalochori, Santorini 847 00. Positioned less than 100m from the main square. Enter the alleyway beside Raki restaurant and follow the signs.
- Mystère Cirque du Soleil – Ideal for 5 years old and above
- The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil – Best suited for ages 7 and older
- Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil – Best for 8 years old and up (super convenient if you’re lodging at the Mandalay Bay or Four Seasons)
- “O” by Cirque du Soleil – Best for ages ten and above
The 21 Best Things To Do in Las Vegas with Kids
Las Vegas is driven largely by tourism, whether involving business trips, group gatherings, or family vacations. As the city moves further from gaming as its primary source of revenue, a wide range of attractions have proven to be significant attractors – especially for those bringing youngsters along for enjoyment. Las Vegas is rapidly becoming one of the top destinations for families searching for fun and novel experiences.
1. Las Vegas Indoor Skydiving
My kids and I thoroughly enjoyed this experience. It was highly entertaining! After a brief lesson, we strapped into the provided suits, eyewear and helmets to fly inside the vertical wind tunnel. Sessions lasted 15 minutes – not an extensive period but more than enough time for our experience. Repeated sessions could qualify for discounts if booking another immediately after.
• Open daily with start times from 10:30am-6pm.
2. The Best Cirque du Soleil for Families
The magic and thrill of Cirque du Soleil can be found wherever their performances are staged around the globe, but Las Vegas uniquely hosts seven permanent productions within its borders. Situated at casinos lining the Strip, each show weaves stunts, acrobatics, comedy, music, inventive staging and exotic imagery into an eclectic circus environment aligned with a philosophy that does not employ animals for effect. Beatles LOVE at the Mirage and Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay both pay homage to pop music with thrilling actions befitting boisterous sound systems. O at the Bellagio features high-risk stunts above water while KA takes the viewers on an epic Asian-inspired journey with a floating stage that nearly steals the show independently. Criss Angel MINDFREAK LIVE! at the Luxor showcases one of the top magicians globally (albeit the Cirque influence is minimal on this one) while Mystère at Treasure Island offers a more general bigtop feel and is an ideal starting point for anyone lacking previous Cirque experience. Zumanity at New York-New York is strictly for adults and is not kid-suitable. It solely caters to adults with sensual themes and nudity.
• Times and dates vary by show.
3. Topgolf Las Vegas
This was a favored recreational activity of our children during our recent trip to Las Vegas. You do not need to be an avid golfer to enjoy this location. The newly opened flagship branch of the Topgolf franchise is situated just behind the MGM Grand resort, providing a three level driving range and spectacular views of the Las Vegas Strip. Skill level is unimportant. Simply relax and hit some balls at your leisure while food and drinks are delivered directly to your private climate-controlled bay. The venue also features over 200 high-definition televisions, dining areas, and two swimming pools with surrounding cabanas. Hour-long golf lessons are available for beginners and intermediate players for an additional charge (we participated in them and were glad that we did). Shuttle buses operate from the MGM Grand resort. Else parking is valet only or it is a brief taxi ride from hotels along the strip.
• Sunday to Thursday: 9am-1am. Friday to Saturday: 9am-2am.
4. High Roller Observation Wheel
Measuring 550 feet above ground level, the High Roller stands as the tallest observation wheel globally. Unlike a traditional “ferris” wheel, its cabins are spacious enough to hold 40 individuals and serve as vista points slowly revolving through the sky. It presents one of the optimal means to soak in Las Vegas` beauty with 360 degree panoramas including the airport, surrounding mountains and naturally, the Strip in all its magnificence. The High Roller refuses to fully stop moving, allowing guests to board and disembark as the cabins circumvent a platform situated at the bottom. They progress gradually, permitting everybody to enter and exit without much hassle. Costs are higher at night (following 5 p.m.) with discounted rates for ages 4-12 while children 3 and under always ride free of charge. A full cycle takes approximately 30-40 minutes. The High Roller is situated at the end of The LINQ promenade, itself an attraction with stores, eateries and activities. With limited time, head to Sprinkles, where you can procure a delectable treat from an “Outdoor Cupcake Automaton.”
