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40 Fun Things to do in Las Vegas with Kids

40 Fun Things to do in Las Vegas with Kids

Believe it or not, there are still plenty of great things to do in Las Vegas with kids despite the noisy casinos, smoky hotels, gambling tables, strip clubs, and excessive drinking.

I have been to Vegas more times than I can count, and my kids are often with me because many of my visits involve sports tournaments or vacations to the various national parks near Las Vegas. We have done several trips to Las Vegas where we never even set foot on The Strip, and find new things to do every time we visit!

Although Trekaroo doesn’t consider Vegas a family travel mecca, we have discovered that “things to do in Las Vegas with kids” is the most popular search of any of the “things to do with kids” city searches out there! That means, millions of families are visiting Sin CIty every year and they want to know what to do when they get there. Never fear! We have you covered.

20 Things to do in Las Vegas with Kids On the Strip

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay

things to do in Las Vegas with kids Shark Reef Aqaurium
Shark reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay by jdnx

Tucked in the back of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino sits the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. This beautifully designed aquarium features a hands-on ray touch tank that the kids will love, a jellyfish exhibit, giant octopus, and more sea animals, including the obvious draw: sharks.

The main shark tank room, designed as if you are immersed inside a sunken ship under water is truly breathtaking. Sharks swim through the dark blue lit waters around, above, and under you. They also offer opportunities to feed sharks, sting rays, and sea turtles as ell as an opportunity to dive with sharks. 

Linq High Roller Las Vegas Strip Observation Wheel

things to do in las vegas with kids high roller wheel

If you want to see the glitz and neon from above, definitely book a ride on the Linq High Roller Observation Wheel. The High Roller is situated at The LINQ Promenade, which is located between the LINQ Hotel and Casino and Flamingo Las Vegas.

It is one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the entire world, standing 650 feet tall at the top! Instead of the traditional seat with a bar hanging over, this wheel has pods that are fully enclosed and air conditioned which fit up to 40 people. A full revolution takes 30 minutes.

Book your tickets for the Linq High Roller wheel. As a Trip Advisor affiliate Trekaroo receives a small commission to help fund our small business and you get the lowest rates guaranteed. Want more thrills at the Linq? Book the Linq Zip Line!

The Big Apple Coaster at New York New York Hotel and Casino

New York New York Big Apple Coaster
By Stefan Scheer

If you don’t want to make a whole day of theme park fun, consider a stop by one of the city’s most thrilling rides at The Big Apple Coaster at the New York New York Hotel & Casino.

It begins above the casino floor and winds its way outside for some screams above the strip. They also offer a Virtual Reality experience for riders. Participants wear VR headsets during the ride, enhancing the visual and sensory elements.

After the coaster you can check out the Big Apple Arcade which has video games as well as classic games like Skee-Ball, air hockey, and NBA Fever basketball.

Fountains of Bellagio

Bellagio Fountain

The Fountains of Bellagio have become one of the most iconic outdoor attractions in Las Vegas. It is a large, choreographed water feature set in the 8.5-acre artificial lake in front of the Bellagio resort.

This breathtaking show masterfully weaves together water, music, and light as water features spout and spray their way through some of the world’s most classic pieces of music, from classical works to Sinatra croons to patriotic favorites. You can see this free show from the sidewalks of the Las Vegas Strip or in front of the hotel.

Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

40 Fun Things to do in Las Vegas with Kids 1
Photo by Johnwalton

Step inside the Bellagio after your show to enjoy the Bellagio Conservatory. This indoor garden wonderland rotates seasonally with charming and whimsical nods to the seasons that you won’t want to miss.

We visit the Conservatory every time we head to Vegas and my kids never tire of the artistry displayed here. The Conservatory is open 24 hours and free to visit.

Tip: Head around the corner from the Conservatory for a tasty snack or crepe at Jean Philippe Patisserie!

