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Most people consider Las Vegas more of a partying, gambling, and Cirque du Soleil hub of Nevada and less of a family-friendly destination.
But there are so many things to do in Las Vegas with kids, on and off the strip, that most families are completely surprised.
People just don’t realize how kid-friendly Las Vegas is, which explains the reason why it is referred to as “Sin City.”
We took a family trip to Las Vegas with our in-laws and their kids, and you’ll see below why we all had such a great time.
I’ve heard people say they would never take their kids to Vegas because of the gambling, partying, nudity, sin, etc., and I don’t blame them for feeling the way they do. When I think about our college Vegas trips, there was absolutely nothing kid-friendly about them.
As a matter of fact, my bridesmaids and I went to Vegas for my bachelorette party, and we had a crazy time!
If you’re still mapping out your family travel plans, check out my Best Family Vacation Spots in the United States and my Family Travel Bucket List for more inspiration.
This post contains affiliate links.
Things to Do in Las Vegas on Your Next Family Vacation
What are the best things to do in Las Vegas with kids?
- Bellagio Fountains free outdoor show
- Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
- High Roller observation wheel for city views
- Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area day trip
- The Discovery Children’s Museum for hands-on fun
My view of Las Vegas completely changed after having kids. It’s one of those places you can visit with your family, but then also get a sitter for a night out if you want to. It’s important to note that Las Vegas is a city just like any other in the U.S., with children’s museums, national parks, play areas, and much more. And that visiting the Las Vegas strip, which is party central during the day and nighttime, especially, is not a must.
Aiden and I have been to Las Vegas countless times. The first time we visited Las Vegas, he was 6 months old, and that was the first time we travelled. I have lots of fond memories from that trip. I also had a job assignment in Las Vegas and was blessed to be able to take him with me. He attended daycare at Kids R Kids for a day or two while I worked, or I’d take someone to watch him, and we’d hang out after and do fun stuff. By the way, I felt super comfortable with that daycare, especially as they had cameras and I could watch him while I was at work and see what he was up to.
This blog post highlights our trip to Las Vegas.
How many days do you need in Las Vegas with kids?
- Three days is the minimum to cover the highlights
- Four to five days is ideal for a relaxed family pace
- Day one focus: outdoor adventures like Red Rock or Hoover Dam
- Day two focus: strip attractions and aquarium or children’s museum
- Extra time: Valley of Fire, Seven Magic Mountains, Downtown Container Park
When Did We Go There
We visited Las Vegas in March. I called it our “Spring Break” trip even though none of us is in school.
What Was The Weather Like
The weather was in the high 60’s. Perfect for outdoor activities. If you’ve been to Vegas in the summer or winter, then you’d appreciate this spring weather.
How To Get To Las Vegas
Las Vegas is only a 3hr and 39-minute drive from our home in Los Angeles, so it’s the perfect road trip. We’ve flown to Vegas before, but this time we decided to drive and make a road trip out of it.
Aiden had a photoshoot the afternoon we traveled, so we drove to my in-laws’ in the evening afterward,s and we all carpooled together from their place. I really would have preferred to leave early that morning, but due to Aiden’s shoot, we had to leave later in the day. It worked out just fine, except I feel like we lost a whole day. Btw, his photo was too cute not to share. Check him out on IG:@AidenAkpan. Photo Credit: @yellowheartphotography.
How To Get Around In Las Vegas
When we got to min-laws the evening we left, we had to figure out which car had the roomiest third row. The reason why we wanted to drive the car with the roomiest third row is that my sister-in-law and I wanted to sit in that row, while the three kids sat in their car seats in the middle row. It was important for us to be comfortable back there before heading out on this road trip. The only issue with us sitting in the third row was getting in and out of the car from the trunk; however, we made it work. Our options were the Acura MDX and the Infiniti QX60; both of them are awesome 7-seater cars, and we decided on the Infiniti QX60. My husband and brother-in-law took turns driving.
Where Did We Stay
We stayed in an Airbnb, which had 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. We didn’t need that much space, but because we booked it the day before we left, there weren’t many options left. The Airbnb was just okay, as the house is not well taken care of. However, the owner was nice and responsive and got back to us right away to solve any issues we had. The kids got the master bedroom, and we slept in the other two rooms upstairs. Have you ever used Airbnb? If not, click here to sign up using my referral code and save $40 on your first booking.
Things To Do In Las Vegas With Kids
DAY 1
Due to the proximity, I recommend combining Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and Valley of Fire State Park on the same day if you can.
Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam is named after President Herbert Hoover. It was built between 1931 and 1936 by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and is used to supply hydroelectric power, provide flood control, river regulation, and improved navigation.