• Open daily 11:30am-1:30pm
5. Tournament of Kings
The Excalibur resort showcases battles like those from King Arthur`s time at Camelot through their Tournament of Kings. Knights on horseback joust and fight with swords, shields, and flailing chains during the staged contests. These demand significant athletic prowess and carefully crafted moves. It`s akin to how professional wrestling may have been centuries ago. Spectators take sides with the knights representing their sections while eating a three-course meal using only their hands – just as peasants would. The high energy performances provide plenty of action in a family-friendly atmosphere. Tickets starting at $55.95 include the food. Kids under 3 can sit on a lap and share the meal free. An interesting fact: The Excalibur is the biggest solitary buyer of Cornish game hens – only to serve them during these displays.
• Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday: 6-8:30pm. Closed Tuesday and Friday.
6. Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.
Imagine visiting a museum focused entirely on your favorite superheroes from Marvel. Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. provides such an experience. You get up close views of the actual costumes worn in films as well as in-depth video presentations and hands-on displays. Visitors are welcomed as new recruits in training, given a mobile phone and badge to guide them through the attraction. Items on view include Captain America`s uniform and shield plus Ant Man`s helmet and Iron Man`s diverse collection of suits. Some exhibits offer more indulgence than others, but the self-guided tour lets you set your own pace as either a dedicated fan or casual observer. At the end of the journey is a visit to the world`s largest pop-up shop centered on the Marvel cinematic world, sure to delight young fans and worry parents watching their budgets. It includes a green screen photo opportunity and an Iron Man virtual reality experience. Situated inside Treasure Island, admission is free for guests staying at the resort (and children 3 and under) with savings available for seniors, students, locals and military members. Treasure Island is also one of the few hotels on the Strip that has resisted charging for parking, leaving you with a few extra dollars to spend on souvenirs.
• Open daily: 10am-10pm.
7. Lion Habitat Ranch
Originally established in 1975, the Lion Habitat Ranch in Las Vegas has served as a home for wildlife that were part of shows and attractions on the Las Vegas Strip. While originally intended as housing for performing animals, the ranch opened its gates to visitors in 2012 to provide a family-friendly experience for encountering species typically found in exotic global habitats. Presently, the ranch is home to 36 lions, a 3-year-old giraffe, as well as ostriches, emus, and colorful birds. Guests are allowed within four feet of the animals, much closer than conventional zoos where onlookers are kept at a greater distance. Designated spaces permit taking photos with lions conveniently in the background, and visitors may occasionally watch the creatures being fed, an intriguing show all its own. However, Ozzie the giraffe regularly steals the spotlight, using his mouth to create one-of-a-kind artworks for guests to take away as souvenirs. Operating as a nonprofit, the ranch relies on donations and entry fees to care for the wildlife, with costs exceeding $60,000 per month. Children under 4 are always free while kids under 14 receive complimentary admission when accompanied by an adult.
• Closed Tuesday to Thursday. Friday to Monday 11am-2:30pm
8. Wet’n’Wild Las Vegas
A fun summertime activity located in the southwest valley near Summerlin is Wet’n’Wild water park, which has 27 slides and 10 unique attractions appealing to children, teenagers, and adults alike. One of the more thrilling rides is the Tornado, which spins visitors around a large funnel before dropping them into a pool below. Canyon Cliffs features a near-vertical initial drop from six stories up. Some intenswe rides like the Constrictor with its extremely tight turns require adult supervision due to height restrictions clearly posted. Now entering its fifth season of operation around 125 days per year, Wet’n’Wild has date-based pricing and guests can use their season passes at additional properties in Hawaii, Phoenix, Palm Springs, and Houston, proving that memorable experiences in Vegas need not only occur there.
• Hours vary seasonally. Closed in winter.
