Before our trip, I always thought Las Vegas was just for adults. But after visiting with my kids, I can honestly say: Vegas is an amazing destination for families too. With shows, hands-on attractions, wildlife experiences, and even peaceful gardens, we had one of our most memorable vacations yet.
This guide is based entirely on our personal experience, real places we visited, best things to do in Vegas with kids, real meals we enjoyed, and real tips that helped us navigate Vegas with two energetic kids.
Download PDF Guide: Things to Do in Vegas With Kids
Why Vegas Actually Works Amazingly Well for Families
Before our first trip, I had all the same concerns you might be feeling right now. Here’s what we discovered that completely changed our perspective:
- World-Class Attractions: Where else can you see ancient pyramids, Parisian landmarks, and medieval castles all on one street?
- Surprisingly Affordable: Many of the best experiences are completely free or budget-friendly
- Perfect Pool Weather: The sunny climate means hotel pools are enjoyable year-round
- Non-Stop Entertainment: The constant energy and visual stimulation captivate children’s imaginations
Our Family’s Tested-and-Approved Top 10 Things to Do in Vegas With Kids Experiences
These are the activities my kids (now 12 and 9) still talk about years later—the absolute must-dos for any family visiting Vegas.
1. Marvel at the FREE Strip Attractions
You can entertain your family for days without spending a dime. These became our daily rituals:
- The Bellagio Fountains: My daughter’s “dancing water music” never gets old. We’ve watched this spectacular show over two dozen times across our visits. Pro Tip: Evening shows are most magical, but daytime visits are less crowded.
- The Bellagio Conservatory: The seasonal floral displays are breathtakingly creative. My son still remembers the giant animated butterflies from our spring visit.
- The Fall of Atlantis Show: This free animatronic spectacle at Caesars Palace plays hourly. It’s delightfully cheesy, and kids adore the special effects.
2. Experience the Adventuredome at Circus Circus
This five-acre indoor theme park remains my children’s number one attraction in Vegas. The pink dome contains thrilling roller coasters, kid-friendly rides, and classic carnival games.
From our experience: Always buy the all-day pass online in advance—individual ride tickets become expensive quickly.
3. Explore the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
The Shark Reef Aquarium offers a perfect educational break from the Vegas hustle. Walking through the transparent tunnel as sharks swim overhead is unforgettable. The interactive touch pools with stingrays were a huge hit with both kids.
4. Watch the FREE Circus Acts at Circus Circus
Every 30 minutes, world-class circus performers entertain crowds in the casino’s midway. We’ve spent entire afternoons watching acrobats, jugglers, and aerialists between Adventuredome rides.
5. Discover the Hidden Gem: Discovery Children’s Museum
Located just off the Strip, this three-story wonderland might be Vegas’s best-kept family secret. The hands-on science exhibits kept my children engaged for hours. The water play area and massive climbing structure were particular favorites.
6. Splash Around at Mandalay Bay’s Beach Complex
The Mandalay Bay pool complex features a wave pool, lazy river, and real sand beach. We’ve specifically chosen hotels based on their pools, and this remains our family’s favorite.
7. Step Back in Time at the Pinball Hall of Fame
This unassuming building houses the world’s largest pinball collection. For about $20, our family spent hours playing vintage games. It’s a wonderful, affordable break from the Strip’s sensory overload.
8. Experience a Family-Friendly Show
We’ve seen several productions over the years, but Blue Man Group remains our top recommendation. The non-verbal performance works for all ages and languages. Tournament of Kings at Excalibur is another fantastic dinner show option.
9. Take a Nature Break at Red Rock Canyon
When the Strip becomes overwhelming, Red Rock Canyon provides a stunning natural escape just 30 minutes away. The scenic drive offers numerous family-friendly hiking trails with breathtaking views.
