It may surprise you to know that there are plenty of things to do in Las Vegas with kids, both on and off The Strip. In fact, it can be a fantastic place for a family-friendly vacation that warrants a stay longer than a weekend.
Some of these fun, kid-friendly activities are good to look out for should you already happen to be sightseeing near them. Others are worth going out of your way to seek out. We are in Las Vegas several times per year now since it’s so easy to get to, and thanks to my daughter’s many volleyball tournaments there. Plus, this list is also based on feedback from the MANY families we book into family-friendly Las Vegas hotels, their itineraries, and concierge recommendations.
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Free Things to Do in Las Vegas With Kids
Free is always good. These free, family-friendly activities in Las Vegas will keep your family entertained without breaking the bank. This helps leave room to splurge on some of the uniquely Vegas shows and activities further on in this list. Truth be told, not all of these items are worth going out of your way for. Keep them in mind, though, if you happen to be nearby.
1. Children’s Park at Town Square
The Children’s Park at Town Square features a Pop Jet fountain splash zone pad, a hedge maze, a treehouse, and a bakery playhouse, among other attractions for kids. It’s certainly for young kids though, so if your children are past the playground stage, give it a miss.
2. “Fall of Atlantis” Show at Caesar’s Palace
An 11-minute free show in the Forum Shops area, “Fall of Atlantis” features special water and fire effects and 9-foot-tall animatronic statues. Showtimes fall every hour on the hour, from noon to 8:00 p.m., Thursday through Monday. It has a reputation for being a little bit cheesy, but kids like it if you happen to be browsing around in The Forum Shops (I don’t recommend going out of your want to see it).
3. Bellagio Fountains
These iconic fountains are choreographed to music and lights. Depending on the day of the week and the time of day, the Bellagio Fountains run every 15 or 30 minutes. They are reported to have cost $40 million to build and contain 22 million gallons of water.
It’s quite the spectacle, particularly in the evening. So, if you’re having dinner near the strip in the area, stop by here and experience the delight of the Bellagio Fountains. (We have a lot of people book The Cosmopolitan rooms that overlook the fountains).
4. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Free to the public and open 24 hours a day, the Bellagio Conservatory is a Skylit atrium featuring seasonal scenes of trees, flowers, and other plants. The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at Bellagio Las Vegas are redesigned four times a year to reflect each of the four seasons, as well as a special display for Chinese New Year.
The Bellagio website says that 90% of the trees, flowers, and plants in the botanical gardens are recycled in celebration of the resort’s commitment to the environment. It takes just a few minutes to walk through it. The botanical gardens are beautiful for all ages, but the whimsical Alice in Wonderland style of the displays makes it a special place to visit with children. Because they change over, note that there are “dark” periods throughout the year when it’s closed so they can change the theme.
5. Treehouse Playground at the Downtown Container Park
This is a unique shopping mall in Downtown Las Vegas made from shipping containers, featuring boutique shopping and dining, at the center of which is the Treehouse Playground for kids, including a 33 ft. slide and NEOS play system. It’s definitely fun for the whole family, with something for everyone.
6. Pinball Hall of Fame
Looking for an opportunity to show your kids all your favorite games growing up? The Pinball Hall of Fame is a free museum dedicated to vintage pinball machines. It has the world’s largest collection of pinball machines on display. It’s free to enter, and you can even play the games for 25 or 50 cents, with all proceeds going to charity. It’s located on the strip right across from the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign.
7. CBS Television City Research Center at MGM Grand
At the CBS Television City Research Center, visitors can view and rate pilots for TV shows and other TV programs, and thereby perhaps have an impact on network programming decisions.
No reservations are required to visit, so simply walk in to get (free) tickets. Children must be at least 10 years old. So if you have any teens who can’t get enough of television, you know just where to take them.
8. Lake of Dreams at the Wynn Las Vegas
The Lake of Dreams show is a free dramatic special effects show on the water created by over four thousand lights, stunning holographic, and puppetry. Nightly shows every half hour start at dusk and end at 11:30 p.m. (Note that some say the best vantage points for the show are in the dining outlets, which may require you to make a purchase.)
9. Mirage Volcano
The Mirage Volcano is found outside of Las Vegas Boulevard’s main entrance to the Mirage Hotel. This free live show is staged nightly every hour from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The volcano “erupts” to lights, fire, and music. Showtimes are subject to change with the seasons, so if you want to take your kids to see the spectacle, check the times before you go.
