Catherine - Savvy Family TravelMost people don’t think of Las Vegas as a family destination.
If you look beyond the casinos and girls on the strip though, you’ll find animal encounters, world-class shows, easy day trips, and kid-friendly resorts.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Las Vegas with kids.
Why Visit Las Vegas With Kids?
Las Vegas makes a surprisingly easy family getaway.
Flights are available from most major U.S. cities, hotel prices are often lower than other popular vacation destinations, and many attractions are concentrated.
One of the things I love most about visiting Las Vegas with kids is that you can mix completely different experiences into one trip. One day you can be watching sharks swim overhead, the next day hiking through red rock landscapes, and the day after that exploring immersive art installations.
How to Get to Las Vegas with Kids
Flying to Las Vegas
Most visitors arrive through Harry Reid International Airport, which is located just minutes from the Strip.
Direct flights are available from cities throughout North America, making Las Vegas one of the easiest family destinations to reach.
Driving to Las Vegas
Many families from Southern California, Arizona, Utah, and neighboring states choose to drive.
Having a vehicle can be especially useful if you plan to visit places like Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, or Seven Magic Mountains.
We rented a car and combined Las Vegas with a road trip to Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Bryce National Park, and Zion National Park.
Where to Stay in Las Vegas With Kids
Not every Las Vegas hotel is equally family-friendly. Here are some places we recommend to narrow your search. You could also opt for a spacious Airbnb in nearby Henderson.
Best Hotels for Families
Mandalay Bay
The massive pool complex and lazy river make this one of the best choices for families. It’s also home to Shark Reef Aquarium.
New York-New York Hotel & Casino
The Big Apple Coaster and family-friendly atmosphere make New York New York a popular choice.
Circus Circus Las Vegas
An outdated resort, but still popular thanks to Adventuredome (an indoor amusement park) and carnival games. The rooms are shockingly affordable, but the amusement park admission is a separate fee.
The Venetian Resort
Kids and adults love the indoor canals and gondola rides. The Venetian has some of the more spacious rooms on the strip as well.
Family Hotel Tips
- Stay on the Strip if it’s your first visit.
- Choose a resort with a pool as temperatures regularly surpass 100 degrees.
- Factor walking distances into your plans.
What to Do in Las Vegas With Kids
Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
The aquarium at Mandalay Bay features sharks, rays, sea turtles, crocodiles, and more. Walking through the underwater tunnel while sharks swim overhead never gets old.
Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart
Located inside AREA15 Entertainment and Events District, Omega Mart is one of the most unique attractions in Las Vegas.
At first glance it looks like a strange grocery store. Then you discover hidden passages, secret rooms, interactive exhibits, and a bizarre storyline that unfolds as you explore.
Older kids, teens, and adults alike tend to love this experience.
Bellagio Fountains
The best free attraction in Las Vegas with kids.
Watching the fountains dance to music remains one of those classic Vegas experiences that still feels magical for kids and adults alike.
For a unique viewpoint for the show, check to the Eiffel Tower observation deck.
Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
Located at Flamingo Las Vegas, this free attraction includes flamingos, koi fish, turtles, ducks, and waterfalls.
It’s a nice break from the crowds and doesn’t require much time.
M&M’S Las Vegas
Multiple floors of merchandise, photo opportunities, and personalized candy make this a fun stop on the Strip.
Coca-Cola Store
Right next door to M&M’s World. The international Coke tasting experience is especially fun because everyone gets to sample sodas from around the world.
Ethel M Chocolate Factory
Watching chocolates being made is always a hit in Las Vegas with kids. Depending on the season, the cactus garden outside is impressive too.
Downtown Container Park
The giant treehouse playground provides a place for kids to burn off energy while parents relax nearby.
There are also shops, restaurants, and frequent family-friendly events.
Neon Museum
The Neon Museum gives you a glimpse into old Las Vegas.
Older kids especially enjoy seeing the massive vintage casino signs and learning how Las Vegas evolved over the decades.
One World Interactive Aquarium
Kids will love the animal encounters and touch experiences. My son still talks about the archer fish.
Cowabunga Bay Water Park
If you’re visiting during warmer months, this can easily fill an entire day.
Water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and splash zones make it one of the best summer activities for families.
Professional Sports
Las Vegas is home to several professional sports teams and hosts major motor sport events as well like Formula One racing.
- The Vegas Golden Knights are one of the city’s biggest attractions. Hockey games are fast-paced, family-friendly, and packed with energy.
- The Las Vegas Raiders play at the impressive Allegiant Stadium, where even non-football fans often enjoy the game-day atmosphere.