9. Neon Museum
The Neon Museum is an excellent way for younger children to learn about the history of casinos in Las Vegas without experiencing a slot machine firsthand. The attraction centers around the Neon Boneyard, a two-acre area featuring over 200 vintage signs and marquees from Las Vegas` heyday. Included are some still standing establishments (like Caesars Palace and the Palms) along with those famously imploded into nothingness (like the Stardust and Desert Inn). The museum has restored a few of these artifacts and some can be viewed around the downtown region as part of an independent walking tour one can take at their leisure. Other exhibits honor acclaimed architect Paul Revere Williams and the style of “Googie” architecture (once viewed as ahead of its time but now firmly situated as a moment from years past.) The Neon Museum is best suited for those 10 and up during the day and at least 12 for the (somewhat pricier) night tours where though the neon glows, caution is still needed regarding shattered glass and rusty metal in the dark. Once monthly, Junior Interpreter tours are hosted for families, with middle and high school students leading guests through the Boneyard collection.
• Open daily 8am-8pm.
10. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
While not charging admission, the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio Hotel stands out as one of the most photographed places in Las Vegas. It also qualifies as one of the best complimentary sights on the Strip. Positioned on display in the hotel lobby, the seasonal exhibitions alternate every few months depending on the occasion (like autumn and spring seasons), vacations (like Chinese New Year and Thanksgiving) or whatever proves to be a compelling visual aspect (a Japanese tea garden and “Under the Sea” were recent favorites). Each one incorporates thousands of plants and flowers (most of which are reused for future setups), carefully crafted into colorful designs and maintained by over a hundred employees. The winter display is particularly striking and usually includes a towering white fir accompanied by polar bears, penguins and snow globes among the floral designs. However, one free sight deserves another. You`re also just steps away from the renowned Bellagio fountains, which offer breathtaking water shows that shoot hundreds of feet into the sky. It`s something that must be witnessed at minimum once during any visit to Las Vegas, regardless of age. Bear in mind, while the attractions themselves come at no cost, the Bellagio does impose charges for valet and parking.
• Open 24 hours. Free.
11. Downtown Container Park
The Downtown Container Park houses shops, bars and eateries entirely built using recycled shipping containers. It serves as a spectacle on its own worthy of wandering through, despite not spending money – though you`d miss out without trying the hot dogs from Cheffinis. Right in the center is the Treehouse, an interactive playground with stairs and slides for fun. Also present is a grassy space, a rarity in Las Vegas, hosting games, outdoor movies and family-friendly shows on a stage. On foot or a brief drive, the popular Fremont Street Experience and surrounding hotels locate nearby. Metered street parking stays reasonably priced.
• — Sunday to Thursday: 11am-11pm. Friday to Saturday: 11am-1am.
12. Madame Tussauds
The version of Madame Tussauds located in Las Vegas is not only the first one in the United States but arguably the one that appears to delight the most in exploring America`s celebrity society. Open 365 days per year and situated at the Venetian resort, the attraction has ample space for large-scale displays containing over 100 lifelike wax figures of famous people, such as modern stars like The Rock and Will Smith as well as Vegas legends like Sammy Davis Jr. and Elvis Presley. The Marvel Superheroes area featuring The Hulk and Spider-Man along with a 4-D theater experience including wind, water, and smells during a 3D movie presentation is likely the best option for children. Adults may prefer the set replicating The Jerry Springer Show but there are plenty of icons suitable for all ages in the music section, like Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Michael Jackson, and Lady Gaga. Entry is complimentary for kids 2 and under and anyone over 6 can get a wax replica made of their hand, offering a fun souvenir to bring home.
• Sunday to Thursday: 10am-8pm. Friday to Saturday: 10am-9pm.
