The Ultimate 4-Day Las Vegas Itinerary for Your Family

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Las Vegas is a unique, family-friendly destination perfect for exploring and experiencing with your kids.

The greatest thing about it is the variety of attractions that appeal to all ages.

We vacationed there with our four boys, ages 2 through 10, and everyone found numerous things they loved doing and seeing.

If you’re looking for ideas to add to your Las Vegas vacation, I’ve mapped out the ideal 4-day itinerary for families with kids.

Boy putting his head and hands through three different holes in what looks like a pyramid of red and green plastic apples. — Omega Mart

Young boy looking at a pond inside of a building. Pond is surrounded by green plants, rocks and pinkish purple flowers. — Omega Mart

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Some highlights include visiting iconic landmarks on the Strip, such as the Statue of Liberty, Eiffel Tower, and Bellagio Fountains. You can also enjoy a ride on the High Roller Observation Wheel and take a quick road trip or tour to the Hoover Dam.

Now, the biggest question– is four days enough? I definitely think you can see a lot in four days and feel that you have fully experienced Las Vegas.

If you want to explore further, such as visiting both the Hoover Dam and Valley of Fire State Park, you might consider adding an extra day.

Find out more details for your Las Vegas 4-day itinerary below.

Humongous blue bear sculpture with red and white sunglasses and holding a red heart with a sign that says I LOVE Sugar and a young boy posing sideways on the bear's leg. — I Love Sugar Candy Shop

Boy with a red sweatshirt pretending to be a pilot by sitting and steering a pretend plane. — I Love Sugar Candy Shop

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Strip

Start your Las Vegas vacation by exploring some of the major landmarks on the Strip. This will get everyone excited for all that is to come during your family vacation.

Depending on the age of your children, you may need to take it easy for a couple of hours after traveling all morning.

My boys usually need a little downtime or even some swim time before they are ready to explore. We typically relax for an hour or two after arriving at our destination.

If your kids can handle jumping right into the sights of Las Vegas, then go right ahead!

Morning: Arrival and Check In

If you have a morning flight and arrive in Las Vegas early, you will have an entire day to see and experience the city.

Whether you’re staying at a family-friendly hotel on the Strip, such as New York- New York, or at a vacation rental off the Strip, plan to get settled in and then start your adventures as soon as your family is ready.

If you need to drive to the Strip, consider parking somewhere between the Bellagio and New York-New York. This is a great place to start your exploration of the Strip.

Expert Tip

Plan where you’re going to park ahead of time. Having a specific destination to input into your GPS will save you time and hassle. While traffic on the Strip moves slowly, it’s best to avoid driving aimlessly to find parking. Most hotels have parking garages available for visitors. Parking during the week is typically $18 for up to 24 hours and $23 on the weekends.

For lunch on the Strip, consider the Crack Shack, located on the first floor of the Park MGM facing South Las Vegas Boulevard. It’s a fun and delicious spot for families to dine.

Afternoon: Explore the Strip

This first afternoon is the perfect time to explore the Strip, which features many iconic sights, including replicas of some of the world’s most famous landmarks.

Depending on where you park or the location of your hotel, you can either start your visit at the Bellagio and explore the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden, or if you are located closer to New York-New York, you could start there.

Be sure to catch one of the Bellagio fountain shows, which start at 3 p.m. on weekdays and noon on weekends.

While at the New York, New York Hotel and Casino make sure to visit Hershey’s Chocolate World and see the Statue of Liberty, located just past Hershey’s Chocolate World.

The kids might also want to play at the arcade or ride the Big Apple Coaster while they’re here.

If you have the time and interest, continue on to the Excalibur and Luxor. Kids will LOVE being inside a pyramid at Luxor, and the Excalibur is also very kid-friendly!

Another option is to take a ride on the High Roller Observation Wheel. This observation wheel is located on the far end of the Linq Promenade from Las Vegas Boulevard. You will need to cross Las Vegas Boulevard and head north past the Planet Hollywood, Paris, and the Flamingo Hotels.

For some free entertainment, visit the Harbor Rainstorm and the Lost City shows at the Miracle Mile shops, connected to Planet Hollywood.

Inside of High Roller Observation Wheel with floor to almost ceiling windows and small tvs with information and facts at the top towards the ceiling.

Boy with a red hooded sweatshirt posing next to a Hershey bar statue.

Evening: Dinner and a Show

If you’re up for it, consider getting tickets for one of the many family-friendly shows in Vegas. Great options include the Tournament of Kings at the Excalibur, the Blue Man Group at the Luxor, or a magic show such as Nathan Burton Comedy Magic located inside FlyOver.

