Las Vegas. Noisy casinos, smoky hotel rooms, gambling tables, strip clubs, and excessive drinking, it doesn’t exactly scream kid-friendly. But, believe it or not, there are still plenty of great things to do in Las Vegas with kids!
For many families a trip to Las Vegas, for work or otherwise, has become one that involves bringing the kids. And although Trekaroo doesn’t consider Vegas a family travel mecca, we have discovered that there is still is quite a bit of family friendly fun to be offered while visiting Sin City. Here are the top 10 things to do on a Las Vegas family vacation
Don’t forget to explore the rest of the state. Here are the top things to do in Nevada with kids.
Things to do in Las Vegas with Kids
1. Take a Chocolate Factory Tour on Your Las Vegas Family Vacation
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.
Look for current hotel deals in Las Vegas.
Are you visiting during October? Don’t miss these great pumpkin patches in Las Vegas.
2. Beat the Heat at Wet n’ Wild Water Park
Las Vegas summers are hot. Families not staying on the strip in a mega-resort will love a visit to Wet N’ Wild Las Vegas, the massive waterpark located southwest of the city near Desert Hills.
The park features more than ten unique water slides and thrilling rides for the older kids. Younger children love the massive Kiddie Cove area with slides, climbing fun, and splash pads. Daily twilight admission offers guests the chance to play on the slides in the evening for a discounted rate.
Trekaroo Tip: Wet N’ Wild closes during the winter.
3. Watch the Tournament of Kings at Excalibur
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.
Located inside the castle-shaped Excalibur Hotel (a personal favorite when I was a kid!), 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.
4. Bellagio Conservatory and Water Show
The Fountains of Bellagio have become one of Vegas’ most iconic outdoor attractions. 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.
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. Best part of these Bellagio attractions? Both the water show (which runs daily) and Conservatory (open 24 hours) are free to visit.
Tip: Head around the corner from the Conservatory for a tasty snack or crepe at Jean Philippe Patisserie!
5. Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
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 with sharks swimming through the dark and blue lit waters around, above, and under you. They offer opportunities to feed sharks, sting rays, and sea turtles as ell as an opportunity to dive with sharks.
Check for hotel availability in Las Vegas. As a Booking.com affiliate Trekaroo can guarantee the lowest rates.
6. Ride the Venetian Gondolas
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.
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.
7. See a Kid-Friendly Show or Visit a Family-Friendly Movie Experience
Although the majority of Las Vegas shows are far from family friendly, a few true gems can be found on the strip.
The Blue Man Group, at the Luxor, offer 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 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.
If you have kids who love the Avengers, you won’t want Marvel’s Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. (Scientific Training and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network) at Treasure Island. There are several Avengers uniforms on display as well 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.
8. Enjoy Some Thrill Rides
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. Then head inside for some fun playing the midway games while live circus performers do acrobatics overhead.
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.
There are multiple extreme rides atop The Stratosphere 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 from the side of the building 900 feet high, spinning passengers at high speed. X-Scream is a coaster that propels riders head first 27 feet over the edge of the tower. Book your tickets in advance and save!
If you want to see the glitz and neon from above, definitely book a ride on the Linq High Roller Observation Wheel. 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 that 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!
Want great views but not a huge fan of Ferris wheels? Perhaps the Paris Observation Deck is a better fit for your family.
9. Hike in Red Rock Canyon
Just a few minutes from the urban wonderland that is the Las Vegas strip, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area stands in striking juxtaposition. The red-hued sandstone canyons and cliffs offer a variety of roads and trails to explore.
Highlights include the Keystone Thrust Fault, the Calico Hills, the pictographs at Willow Springs, and numerous species of wildlife. The visitor center offers information, trail access (there are 19 trails in the conservation area), and directions to follow the 13-mile scenic route for those wishing to stay mostly inside their cars. Adventure lovers can enjoy rock climbing and camping within the park.
Get outside! Here are 8 Awesome Outdoor Activities in Las Vegas.
10. Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat
Families and animal lovers alike won’t want to miss Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Animal Habitat, a true family friendly gem inside Sin City. Located in the Mirage Resort & Casino, the Secret Garden is home to the famous magical duo’s big cats including white tigers, lions, panthers, and leopards, as well as a sprawling dolphin habitat home to Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins.
Although there is no “show” at the habitat, guests can watch or participate in enrichment and training programs, including the “Paint with the Dolphins” program that gets guests up-close-and-personal with these amazing mammals. There is something extra special about taking home a painting a dolphin has created just for you! It is certainly one of the most memorable things to do in Las Vegas with kids.
Families visiting the Gardens can expect to learn about conservation efforts and animal ambassador opportunities to help sustain the future for animals of every species.
Great Places to Stay in Las Vegas with Kids
Las Vegas has no shortage of hotels. The city boasts more hotel rooms than any other in the US, but finding family friendly accommodation options can be a bit of a tricky business.
The Venetian
The Venetian (and its sister property The Palazzo) offer families a sophisticated night of sleep in five-diamond luxury. The all-suite Palazzo side offers families a bit more space to spread out than the typical hotel room and the numerous pools connecting the two properties vary in depth and size making them perfect for groups of small families and kids.
