Las Vegas Shows with Kids: Paid and Free Options
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Looking for Las Vegas shows with kids? There are so many options that it can be hard to know where to start. Which shows will your kids enjoy, and which are worth spending money on?
I’ve been to Las Vegas many times and have seen a variety of shows, both with and without my kids.
Seeing a show is something I always look forward to, and I love that there are options for different ages, interests, and budgets, including plenty of free shows.
To help you narrow it down, I’m sharing paid and free shows to consider, along with my own experiences and practical details to help you choose what works for your family.
Las Vegas Shows with Kids at a Glance
Paid Shows
| Show | Age policy | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Mystère | All ages | Treasure Island |
| Michael Jackson ONE | Ages 5+ | Mandalay Bay |
| Blue Man Group | Recommended for ages 3+* | Luxor |
| Tournament of Kings | All ages | Excalibur |
| Nathan Burton Magic Show | All ages | FlyOver Las Vegas |
| Mac King Comedy Magic Show | Ages 5+ | Excalibur |
| Mat Franco | Ages 5+ | The LINQ |
*Blue Man Group: The show recommends ages 3 and up but permits younger children. Children 3 and under may attend free on an adult’s lap.
Free Shows
| Show | Age policy | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Lost City Show | No minimum age listed | Miracle Mile Shops |
| Rain Show | No minimum age listed | Miracle Mile Shops |
| Fall of Atlantis | No minimum age listed | Forum Shops at Caesars Palace |
| Bellagio Fountains | No minimum age listed | Bellagio |
| Circus Acts | No minimum age listed | Circus Circus |
Age policies don’t tell the whole story. Consider your child’s comfort with loud sounds and special effects, too. You’ll find more details and my personal experiences with each show below.
How to Choose a Las Vegas Show for Your Family
Before buying tickets, I’d start with your kids’ interests.
A show can be family-friendly and still not be something your kids will enjoy.
When I took my son to Michael Jackson ONE, his love of Michael Jackson’s music was a big part of why I chose it.
A few other things are worth checking:
- Age requirements: Check the show’s official policy before booking. An age minimum also doesn’t necessarily mean the show will appeal to every child that age.
- Length and showtime: Think about how long your kids will be comfortable sitting and how the performance fits around meals and bedtime.
- Noise and special effects: Loud music, flashing lights, and sudden effects may be overwhelming for some kids.
- Total cost: Add up the ticket price and fees for everyone attending. For a larger family like ours, that can make a big difference.
You also don’t have to book a theater show to enjoy some entertainment in Vegas.
We’ve enjoyed several free shows with our kids, and they’re easy to work into a day of exploring.
Paid Las Vegas Shows with Kids
Mystère by Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil shows are some of my favorites to see in Las Vegas. If your family enjoys acrobatics, music, and a little comedy, Mystère is one to consider.
I’ve seen Mystère without my kids, so I can’t share their reaction to it. But its mix of aerial acts, colorful costumes, and physical comedy makes it an option I’d consider for a family trip.
What to know before booking:
- Location: Treasure Island
- Length: 90 minutes, with no intermission
- Age policy: All ages are welcome. Children under 1 can attend free while sitting on a parent or guardian’s lap.
- Who I’d consider it for: Families interested in a big acrobatic production.
Something to keep in mind: Mystère has loud sounds, flashing lights, fog effects, and moments when the theater gets dark. If your child is sensitive to these things or startles easily, consider that before booking.
Although the show welcomes all ages, I’d still think about whether your child will be comfortable sitting through a 90-minute performance.
For seats, I’d look for a clear view of the whole stage rather than assuming the closest seats are the best.
Check Mystère ticket prices and available dates.
Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil
If someone in your family loves Michael Jackson’s music, Michael Jackson ONE is worth considering.
The show combines his songs with dancing, acrobatics, and visual effects.
I took my son when he was 8 because he loved Michael Jackson’s music, and he really enjoyed it.
For us, choosing a show around something he already loved worked well.
What to know before booking:
- Location: Mandalay Bay
- Length: 90 minutes, with no intermission
- Age requirement: Children must be at least 5 to attend.
- Who I’d consider it for: Families with kids who enjoy Michael Jackson’s music and dance performances.
Check Michael Jackson ONE ticket prices and available dates.
Blue Man Group
Blue Man Group combines music, unusual instruments, and silly humor into a show that’s quite different from anything else on this list.
The performers don’t speak, so much of the fun comes from their expressions, actions, and interactions with the audience.
I’ve seen Blue Man Group without my kids, but I think it’s a show they would really enjoy.
If your kids enjoy drumming and goofy comedy, this could be a fun choice.
What to know before booking:
- Location: Luxor Hotel and Casino
- Length: Approximately 90–105 minutes, with no intermission
- Recommended age: The show recommends ages 3 and up.
- Ticket policy: Children 3 and under may attend free on an adult’s lap. Children 4 and older need their own ticket and seat.