10. Viva Vision Light Show at the Fremont Street Experience
Above a pedestrianized outdoor mall in Downtown Las Vegas is an array of over 12 million LED bulbs that are lit in unison to a variety of rock classics (and other music). This results in a fantastic, famous, and free nightly light show every evening.
The Viva Vision Light Show starts in the evening and runs every hour for six minutes. One of the best ways to see it is while on the zip line (details below).
11. The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
Located inside the Flamingo Las Vegas hotel, this sanctuary is home to Chilean flamingos and friends, including some rescued pelicans, swans, ducks, koi, turtles, and more. The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is free to enter, and you can time your visit around the twice-daily pelican feedings.
12. Circus Acts at Circus-Circus
Head over to Circus Circus for the daily free Circus Acts performed by world-class jugglers, clowns, and high-flying acrobatics. Check the schedule for weekly performances.
Amusement Parks, Attractions, and Rides
If your kids (and yourself) are adventure-seekers or love thrill rides, there are so many memorable things to do with the whole family in Las Vegas. These attractions will certainly make your Vegas vacation one to remember.
13. High Roller Observation Wheel
Across from Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas Strip, you can ride the High Roller Observation Wheel at The Linq. At 550 feet high, it’s the largest observation wheel in North America and taller than the (similar) London Eye.
Riders enjoy panoramic 360° views of the Strip and Las Vegas Valley. It takes about 30 minutes to complete a full rotation and is a very popular activity for those in Las Vegas with kids or even without (my husband and I have done the one with the bar inside). It was helpful to have bought tickets in advance.
14. Fly Linq Zipline
Height and weight restrictions apply, but you can gear up and ride the zipline seated, superhero style, or even backward over The Linq Promenade at speeds of up to 35 mph. Reserve your spot.
15. Fun Dungeon
Head over to Excalibur to play over 200 arcade games, from vintage to newer arcade games at the Fun Dungeon. Oh, and how about a Dairy Queen soft serve or an Orange Julius (or would parents enjoy that more… not sure!).
16. Eiffel Tower Experience
The 360-degree views from the 460-foot high observation deck near the top of the half-scale (541-foot) replica of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas offer some of the best views of the strip, as do the views from the glass elevator on the way up. The entire trip lasts about 30 minutes and you can buy tickets in advance.
17. Adventuredome at Circus Circus
Adventuredome at Circus Circus is a 5-acre indoor amusement park with rock climbing, bungee jumping, roller coasters (Chaos and Canyon Blaster), an arcade, miniature golf, bumper cars, and more. All-day ride passes are $30 if you’re under 48 inches tall, and $60 if you’re taller. You can buy them directly from Ticketmaster.
If you’re looking for an adventure-packed day to spend with your kids, this is the perfect place to visit.
18. Midway at Circus Circus
The Midway at Circus Circus is a fun experience for kids and adults of all ages. It has an enormous selection of games and premium prizes for winners, including 200 classic arcade games. The Midway surrounds a circus stage featuring daily acts starting at 1:30 p.m.
19. AREA15
Located a few miles from the Las Vegas strip, AREA15 is an immersive family entertainment center. You can enter and wander for free, but the kids will probably want to engage in some of the activities. Dark with lots of neon lights, activities include arcade games, a laser maze, axe throwing, and various virtual reality activities for the whole family. The complex also includes some small shops and places to eat.
20. Big Apple Coaster at New York, New York
The Big Apple Coaster is the world’s first to feature a 180-degree heartline twist and dive maneuver. Over 1.4 million riders enjoy its heart-stopping action annually, so perhaps this is best for teens. Below the Big Apple Coaster is an arcade for those whose hair raises at the thought of hurtling through the air.
21. Big Shot at the Stratosphere
This tower ride is one of the things to do in Las Vegas with kids who are teens and can handle an extreme drop. You’ll rise to 1081 feet above the ground, drop to experience the feeling of weightlessness and be shot back up again. Needless to say, rider restrictions apply for Big Shot riders.
22. Gondola Ride at the Venetian (Recommended)
The 15-minute ride under bridges and beside cafes in the Venetian hotel intends to evoke a similar gondola ride in Venice, Italy. They also have a gondola ride outdoors with views of the Strip. It’s a lovely way to experience the area, while you take a break from all of the activity.
23. K1 Speed Raceway
Kids and adults can drive electric-powered go-karts on an indoor track. K1 Speed Raceway is located about 2 miles from the Las Vegas Strip.
24. Meow Wolf
Part of the AREA15 entertainment complex, Meow Wolf’s Las Vegas location, Omega Mart, features aisles of whimsical products covering interactive art from local and international artists.