10. Enjoy Themed Dining Experiences
Vegas does themed restaurants better than anywhere else. Our family favorites:
- The Sugar Factory: For insane milkshakes and a vibrant atmosphere
- Rainforest Cafe: The animatronic animals never fail to delight younger children
- Heart Attack Grill: For older kids who appreciate the edgy, retro theme
Best Kid-Friendly Shows in Las Vegas
i) Mystère by Cirque du Soleil
This was our first family show, and it was pure magic. Acrobats flipped through the air, trampolines bounced performers higher than I’ve ever seen, and the costumes mesmerized us all.
“Mom, are they really flying?” my daughter whispered — wide-eyed — during the trampoline finale.
📍 Treasure Island Hotel
🎟️ ~$70–$80 per ticket
🕒 Evening shows — book early!
ii) Popovich Comedy Pet Theater
Imagine cats, dogs, and even parrots performing silly, smart, and heartwarming tricks. It’s perfect for young kids and surprisingly fun for adults too.
📍 Miracle Mile Shops
🎟️ ~$30–$45
Top Indoor Attractions for Families
i) 🔬 Discovery Children’s Museum
Located in downtown Vegas, this three-story museum is packed with science, water play, art zones, and even a miniature city. My kids spent hours climbing, splashing, and experimenting.
📍 360 Promenade Place
🎟️ ~$15 per person
🕒 Open 10 am–5 pm (closed Mondays)
ii) Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
The Bellagio Conservatory is a beautiful indoor garden located inside the Bellagio Hotel & Casino. It features colorful flowers, plants, and trees that change with the seasons, creating stunning displays year-round.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 (38,752 reviews)
Category: Botanical Garden
- Location: Bellagio Hotel & Casino, 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
- Phone: (702) 693-7111
- Website: bellagio.com
- Hours: Open 24 hours
Animal Encounters in the City
i) 🦈 Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
We walked through a 360° glass tunnel surrounded by sharks and exotic fish — a quiet, cool, and stunning break from the Strip’s noise.
📍 Mandalay Bay Hotel
🎟️ ~$29 adults, ~$24 kids
Hours: 10 AM–8 PM
ii) 🦒 Lion Habitat Ranch (Henderson)
An unexpected highlight — we fed a giraffe and got up close with lions, emus, and tortoises. The staff were friendly, and it was a calm, enriching experience.
🎟️ ~$25 adults, ~$15 kids
Outdoor Experiences That Were Totally Worth It
i) 🌊 Bellagio Fountains & Conservatory
Each night, we grabbed gelato and watched the fountains dance to music. We also explored the indoor botanical garden — beautifully themed and peaceful.
🎟️ Free
ii) 🏞️ Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive
We took the 13-mile loop, stopped for photos, and did short hikes. It’s perfect for escaping the buzz of the Strip while still staying close to town.
📍 ~30 minutes west of Vegas
🎟️ $15 per car
iii) Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix Family Fun Center
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4 (4,483 reviews)
Category: Go-Karting Venue · $$
This fun center has 4 go-karts and grand prix tracks for both kids and adults. It also features an arcade, amusement rides, food options, and a party room, making it perfect for families and groups.
- Location: 1401 N Rainbow Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89108
- Phone: (702) 259-7000
- Website: lvmgp.com
Budget-Friendly and Free Things to Do
- M&M’s World – Fun just to explore
- Flamingo Wildlife Habitat – Real flamingos & turtles
- Mirage Volcano Show – Fire & music, every night
- Downtown Container Park – Play area and food trucks
You don’t have to spend a fortune to have fun.
Unique Kid Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
- Fly LINQ Zipline – Kids over 60 lbs can soar over the LINQ promenade
- Ethel M Chocolate Factory – Free samples + cactus garden
- Las Vegas Natural History Museum – Fossils, mummies, sharks, oh my!
Where to Eat With Kids in Vegas
🐒 Rainforest Café (MGM Grand)
Think thunderstorms, moving animals, and glowing aquariums. My 6-year-old was convinced the gorilla moved just to scare him.
🍦 Black Tap (Venetian)
Massive milkshakes covered in candy — Instagram-worthy and delicious. Burgers were high-quality, and the service was great.
🍟 Gordon Ramsay Burger (Planet Hollywood)
The vibe is classy but kid-friendly. They loved the fries; we loved the elevated burgers.