- Basketball fans can catch the Las Vegas Aces, one of the most successful teams in the WNBA.
- During baseball season, the Las Vegas Aviators offer an affordable and relaxed family outing with great views and kid-friendly entertainment.
World Class Shows
Las Vegas offers some of the best family-friendly live entertainment in the world.
For younger audiences, Cirque productions often combine acrobatics, music, and visual effects that keep kids engaged throughout the show.
Blue Man Group remains another fun Las Vegas with kids option
Museum of Illusions
Interactive exhibits and optical illusions make this a great rainy-day or hot-weather activity.
Adults and kids love trying to figure out how the exhibits work.
What to Do Outside Las Vegas with Kids
One reason Las Vegas with kids works so well is the variety of day trips nearby.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
This is our favorite outdoor escape near Las Vegas.
Located about 30 minutes from the Strip, Red Rock Canyon offers scenic drives, hiking trails, rock formations, and incredible desert scenery. Even if you don’t plan to hike, the scenic loop drive is worth the trip.
Seven Magic Mountains
Located south of Las Vegas, this colorful art installation makes a fun and easy stop.
Kids love the bright colors and unusual setting.
Springs Preserve
Part museum, part botanical garden, and part nature preserve.
Mount Charleston
When summer temperatures become overwhelming, Mount Charleston offers cooler temperatures and mountain scenery.
It feels like a completely different world compared to the Strip.
Valley of Fire State Park
Many visitors consider this one of the most beautiful places in Nevada. The red sandstone formations almost look like another planet.
Families can enjoy short hikes, scenic overlooks, and plenty of photo opportunities at the Valley of Fire State Park when visiting Las Vegas with kids.
Kayaking Emerald Cove
For adventurous families with older children, kayaking Emerald Cove is one of the most memorable outdoor experiences near Las Vegas with kids.
The glowing green water inside the cave creates a unique photo opportunity. This excursion is about 1 hour outside of Las Vegas. It combines well with a visit to Hoover Dam.
Cathedral Gorge State Park
Far less crowded than some of Nevada’s more famous parks, Cathedral Gorge features narrow slot-like canyons and unusual rock formations that kids enjoy exploring.
Where to Eat in Las Vegas With Kids
- Milk Bar – The cookies, cereal milk soft serve, and cakes are always popular with kids in Las Vegas.
- Tournament of Kings – Dinner and a show rolled into one experience.
- Black Bear Diner
- Buddy V’s Ristorante – Italian food tends to be a safe bet in Las Vegas with kids
- Hash House A Go Go – enormous portions and creative comfort food.
How to Get Around Las Vegas
Walking
Many attractions are located on the Strip, however, distances are much larger than they appear. What looks close on a map may require 20-30 minutes of walking.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft are often the easiest transportation options for those visiting Las Vegas with kids. We move around with our Ride Safer Vests to make Taxi/Uber transport easy and safe with little ones.
Rental Cars
A rental car is recommended if you plan to visit:
- Red Rock Canyon
- Valley of Fire
- Seven Magic Mountains
- Mount Charleston
- Hoover Dam (35 min away from Las Vegas)
What to Bring for Las Vegas With Kids
- Refillable water bottles
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hats
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Portable phone charger
- Swimsuits
- Light layers for air-conditioned resorts
- Snacks for younger children
Even during cooler months, the desert sun can be intense.
Other Important Tips for Visiting Las Vegas With Kids
Avoid Midday Summer Activities
Temperatures can become dangerous during summer afternoons. Schedule outdoor attractions early in the morning whenever possible.
Book Popular Shows Early
Cirque du Soleil performances and other family-friendly shows often sell out.
Don’t Overbook Your Days
Las Vegas is larger than many first-time visitors expect. Allow extra time for transportation and walking.
Mix Indoor and Outdoor Activities
The best Las Vegas with kids itineraries usually combine a few hours outside with indoor attractions during the hottest part of the day.
Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting With Kids?
While Las Vegas with kids may never compete with destinations built specifically for families, it offers a surprisingly diverse mix of entertainment, outdoor adventure, dining, and unique experiences.
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Catherine – Savvy Family Travel
My favorite pastime is finding fun, interesting experiences to share with family and friends.
I’m a mom of two energetic and curious boys. My tireless husband provides comic relief, is our favorite photographer, and an expert navigator.
I’m a firm believer that travel with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. It can be affordable, epic, and, dare I say, even relaxing!
Are you a travel loving parent too? I’d love to meet you, please reach out via Messenger and say “hi!”
Based in: Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA
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