13. Ethel M Chocolate Factory
Journey east of the Strip where the manufacturing plant for Ethel M Chocolates can be observed just over the Henderson border. Established by the Mars family nearly four decades ago, the facility is known for producing gourmet chocolates that are made with fine ingredients and usually incorporated in gift collections. The facility, which recently underwent an impressive upgrade, has a taste room where samples are offered and classes that discuss the history of the brand while revealing how the products are made. Self-guided trips allow guests to see the staff in action through large windows. Step outside and you’ll discover the Botanical Cactus Garden, featuring four acres of desert landscaping and more than 300 species of plantlife. It’s especially gorgeous at night when decorated with colorful lights during the winter holiday season. Both the garden and factory visit are free.
• Open daily 8:30am-6pm.
14. The Adventuredome
Circus Circus has been open since the late 1960s, providing a family friendly twist on the traditional Vegas casino with a big top theme centered around clowns, rides, and bright colors. While it has undergone quite a bit of wear over the decades, the best aspect of the resort is the Adventuredome. Spanning five acres indoors, it features roller coasters, bumper cars, and all sorts of activities. Guests can pay per ride or take advantage of an all-day pass (which is less than USD $18 for those under 49 inches and nearly USD $32 otherwise). However, the best time of year to visit is during Halloween season – when the Adventuredome transforms into Fright Dome, housing several haunted attractions all under one roof. Circus Circus is also the only Strip venue belonging to MGM Resorts International not charging for parking.
• Sunday: 10am-9pm. Monday to Thursday 11am-6pm. Friday to Saturday: 10am-12am. Hours may vary during Halloween season and other holiday periods.
15. Smith Center
Following its opening in 2012, the Smith Center quickly became a much needed location for art and culture in Las Vegas, serving as the home for the Las Vegas Philharmonic and Nevada Ballet Theatre. Presentations incorporate touring versions of popular Broadway shows and concerts from artists like Ringo Starr. However, there is plenty to attract children as well. The annual production of The Nutcracker is on par with the finest versions seen in other areas of the country while Roald Dahl`s Matilda the Musical, the Peter Pan-themed Finding Neverland, and Peter Rabbit Tales (featuring the stories of Beatrix Potter) are among the family-friendly performances that graced the stage in 2017. The building itself is a work of art, inspired by the Hoover Dam`s art deco design and easily recognizable by a 17-story bell tower. Sitting comfortably next to the Discovery Children`s Museum in the grass-filled Symphony Park, the Smith Center incorporates Reynolds Hall (for major events), the Cabaret Jazz Theater, and Troesh Studio Theater. The Smith Center also offers a number of educational programs, including Camp Broadway – a summer program for kids with an interest in theater.
• Times and dates vary by show.
16. Springs Preserve
The Springs Preserve presents a distinctive chance to step away from the frenzied tempo of Las Vegas and enjoy nature, science and history in an instructive setting. The property includes the Origen Museum (with exhibits that feature dwelling creatures and a fascinating flash flood demonstration) and the Nevada State Museum (which covers everything from fossils and atomic testing to the Hoover Dam and the history of casinos). The Springs Preserve is also home to nearly four miles of nature trails, archaeological sites, a butterfly habitat, sustainable energy exhibit, and DesertSol – an innovative solar-powered dwelling that was created by UNLV students for a competition by the U.S. Department of Energy. A new attraction, Boomtown 1905, recreates real Las Vegas companies from over a hundred years ago. General admission tickets include access to the museums but there may be restrictions on special activities. A number of discounts are available, particularly to Nevada inhabitants.
• Open daily 9am-5pm. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
17. Discovery Children’s Museum
The Discovery Children’s Museum, located downtown, provides probably the single best reason to bring kids into the city. The three-story building contains various hands-on interactive displays. Remarkable exhibits give a glimpse at how sustainable energy could apply to an urban setting through Eco City and feature a replica of the Hoover Dam demonstrating its operations through Water World. Young at Art is an artistic gallery inspired by Dr. Seuss allowing interaction while the Summit houses a 70 foot tall tower filled with scientific experiments across 12 levels. Toddler Town caters to those ages five and below. The museum offers resources creating an intriguing and fun way to educate children of all ages through education on different subjects and six party rooms for themed birthdays. A youth mentor program assists teenagers. Admission is free for under one year olds or over 100 years old – a flat $14.50 for others. An outside food truck usually provides a more interesting choice than typical museum dining.
