Las Vegas for Families: Guide to the Kid-Friendly Side of Vegas
Looking for tips for visiting Las Vegas with kids?
Having been to Las Vegas more times than I can count, I have even ventured there with kids a few times, I have plenty of firsthand experience to share.
Let me tell you a secret–Las Vegas IS kid-friendly and very doable. My favorite things to do with the family include exploring the different hotels on the Strip in the mornings and then venturing out to another Las Vegas area activity in the afternoon. Also, the Hoover Dam and Valley of Fire State Park is not to be missed!
Recently we visited Vegas with our four boys ages 2-10. My mom had a vacation rental home for the month of March so we decided to pack up and head to Vegas for Spring Break!
Despite its reputation for being a party hub, it has many advantages that make it a perfect family friendly vacation destination.
Through multiple trips to Vegas with my kids, I’ve gathered plenty of insight and tips to ensure a smooth family vacation experience.
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Is Las Vegas Kid-Friendly?
While it may not rival the kid-centric allure of Disney World, Las Vegas does have a family-friendly side.
There are numerous attractions for the kids to enjoy both on and off of the Las Vegas strip.
On the Strip, it is fun for the kids to see all of the iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Eiffel Tower, Luxor Pyramid, and Bellagio Fountains.
Additionally, there are some entertaining free shows like the Lost City at the Miracle Mile Shops and the Fall of Atlantis at the Forum Shops.
Off of the Strip, families can enjoy attractions like the Discovery Children’s Museum, Downtown Container Park, Red Rock Canyon, Ethel M Chocolate factory, among others.
One of the great things about Las Vegas is that SO many of these attractions are free or budget-friendly.
Family Friendly Places to Stay in Las Vegas
I have stayed both on and off the Las Vegas Strip with kids. Each has its own advantages as well as potential drawbacks.
On our most recent trip, we stayed at a vacation rental about 15 minutes from the Strip. I absolutely loved our choice of place to stay. We had so much space, our own kitchen, and best of all, a private pool and hot tub.
It was nice to be able to get away from the hustle and bustle of the strip and relax in our vacation rental house at the end of the day.
In the past, I have stayed at the Vdara with a toddler, and it was a great experience. This hotel on the Strip does not have a casino which helps keep it quieter. One of its perks is that there is a convenient indoor walkway to the Bellagio.
The downside of the Vdara is that the pool isn’t the best for kids.
While I have not personally stayed at the New York-New York, Excalibur, and Luxor, I have been to all of them numerous times with my kids and know that they offer both kid-friendly activities and dining options.
Las Vegas Family-Friendly Restaurants
If your family is similar to mine, dining out on vacation can not only be chaotic, especially with four young boys but also very expensive.
Because of this, when traveling with our kids, we often eat at quick service restaurants or at a pizza place.
Some examples of good lunch spots on the Las Vegas strip for families include the Crack Shack, Shake Shack, and any of the food courts.
Both the Crack Shack and Shake Shack are just a short walk from either the New York-New York or Bellagio hotels.
I like dining in the New York-New York Hotel because it has a great ambiance plus an overall family-friendly atmosphere.
Venturing off the Strip, In-N-Out Burger is a must-visit fast food restaurant renowned for its excellent service and fantastic food!
Expert Tip
There is an In-N-Out Burger on the Linq Promenade which is basically at the center of the Las Vegas Strip.
Also, on our vacations, we are always on the lookout for a good doughnut place. We discovered Pinkbox Doughnuts at the Fremont Experience and absolutely loved them.
With multiple locations in the area, you can enjoy them wherever your Las Vegas adventures take you. We loved them so much we made a special trip to another Pinkbox location to eat them again!
Getting Around Las Vegas with Your Family
Navigating Las Vegas with your family is actually very doable!
If you are planning on staying on the Strip for your entire vacation, you will not need to rent a car.
You can get from the airport to your hotel with shuttle services available for a fee. This fee covers a round trip shuttle so before your departure you will call the number given to you and the shuttle company will give you a scheduled pick up time to return to the airport at the end of your trip.
If you are not staying on the Strip or plan to venture beyond the Strip and want to drive yourself, you will need a car.
Navigating the Interstates surrounding Las Vegas can be a bit unpredictable due to the ever-changing traffic conditions. While some days it might just take 15 minutes to reach your destination, others could see double the travel time.
Just plan ahead and be ready for potential traffic delays.