We planned to do the Powerplant Tour,r which costs $12 for kids and $17 for adults (kids 3 & under free), but the elevators were not working on the day we visited, so the tour wasn’t available. I decided to pull up a video for the kids to watch and go over everything they were seeing so they could fully understand what the Hoover Dam was about. They also offer a full Dam Tour,r which costs $30, but no kids under 8 are allowed. If you want to visit the visitor’s center only, it costs $10 for kids 4 and up (kids under 3 are free).
Lake Mead National Park
After leaving the Hoover Dam, our next stop was Lake Mead. It costs $20 per car to get into the park, and they accept cash or cards. There are so many places to explore, but we only made it to one of them.
The kids were so excited about climbing the red rocks at Redstone. We stopped here for about an hour so the kids could run around, climb the rocks, and snap some photos. They also have picnic tables here,e so the kids were able to enjoy a snack before we left.
- We missed stopping at the Lake Mead overlook. If you have time, it’s a must to get a great view of the Colorado River. It’s also a great place for a photo op.
Valley Of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire is Nevada’s largest and oldest state park. From Redstone in Lake Mead, the park is about 40 minutes away. You can reach the park from Lake Mead, so make sure to get directions, as the internet can be spotty on the drive. It costs $10 per vehicle to get into Valley of Fire State Park.
We picked Rainbow Vista and Fire Canyon Overlook Hike as it was a short hike, about 1.1 miles, and we knew the kids would have no issue with it. They loved it, especially playing with the sand. It was so soft to the touch and so fine, I honestly thought about taking some home.
DAY 2
We purchased a package at the Shark’s Reef counter located at Mandalay, which allowed us to pick any three attractions for the price of $57 per person. That is definitely a good deal, so if you plan to visit at least three of the attractions on that list, make sure to purchase the combo. We chose Shark’s Reef Aquarium, Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden, Dolphin Habitat, and Adventuredome.
Las Vegas Sign
We’ve been to Vegas so many times; however,r we’ve somehow never made it to the Las Vegas sign for a photo. We got there about 11 am, and there was a line. The line did move quickly, which was nice. We had a tripod with us, so we set it up and quickly got a few shots. For more photo ops, take a stroll down Fremont Street as well.
Shark Reef Aquarium – Mandalay Bay
The kids love aquariums, fish, and sharks, so this was a no-brainer. Although this aquarium is small in comparison to some others we’ve visited, they loved it. There’s always something new to see and something new to learn.
Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden And Dolphin Habitat – The Mirage
Both the Dolphin Habitat and Roy’s Secret Garden are in proximity, so it’s easy to go from one to the other. The dolphin shows happen every hour or so, and they usually announce before they start. There are two sections,s and the kids noticed that the dolphins in the section closer to the secret garden were more active.
- Dolphin Habitat
I knew the kids would enjoy seeing the dolphins, but I did not realize how excited they would get. They did not want to budge. They watched the dolphins perform tricks, swim around, and even play with balls. And they wanted to do the dolphin encounter, which includes getting up close with the dolphins, but it was overpriced in my opinion, so we decided to skip it. Prices start at about $159 and up – Price List.
- Roy’s Secret Garden
This is where the exotic wild animals are. The kids were excited to see white tigers, white lions, and leopards. They loved the wishing tree in here as well. They stayed there and wished for a while. I wonder what they wished for, and I wanted to ask,k but I knew better not to. I made my own wish too, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed to see if I get it 😀
Las Vegas Strip
When walking the Las Vegas Strip (Las Vegas Boulevard), make sure you have loose change (I recommend dollar bills) on you. There are characters positioned everywhere, and they do an amazing job of luring your kids into taking a photo with them. As a matter of fact, they don’t even have to do anything; kids run up to them. They don’t charge a fee, but they expect you to tip. So if your kid gets close to one of them, get ready to pay up. I don’t recommend doing this at night with kids, though, as the kid-friendly characters leave and the half-naked women take over, which is fine when you’re in Vegas to party.
Marvel Avengers Station
As we were walking the strip after leaving the Mirage, we came across the Marvel Avengers Station. We wanted to do the tour as the kids love Marvel superheroes, but we were disappointed to find out that “Black Panther” wasn’t included. The lady who works there noted her disappointment with this, too. The kids love all the Marvel superheroes, but really wanted to see the Black Panther exhibit. Since they didn’t have it, we opted not to do the tour. The kids played a few interactive games and looked around the store, and then we left.