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at Luxor

Titanic in Luxor
Photo by Victoria E.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, located inside of the Luxor, is an immersive museum experience that showcased artifacts recovered from the famous RMS Titanic.

The exhibition takes visitors on a journey back in time to the early 20th century, allowing them to explore the Titanic’s history, construction, and tragic sinking in 1912. In addition to viewing artifacts recovered from the ship, visitors can also enjoy replicas of various rooms on the Titanic, providing a sense of the ship’s opulence and the lifestyles of its passengers.

The exhibit incorporates personal stories of Titanic passengers and crew, adding a human element to the historical narrative.

Tickets can be purchased at the box office inside of the hotel. There are tickets that offer a combination experience with Bodies… The Exhibition. The latter experience is best for teens who have an interest in the science of the human bosy.

Tournament of Kings at Excalibur

Tournament of Kings Excalibur
Photo by joe.oconnell

The Tournament of Kings dinner show combines the fun of a medieval jousting tournament, dancing maidens, live entertainment, great food, and plenty of crowd participation in one knock-your-forks-off dinner show event. If you have been to Medieval Times, this experience is similar and always a lot of fun.

Located inside the castle-shaped Excalibur Hotel, the show features the stunts and skills of numerous actors and over 30 horses working together to recreate the magic and pageantry of medieval events. Dinner, eaten with your hands only, includes a Cornish game hen, potatoes, rolls, soup, and dessert

Ride the Venetian Gondolas

Venetian Gondolas Las Vegas

Take a ride with your family at the Gondolas at the Venetian Hotel & Resort. Designed with impeccable detail, visitors float on the canals indoors through the city of “Venice”, which is actually the high-end shopping mall the Grand Canal Shoppes, before heading outdoors to enjoy an incredible view of the Las Vegas Strip.

In true Italian fashion, the gondoliers sing Italian love songs for the most romantic-yet-family-friendly fun on a boat in Vegas. After your ride, stroll through the shops to explore the real, breathing statues throughout the square.

The Gondolier March happens twice a day at 9:45am and 4:20pm. This is when the gondoliers sing in unison as they march along the canal, announcing their arrival for a day of serenading.

Reserve your gondola tickets with this super saver ticket which includes admission to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, a fun spot for scoring selfies with your favorite wax celebrities.

Marvel’s Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. at Treasure Island (TI) Las Vegas

Marvel Avengers Station Las Vegas
Photo by BigAshB

If you have kids who love the Avengers, you won’t want to miss Marvel’s Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. (Scientific Training and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network) at Treasure Island (TI) Las Vegas. The exhibit features a variety of interactive displays, exhibits, and activities related to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Avengers characters.

There are several Avengers uniforms on display including Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk. There are also things like intelligence files, classified studies, etc., that revolve around the Avenger’s world. Book your tickets ahead of time and secure the lowest price.

Attend a Family-Friendly Las Vegas Show

Believe it or not, there are several Las Vegas Shows that are great for families. Here are some of the classics:

Blue Man Group

Blue Man Group Las Vegas
Photo by Luke Rauscher

The Blue Man Group, at the Luxor, offers some of the best kid-friendly entertainment which parents will love as well. This feast for the senses of a show features the iconic blue men not only drumming on things, but also comedy, magic, visual stimulation, rockin’ music, and a dance party filled with explosive and energetic fun from every direction.

Trekaroo Tip: Stay afterward to take pictures with the cast. Even timid kids will feel comfortable doing so after enjoying the non-stop excitement show.

Cirque Du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil
Photo by Focka

Cirque Du Soleil has a variety of shows and many of them are very kid friendly. This Canadian-based performance troops puts on unique shows filled with music, acrobatics, and mystery. Mystere, Michael Jackson ONE, Ka, The Beatles LOVE, and O are great for kids as young as five. Hotmamatravel.com has a great resource for families looking to see one of these shows. 

More Show Options for Families

There are several shows that come and go in Las Vegas. Magic shows, like Shin Lim at the Mirage, and Matt Franco at The Linq are a great options. Dance and hip hop lovers will want to check out the Jabbawockeez at the MGM Grand.