• Sunday: 12-5pm. Tuesday-Friday: 6am-4pm. Saturday: 10am-5pm. Closed Monday (though exceptions are made for school holidays). Hours modify during summer.
18. Cowabunga Bay
With 25 acres of rides and attractions in Henderson, Cowabunga Bay provides an east valley solution to Wet`n`Wild on the opposing side of town. Colorfully, clean, and well maintained, the park highlights a vibrant beach get together vibe borrowed from the 50s and 60s, complete with representations of vintage Volkswagens and surfboards. Older teens will enjoy more thrilling experiences like Wild Surf, in which a four-person inner tube elevates and declines within the power of the waves. The youngest kids however, will feel right at home at Kids Cove, a beach area where the water is very shallow and constantly kept to a warm 80 degrees. The food selections include freshly-made funnel cake, hand-squeezed lemonade, and Dole Whip – a frozen soft serve pineapple treat that was once only accessible at Disneyland. Barbeque catering is available for groups and birthday celebrations. Check the online running schedule for hours. Season pass owners enjoy perks like priority access. In June, everyone gets to enjoy the kid’s price of $29.99 Monday-Friday. Kids 2 and under are free any day.
• Hours vary seasonally. Closed in winter.
19. Slotzilla
One of the superior approaches to surveying the tourist-centric Fremont Street Experience may be from an aerial perspective. Slotzilla provides two tiers of zip lines that depart from an immense 12 story replica of a slot machine. (Don’t forget. We’re still in Vegas after all.) The loftier level allows you to soar horizontally in a Superman-esque manner, introducing a slight thrill to your downtown experience. There are no age limitations, but an individual needs to weigh no less than 50 pounds for the lower zip line and 60 pounds for the higher zip line. You’ll travel through the sky while zipping past the neon signs of the Four Queens, Binion’s, and other vintage Vegas casinos.
• Sunday to Thursday: 1pm-1am. Friday to Saturday: 1pm-2am
20. Seaquest Interactive Aquarium
The SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium, located east of the Las Vegas Strip at the recently renovated Boulevard Mall, provides an intimate community experience exploring exhibits focused on different environments around the world, such as the deserts of Egypt, the Amazon rainforest, and Caribbean islands. Visitors will have opportunities to get up close to exotic sea life, birds, and reptiles, and may even feed sharks or two. An especially thrilling experience involves swimming with stingrays. This attraction serves as a great full-day family activity or kids` birthday party, offering convenient parking away from the hustle of the Strip. Nearby, John`s Incredible Pizza Company has indoor games and rides along with an all-you-can-eat pizza and pasta buffet for those seeking food after exploring the aquarium.
• Sunday: 11am-7pm. Monday to Thursday: 10am-7pm. Friday to Saturday: 10am-9pm.
21. Shark Reef Aquarium
With over 2,000 creatures within 14 exhibits, the Shark Reef Aquarium is not merely educational, but also an incredibly rewarding experience for an area lacking a full-fledged zoo. Styled as an ancient submerged temple, visitors walk through an underwater passage surrounded by water and tour a reconstruction of a shipwreck. There`s also an interactive touch tank along with opportunities to feed sea turtles, stingrays, and indeed, even sharks. Representing more than 15 species, about 100 sharks call the aquarium home. You`ll also come across reptiles like a golden crocodile and komodo dragon, not to mention countless examples of exotic fish. Discounts are available for kids (4-12) with free admission for those 3 and under. Situated inside the Mandalay Bay resort, the Shark Reef Aquarium is incredibly convenient and within steps of shopping, restaurants, and other attractions.
• — Sunday to Thursday: 10am-8pm. Friday to Saturday: 10am-10pm.