Something to keep in mind: The music can be loud, and parts of the show use strobe lights. Consider bringing hearing protection for your kids and talking about what to expect beforehand. Even with the recommended age of 3 and up, I’d think about your child’s comfort with the effects and the length of the show before booking.
Check Blue Man Group ticket prices and available dates.
Tournament of Kings
If your kids enjoy knights, horses, and sword fights, Tournament of Kings is another Las Vegas show to consider.
This dinner show at Excalibur brings the story of King Arthur into an arena, with jousting, action, and opportunities for the audience to cheer.
I haven’t personally seen this one, but the combination of dinner and entertainment makes it worth considering for a family night out. Eating with your hands is part of the experience, too!
What to know before booking:
- Location: Excalibur Hotel and Casino
- Age policy: All ages are welcome.
- Ticket policy: Children 3 and under may attend free on an adult’s lap and share that adult’s meal. Children 4 and older need a full-price ticket, which includes their own seat and dinner.
- Dinner: Check the current menu before booking. Children’s meals and dietary accommodations may be available when requested in advance.
Something to keep in mind: There’s a lot happening in this show, including bursts of fire, flashing lights, and smoky effects. You’ll also be sitting near horses and a dirt arena, which is worth considering if anyone in your family has allergies or asthma.
Check Tournament of Kings ticket prices and available dates.
Nathan Burton Comedy Magic
If your kids love magic, Nathan Burton’s show is another option to look into.
I haven’t seen this one myself, but I like that it’s an afternoon show. That can make planning a little easier when you don’t want to keep everyone out late.
At about 70 minutes, it’s also shorter than several other shows on this list, which is something I’d consider when choosing a show for my family.
What to know before booking:
- Location: Nathan Burton Theater inside FlyOver Las Vegas, next to the Hard Rock Cafe and across from Park MGM
- Length: About 70 minutes, with no intermission
- Age policy: All ages are welcome.
- Who I’d consider it for: Families looking for an afternoon magic show.
The theater recommends arriving at least 30 minutes early so you have time to find your seats and get settled.
Check the available showtimes for your travel dates before planning the rest of your afternoon.
Check Nathan Burton ticket prices and available dates.
The Mac King Comedy Magic Show
Mac King is another option if your kids enjoy magic and silly humor.
His show mixes magic tricks with comedy and audience participation.
I haven’t seen this one myself, but I like that it’s an afternoon show and runs about 70 minutes.
You could plan around it without making it a late night, which is always something I consider when traveling with my kids.
What to know before booking:
- Location: Thunderland Showroom at Excalibur
- Length: About 70 minutes
- Age requirement: Children must be at least 5 to attend.
- Showtime: Usually 3 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Check the calendar for your dates, since additional performances and schedule changes may apply.
If you’re comparing this with Nathan Burton, the age requirement is one important difference.
Nathan Burton welcomes all ages, while Mac King is an option for families whose children are all 5 or older.
Check Mac King ticket prices and available dates.
Mat Franco: Magic Reinvented Nightly
I’ve seen Mat Franco perform outside Las Vegas, and I thought he was incredible!
Although I haven’t attended his show at The LINQ, he’s someone I’d be excited to see again.
His Vegas show combines magic, humor, and audience participation.
If your kids enjoy trying to figure out how a trick works, this is another option to consider.
What to know before booking:
- Location: Mat Franco Theater at The LINQ Hotel + Experience
- Length: Approximately 90 minutes
- Age requirement: Children must be at least 5 to attend.
- Who I’d consider it for: Families with school-age kids who enjoy magic and comedy.
Check the showtime for your dates and leave enough time for dinner beforehand.
With a full-length performance, I’d want everyone settled and fed before heading into the theater.
Check Mat Franco ticket prices and available dates.
Free Las Vegas Shows with Kids
We’ve enjoyed all of these free shows with our kids.
They’re short, so you don’t have to set aside a whole evening or buy tickets for everyone. They’re easy to work into your sightseeing plans and give the kids something fun to stop and watch along the way.
Lost City Show
The Lost City Show takes place in front of the V Theater inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood.
Images are projected onto the building’s facade, making it look as though fire, water, and other elements are moving across the walls.
My kids really enjoyed this one! If you’re already exploring Miracle Mile Shops, check the time and see whether you can catch a performance while you’re there.
What to know before visiting:
- Location: In front of the V Theater inside Miracle Mile Shops
- Cost: Free; no tickets needed
- Schedule: Daily, every hour on the hour, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Viewing: You stand to watch rather than taking a seat in a theater.
I’d work this into a visit to Miracle Mile Shops rather than plan a separate trip just for the show.
Rain Show at Miracle Mile Shops
You can watch a rainstorm indoors at Miracle Mile Shops!
The Rain Show uses thunder, lightning effects, and falling water to create a storm right inside the mall.