Stay here for: On property access to the Venetian Gondolas, on of the the fun things to do in Las Vegas with kids, and easy access to the Fashion Show Mall, and Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden.
Mandalay Bay Resort
The Mandalay Bay on the southern end of the strip is one of the closest hotels to McCarran airport meaning easier drop off and pick up to your next destination.
Their massive outdoor pool complex, filled with lazy river and giant wave pool, will save you money on both entertainment and recreation during your visit. It made our list of the best hotel pools in the USA.
The onsite Shark Reef Aquarium (coupled with kid-friendly food court) can’t be beat.
Stay here for: Destination worthy pool decks, the Shark Reef Aquarium, close proximity to the airport, and the free shuttle to Excalibur.
The Bellagio
Although definitely not branded as a kid-centric Las Vegas hotel, the Bellagio does have its kid-friendly perks, not to mention it is an incredible hotel experience that parents will love. Onsite pools feature plenty of bouncing kiddos each day, an arcade room is available on site, and the location of the Bellagio is kept pristine and porn-free!
Yup, no one is allowed to solicit pornography or prostitution in front of this property which means you can take a late night stroll to see the fountain show without worrying about what your kids will be exposed to. Oh, and the casino doesn’t smell like horrific smoke, so that is a major bonus.
Stay here for: An upscale, classy location for kids coupled with plenty of dining options, the fountain show, conservatory, and CREPES!
JW Marriott Las Vegas
For a kid-friendly hotel that is off the strip and away from the not-so-kid-friendly stuff of Vegas, consider the JW Marriott Las Vegas. Located towards the hills of Red Rock Canyon, the Marriott boasts serene grounds, a massive pool complex with waterfalls and a separate hotel valet entry if you want to avoid the casino. Staff go out of their way to welcome and get to know guests, even the littlest ones.
Stay here for: A Las Vegas getaway that doesn’t feel any of the sleeze, easy access to and from the action of the strip as wanted, and close proximity to Red Rock Canyon.
MGM Grand Hotel and The Signature at MGM Grand
Families still love the MGM Grand Hotel, although it has long since lost its lions and obvious Wizard of Oz charms it once beheld. Kids love the pool area which has a great lazy river.
If you prefer to stay in a suite-style, non-gaming property, The Signature at MGM Grand can’t be beat. In addition to a truly smoke free atmosphere, this property also comes with access to MGM Grand’s pools in amenities.
Stay here for: Easy access to M&M World outside, coupled with the New York New York roller coaster across the street. The resort is sprawling, so room rates can be good.
Places to Eat in Las Vegas with Kids
Las Vegas is famous for its buffets and although you’ll be hard pressed to find a super cheap meal on the strip anymore, some of the buffets are worth the splurge.
The Bellagio Buffet is an absolute favorite. The price tag is high but you’ll be awarded with a quality meal for every single member of your family. Love seafood? They’ve got it. Kids want pizza? It’s there. Sushi? You bet. Home-cooked favorites? Better than moms with zero clean up!
For an exceptional burger, be sure to visit Burger Bar located on the strip inside the Mandalay Bay hotel. These gourmet burgers are like none you’ve ever barbecued at home. Full of intense and unique flavors, craft beers, and a fun, hip vibe, the restaurant is super fun. Finish your meal with one of their must-try shakes.
Day Trips from Las Vegas with Kids
There are several great places to visit within a short drive of Las Vegas. here are some of favorite day trips from Las Vegas for families.
Hoover Dam
Just a short drive from downtown Las Vegas lies Hoover Dam. This architectural wonder holds back the waters of Lake Mead, the nation’s largest water reservoir.
Families love the guided tours that take you inside the passages and into the history behind the making of and purpose of the dam. Currently three tours are offered with various lengths and focuses. There are also rafting trips just below the dam that are great fun.
Even if you can’t score a tour, kids love crossing the dam and making this short trek into Arizona is well worth the effort.
Book this Hoover Dam tour which includes transportation from Las Vegas and lunch.
After viewing the Hoover Dam from above you may get the itch to head down to the water and explore the Colorado River. There are several kayak tours and boat tours available. This kayak tour takes paddlers to Emerald Cave, a fun way to enjoy the river’s beauty for a couple hours.
Lake Mead
Thanks to Hoover Dam, the Lake Mead National Recreation Area formed, creating a water-wonderland for active families. Boating opportunities abound on this massive lake.
There are also jet ski rentals, pontoon boat rentals, and large houseboats for a multigenerational or multi-family getaway. The water temperature is pleasant most of the year, and families seeking adventure can camp and hike right on the shore.
Mt. Charleston
Just 35 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Mt. Charleston’s alpine climate and temperatures (typically 30-40 degrees cooler than the strip) offer a stark contrast to the sweltering heat and landscape of the arid desert. This the place for snow play during the winter months.
Over 50 miles of hiking trails meander through the region, taking you past pine trees, waterfalls, meadows, and beautiful forested canyons. Mary Jane Falls boasts a seasonal waterfall and cave, and kids can get to it and return in just about an hour on foot.
Both campgrounds and full-service luxury hotels dot the area, giving families the chance to stay and play for an entire weekend in the region.
Find Things to do With Kids Near You!
From coast to coast, we’re determining the Top 10 Things to do with Kids in each state (and now major cities!) of our great nation.