Las Vegas is known for being a must-visit destination for adults. Don’t let all the exceptional nightlife, pool parties and elevated dining fool you — this also can certainly be an ideal spot for your family vacation, especially with the famous Las Vegas Strip and Fremont Street offering a popular locations for many attractions and entertainment.
If you’re looking for things to do in Las Vegas with kids, we’ve got you covered with our list of 31 fun, family-friendly activities.
Free Things to Do
Fountains of Bellagio and Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
The Fountains of Bellagio and Conservatory & Botanical Gardens are two of the most iconic free attractions on the Las Vegas Strip. The Fountains of Bellagio are a spectacular display of choreographed light show with water and music that will leave you in awe. The Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, on the other hand, is a beautiful display of flowers, trees, and other plants that are arranged in a stunning display of color and design. Both attractions are completely free and are a must-see for families visiting Las Vegas.
Kid-Friendly Shows and Events
Jabbawockeez
Awarded “Best All Ages Show” and “Best Family Show,” an evening at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino to see the incredible, captivating and heart-pumping dance performance of Jabbawockeez is a must! With a multi-genre playlist and plenty of visual effects, the whole family will be enthralled.
Mystère by Cirque du Soleil
Want a show that brings impressive acrobatics, breathtaking leaps of athleticism and world-class stage production? Look no further than Mystère by Cirque du Soleil at Treasure Island – TI Hotel & Casino. Crowned “Best Production Show” eight times by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, this show's unique mixture of showmanship, drama and imaginative themes will capitative everyone.
Oasis Cinema Club
There’s so much fun to take in at Fontainebleau Las Vegas’ Oasis Pool Deck including its movie series, Oasis Cinema Club allowing guests to experience blockbusters under the Southern Nevada sky. Family-friendly films are shown on a projection screen at the expansive pool complex, with selections including Barbie, Finding Nemo and The Super Mario Bros. Movie. In true movie-theater-style fashion, the space will serve elevated treats to enjoy during the flicks — churro bites and fudge, anyone?
Mat Franco
Discover what this America's Got Talent winner has up his sleeve during his popular Las Vegas Show, Mat Franco Magic Reinvented Nightly at The LINQ Hotel + Experience. Appropriate for those 5 years and older, prepare to see one of the most popular magic shows in Las Vegas that combines old-school magic and modern innovation, leaving you awe-struck and in wonder.
Tournament of Kings
Cheer on your favorite valiant knight and eat with your hands at Tournament of Kings at Excalibur Hotel and Casino. Experience the Middle Ages and witness the glorious tale of King Arthur, live with knights and their magnificent steeds demonstrating their chivalry, honor and bravery as they duel it out. The impressive pyrotechnics, non-stop entertainment and delicious, hearty dinner are sure to make you feel like royalty.
Amusement Parks and Rides
High Roller Observation Wheel
Take a break from the bustling crowds by taking the family on a ride on the High Roller Observation Wheel, think of it like a huge Ferris wheel right in the middle of the Strip. At 550-feet high and 520 feet in diameter, the High Roller at The LINQ Hotel + Experience has 28 transparent (and air-conditioned) pods that can hold up to 40 people. The experience lasts 30 minutes and kids 6 years old and younger ride free! You can even book special events or take advantage of happy hour specials.
Adventuredome at Circus Circus Las Vegas
Head to the Circus Circus Las Vegas and play your day away at Adventuredome, an indoor amusement park with rides and attractions for kids, daredevils and kid daredevils! Attractions include miniature golf, mini-bowling, indoor rock climbing and bungee jumping, laser beam escape rooms, roller skating, midway games, arcade games, as well as roller coasters and rides for any adventure level. Check out their newest attraction, SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride - an interactive, immersive adventure into the whimsical universe of SpongeBob SquarePants with vibrant visuals, special effects, and under-the-sea fun.
The Big Apple Roller Coaster
Fittingly located at New York-New York, The Big Apple Coaster is a loopty-loop coaster right on the Las Vegas Strip and the first in the world to include a 180-degree “heartline” twist and dive. For the true thrill-seekers and coaster-crazed kids in your family, this is one literal (and virtual) ride you must take! After your ride, recalibrate and reenergize at the Big Apple arcade.
Thrill Rides at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower
Get the adrenaline pumping with four of the world's highest rides, 100 stories above the ground. Free fall 855 feet at 40 miles per hour on the SkyJump. Lose your voice as the X-Scream teeters 27 feet over the edge of the building at 33 miles per hour. Get shot sky high and try to enjoy spectacular views of the Las Vegas Valley on the Big Shot. If you haven't had enough, take in some 'Gs — three to be exact — as Insanity spins you 900 feet in the air. After all this adventure, a nap may be in order.