If your family watches America’s Got Talent you may want to check out America’s Got Talent Presents Superstars Live which plays at the Luxor. A unique experience that kids are sure to enjoy is watching the robots fight in Battlebots Destruct-a-thon Killer Robots Fighting which is behind the Horseshoe.

Vegas.com has a great listing of current shows and they have a “family friendly” filter you can use to help you find the right option for your family.

See a Concert

TMobile Arena
Photo by EnriqueASana

My daughter’s first concert was Lady Gaga in Las Vegas. Many people from the Southern California area head to see their favorite artists in Las Vegas because it is less expensive and an easy way to include a concert in a weekend getaway.

The TMobile Arena is right on The Strip near New York New York and Park MGM. It hosts huge artists like Bad Bunny, Madonna, and Bruce Springsteen. Check your kids’ favorite artist’s touring schedule to see if it includes a stop in Vegas (it often does!).

There are also several artists that have residencies (short and long term) in Las Vegas. Bruno Mars has been at the Dolby Live theater (which is near the TMobile Arena) off and on for a couple years now and always puts on an amazing show.

Adele currently has a long term residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace and Garth Brooks is moving into the same location beginning in April. Shania Twain is beginning a long residency at the Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood in May.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

Madame Tussaudsd Las Vegas
Photo by LynGateley

You will find Madame Tussauds Las Vegas at The Venetian Resort. The museum features a diverse collection of wax figures representing celebrities from music, movies, tv, sports, and politics. Kids will love taking selfies with their favorite celebrities.

Pose by Miley Cyrus on her wrecking ball, Muhammad Ali ready for a fight, Shaquille O’Neal about to score, and Vegas legends like Elviz, Frank Sinatra, The Blue Man Group, and Celine Deon. There is also a Marvel Universe 4D movie, Carnival Carnage 7D game, and the opportunity to create your own wax hand creation.

M&M’s Las Vegas

M&M store Las Vegas
Photo by PrayItNoPhotography

M&M’s Las Vegas is located right in from of the MGM Grand Hotel in a massive four-story building and is absolutely irresistible to kids. It is free to explore this store but don’t expect to come out empty handed!

Here you will find an extensive array of M&M’s merchandise, including various colors and flavors of M&M’s candies. The Wall of Color is a cool spot where you can choose from a vast selection of M&M’s.

One of the highlights of M&M’s Las Vegas is the Personalization Station where visitors can create custom M&M’s with their choice of colors, messages, and even images. There are also plenty of life-sized M&M’s character statues to take pictures with.

Coca Cola Store Las Vegas

Tasting Experience at Coca Cola Las Vegas
Tasting Experience at Coca Cola Las Vegas

Next to the M&M’s Las Vegas is Coca Cola Store Las Vegas, another irresistible stop for kiddos and lovers of Coke products of any age. It features a retail store where visitors can purchase a wide variety of Coca-Cola merchandise, including clothing, accessories, glassware, and collectibles.

The real highlight for my kids is the Tasting Experience where visitors can sample an international selection of 16 Coca-Cola beverages, including flavors not typically available in the United States. They are served in little cups on a tray so you can rate them all!

There is also a Coca-Cola Fountain where they make delicious Coke Floats using a variety of Coke products. Another fun experience is at the Custom Coca-Cola Bottle Center where you can personalize your own Coca-Cola bottles.

Take in Views of the Strip from the Mini Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas

View from Las Vegas Eiffel Tower
View From Eiffel Tower Las Vegas by Sama093

The Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas is a half-scale replica of the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. It stands at 46 stories tall and is a prominent feature of the Las Vegas Strip. Given its location, it is also a great place to take in the views of The Strip, especially at night when it is all lit up.

To reach the observation deck, visitors take a glass elevator that ascends the tower, providing scenic views during the journey. From the top you will have great views of the Bellagio Fountains, the High Roller Observation Wheel, and the surrounding hotels and casinos. Tickets are required to access the observation deck and can be purchased online or onsite.