25. Vegas Indoor Skydiving
Indoor skydiving is popular with families, so it’s no surprise that it can also be done just off the Strip. Participants will go through instructional training, gear up, and spend 3 minutes suspended over a wind tunnel.
The minimum age is 5 years, and all participants under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
26. Cowabunga Bay
Cowabunga Bay is a seasonal water park about 10 miles from the strip. It has slides, a wave pool, and a kids’ area. The park’s website has a monthly calendar of events and days it is open.
27. Slotzilla Zip Line at the Fremont Street Experience (Recommended)
Slotzilla Zip Line is a slot machine inspired zip line at the Fremont Street Experience. The lower “Zipline” is 77 feet above ground and the higher “zoomline” is 114 feet above the ground and sends riders flying superhero-style.
28. Strat Tower
At 1,149 feet, the STRAT Tower is the largest freestanding observation tower in the US. Ride to the top for amazing views of Las Vegas or eat at the revolving Top of the World restaurant. You can also grab some sandwiches or ice cream on the Observation Deck and shop at the International Marketplace.
29. Skyjump
For older kids and adults who love thrill rides, SkyJump is an open air leap from 829 feet. With speeds topping 40 mph, SkyJump holds the Guinness World Record as the highest commercial decelerator descent facility. It is located at the STRAT Tower.
30. Minus 5 Ice Experience
Billed as the “Coolest Experience in Las Vegas,” Minus 5 is entirely made of ice – 90 tons of it! Explore the winter wonderland of ice sculptures, and the kids can enjoy mocktails served in cups made of ice. There are several locations including one at The Linq.
Museums and Animals
31. Neon Museum and Boneyard
Vintage Neon signs, some very large from old casinos and other businesses in Las Vegas, are displayed outdoors at the Neon Museum and Boneyard, which covers a 6-acre site. The general public can visit the museum only via a guided tour, which the museum urges visitors to pre-book due to demand.
As some of the signs still light up, night tours and late-night tours are also available. It’s a really neat walk through Las Vegas history. Just be sure to wear closed-toed shoes for your visit.
32. Shark Reef Aquarium
At Mandalay Bay, the Shark Reef Aquarium has over 2,000 animals, including giant rays, sea turtles, piranha, and a golden crocodile. Kids can also join their Animal Encounters program and feed stingrays, sharks, or turtles.
My daughter loves it, and it takes about an hour to tour it. It’s one of the nicest toddler and family-friendly things in Las Vegas.
33. Las Vegas Natural History Museum
The Las Vegas Natural History Museum is a private, nonprofit museum located in Downtown that features exhibits on dinosaurs, the natural wildlife of Nevada, the Treasures of Egypt (mummies), geology, and more. It also offers a Young Scientists Center where kids can dig for fossils or explore the ocean depths inside a submarine.
34. Discovery Children’s Museum (Recommended)
The Discovery Children’s Museum is home to 9 exhibition halls with 58,00 square feet of exhibits dedicated to science, art, and culture. Permanent exhibits include Eco City, Toddler Town, Patents Pending, Water World, and more. The Discovery Children’s Museum in Las Vegas is located in Symphony Park, adjacent to The Smith Center in Downtown.
35. Madame Tussauds Las Vegas
The Las Vegas location of Madame Tussauds at the Venetian features wax recreations of dozens of celebrities, including some of interest to kids, such as The Avengers or maybe Beyonce.
36. Aquarium at the Silverton
On its website, the Aquarium at the Silverton says it’s been named the “Best Free Attraction in Las Vegas.” The 117,000 gallons of water holds thousands of tropical fish and even live mermaids that interact with guests.
The staff marine biologist will answer guest questions while underwater (due to a full-face communication mask) during interactive daily feeding shows. Check the website for times. On select days, they even have a mermaid school where kids 7-12 are transformed into a mermaid and can swim with the fish in the aquarium.
37. Lion Habitat Ranch
Lion Habitat Ranch is a lion sanctuary located in nearby Henderson, just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, which features about 40 lions and a giraffe. Visitors can go behind the scenes and even feed the animals. It’s home to the original MGM Lions.
38. Seaquest Interactive Aquarium
Exhibits at the Seaquest Interactive Aquarium feature sea life, rainforest reptiles, tropical birds, and more. Kids can feed, interact with and even hold hundreds of creatures from all over the world. It is even possible to snorkel with stingrays.
39. Las Vegas Farm
Located in the Las Vegas Valley, the Las Vegas Farm has been open to the public since 1968. At the farm, kids can interact with chickens, peacocks, ducks, geese, turkeys, goats, pigs, horses, cows, a mule, llama, rabbits, cats, tortoises, and more. It is possible to feed some of the animals which is always a fun Las Vegas for kids thing to do.
