The city of Las Vegas certainly is a grown-up’s playground, with casinos, attractions, and adult entertainment, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of things for kids to do in Las Vegas as well. There is actually no shortage of kid friendly activities and museums. As a bonus, a few are even free things to do with the family.
When you take kids to Las Vegas, you may not even know where to get started. We’ve got some ideas of where to start in choosing the best things for kids to do in Las Vegas. And you’ll make some awesome memories along the way! Check out these family-friendly activities that will get your kids just as excited about visiting Las Vegas as you are.
Insider Tip: Be sure to check out our tips for a successful Las Vegas family vacation!
Thrills & Entertainment
The VOID
If you have children ages ten or older that are looking for a really cool experience, The VOID won’t let you down. It has one of the most impressive virtual reality experiences you’ll ever come across. Have you ever wanted to be a particular character in your favorite action movie? From Star Wars to Avengers, this is your chance.
Adventuredome Theme Park
At Circus Circus, you’ll come across the indoor Adventuredome Theme Park. Several attractions include indoor rock climbing, mini-golf, bungee jumping, roller skating, arcade games, roller coasters, and other amusement park rides.
Kids Shows
Not only are there adult shows in Vegas, but also family friendly ones that will impress the kids. One popular one includes the Excalibur’s Tournament of Kings, where your kids can cheer on their favorite knight while eating dinner with their hands.
The acrobats and choreography of the Mystère by Cirque du Soleil is also an exciting one as well, based at Treasure Island hotel. The acrobatics, lighting effects and costumes are sure to keep the kids entertained.
Eiffel Tower Experience
Want a view of the the city? Visit the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck with 360 degree views of Las Vegas. A guide will give you a run down of the interesting history of the city. If you time it right you can even catch the fountain show at the Bellagio.
Downtown Container Park
This artsy industrial one-stop-shop entertainment, dining, and shopping is built of stacked shipping containers. Here the kids can enjoy a Treehouse Playground. There’s live music at the Lawn, which is a green space with lounge seating and large lego blocks.
Waterparks
If your family is simply needing a day lounging down a lazy river or zipping down some awesome waterslides, check out the Cowabunga Bay and Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas waterparks. These parks in Henderson have pools and fun splash zones for the younger children.
High Roller Observation Wheel
Kids 6 and under ride free on the High Roller Observation Wheel that’s located in the middle of the Vegas strip. Each air-conditioned pod can hold up to 40 people, and the experience takes right around an hour.
Splash at a Pool
Las Vegas is known for its pools. On a hot summer day, there’s nothing better than playing in the water. But , not all pools in Las Vegas are kids friendly. Some may be a party zone. And, others may just boast too skimpy swim wear for some parent’s taste. There are a handful that are great for kids though.
SlotZilla Zip Line at the Fremont Street Experience
While the Fremont Street Experience may not have the most kid-friendly reputation, kids are sure to love fling 7 stories high on this slot machine-inspired zip line or 11 stories high on the SlotZilla Zoomline. Go early, before 5 pm, and save $5!
Big Apple Coaster
If your kids are roller coaster junkies, you’ll certainly want to hit the Big Apple Coaster themed to New York City taxis. It is located at the New York New York Hotel.
Vegas Indoor Skydiving
Learn to fly upside down and other cool tricks in the air, while getting some thrills in a safe environment with great instructors.
Pole Position Raceway
What kid doesn’t love racing go karts?! This indoor track offers electric go karts for a smooth and fast race experience.
Outdoor and Animal Experiences
Did you know that Las Vegas is more than bright lights? You can actually get out and enjoy the great outdoors here.
Hike Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Red Rock Canyon is a fabulous to experience the outdoors in Las Vegas. Start out with the short 0.7 mile loop at Lost Creek Canyon Trail or 1 mile loop at the Children’s Discovery Trail, both on the Red Rock Scenic Route, for the younger kids. More experienced hikers may want to take on the 2.5 mile Calico Tanks on the Red Rock Scenic Route.
Shark Reef Aquarium
The Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay has several underwater exhibits and 14 different shark habitats, one which has a sunken ship, as well as a chance for your kids to pet sharks, rays, and horseshoe crabs at their Touch Pool. Kids love this because it’s an interactive way for them to be a part of an aquarium.
Lion Habitat Ranch
A small outdoor animal sanctuary just outside of town, best visited during cooler months. Here you can visit several lions, and even a giraffe who paints!
Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is housed on the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel’s beautiful 15-acre grounds. The habitat is filled with Chilean flamingos, other exotic birds, fish and turtles. Best of all, it is free!
Museums and History
Discovery Children’s Museum
Arguably one of the coolest museums in town, the Discovery Children’s Museum has plenty of hands-on exhibits and entertainment for kids of all ages.
At The Summit, there’s a 70-foot tall tower that has 12 levels of exciting science, and they have a water play area called Water World.
There’s even an EcoCity that your kids can help create and be apart of. I don’t know about you, but my kids love water play.
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
The exhibits at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum are detailed and ever-changing, from dinosaurs to ocean exhibits. There’s a back room with interactive exhibits including a tarantula and snake that kids can touch during their animal exploration.
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
Located in the Grand Canal Shoppes The Venetian Las Vegas casino resort, this Madame Tussauds wax museum was the first to open in the U.S. Take photos with these life like versions of celebrities. Also check out the virtual reality experience.
The Hoover Dam
Located 30 miles southeast of town, if you have the time, take a tour of this breathtaking symbol of American engineering. It was built during America’s Great Depression as the then-largest dam construction project in the world.
National Atomic Testing Museum
Older kids may want to learn about the history of nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site. Be sure to check out the Ground Zero Theater which simulates viewing a nuclear bomb test.
Coming 2020!
Meow Wolf Las Vegas
Part amusement park and part art experience, Meow Wolf Las Vegas is set to open sometime in 2020 in AREA 51 of Las Vegas. I describe the Meow Wolf Eternal House of Return in Santa Fe as a multi-dimensional, multi-sensory place of discovery and imagination that was born of art. I can’t imagine that once it opens that it won’t be the number one item on our list of things to do in Vegas with kids.
Believe it or not, this is only a few of the many things to do with kids in Las Vegas. If you’ve been there with kids before, what other things did you find that they really enjoyed? What is your favorite kid-friendly activity in Las Vegas?