Adventuredome at Circus Circus

Adventuredome Circus Circus
Adventuredome Theme park in Las Vegas by anokarina

Las Vegas has no shortage of thrill rides. For the most concentrated action, head to the Adventuredome Theme Park located behind the Circus Circus Casino. It’s America’s largest indoor theme park and offers a variety of family-friendly rides and attractions.

The Adventuredome features a mix of thrilling rides, family rides, and attractions suitable for various age groups. Roller coasters, a carousel, a Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and a variety of other carnival-style rides can be found within the dome.

Coaster lovers should check out “El Loco,” known for its steep drops and sharp turns. Canyon Blaster is another popular roller coaster in the park, featuring a double-loop and double-corkscrew track.

The Adventuredome has traditional midway games like those that are found inside of Circus Circus. There is also mini-golf, an arcade, a VR room, and free clown shows.

Make time to head inside the casino to enjoy more midway fun and free acrobatic shows.

The Rides Atop the STRAT Hotel

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There are multiple extreme rides atop The STRAT Hotel, starting their thrills atop the 1,149 foot high observation deck.

Big Shot shoots riders 160 feet in the air at 45 miles per hour. Insanity dangles riders 64 feet over the side of the STRAT Tower, leaving them 900 feet high above Las Vegas., As it spins, riders experience powerful G-forces and great views of the city.

X-Scream is a teeter-totter-like ride that propels riders headfirst over the edge of the tower, creating a sensation of free fall. It is a nerve-wracking experience as the ride moves back and forth over the edge.

At SkyJump participants are suited up in a jumpsuit and harnessed before taking the plunge from the top of the tower to experience a controlled free fall from the 108th floor. Yikes!

 Book your tickets in advance and save!

Play Some Games at the Pinball Hall of Fame

Pinball Hall of Fame
Photo via the Pinball Hall of Fame

The Pinball Hall of Fame is located at the far southern end of The Strip past Mandalay Bay, right near the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign. It celebrates the history of pinball and is home to the world’s large collection of pinball machines, ranging from vintage classics to modern games.

All the games are owned by Tim Arnold, one of the members of the non-profit Las Vegas Pinball Collectors Club. Older pinball games are just 25 cents to play and newer games are 50 cents. Since it is a  501c3 non-profit, all the proceeds go to area charities which is pretty cool!

20 Things to do in Las Vegas with Kids Off the Strip

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

40 Fun Things to do in Las Vegas with Kids 3
Calico Hills of Red Rocks National Conservation Area by Sharlene Earnshaw

A mere 20 minutes west of the Las Vegas Strip, visitors can be swept into a world of hiking, rock climbing, and outdoor adventure at Red Rock National Conservation Area. Escape Adventures offers bike tours of the area if mountain biking is your jam.

If you are visiting Red Rocks during the peak hiking season, October through May, you will need a timed reservation which must be booked in advance on the website. If you don’t have a reservation, you can still enter the park but it will need to be before 8am or after 5pm.

Stops along the 13-mile, one-way scenic drive that are great to visit include the 2.2-mile Calico Tanks Trail, the Willow Springs and Lost Creek area which has a riparian enivironment with a small waterfall as well as pictographs, and Pine Creek Canyon which has a nice 2.4-mile trail among Ponderosa pines and towering canyon walls.

Read our full guide to the best things to do in Las Vegas outside.

Area 15 and MeowWolf’s Omega Mart

Area 15 Las Vegas

Area 15 is an immersive, experiential retail and entertainment complex located a short distance from the Las Vegas Strip. It is designed to offer a unique blend of art, technology, and entertainment experiences. It has a large variety of attractions like arcades, axe throwing, lots of different virtual reality experiences, a zipline coaster, and shopping. But my favorite thing about Area 15 is MeowWolf’s Omega Mart.