Driving down the Las Vegas Strip was a thrilling experience for us! Despite my initial concerns that it would be stressful driving on it, I found the experience to be surprisingly smooth and enjoyable.
My only tip is to have a plan as to where you are going.
Parking is readily available at most all of the hotels, with Circus Circus and Treasure Island offering free parking options. Additionally the Fashion Show Mall provides complimentary parking for added convenience.
Best Things to do with Kids in Las Vegas
There really is so much to do with kids in Las Vegas, whether you are exploring the Strip, venturing off to nearby areas, or discovering attractions off the beaten path.
One of the best things about Vegas is that there are so many free and budget friendly things to do throughout the city, adding to the appeal of Las Vegas as a family-friendly destination.
Kid Friendly Shows
Families visiting Las Vegas have so many free and entertaining show options that are great for kids!
At the Miracle Mile Shops, both the Lost City and Rain Storm shows offer engaging performances for all ages at no cost.
Additionally, the Fall of Atlantis at the Forum Shops is another free show the kids will enjoy.
No trip to Las Vegas would be complete without catching the iconic Bellagio Fountain show. The whole family will be in awe!
If you are looking for a unique dinner and entertainment combo, head to Excalibur’s Tournament of Kings, where you can indulge in a feast while watching a thrilling show. This is a perfect way to keep the kids entertained at dinner!
Expert Tip
Children aged 3 and under can attend the Tournament of Kings for free as long as they sit on an adult’s lap and share the adult’s meal.
For more of a theatrical experience for your family, the Cirque du Soleil shows are also great for kids including “O” at the Bellagio and “Mystere” at Treasure Island.
Expert Tip
Children must be at least 5 years old to attend “O” while any age may attend “Mystere”.
Another must-see family friendly show is the electrifying Blue Man Group performance at the Luxor. This show is recommended for ages 3 and above.
While Circus Circus offers almost daily circus acts for free, they may not be worth a special trip there as there are many more impressive shows and attractions to prioritize.
Kid-friendly Attractions
Discovery Children’s Museum
The Discovery Children’s Museum is located in downtown Las Vegas. It is the perfect place for the kids to play, imagine, and discover new things.
Our kids walked in and their jaws dropped. I could barely catch them as they dashed towards the 12-level tower called the Summit.
This tower is located in the center of the museum and is a unique way to access all three floors of the museum versus the stairs and elevators.
This tower has numerous climbing structures plus slides as well as interactive science exhibits on all of its levels.
Expert Tip
It is essential to keep a close eye on your kids, set clear expectations, and even establish a plan to prevent them from wandering to different floors. Especially with younger ones, you will want to follow them closely when playing on the Summit Tower.
After the thrill of the Summit subsided, Eco City captured the kids’ attention next. This miniature city allows children to role-play as doctors, grocery store clerks, Las Vegas Raiders football players, pilots, mechanics, and more.
While my two-year-old enjoyed Toddler Town and Water World, my four-year-old loved pretending and imagining in the Fantasy Festival exhibit.
The older boys enjoy the Discovery Lab and Energy exhibits.
Ethel M Chocolate Factory
For those with a sweet tooth in your family, a visit to the Ethel M Chocolate Factory is a must!
Here, you will have the opportunity to see chocolate being made on the self-guided factory tour. So cool!
While you don’t get to interact directly with the chocolate, large windows offer a clear view of each step of the production process.
Must Know Information
The Chocolate Factory operates Mondays-Fridays from 10am to 3:30pm.
Beyond the factory tour, there is plenty to excite the kids, from taking a Chocolate wall selfie to indulging in sweet treats from the Cactus Cafe. Don’t miss the chance to explore the expansive 3-acre cactus garden as well!
The Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Garden are both FREE to visit which makes this an affordable and enjoyable outing for the whole family!
Hershey’s Chocolate World
For more sweet cravings, your family will love visiting Hershey’s Chocolate World located at the New York-New York Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip,
The vibrant and expansive exterior of Hershey’s Chocolate World screams, “come see what’s inside!”
Inside of Hershey’s Chocolate World, you will find the Statue of Liberty made out of Hershey’s Chocolate which is super impressive.
The kids will be amazed by all of the unique souvenirs and probably beg for some too. We had one of our kids pleading for a giant pencil.
And of course, the temptation for all of the yummy treats inside- chocolate, cookies, cupcakes, brownies- will leave everyone’s mouths watering.