For more information on these shows, as well as tips for buying tickets and attending with kids, check out my blog post The Top 10 Must See Las Vegas Shows with Kids.

Day 2: More Amazing Attractions

Morning: Pick Your Off-Strip Adventure

The morning is a great time to explore beyond the Strip. If you have younger kids, consider visiting the Discovery Children’s Museum.

This museum features a unique 12-level tower called the Summit, which allows access to all three floors of the museum without using the stairs or elevator.

Brick exterior of Discovery Children's Museum with arched wall of windows and front doors with greenery.

Tall colorful climbing tower inside of a children's museum.

All four of our boys, ages 2-10, had a blast at the Discovery Children’s Museum. Our youngest enjoyed the water section and imaginative play on the pirate ship, while the older boys loved the Discovery Lab and Energy exhibits.

Expert Tip

This museum is fantastic for younger kids. If I only had my 8 and 10-year olds, I would have chosen a different morning activity as the Discovery Children’s Museum is geared more towards younger children.

For families with older kids, the Ethel M. Chocolate Factory and Botanical Garden in Henderson, eight miles from the Strip, is a great option. This free attraction offers a fascinating look at chocolate production and a beautiful garden to explore.

Machinery used to make chocolate at Ethel M. Chocolates Factory.

The chocolate wall that looks like a box of Ethel M. Chocolates at the Ethel M. Chocolates Factory.

MORE KID-FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS: Las Vegas for Families: Guide to the Kid-Friendly Side of Vegas

Expert Tip

Traffic in Vegas can be heavy, so getting places may take longer than expected. Keep this in mind when planning your day. If you prefer to avoid traffic, there is plenty to do and see on the Las Vegas Strip.

Afternoon: More Las Vegas Strip Fun

After visiting either the Discovery Children’s Museum, Ethel M. Chocolate Factory and Botanical Garden or another attraction, consider heading to the Adventuredome at Circus Circus.

The Adventuredome offers a wide range of activities for kids, including miniature golf, indoor rock climbing and bungee jumping, arcade games, roller coasters, bumper cars, carousel, frog hopper, and so much more!

Be sure to check out the free Circus Acts on the Center Stage of the Carnival Midway. Performances start on the half hour at 1:30pm Monday through Thursday and 11:30 am Friday through Sunday.

If Circus Circus isn’t your thing, you could explore the Venetian Resort and the Grand Canal Shoppes. You will feel like you’ve stepped into a small Italian town with the cobblestone walkways and indoor and outdoor canals.

Consider taking a Gondola ride for a unique experience. You can do the ride either inside or outside.

Boy wearing a green hooded sweatshirt leaning on a railing looking at the canal outside of the Venetian Resort with a gondola boat.

Exterior of the Venetian Resort with the outdoor canal and a gondola.

If you have time after visiting the Venetian, walk across the walkway over Las Vegas Boulevard to the Forum Shops. Here, you’ll find an atmosphere reminiscent of ancient Greece. It is quite spectacular.

Enjoy a ride on the spiral escalator and check out the free Atlantis Show and Aquarium.

Evening: Explore the Fremont Street Experience

After a late afternoon rest or swim at your resort or vacation rental, consider heading to the Fremont Street Experience.

Enjoy the dazzling light show, watch the zipliners or even try ziplining yourself. Don’t forget to stop by Pinkbox Donuts for a sweet treat.

People walking towards the neon signs for the Fremont Experience including neon signs shaped like a flamingo, palm tree, and red playing dice.

People ziplining at the top of the Fremont Experience just below the giant orange, white, and green colors on the LED screen.

After experiencing Fremont Street, walk a few blocks to the Downtown Container Park.

Here, you can see the giant praying mantis sculpture, let the kids play at the playground, and enjoy lawn games in the large grassy courtyard.

Giant praying mantis shooting out fire at night at the Downtown Container Park.

Bridge and play structure made out of a shipping container that is lit up with orange and pink lights

Expert Tip

Exercise discretion when taking your kids to the Fremont Street Experience. Similar to the Las Vegas Strip, Fremont Street can get very crowded at night and there may be individuals engaging in inappropriate behavior, such as excessive drinking. We usually get back to our hotel or vacation rental fairly early in the evening.

Day 3: Nature and Outdoors

After becoming acclimated with the Las Vegas Strip and general area, day 3 is a perfect day for a short road trip to the Hoover Dam.

If you don’t have a car, consider booking a tour to the Hoover Dam.

Morning: Hoover Dam Adventure

Drive or start your tour to the Hoover Dam.

If you’re going on your own, I highly recommend walking across the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.

You’ll find the parking lot for the walkway to this bridge after passing through the security checkpoint. It’s a little less than a mile round trip from the parking lot to the Arizona side and back.