40 Fun Things to do in Las Vegas with Kids 4
Omega Mart entrance by Jeremy Thompson

It is hard to put into words exactly what Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart is. You kind of have to experience it for yourself. Basically it is an immersive and interactive art installation created around a surreal exploration of a fictional supermarket, filled otherworldly environments.

Its weird-but-awesome experience that my teens loved. There are various rooms and spaces within Omega Mart, each with its own theme and narrative, making it a journey through different dimensions. Plus, you can purchase some of the weird and wonderful items from the store. I got a coin purse that looks like an avocado that I absolutely love!

The Sphere

40 Fun Things to do in Las Vegas with Kids 5
The Sphere by James Phelps

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past couple months you have surely heard about one of newest things to do in Las Vegas- The Sphere. Most people know it as an amazing multisensory concert experience inside a spherical arena with projected images and lights surrounding them as they watch and epic U2 concert. Well it is that, and more.

You don’t have to spend a fortune on U2 tickets to enjoy The Sphere. You can purchase tickets to enjoy two other experiences inside The Sphere which are combined into one ticket which is calld The Sphere Experience. This attraction is intended for children six and older.

The first is The Atrium, a 60-minute interactive experience with a holographic art installation and the ability to chat with robots while being immersed in a 360-degree habitat. The other is Postcards From Earth, a 50-minute multisensory film that is projected onto The Sphere with incredible sound and seats that allow you to feel everything.

Tickets vary by day and seat location, but generally are over $100. If the price tag is too steep for you, just enjoy the projections on the outside of The Sphere. They are pretty awesome.

Take a Tour of a Chocolate Factory

Ethel M Chocolate Factory las vegas
Ethel M. Chocolate Factory by HwGirl

The Ethel M. Chocolate Factory Tour, located off the strip toward Henderson, Nevada, is one of the nation’s few chocolate factories open for tour. And although the factory is not run by Oompa Loompas, kids will love watching the workers prepare Ethel M.’s recipes of chocolates, caramels, candied apples, and more.

And samples. Who doesn’t love chocolate samples? The self-guided tour includes a visit to their Botanical Cactus Garden, the largest collection of cacti in Nevada. During the holidays the cactus garden gets decked out with 500,000 lights, animated figures, and other holiday decor. Visiting is one of our favorite annual Las Vegas Christmas events.

Springs Preserve

Springs Preserve Las Vegas
Photo by Monkeystyle3000

Known as the birthplace of Las Vegas, Trekaroo families rave about the Springs Preserve. The immaculate grounds and trail system, as well as the indoor interactive museum are the top attractions.

They host weekend workshops, live animal displays, and have a Nature Exchange where visitors can bring in natural treasures they find while exploring to exchange them for points and treasures discovered by other visitors.

Clark County Wetlands Park

Clark County Wetlands Park
Photo by Monkeystyle3000

Clark County Wetlands Park is a free outdoor attraction and one of the things to do in Las Vegas with kids that many people don’t know about. It has a great nature center with multiple interactive displays.

The wetlands inside the park are created by urban runoff, shallow groundwater, and reclaimed water that flows through the Las Vegas Wash and into Lake Mead. There is a 210-acre Nature Preserve and five trails within the park. You can easily spend half the day here exploring.

Slotzilla Zip Line

slotzilla las vegas zip line
Slotzilla by Kevin Baird

Slotzilla is a zip line through the Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas. Riders fly above the crowds below and into the covered projection area above Fremont Street.

Riders must be at least 50 pounds and kids under 16 must be accompanied by someone over 16. Accompanied does not mean they will ride tandem. Each person will still zip individually.

Trekaroo tip: I don’t recommend taking your kids downtown at night. Things get more rowdy and there is more of a presence of “adult behavior”. Like The Strip, you are likely to encounter intoxicated homeless people and ladies dressed like showgirls with very little on top any time of day, but that is the nature of Las Vegas.