The farm produces eggs and honey, which it sells in its market. There is also a broader farmer’s market offering seasonal vegetables and fruits, as well as breads, jams, and more. The Las Vegas Farm is about 20 miles from the Las Vegas Strip.
40. Atomic Testing Museum
The Atomic Testing Museum showcases the history of nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site north of Las Vegas. It’s a museum in association with the Smithsonian Institution that has a number of collection-based exhibits and learning activities all ages will love.
41. Nevada State Railroad Museum
Railroads may not have quite the same appeal to kids as they did in the 1960s, but there is still an allure for many. The Nevada State Railroad Museum is about a 25-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip. Here, you can ride in an old train along a portion of the same track that originally brought supplies to build Hoover Dam.
Las Vegas Shows for Kids
The Las Vegas strip is famous for its bright and extravagant shows. Not all are child-friendly (some are far from it), but here are some kid-friendly shows popular with families visiting Las Vegas.
42. Tournament of Kings
At the Excalibur, the Tournament of Kings, a 900-seat theater-in-the-round, immerses the dinner-and-a-show audience in the tales of knights of King Arthur.
The vibrant, interactive show includes special effects and pyrotechnics. During the show, guests eat a three-course meal with their hands! Get your tickets.
43. Blue Man Group
The world-famous comedic music show features a cast of performers painted blue. It is by far my daughter’s favorite Las Vegas show, and I’d recommend the poncho seats or nearby seats, as they’ll shoot toilet paper and other things into the section. The show is at the Luxor Hotel & Casino. Get tickets.
44. Mystère by Cirque du Soleil
Presented exclusively at Treasure Island, this Cirque du Soleil show has been named “Best Production Show” in Las Vegas multiple times by the Las Vegas Review-Journal newspaper. Of all the Cirque du Soleil shows in town, Mystère is the most popular among families.
45. Michael Jackson One by Cirque du Soliel
Have your kids heard you belt out Michael Jackson on the radio? Good. At the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip, this tribute show “embodies the King of Pop at his best.” It’s become easier to get tickets.
46. “O” by Cirque du Soleil
The classic aquatic “O” by Cirque du Soleil show at the Bellagio Las Vegas features acrobats, synchronized swimmers and lots of water. I think it’s amazing. Get tickets.
47. Bodies: The Exhibition
At the Luxor Hotel & Casino, 13 preserved human bodies and over 250 organs are displayed in an educational context. Here, kids (if they are not squeamish) can marvel at how intricate our muscles and organs are, in addition to learning a little bit more about what happens if we don’t take care of our bodies. I first took my daughter here when she was a grade-schooler and worried that it would be scary for her, but it totally wasn’t. She loved it. Learn more and get tickets.
48. Gregory Popovich’s Comedy Pet Theater
Located at the V Theater at Planet Hollywood in the Miracle Mile Shops, Gregory Popovich’s Pet Theater is a kid-oriented comedy show featuring pet tricks that is fun for all ages, including toddlers.
49. David Copperfield Magic Show
Looking for a little magic? This world-famous magician is family-friendly and one of the best shows for a bit of wonder and fun. His illusions will leave you all wondering how on earth he did it! Get tickets.
50. Laughternoon
If you’re looking for a Las Vegas show for kids in the afternoon, head over to The Orleans Hotel in Downtown Las Vegas. This funny magic show features tricks by Adam London and rubber ducks. Learn more about Laughternoon.
Shopping and Food
There are a lot of fantastic food options in Las Vegas. But these are specifically geared towards children, and their love for all things candy.
51. M&M’s Las Vegas
Located near the MGM Grand Casino & Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, M&M’s Las Vegas has four floors that celebrate all things M&M’s candy. Here, you can buy seemingly endless varieties of classic M&M’s candy, toys, clothes, and other M&M souvenirs. I mean, here’s your chance to get the famous candy in a color not normally sold in stores.
52. Hershey’s Chocolate World
Located in the New York, New York Hotel & Casino, Hershey’s Chocolate World is a 2-story, 13,000-square-foot flagship store that showcases over 800 Hershey’s chocolate and candies and also offers store-exclusive gifts, products, and treats.
Kids can customize their own candy bars and even star in a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup commercial. The store features a sculpture of the Statue of Liberty made entirely of chocolate.