The views of the Dam from this bridge are incredible!

After walking across the Memorial Bridge, continue driving to one of the parking lots at the actual Hoover Dam.

While at the Hoover Dam, you can walk across the top of the dam, take a tour, visit the gift shop, or enjoy a snack at the Hoover Dam Cafe.

View of the Hoover Dam from the Callaghan-Tillman Memorial Bridge.

Family standing on top of the Hoover Dam with the Callaghan-Tillman Memorial Bridge in the background.

If you want to take a formal tour, you can, but if you simply want to be as budget-friendly as possible, you can park in the free parking lot and wander around on your own.

MORE HOOVER DAM TIPS: Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam: Ultimate Guide for Your Visit

Afternoon: Boulder City and Pool Time

On your way back in the afternoon, consider stopping in Boulder City for lunch.

Boulder City has a charming downtown with plenty of restaurants and quaint shops. It’s worth a walk around.

After returning, from your brief road trip to the Hoover Dam, the kids will likely be ready for some pool time.

Evening: Fountains and Sweets

In the evening, make sure to catch the Fountain Show at the Bellagio if you haven’t already. It is quite an amazing experience!

Starting at 7 p.m., the Bellagio Fountains perform every 15 minutes, making it easy to catch multiple shows.

You can also visit the Bellagio for a sweet treat at the Bellagio Patisserie and see the enormous chocolate fountain.

Fountain show at night in front of the lit up Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.

Day 4: Departure

Day 4 is likely your last day in Las Vegas before heading home.

If you have the time, consider visiting the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, located south of Mandalay Bay.

It’s about a 20-minute walk from Mandalay Bay. If you have a car, there’s a small parking lot accessible when driving south on Las Vegas Boulevard.

If you prefer not to walk and don’t have a car, taking an Uber is a convenient option.

Lady and young boy posing in front of the Welcome to Las Vegas Nevada sign with a young boy with a red sweatshirt in the back.

Other attractions worth checking out if you have the time include the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat and Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay.

The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is free and opens early at 7:00 a.m., while the Shark Reef Aquarium opens at 10 a.m. with an admission fee.

4-Day Las Vegas Itinerary with Kids

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Strip	Morning: Arrival Afternoon: Lunch at Crack Shack, Bellagio, New York-New York, Excalibur, and Luxor OR do the High Roller Observation Wheel Evening: Kid-friendly show
Day 2: More Attractions	Morning: Discovery Children’s Museum or Ethel M. Chocolate Factory Afternoon: Circus Circus or Venetian + Forum Shops Evening: Fremont Street Experience + Downtown Container Park
Day 3: Short Road Trip	Morning: Hoover Dam Afternoon: Lunch in Boulder City + Pool Time Evening: Bellagio Fountains
Day 4: Departure	Welcome to Las Vegas sign Shark Reef Aquarium @ Mandalay Bay Flamingo Wildlife Habitat @ Flamingo Hotel

Any of the attractions on Day 4 could be substituted or added to another day if you have an early flight.

Tips for Visiting Las Vegas with Kids

Choose One to Two Activities Per Day: Depending on the ages of your kids, you may want to choose just one or two activities each day. If you have older kids who can handle more, fit in as much as you can!

Walking the Strip: Walking the Las Vegas Strip involves covering a lot of ground and navigating through crowds, escalators, and bridges, which can be tiring for kids. To make your visit more manageable, plan your activities ahead of time and focus on exploring one area at a time to limit walking.

Navigating with Strollers: Strollers can be difficult to maneuver through crowds and when crossing streets on Las Vegas Boulevard. Be prepared for this, or consider alternatives like a baby carrier or staying close to where you parked.

Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water as temperatures can get very hot!

Evening Considerations: To avoid exposing your kids to people who have been drinking excessively, consider staying off the Strip at night. We found it helpful to park at the hotel where our night show was located. Parking at the Bellagio to watch the fountain show one evening also worked out great!

Take Breaks: Ensure you take breaks for pool time or rest, especially for younger kids.

Plan Ahead: Print off our Las Vegas bucket list to help you remember all the sights and attractions you want to see!

This four-day family-friendly Las Vegas itinerary offers a perfect blend of iconic landmarks, thrilling attractions, nature adventures, and delicious treats.

By planning ahead, staying flexible, and following these tips, you can create a memorable and enjoyable trip for everyone.

Enjoy your Las Vegas adventure and make the most of every moment with your kids.

Download our Travel Itinerary Planner to help you plan your family vacation to Las Vegas.

May you LOVE your adventure. KW

The Ultimate 4-Day Las Vegas Itinerary for Your Family