Red Rock Canyon
If your family is looking for a little breather from the craziness of the Strip, Red Rock Canyon is just a 30 minute drive.
Red Rock Canyon features a stunning 13-mile scenic one-way loop.
Upon your arrival at the Visitor Center, be sure to make a stop, as you will not have the opportunity to return during your scenic drive.
The Visitors Center itself is quite impressive. The inside is your typical visitors center but the outside has an extraordinary display. Here, you will find enormous and vibrant exhibits showcasing the themes of earth, wind, fire, and water, alongside amazing animal sculptures and even a tortoise habitat!
During your visit to Red Rock Canyon, I recommend taking a break from the scenic drive to soak in the viewpoints as well as even do a hike or two.
One popular option is the Calico Tanks trail which is 2.5 miles and will take around two hours to complete. Keep in mind that it can be moderately challenging, especially for young ones.
For a more family-friendly hike, consider the Lost Creek Children’s Discovery Trail. It is only .75 miles and will take less than an hour to do.
Must Know Information
From October 1-May 31, timed reservations are required to enter Red Rock Canyon so you will want to plan accordingly.
The Big Apple Roller Coaster and Arcade
No matter where our family travels, one thing remains constant: the kids’ desire to visit an arcade. Luckily New York-New York offers a fun arcade experience, though it doesn’t have any standout features from other arcades we have been to.
We had a great time though and even were so lucky to have someone give us their game cards with a ton of extra points on them!
To say the kids were excited is an understatement!
While at New York- New York, my husband and one of our sons also took a ride on the Big Apple Roller Coaster, conveniently located adjacent to the Arcade.
The Big Apple Roller Coaster’s standout feature is its 180-degree heartline twist and dive maneuver. Although I am not entirely sure what that entails, according to my son, it’s an incredibly enjoyable experience.
The roller coaster operates daily starting at 11 a.m., with a ride fee of $25. Riders must be at least 54 inches tall to participate.
Shark Reef Aquarium
Las Vegas really does have it all- it even has sharks!
Visiting the Shark Reef Aquarium gives visitors a unique opportunity to observe various shark species up close and personal.
With over 2,000 terrestrial and sea animals, including octopuses, sea turtles, stingrays, and even Komodo dragons, there is no shortage of fascinating animals to see.
Conveniently located in Mandalay Bay, the Shark Reef Aquarium is open daily at 10 a.m.
While admission prices vary depending on the day, purchasing a timed entry ticket looks to be more economical than buying an anytime ticket.
Additionally, children 4 and under are free- a bonus for families with littles ones in tow!
Las Vegas High Roller Observation Wheel
During our most recent visit to Las Vegas, we finally experienced the High Roller Observation Wheel!
It was truly incredible to see the Las Vegas Strip through the floor-to-ceiling windows of our cabin.
We went during the day so we could see the entire Strip. We even spotted the Sphere!
I would love to experience the High Roller at night too with all of the lights!
The ride takes 30 minutes to complete one revolution, and the cabins are accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, making it convenient for families with young children or those with mobility needs.
Each cabin accommodates up to 40 people. During our ride, our family of seven joined another family of three, totaling 10 people. With that number of people, we had plenty of space to move around and soak in the panoramic views.
Riding the High Roller Observation Wheel offers a unique view of the Strip and the entire Las Vegas area from a bird’s-eye view.
Downtown Container Park
The Downtown Container Park offers a one-of-a-kind experience, blending shopping, dining, and entertainment within repurposed shipping containers.
For families, the Downtown Container Park offers a charming small playground featuring a treehouse, bridges, climbing structures, and slides– a sure hit with the kids.
The kids also enjoyed playing in the courtyard which was a turf field with large lego-type blocks and other yard games.
This is the perfect place for the parents to enjoy a drink and relax while the kids run around and play.
Also, you cannot miss the large Praying Mantis at the Downtown Container Park’s entrance.
Every evening at sundown, weather permitting, it shoots out fire while being accompanied by a drum circle meant to wake the Mantis for the evening. This drum circle occurs right at sundown while the rest of the evening you can enjoy the Mantis shooting fire.
Swimming Mermaids at Silverton Hotel and Casino
If you have a mermaid lover in your family or simply want to see something that you don’t see every day, don’t miss the opportunity to see the swimming mermaids at Silverton Hotel and Casino.