💡 Tip: Many restaurants offer kid menus — ask even if it’s not listed.
Where to Stay With Kids in Vegas
We stayed at The Mirage, and it worked beautifully for our family:
- Mid-strip location = easy access
- Huge pool area = midday escape
- Quiet at night = better sleep for all
Other family-friendly options:
Choosing the right hotel can make or break a family trip to Vegas. For families, the key factors are location, amenities, kid-friendly activities, and safety. Based on our experience, here are some top options:
1. Excalibur Hotel & Casino
- Why it’s great for families: Castle-themed resort with a fun, playful atmosphere.
- Family perks: Arcade, medieval dinner show (Tournament of Kings), and budget-friendly room rates.
- Tip: The pool area is large and kid-friendly, perfect for mid-day breaks from the Strip.
2. New York-New York Hotel & Casino
- Why it’s great for families: Themed after NYC streets with a roller coaster for thrill-seekers.
- Family perks: Fun arcade, easy dining options, and direct access to the LINQ Promenade.
- Tip: Book a room on higher floors for quieter nights and great views of the Strip.
3. Vdara Hotel & Spa
- Why it’s great for families: Non-gaming, smoke-free environment, quieter atmosphere.
- Family perks: Kitchenettes in rooms, large suites, and a rooftop pool.
- Tip: Ideal for families with younger kids who need a calm space to relax after long days.
4. Mandalay Bay Resort
- Why it’s great for families: Home to the Shark Reef Aquarium, a huge pool complex with lazy rivers.
- Family perks: Direct access to family-friendly attractions without leaving the hotel.
- Tip: Book early for weekend stays; pools can get crowded during peak season.
🎯 Always check for resort fees and pool access hours.
3-Day Family-Friendly Las Vegas Itinerary for Kids
Planning Vegas with kids? Here’s a complete, realistic 3-day plan that balances fun, food, and rest, all while staying budget-friendly and exciting for the whole family.
Day 1: Fun on the Strip + Kid-Friendly Shows
Morning:
- Breakfast: Rainforest Café at MGM Grand (~$15–$20 per person)
- Activity: Explore the M&M’s World and Coca-Cola Store on the Strip. Free to walk through; small souvenirs $5–$15.
Late Morning / Early Afternoon:
- Activity: Discovery Children’s Museum – Hands-on science, art, and play zones.
- 📍 360 Promenade Place
- 🎟️ ~$15 per person
- Lunch: Quick bite inside the museum or nearby cafe (~$10–$15 per person)
Afternoon:
- Activity: Relax at your hotel pool or take a short nap — Vegas can be overwhelming for kids.
Evening:
- Dinner & Show:
- Dinner: Gordon Ramsay Burger (~$15–$20 per person)
- Show: Mystère by Cirque du Soleil (~$70–$80 per person)
Tips: Bring comfortable shoes; you’ll be walking a lot along the Strip.
Estimated Day 1 Cost: ~$150–$200 per adult, ~$120–$150 per child (including show tickets, food, and museum entry)
Day 2: Wildlife, Indoor Fun & Pools
Morning:
- Breakfast: Buttermilk pancakes at your hotel or local café (~$12–$15 per person)
- Activity: Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
- 🎟️ ~$29 adults, ~$24 kids
- Amazing underwater tunnel, sharks, turtles, and rays.
Late Morning / Early Afternoon:
- Activity: Adventuredome Indoor Amusement Park (Circus Circus)
- 🎟️ Ride passes ~$30 per person for a few rides, day passes higher
- Lunch: Quick snacks at Adventuredome or nearby cafe (~$10–$15 per person)
Afternoon:
- Return to hotel pool for water fun and rest. Pools are often the highlight for kids!
Evening:
- Dinner: Black Tap at Venetian (milkshakes & burgers, ~$15–$25 per person)
- Optional: Watch the Bellagio Fountain Show (free)
Tips: Indoor attractions are perfect to escape the heat, especially in summer.
