When it comes to planning a family vacation, finding destinations that cater to both adults and children can be a challenge. But we’ve discovered that Las Vegas, Nevada, offers a variety of family-friendly activities that are sure to entertain kids and make lasting memories. So pack your bags and get ready for an amazing adventure with the whole family!
While Las Vegas is often associated with casinos and adult entertainment, there’s a hidden side to the city that’s perfect for creating unforgettable family experiences. We’ve explored some of the best attractions and activities that cater to children of all ages, so you can experience Vegas in a whole new way.
From indoor skydiving to water parks and thrilling amusement rides, Las Vegas has it all. We’ll guide you through some of our favorite family-friendly activities and attractions that you won’t want to miss on your next trip to Sin City. So join us as we uncover the fun and excitement that awaits in family-friendly Las Vegas!
Kid-Friendly Shows
When it comes to entertainment, Las Vegas is the perfect destination for families, offering a wide array of kid-friendly shows. We understand that traveling with children can be challenging at times, but these shows provide a fantastic opportunity for families to enjoy quality time together.
- One of the top picks for families is the world-famous Circus Circus. The Adventuredome at Circus Circus offers thrilling performances that captivate both children and adults alike. This indoor amusement park features acrobats, jugglers, and other amazing performers, creating a fun and lively atmosphere.
- Another great option for children of all ages is the Jabbawockeez show at MGM Grand. This talented dance crew brings unique moves and engaging music to the stage, ensuring an entertaining and unforgettable experience.
- If your family enjoys aquatic life, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is a must-see. This immersive experience allows guests to get up close and personal with various underwater creatures, including sharks and exotic fish. It’s not only a fun outing but also an educational experience for the whole family.
In addition to these popular shows, there are plenty of other family-friendly performances across the city. From magic shows to musicals, Las Vegas has something for everyone, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable trip for the entire family.
Educational Attractions
Las Vegas offers a variety of family-friendly educational attractions, making it an ideal destination for learning and fun. In this section, we’ll explore some educational attractions that will pique the curiosity of your little ones, including museums, aquariums, and zoos.
Museums
- We recommend a visit to the Discovery Children’s Museum, an interactive museum designed specifically for kids. Here, they can explore exhibits about science, art, and culture, all while nurturing their creativity and curiosity.
- Another educational attraction is the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, which showcases fascinating exhibits focused on local wildlife, prehistoric life, and Egyptian artifacts, providing a unique window into the natural and cultural history of the region.
Aquariums
A top choice for an aquatic adventure is the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. With over 2,000 creatures, including sharks, rays, and exotic fish, the aquarium offers an immersive and educational experience for kids and adults alike. Don’t miss the touch pool, where little hands can get up close and personal with sea life!
Zoos
For animal lovers, the Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage is a must-visit attraction. Here, kids can marvel at majestic white tigers, lions, leopards, and bottlenose dolphins, while learning about wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures.
Another fantastic option is the Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park, also known as the Las Vegas Zoo. This compact zoo is home to over 150 species of plants and animals, providing a unique opportunity for kids to learn about the beautiful diversity of the natural world.
Outdoor Activities
When it comes to spending time outdoors in Las Vegas with kids, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to choose from. Let us share some of our favorite outdoor activities that we’ve enjoyed with our little ones, including parks, playgrounds, and hiking trails.
Hiking Trails
For those wanting to explore the natural beauty surrounding Las Vegas, there are several family-friendly hiking trails to choose from. One that we particularly enjoy is the Railroad Tunnel Trail at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. This easy 4.4-mile round trip hike features a gentle incline, historical railroad tunnels, and stunning views of Lake Mead and Boulder Dam.
Another equally enjoyable but slightly more challenging hike is the Calico Tanks Trail at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. This 2.2-mile round trip trail winds through colorful sandstone formations and ends at a hidden water tank with panoramic views of Las Vegas Valley. It’s important to note that this trail requires some scrambling and proper footwear, so it might not be suitable for very young children.