Located just six miles from the Las Vegas Strip, the aquarium at the Silverton Hotel and Casino offers a unique experience that is free for all visitors.
The mermaid swims are typically every half hour unless there is a stingray feeding session planned.
This is a neat experience that the kids won’t want to miss!
Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
The Bellagio Hotel is one of my favorite resorts on the Las Vegas strip. It is just stunning inside and out.
A must-do activity while in Las Vegas is taking a leisurely stroll around the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
Here, you will encounter a gorgeous array of flowers, plants, water features, and decorative elements.
What’s particularly remarkable is that the display changes approximately five times a year, offering visitors a new experience each time they visit Las Vegas.
During our springtime visit, my kids loved seeing the gorgeous flowers and amazing waterfalls of the Teas and Tulips display.
Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
For another enjoyable and cost-free activity with your family on the Strip, consider visiting the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat located at the Flamingo Hotel.
In addition to the iconic flamingos, you will also see a diverse array of wildlife including fish, turtles, and various bird species. It also has lush tropical greenery and soothing waterfalls.
Expert Tip
The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat opens at 7 a.m, so if you have an early riser in your family and are looking for something to do, this is a great option!
Conveniently located next to the Linq Promenade, the Flamingo Hotel offers easy access to additional attractions, shops, and restaurants in that area.
After exploring the wildlife habitat, consider taking a ride on the High Roller Observation Wheel for a panoramic view of the Strip.
Also, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the I LOVE Sugar candy shop just outside the Flamingo Hotel and Casino on the Linq Promenade–a sweet treat for the kids to enjoy as well as some fun photo ops.
Area 15
Area 15 is a unique entertainment and dining destination located just 3 miles from the Las Vegas Strip.
While entry to Area 15 is free, as is parking, each of its unique attractions have a fee.
During our visit, we experienced the Omega Mart which was incredible. We purchased our tickets in advance for a timed entry into the Omega Mart.
Based on our experience, I recommend exploring Omega Mart or Area 15 in general with children aged 8 and over.
Given that parking at Area 15 can be challenging, I suggest arriving with ample time, especially if you have a timed entry ticket for a specific attraction.
We spent a couple of hours at the Omega Mart and walking around Area 15.
With the array of attractions available, you could easily spend a half of a day or more here.
Food and drink options are available at Area 15 too!
Must-See Landmarks
Las Vegas has so many iconic landmarks to see and experience.
One of the remarkable aspects of Las Vegas is the opportunity for the kids to encounter sights they may not see elsewhere.
On one road you can experience replicas of New York City, Paris, Venice Italy, as well as encounter a pyramid, medieval castle, and circus. That is quite unique and so incredible!
The Welcome to Las Vegas sign
For many visitors, capturing a picture with the iconic Welcome to Las Vegas sign is a must!
It took me numerous visits before finally getting my own picture with the famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign, but it was well worth the wait!
The Welcome to Las Vegas sign is located about a mile south of the Mandalay Bay. If you drive to the sign, there is a parking lot with about 30 spots.
The parking lot is located nearest to the center lane of traffic and is free to park.
There can often be a line to get a picture with the sign, but the line does move fairly fast. Try to get there earlier in the day to avoid a longer line.
Statue of Liberty at the New York New York
Another highlight is the replica of the Statue of Liberty at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino.
Situated on the hotel’s southernmost corner of the New York-New York Hotel past Hershey’s Chocolate World, the Statue of Liberty is quite exciting to see!
You can easily combine both the Statue of Liberty and Hershey’s Chocolate World for a memorable outing with your family.
Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel
The Eiffel Tower is yet another recognizable landmark that adds to the excitement of the Las Vegas Strip.
My kids were absolutely thrilled at the sight of the Eiffel Tower!
For those interested, there’s a viewing deck 46 stories up.
While we opted not to experience this due to the expense, we did choose to enjoy views of the Strip from above on the High Roller Observation Wheel.
Nevertheless, we did enjoy seeing the Eiffel Tower from different vantage points along the Strip as well as seeing it while watching a Bellagio Fountain show.
Luxor Pyramid
The Luxor Pyramid is quite a sight to see both inside and out! The kids will LOVE going inside of a Pyramid and seeing the replica of King Tut’s tomb.
They may also get a kick out of the elevators that go from floor to floor at a diagonal.
Outside visitors are greeted by a replica of the Great Sphinx of Giza.
For a memorable entertainment experience, you could get tickets to the Blue Man Group show which is also located at the Luxor Hotel.