We’ve watched this with our kids, and it’s another free show you can fit into a visit to Miracle Mile Shops.
Since Lost City is there too, you can catch both while spending some time exploring.
What to know before visiting:
- Location: Inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, near the Harmon Avenue entrance
- Cost: Free; no tickets needed
- Schedule: Hourly at half past the hour, from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
The thunder and lightning effects may startle younger kids, so I’d let them know what’s coming before it begins.
Lost City runs on the hour, and the Rain Show starts on the half hour. If you want to see both, you can browse the shops between performances.
Fall of Atlantis
At the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, you can watch the statues come to life during the Fall of Atlantis show.
The moving, talking characters tell the story of Atlantis with fire and water effects.
We’ve watched this with our kids, and it’s another free stop you can work into your time on the Strip.
You can also check out the aquarium next to the show while you’re there.
What to know before visiting:
- Location: Inside the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, in front of The Cheesecake Factory
- Cost: Free; no tickets needed
- Schedule: Every hour on the hour, from noon to 8 p.m., Thursday through Monday. No performances on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
Something to keep in mind: The characters and loud effects can be a little intense for younger kids. I’d give them an idea of what’s coming and watch from farther back if they’re unsure.
While you’re exploring the Forum Shops, look for the spiral escalators, too. They’re a fun little extra to see during your visit!
Bellagio Fountains
The Bellagio Fountains are one of my favorite things to see in Las Vegas.
No matter how many times I’ve watched them, I still love stopping for a show.
We’ve enjoyed them with our kids, too, and this is one free stop I’d make time for during your trip.
The fountains move to music in the lake in front of Bellagio.
Each performance is a little different, so you may catch a different song if you stop by again.
What to know before visiting:
- Location: In front of Bellagio, along the Las Vegas Strip
- Cost: Free; no tickets needed
- Monday–Friday: Every 30 minutes from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Weekends and holidays: Every 30 minutes from noon to 7:30 p.m.
- Every evening: Every 15 minutes from 8 p.m. to midnight
Give yourself a few minutes to find a spot where the kids can see past the people in front of them. You can watch during the afternoon or evening, so choose whichever fits your family’s plans.
Free Circus Acts at Circus Circus
We watched the free circus acts at Circus Circus with our kids, and they were thoroughly entertained!
If your kids enjoy watching performers do tricks and acrobatics, this is another free show to consider.
The performances take place in the Carnival Midway and feature different acts, including aerialists, acrobats, and clowns.
These are individual performances rather than one long circus show, so what you see will depend on the lineup during your visit.
What to know before visiting:
- Location: The center stage in the Carnival Midway at Circus Circus
- Cost: Free; no tickets needed
- Schedule: Check the current performance schedule on the Circus Circus website before heading over.
- Parking: Circus Circus offers free parking.
I’d arrive a little before the performance to find a seat where the kids can see. If the seating area is full, you may need to stand.
The Midway also has arcade and carnival games, so keep that in mind if you’re planning a free outing.
Watching the performers is free, but playing the games costs extra.
Tips for Seeing Las Vegas Shows with Kids
Once you’ve picked a show, a little planning can make the evening easier.
Here are a few things I’d keep in mind before heading to the theater.
Check the Total Ticket Price
Ticket fees can add up when you’re buying for the whole family. Compare the final cost and seating options before making your purchase.
Leave Plenty of Time to Get There
Getting around Vegas can take longer than you expect. Allow time to walk through the hotel, find the theater, and get everyone settled.
Plan Food Around the Performance
I’d make sure everyone has eaten before a show, especially if it falls around your usual dinner time. For a dinner show, check the menu ahead of time.
Use the Restroom Before Taking Your Seats
Many of these shows don’t have an intermission, so it’s worth making one last stop before they begin.
Let Your Kids Know What to Expect
Talk about any loud music, flashing lights, or audience participation. For a theater show, explain that they’ll need to stay seated during the performance.
Check the Rules for Stepping Out
If you think your child may need a break, ask the theater about leaving and returning to your seat. Don’t assume you can walk back in at any point.
Keep Your Free Show Plans Flexible
I’d pick a few free shows near places you’re already visiting rather than trying to catch every performance on the list.
Choosing a Las Vegas Show with Kids
Seeing a show is something I always look forward to in Las Vegas, but it doesn’t have to be a big production or an expensive night out.
We’ve enjoyed taking in a theater show and stopping for free performances while exploring with our kids.
Choose something that fits your family’s interests, budget, and plans. You don’t need to see everything on this list to have a fun trip!
Need help fitting a show into the rest of your trip? My 4-day Las Vegas itinerary can help you plan your days. You can also find more ideas in my Las Vegas family guide and free and cheap things to do in Las Vegas post.
Download a copy of my travel itinerary planner to use for planning your Las Vegas vacation or wherever your adventures take you next.
May you LOVE your adventure! KW