53. Coca-Cola Store
Located in the Showcase Mall just north of the MGM Grand on the Las Vegas Strip, the Coca-Cola store itself celebrates the iconic Coca-Cola, a soda known worldwide for generations. A snack bar there offers an “Around the World” option where you can get a 4-oz. portion of 16 different sodas and drinks from around the world.
54. Ethel M Chocolates
Enjoy a self-guided viewing aisle at the Ethel M Chocolate Factory and a chocolate shop in Henderson. It’s free to enter, but you can take a chocolate tasting class for an additional fee. You can also explore their 3-acre cactus garden.
Outdoor Family Activities in and Around Las Vegas
Leave the city of Las Vegas behind for a day to experience Nevada’s natural, wild side, which is full of family-friendly activities.
55. Hoover Dam
A visit to the Hoover Dam is an excellent day trip from Las Vegas filled with edutainment for all ages. It’s one of the seven engineering wonders of the modern world and straddles the Arizona-Nevada border. Tour the power plant, take photos from the observation deck, and more.
There are myriad ways to tour the Hoover Dam, from private guides to bike tours. For example, multiple tour companies offer helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon and/or Hoover Dam (with various add-ons, if you like), departing from and returning to Las Vegas. Browse Hoover Dam tours.
56. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Just 25 minutes or so away from the Strip is the gorgeous Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. It features a scenic 13-mile drive, internationally renowned hiking trails, and unique geology, including rock formations that have formed over the past 600 million years. Particularly notable is the 7,068-foot Mount Wilson. Many go to Red Rock Canyon to take a break from the neon.
57. Wetlands Park
Covering 2,900 acres, Wetlands Park includes walking trails and a 210-acre nature preserve. A variety of birds and mammals can be found in the park, including beavers, coyotes, and bobcats. There is a playground and picnic areas, and a 1Nature Center with a 10,000 square foot Exhibit Gallery indoor eating area, and gift shop. The park is located about 10 miles east of the strip and entry is free.
58. Springs Preserve
Springs Preserve is 180 acres of land featuring nature walks and displays located approximately three miles west of Downtown Las Vegas. Also featuring other daily events detailed on their website.
59. Lake Mead
Lake Mead is both on the Colorado River and a National Recreation Area managed by the National Park Service. Here outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy sport fishing, kayaking, canoeing, picnic areas, desert scenery, desert hikes, and even the opportunity to see the Hoover Dam. It’s about 24 miles from the Las Vegas Strip.
60. Mount Charleston
The highest peak in Clark County, Nevada (which includes Las Vegas), Mount Charleston offers mountain hiking and modest, seasonal skiing. There are multiple hiking trails in the area for you and the family, and you can even do a bit of horseback riding.
How to Save Money on Las Vegas Attractions
There are two popular discounted attractions passes that include the best kid friendly things Las Vegas has to offer. Which you choose depends on the length of your visit and which attractions you’d like to see.
The Las Vegas Sightseeing Pass
The Las Vegas Sightseeing Pass offers free entry and sometimes expedited entry, to over 60 Las Vegas attractions. They offer day passes (choose 2-5 days) and a Flex Pass where you choose the attractions you want to visit and you have 60 days to use it.
Go Las Vegas
One of the most popular discounted bundled attraction passes is Go Las Vegas. You can buy it as an All-Inclusive pass (saving up to 60%), an Explorer pass (choose 4, 5, 7 attractions and use the pass within 30 days from the first scan).
Or, Build Your Own pass and save 20% by adding just two attractions to the pass. The more attractions you add, the greater the savings will be. Show the pass on a mobile phone for entry.
Best Family Hotels in Las Vegas
Las Vegas with kids is often easiest in a non-gaming hotel. Our preferred Las Vegas family hotel is Four Seasons Las Vegas.
Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas (Top Pick)
Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas is by far the best family hotel. This is where we stay. In addition to always-stellar service, Four Seasons properties worldwide are well-known for being welcoming to kids with various amenities at check-in, menus just for them, and more.
The pool area lacks the crowds and chaos that can be common during warm weather in Vegas. The sounds of slot machines are absent, but it’s easy to step into the Mandalay Bay casino straight from the hotel elevator if you like. I have special benefits at Four Seasons that I can secure for you if you send me your dates.
We are also fans of the make-your-own donut bar at Sunday brunch. I have even written a summary for Four Seasons of things to do with kids in Las Vegas that are easy when you stay at this luxury hotel.
Tip: Search and book other Las Vegas luxury hotels with value-added Virtuoso benefits (at no cost to you) that may include breakfast for two, $100 resort credits, upgrades, and more.
What are your favorite things to do in Las Vegas with kids?
Katie Dillon
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