The Mob Museum

The Mob Museum

The Mob Museum, officially known as the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, is also located in Downtown Las Vegas. It is housed in the former federal courthouse and U.S. Post Office, which was in operation from 1933 to 1979 and hosted one of the Kefauver Committee hearings on organized crime in the 1950s.

The museum has several exhibits related to the history of organized crime in the United States including the Prohibition era, the rise of the Mafia, St. Valentines Day Massacre, and the efforts of law enforcement to combat organized crime.

Be sure to check out The Crime Lab Experience which is an interactive exhibit where visitors can explore forensic science and the techniques used by investigators to solve crimes.

It is perfect for any true crimes lovers in your family. Families with teens might want to check out the Firearms Simulator where they can experience split-second training that law enforcement goes through. There is a distillery onsite that is open for tours but that experience is 21+.

Las Vegas Natural History Museum

Las Vegas Natural History Museum
Photo via Travel Nevada

I have yet meet a natural history museum I didn’t love and the Las Vegas Natural History Museum is sure to keep kiddos who love dinosaurs, wildlife, and rocks happy. The museum is located downtown, so it is easy to combine some education with the fun of the other downtown attractions like Slotzilla.

The museum is best known for its dinosaur exhibits, showcasing life-sized dinosaur replicas and fossils. They also have a nice prehistoric mammals exhibit with fossils of Ice Age mammals like giant sloths and saber-tooth cats. There is a Paleontology Lab where kids can see paleontologists working on fossil preparation and research.

The International Wildlife Gallery has taxidermy animals in realistic dioramas, as does the African Savannah Gallery, and Wild Nevada Gallery. The Geology Gallery is filled with flourescent minerals which are neat to see under a black light. The King Tut exhibit which was at the Luxor is now at the museum as well.

Neon Museum

Neon Museum is one of the fun things to do in Las Vegas with kids
Neon Museum by Karl Schultz

Las Vegas loves its neon and neon signs of Vegas decades past can be found at the Neon Museum on the other side of the highway from Downtown.

The main attraction at the Neon Museum is the Neon Boneyard, an outdoor exhibition space where a vast collection of retired and restored neon signs is displayed. The signs come from various Las Vegas businesses, hotels, and other establishments.

The museum offers guided tour led by guides who share the cultural and architectural significance of the signs. I suggest booking a night tour when many of the signs are illuminated. Twilight is the best time for pictures when the signs arelit up but there is still a bit of light around you.

You can also watch the Brilliant! Jackpot show, an augmented reality experience that reanimates 40 of the neon signs in the museum.

Attend a Las Vegas Raiders Game

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Photo by James Phelps

The Raiders have been in Las Vegas for two seasons now, and their new stadium is state of the art. Whether you are a fan of the Raiders or a fan of the opposing team, spending a day at Allegiant Stadium is something every sports fan will love to do. They also host big college games on select dates throughout the season.

If you are visiting in the offseason, you can book a stadium tour.

Seven Magic Mountains

Seven Magic mountains
Photo by Martin

Seven Magic Mountains is a large-scale public art installation located approximately 10 miles south of the Las Vegas Strip. It is a popular place to stop for photos when driving on I-15 from California toward Vegas.

It was created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. The installation is a temporary public art project, initially scheduled to be on display for two years, but it has been extended for several years now thanks to its popularity.

The installation is seven towering stacks of brightly colored boulders. The stacks rise up to 30 feet high, and the boulders are painted in a variety of fluorescent colors, contrasting with the natural desert landscape.

The exhibit is free to visit and rally nothing more than a pit stop for Instagram photos. But if your kids are into “doing it for the Gram”, you will want to make time for it.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

One of the great things to do in Las Vegas with kids is take a day trip to Lake Mead

Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the country, is a haven for boating enthusiasts and hikers just 30 minutes southeast of Las Vegas.

During the warm months, Lake Mead is a very popular place to enjoy boating, houseboating, jet skis, water skiing, tubing, swimming, and fishing.