DAY 3
This was our last full day, so we tried to maximize it as much as we could. We woke up early and started our morning with a hike.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Center
When we got to Red Rock, the weather was so gloomy and cloudy, then it cleared, then it drizzled. The weather was pretty crazy, but we were determined to get out and climb some rocks. The kids, especially, were excited. The kids were excited about wearing their “The World Is My Classroom” shirts in their favorite colors, because the world really is their classroom. Click here to purchase “The World Is My Classroom” shirt for your kids. This is one of Aiden’s many designs, and he is very proud of it; he says thank you for the support.
Discovery Children’s Museum
This is the best and most interactive children’s museum we’ve ever been to, and we’ve visited several around the world and in the U.S., too. This museum has three floors of nonstop fun. They also have workers who lead activities. The kids attended an art class, a science lesson, and a puppet show. They normally announce before each one starts to give you enough time to make it to the appropriate area. You can also get the daily schedule of activities from the front desk.
Adventuredome – Circus Circus
Our admission to Adventuredome came as part of the 3 for $57 deal we bought a few days ago. They have lots of big rides, but if you go around the corner, you’ll find plenty of kid-friendly rides that the kids can ride on their own. They give out a pamphlet when you get to the front, which tells you which rides the kids can ride by themselves, with an adult, or can’t ride. My sister-in-law and I enjoyed a few rough rides without the kids, but we had a headache after,r lol.
Las Vegas Street Art
Aiden loves finding street art when we travel, so he was super excited when we came across this one.
Downtown Container Park
This place is super exciting! I had no idea about the drum circle they have. We got there right on time for the sunset show, ow which I believe is the best. It was packed, lots of people and kids, families,ies etc. The kids were in charge of playing the drums. It was a very interactive show, and we all enjoyed it. If your kids are scared of fire, stay close. When the praying mantis spat fire, the boys got up from the drums and ran away. The attendant there informed me that they do it every hour or so after sunset, which was at 6.45 pm when we were there.
The downtown container park also has two play areas for kids, including hula hoops, jumbo Legos, a play structure, etc. There are also lots of restaurants around. You can grab a bite while your kids play, which I love, and it reminded me of when we visited New Zealand.
Day 4
Wynn Hotel Flower Display
The kids basically just enjoyed walking through this hotel, looking at the flower display, and posing for photos. Many of the hotels in Vegas have lots going on in each one to keep kids’ eyes and minds busy. Just make sure your kids don’t think the casino and slot machines are arcade games, as these did.
Seven Magic Mountains
This is a beautiful artwork display by Ugo Rondinone, which is about 20 minutes away from Las Vegas. We planned this activity for our last day,y as we knew we’d be heading home, and it would be ideal for a stop. It was a little off the freeway, but still on the drive home. This exhibit was only supposed to be there until May 2018, but due to its success, the producers are working on an extension plan so that it can remain there longer. So, if you haven’t seen it, you may be in luck.
Where Did We Eat
Because we knew we would be staying in an Airbnb, we cooked and froze a few meals and packed lots of snacks so we could eliminate some of the costs of eating out. I didn’t want to get to Vegas and go grocery shopping, so shopping beforehand and packing most of what we needed made things so easy. We packed things like rice, fruits, plantains, meat pies, oatmeal, etc, not forgetting the alcohol, so we could have a few drinks while the kids were in bed.
AirBnB
Arawan Thai Bistro and Dessert
Luke’s Lobster
Sugar Factory
They have desserts to DIE for !! If you’ve never been, you must 😀
Big Ern’s BBQ
Itea Boba & Dessert
In-N-Out
Wynn Buffet
This is considered the best buffet in Vegas, so put it on your must-have food list.
Free and Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Las Vegas With Kids
Not everything in Vegas costs money. Some of the best things to do in Las Vegas with kids are completely free:
- Walk the Strip: Free and endlessly entertaining during the day. The Eiffel Tower replica, Lady Liberty, the Bellagio Fountains: All visible without spending a cent. The fountain show runs every 30 minutes in the afternoon and every 15 minutes in the evening.
- Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Hotel: Free to the public. Flamingos, penguins, turtles, and fish across a 15-acre habitat. Open daily 8 am – 8 pm. The best time to visit is during feeding time at 8:35 am or 2:55 pm.
- Fall of Atlantis Show at Caesars Palace: Free show at the Forum Shops, runs every hour starting at 11 am. The indoor setup looked like permanent daylight, and the kids loved it. There’s also a large aquarium nearby that they could have sat in front of for hours.
- Mermaid Show at Silverton Hotel: One of the best free attractions in Vegas that most families don’t know about.
- Ethel M Chocolate Factory: Free guided tour of the chocolate factory with free samples at the end. There’s also a botanical cactus garden that’s the largest in Nevada. A real hit with kids.
Las Vegas Video Recap
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdGppKNCW5Q[/embedyt]
Tips
Tip #1
If you plan to take a road trip and don’t have much space in the car, just pack all your stuff in packing cubes, and then you can easily pack those in the trunk or under the kids’ feet when they are seated in their car seats.