Venetian Resort
The Venetian Resort never fails to impress me with its breathtaking beauty.
Every visit leaves me in awe, especially with its charming canals both indoors and outdoors.
Inside the Venetian, you will feel like you have been transported straight to Venice, Italy.
For those who want to experience a taste of Venetian charm, a gondola ride is available for $39 per person.
If you don’t want to pay for a ride, you could plan to visit at 9:45 a.m. or 4:20 p.m. and listen to the gondoliers sing together as they march along the indoor canal. They start the march at the Gondola turnaround in the Grand Canal Shoppes.
Las Vegas Sphere
The Las Vegas Sphere is also quite a sight to see! The kids loved seeing the giant face emojis.
We were able to catch a glimpse of it from the High Roller Observation Wheel and also spotted it one evening while driving on the Interstate.
For a closer view, you can also see the Sphere from the top level of the self-parking garage at the Wynn, where self-parking is free for the first three hours.
Attractions a Short Drive from Las Vegas
For a memorable half day or day trip from Las Vegas, I highly recommend visiting the Hoover Dam and Valley of Fire State Park.
To make the most of your visit, I recommend visiting these destinations on different days.
Hoover Dam
Located about 45-50 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, the Hoover Dam offers a fascinating and free experience for visitors.
Parking is also complimentary if you utilize one of the free lots on the Arizona side.
Don’t miss the opportunity to walk across the O’Callaghan-Tillman Memorial Bridge, where you can walk from Nevada to Arizona and back-a fun experience for the kids.
My kids also enjoyed trying to get all the semis to honk for them while they were on the bridge.
If you are interested in a guided Hoover Dam tour, there are a couple of options you can choose from while at the Visitor Center.
Alternatively, if you lack transportation, I recommend doing a tour with a reputable tour company for a hassle-free experience.
Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park is a must-do on your Las Vegas vacation.
It is about an hour drive from the Las Vegas Strip but totally worth it!
My kids had a blast scrambling up the vibrant red rocks at Valley of Fire.
For those seeking some hiking adventures, I recommend the Fire Wave trail with the Pastel (Pink) Canyon add-on, as well as the White Domes Trail.
While there is a $15 entrance fee for non-Nevada residents, Valley of Fire can be explored in just a half of a day if you are short on time.
However, if you opt for a full-day visit, there are no shortage of hikes and viewpoints to enjoy as well as rocks to climb.
Top Tips for Visiting Las Vegas with Kids
Early Visits to the Strip: Plan to visit the Las Vegas Strip earlier in the day when it’s less crowded and hectic, providing a more enjoyable experience for families.
Nighttime Caution: Consider avoiding the Strip at night. If you do want to see the Bellagio Fountains in the evening, I would park nearby, catch the fountain show, grab a sweet treat if you desire, and then head out, as the atmosphere can become less suitable for kids after dark.
Plan Your Destination: When driving to the Las Vegas Strip ensure you have a specific destination to put into your GPS. While driving down Las Vegas Boulevard isn’t nearly as overwhelming as I had thought, I would still always want a plan and not just drive haphazardly around.
Diverse Activities: Incorporate a variety of activities into your itinerary, including off-Strip destinations like the Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire State Park, and Red Rock Canyon.
Relaxation Time: Schedule downtime for pool relaxation or other leisure activities, especially if you have young kids who may need a midday nap.
Snacks and Drinks: Bring along plenty of snacks and drinks to keep your kids satisfied and save money by purchasing snacks at a cheaper convenience store.
Weather Awareness: Check the weather forecast and make sure you are dressed appropriately, ensuring that you have proper footwear for walking and clothes for the heat or other weather conditions.
Weekday Visits: Plan to visit Las Vegas during the week if possible. Also, check the calendar to see if there are any major events going on in order to avoid them if your schedule allows.
Visiting Las Vegas with Kids
Las Vegas is way more kid-friendly than most people might think.
I am so glad we went on a family vacation to Las Vegas.
The kids had the opportunity to see replicas of iconic landmarks, explore stunning state parks like Valley of Fire, and learn about historic sites such as the Hoover Dam.
I would not hesitate taking your kids to Las Vegas at all! Whether you are taking them there for a memorable Las Vegas vacation or as a stopover before embarking on a road trip.
With its diverse attractions, Las Vegas promises an unforgettable getaway for families!
May you LOVE your adventures! KW