Lake Mojave is also part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. It is located south of the Hoover Dam and has great boating, water sports, and swimming opportunities as well.

Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam near Las Vegas

Just 30 minutes from Las Vegas, Hoover Dam is a must-see. This feat of engineering and architecture astonished me, especially given the time period in which it was built.

The Powerplant Tour should be booked in advance and is highly recommended if you want to walk through the original construction tunnels and to a viewing platform.

The full guided Hoover Dam tour which goes further inside the inner workings of the dam can only be booked onsite. This tour is very popular and sells out quickly so arrive at opening if you want to snag a ticket. If you have a Powerplant Tour ticket which you purchased in advance, you can upgrade that ticket to the full tour.

Whether or not you take a tour, your family make time to walk across the bypass bridge which allows you to stand in two states (Nevada and Arizona) at once. The pedestrian section is closed off from the cars, and there are several displays explaining how the bridge and the dam were built.

Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire State Park Wave
The Fire Wave by Sharlene Earnshaw

My favorite daytrip from Las Vegas is Valley of Fire State Park. With multiple family-friendly hikes, petroglyphs, well-marked trails, and wildlife, this is truly heaven for desert lovers.

You don’t want to miss the White Domes Loop Trail which is a 1.1-mile loop with diverse scenery and a slot canyon. Another great trail that you definitely don’t want to miss is the 1.5-mile route that heads to the Fire Wave.

Valley of Fire is also home to a population of rare desert bighorn sheep. On a recent visit we were able to watch the herd on the move through the canyons by the roadside. They are also commonly spotted by hikers along trails.

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

Tuole Springs Fossil Bed
Tule Springs Fossil Bed Formations- Middle Section by Alan O’Neill

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument joined the National Park System in 2014, and since it is within the Las Vegas City limits, it is considered to be an urban park.

This national monument preserves thousands of Pleistocene (Ice Age) fossils that were preserved by wetlands that were expanding and contracting in this location thousands of years ago. Much of this monument is located in the Upper Las Vegas Wash, a rather dry and unremarkable looking locale most of the year.

But what is remarkable is the number of fossils that have been found here- mammoths, bison, lions, horses, camels and sloths, all of whom lived in a wooded, riparian environment.

The best way to enjoy this monument is to sign up for a ranger-led hike which is typically 1.5 – 3 miles in length and a fun way to learn about the natural history of the park.

Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix

Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix
Photo via Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix

There are some awesome racing tracks for adults in Las Vegas but that doesn’t mean kids should miss out on the racing fun!

Head to the Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix where the whole family (well, anyone over 38′) can race go-karts together. In addition to the go-karts they also have an arcade and some kiddie rides.

Discovery Children’s Museum

Discovery CHildrens Museum Las Vegas
Photo via Travel Nevada

If you have littles and are looking for something to keep them entertained for a couple hours, check out the Discovery Children’s Museum.

The museum spans three floors with exhibits like Water World which has plenty of water tables and fountains to enjoy, Patents Pending which explores the world of inventions, and Young at Art where kids can participate in activities like including drawing, painting, and sculpting.

Cowabunga Bay Water Park

Cowabunga Bay Las Vegas
Photo via Visit Las Vegas

It gets hot in Las Vegas during the summer. I mean, really hot. And sometimes all you want to do outside is play in the water. Cowabunga Bay has two locations in the Las Vegas area- one in Henderson and one in Summerlin. The Henderson location is bigger.

They have everything you want out of a water park including a variety of water slides, a lazy river, and special kids splash area, a wave pool, and cabanas.

Las Vegas Ice Center

ice skating

Other times when it is hot as heck outisde, all you want to do is stay cool. Thankfully you can stay cool and stay active at Las Vegas Ice Center. Their public skates are two hours long and include skate rental for just $20. They have a four-sided jumbotron which can play music and videos as well to keep you entertained and you glide and twirl around the ice.

Explore more of the state! Here are our favorite things to do in Nevada with kids and our favorite things to do in Reno with kids.