Tip #2
If hiking is on your list of things to do, make sure to visit the website or download the app – All Trails. It will give you an overview of each trail at each park you visit, so you can map it out and choose which is best for you/your family.
Tip #3
Make sure to dress your kids in comfortable shoes if you plan to walk the strip or go hiking. I mention this a lot in my blog posts, and that’s because I have walked in uncomfortable shoes and can’t even imagine my kids’ feet hurting badly as mine did. I highly recommend Plae. Click to sign up and receive $20 off your purchase.
Tip #4
Parking at hotels on the strip is no longer free. The only hotel that still offers free parking is Circus Circus, so plan accordingly. Before, it was so convenient to park at any hotel of your choice on the strip and then walk up and down from there.
Tip #5
Vegas has some kid-friendly hotels with great pools, such as the MGMGrandn,d which has a kiddie pool and a lazy river; Monte C ar, lo and Mandalay Bay have a lazy river.
Tip #6
Visit Las Vegas Kids and Family Vacation Hub for more things to do with kids in Las Vegas. There are so many things that we did not get to do, but that’s okay, because we’ll surely be back in Las Vegas soon.
Tip #7
As the kids were older and the drive was short, I didn’t do any extra planning for our road trip. They had their tablets, headphones, snacks,s and that was it. They slept for some of the drive, stared out the window for some part, and used their tablets, etc.
Tip #8
IF you plan to fly to Las Vegas instead of driving, make sure to purchase your tickets from Skyscanner. They have the best and cheapest flights I’ve ever come across, and the website will show you when it is best and cheapest to fly. Download the Skyscanner App also, so that you can track flights and much more.
Frequently Asked Questions about Things to Do in Las Vegas with Kids
1. Is Las Vegas safe for families with kids?
Yes, Las Vegas is very safe for families when you stick to the main attractions, hotels, and daytime activities. The strip is family-friendly during the day, but the atmosphere shifts significantly at night. Outdoor areas like Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead, and the Discovery Children’s Museum are completely family-appropriate at any time of day.
2. When is the best time to visit Las Vegas with kids?
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the best times to visit Las Vegas with kids. Temperatures are mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. Summer is extremely hot, often exceeding 110°F, which makes outdoor exploration miserable for children. We visited in March, and the high-60s weather was perfect for hiking and the strip.
3. How expensive is Las Vegas for a family?
Las Vegas can be as budget-friendly or expensive as you choose. Free attractions like the Bellagio Fountains, the Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo, and walking the strip cost nothing. Museum admissions run $10–$15 per person. We saved significantly by staying in an Airbnb and prepping meals at home before the trip instead of eating out every night.
4. What age is best for visiting Las Vegas with kids?
Las Vegas works well for kids of all ages, but the 5-and-up range tends to get the most out of it. Younger kids enjoy the aquarium, children’s museum, and outdoor parks. Older kids and teens love the interactive experiences, street art, and more adventurous rides at Adventuredome. Aiden has been going since he was 6 months old!
Other:
Some other places we’ve stayed at from previous trips that we really like are:
- Hilton Garden Inn Las Vegas Strip South: This hotel is reasonably priced and close to the strip without the hustle and bustle of being on the strip.
- Elara by Hilton Grand Vacations – Center Strip: I love this hotel because of its location, right on the strip. It is also connected to the Miracle Mile Shops in Planet Hollywood. It is on the pricier side; however, the rooms are simply amazing, and there are plenty of places that are within walking distance from here.
Some other places we’ve eaten at from previous trips that we really like are:
Tell me: Have you been to Las Vegas with your kids? What did you guys do?
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
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Book Your Accommodation
Book family-friendly hotels, apartments, resorts, and vacation rentals with Booking.com. It’s an easy way to compare accommodations and find the right fit for your family and budget.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can help protect your trip in case of unexpected delays, cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies. Before your next international trip, check Nomad Insurance for coverage options.
Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards can help you earn points and miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. Check out my recommended travel credit card resources to start making your travel budget go further.
Need a Rental Car?
Use Discover Cars to compare rental car options and find competitive rates worldwide. It’s a simple way to compare prices and find the best option for your trip.
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
Viator makes it easy to discover tours, attractions, day trips, and local experiences. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities or unique adventures, you’ll find plenty of options to enhance your trip.
Shopping for Travel Essentials?
From packing organizers and travel gear to family travel must-haves, you can find many of my favorite travel essentials on Amazon.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
If you’d like extra support planning your next adventure, explore curated travel experiences through Rooted Journeys, where we help families discover meaningful and memorable travel experiences around the world.