Theme Parks and Amusement Centers
When it comes to family-friendly activities in Las Vegas, we can’t help but mention the city’s fantastic array of theme parks and amusement centers. These venues offer a fun and exciting experience for the whole family, with plenty of thrills, laughs, and adventures to be had.
- One of our favorite spots is the Adventuredome at Circus Circus, which features a wide range of thrilling rides and attractions for kids of all ages – from roller coasters and bumper cars to arcade games and even a mini golf course. It’s a fantastic place for families to spend a day, and we’ve always found the atmosphere to be lively and entertaining.
- For those of us who love water parks, we recommend checking out Wet’n’Wild Las Vegas. This massive aquatic playground is home to a variety of slides, pools, and attractions designed to keep the whole family entertained. From adventurous tube slides and body water slides to a relaxing lazy river and a wave pool, Wet’n’Wild has something for everyone.
- If your family is into gaming, then the HyperX Esports Arena Las Vegas at Luxor Hotel and Casino should be on your to-do list. This state-of-the-art venue offers a competitive gaming stage, daily gaming stations, and even family-friendly tournaments for some friendly competition.
In addition, don’t forget to visit the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino for an up-close look at various marine life, including sharks and stingrays. It’s a unique experience for kids and parents alike!
Interactive Experiences
When exploring Las Vegas with kids, it’s important to plan some interactive experiences that will engage their curiosity and create lasting memories. In this section, we will highlight some of the best escape rooms and virtual reality arcades that cater to families looking for fun, immersive activities to enjoy together.
Escape Rooms
Escape rooms have become increasingly popular family-friendly activities that encourage teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving. Participants are immersed in a themed room and must solve a series of puzzles to “escape” within a certain amount of time. Several escape rooms in Las Vegas cater specifically to families with kids, providing age-appropriate challenges and storylines.
For instance, Number One Escape Room offers rooms with varying difficulty levels, making it suitable for both novice and experienced players. Another popular choice is Lockdown Escape Rooms, which features exciting themes, such as a haunted house or a pirate ship adventure.
Virtual Reality Arcades
In recent years, virtual reality (VR) arcades have emerged as a thrilling and immersive entertainment option for families. These arcades offer a wide range of VR games and experiences, allowing players to explore immersive environments, solve puzzles, and engage in friendly competition.
One of the most popular VR arcades in Las Vegas is HeadzUP Vegas, which boasts a variety of games, suitable for different ages and interests. Whether you want to team up to defeat zombies, solve a mystery, or explore a fantastic world, HeadzUP has something for everyone. Another top contender in the virtual reality world is Wild Immersion. Endorsed by Jane Goodall, Wild Immersion provides a unique twist to the VR experience, as participants can take virtual tours of the world’s natural habitats, getting an up-close and personal view of wildlife.
By including these interactive experiences in your Las Vegas family vacation, you’re not only providing your kids with a memorable and enjoyable time but also offering them a chance to learn and bond as a family.
Family-Friendly Restaurants
Las Vegas offers various family-friendly restaurants that cater to different tastes and preferences. One such option is Giordano’s, known for its delicious pizza to suit any taste buds. Also, don’t miss out on kid-friendly dining experiences at Springs Preserve and Ethel M Chocolate Factory & Botanical Cactus Garden, as mentioned by Visit Las Vegas.
Besides, you can check out the top 10 family restaurants in Las Vegas on TripAdvisor for more options to delight your little ones.
Kid-Friendly Shopping
When it comes to shopping, Las Vegas won’t disappoint either. A perfect example is the Downtown Container Parklocated on Fremont Street. This open-air center offers dining, shopping, and live entertainment to make it an unforgettable experience for the entire family. Your kids will have a blast exploring the large climbing structure and taking part in various activities.
Now you have an idea of some family-friendly dining and shopping options in Las Vegas, you and your kids are all set to have an incredible time. Happy travels!