Estimated Day 2 Cost: ~$120–$150 per adult, ~$100–$120 per child
Day 3: Adventure Off-Strip + Nature & Gardens
Morning:
- Breakfast: Hotel buffet or local cafe (~$12–$18 per person)
- Activity: Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive
- 🎟️ $15 per vehicle
- Short family hikes, scenic viewpoints, picnic option
Late Morning / Early Afternoon:
- Activity: Lion Habitat Ranch (Henderson)
- 🎟️ ~$25 adults, ~$15 kids
- Feed giraffes, see lions, farm animals
Lunch: Pack a picnic or eat at a nearby diner (~$10–$15 per person)
Afternoon:
- Activity: Ethel M Chocolate Factory & Botanical Cactus Garden (Free entry)
- Chocolate samples and cactus garden walk for kids
Evening:
- Dinner & Evening Fun:
- Dinner: Family-friendly pizza or burger (~$15 per person)
- Activity: Catch Popovich Comedy Pet Theater (~$30–$45 per person)
Tips: Day 3 is slightly slower to give kids a chance to rest before travel home.
Estimated Day 3 Cost: ~$120–$150 per adult, ~$80–$120 per child
Things To Do In Vegas With Kids: Summary of Costs
| Item | Adults | Kids |
| Shows | $70–$80 | $30–$45 |
| Museums / Aquariums | $29–$15 | $24–$15 |
| Indoor amusement / rides | $30–$50 | $30–$50 |
| Meals | $50–$70 | $40–$60 |
| Red Rock Canyon | $15 per car | — |
| Lion Habitat Ranch | $25 | $15 |
Approximate 3-Day Total per Family of 4: ~$1,000–$1,200 (including tickets, meals, and attractions)
What to Pack for Vegas With Kids
Here’s what helped us the most:
- 👟 Comfortable walking shoes
- ☀️ Hats + sunscreen
- 💧 Refillable water bottles
- 🍎 Healthy snacks for long lines
- 🧥 Light jackets (casinos are cold!)
- 🔋 Portable charger
- 🩱 Swim gear for hotel pools
Strollers are helpful, even for 6–7-year-olds. The Strip is longer than it looks.
Age-Specific Recommendations
Best Activities for Toddlers in Vegas
Focus on visual experiences and contained spaces. The Bellagio Fountains, Conservatory, and children’s museum work perfectly. Avoid crowded times and schedule activities for mornings when toddlers are freshest.
Top Picks for Teenagers in Vegas
Teens appreciate adrenaline and independence. Thrill rides, VR experiences, and shows like Blue Man Group work well. The LINQ Promenade and Forum Shops at Caesars offer great spaces for them to explore safely.
Travel Tips I Wish I Knew Before
- Don’t overbook your day — the Strip is tiring
- Book shows early — and choose matinees when possible
- Ask hotels about family discounts or kids-eat-free offers
- Use Uber Family or Lyft XL with car seats
- Plan one rest day — your kids will thank you
FAQs About Things To Do In Vegas With Kids
Q: Is Las Vegas truly appropriate for families?
A: Yes, with proper planning. Vegas requires more research than typical family destinations, but the rewards are substantial. Focus on the numerous family-friendly attractions and avoid clearly adult-oriented areas.
Q: What are the absolute best hotels for families?
A: Based on our personal stays across multiple trips:
- Mandalay Bay: Unbeatable pool complex and aquarium access
- Circus Circus: Most affordable option with on-site theme park
- Venetian/Palazzo: Spacious suites perfect for a family spreading out
- New York-New York: Fun theme and roller coaster right onsite
Q: How many days do we realistically need?
A: 3-4 full days allows you to experience the highlights without feeling rushed. Add an extra day if you plan side trips to Hoover Dam or Red Rock Canyon.
Q: What’s the ideal time of year to visit with kids?
A: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer perfect pool weather without extreme heat. Summer can be brutally hot, while winter brings cooler temperatures but spectacular holiday decorations.
Final Thoughts
Las Vegas turned out to be one of our favorite family trips. Between thrilling shows, exciting attractions, and peaceful gardens, we discovered a side of Vegas we never expected.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying a week, there are endless things to do in Vegas with kids — and unforgettable memories to make.
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