Attractions in Las Vegas
Downtown Container Park
Venture off east of Fremont Street look for the giant, metal praying mantis. Here you'll find Downtown Container Park, made completely of shipping containers stacked upon each other, this unique venue offers a variety of fun boutique shops and food outlets. Kids getting hangry? Grab a bite at one of the many eateries, while the big kids can get an adult beverage at Oak & Ivy. Treat the whole fam with a gelato sensation at Waffelato, and then let the kids burn off the sugar high in The Treehouse playground plus a variety of weekly free entertainment.
Hershey's Chocolate World
Head over to New York-New York for Hershey's Chocolate World. This West Coast flagship store sells more than 800 candy and chocolate confections by Hershey brands, and you can even customize your own chocolate bars! Don't miss the huge milk chocolate Statue of Liberty. The kids can even star in their own Reese's Peanut Butter Cup TV ad through one of the store's many interactive experiences.
Topgolf Las Vegas
This must-do activity is a fun and interactive golfing experience that is perfect for all families. Topgolf Las Vegas features a high-tech driving range where players can hit micro-chipped golf balls into targets, scoring points and competing against each other. This location also offers a variety of food and drink options, as well as a fun and lively atmosphere that makes it a great place to spend an evening with the family. With its unique blend of golf, food, and fun, Topgolf is one of the best attractions in the destination for families.
Fun Dungeon
Don't be afraid — the Fun Dungeon at Excalibur is an arcade for kids of all ages. This arcade is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and is the place to play over 200 games including carnival classics, vintage and new video games, arcade games for little kids, and the World's Biggest Pac-Man.
Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
Gaze upon more than 2,000 animals at Shark Reef Aquarium. This family-friendly attractions features awe-inspiring tours under the sea through 14 shark habitats, including a shipwreck with 360-degree views of sharks and other fish. Experiential activities include the Touch Pool, where you can dip your fingers into the water and touch rays, sharks or horseshoe crabs, to name a few of the oceanic creatures that rotate into this exhibit.
M&M's World
Take a detour to M&M's World in the Showcase Mall. The store is 28,000 square feet of candy-coated chocolate goodness. Customize your own M&M's using the personal printer to include unique messages and a variety of images — including Las Vegas-themed ones — and 16 different colors. NASCAR fans can also take a selfie with a replica of Kyle Busch's 18 M&M's race car.
Museum of Illusions
Be prepared to be perplexed by all the amazing things at this museum housing immersive installations that are sure to captivate and maybe even confuse — in the best way possible, of course. Its mind-bending illusion rooms, including a mesmerizing vortex tunnel and a room that makes you feel like you're upside down (what?!), are entertaining for the kids and adults alike. Who doesn't like to experience a good mind trick or two?
Ethel M Chocolates Factory & Cactus Garden
Get a behind-the-scenes look of the daily operations of Nevada's gourmet chocolatier and let the kids explore the factory's Botanical Cactus Garden — Nevada's largest botanical garden of its kind, featuring three acres of cacti, succulents and more. Bonus: Admission to The Chocolate Factory and botanical garden is free! Self-guided “aisle tours” also are free and open to the public, offering a peek inside the candy kitchen where handmade pecan brittle, as well as signature small-batch fillings like satin cremes and caramels for those delectable chocolates, are produced daily.
Gondola Rides at The Venetian
For a family-friendly adventure that feels like stepping into a storybook, the gondola rides at The Venetian Resort are an absolute must. Glide along the shimmering waters of the Grand Canal, passing beneath charming arched bridges, beautiful architecture and alongside bustling café-lined walkways. What makes this experience even more magical is the gondolier, who serenades your family with beautiful songs as you drift along. It’s a delightful escape that both kids and parents will treasure, offering a little taste of Venice right in the heart of Las Vegas.
Pools and Outdoor Activities
The Tank Pool
Pool season is in full swing and that means fun for the whole family especially at the award-winning pool complex, The Tank at Golden Nugget in Downtown Las Vegas. It’s family-friendly, and the kids will love the waterslide that safely passes through 200,000-gallon shark tank before zipping right into the pool.
Splash Zone and Pool
If sharks aren’t your speed, be sure to check out the pool experience at Circus Circus Las Vegas, including a 50-foot slide tower with three different slides! Don't miss out on the Splash Zone, where kids (and adults) of any age can play the day away in this interactive water playground with multiple pools, waterfalls, whirlpools plus cabanas and the Splash Snacks food truck.
Lion Habitat Ranch
For an off-Strip animal adventure check out the Lion Habitat Ranch in Henderson, an African lion sanctuary offering trainer tours, a painting giraffe and special events. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even feed the lions and the giraffes! Or maybe sit down and have a meal with family and friends at its Feast with the Beasts experience, as you eat surrounded by lions.
Red Rock Canyon
One of the best free things to do in Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon is located just 20 miles west of the Strip and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. This National Conservation Area features stunning red rock formations, hiking trails, and a scenic drive that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Families can also visit the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center, which offers information about the geology, flora, and fauna of the area. With its natural beauty and variety of outdoor activities, Red Rock Canyon is a great place for families to spend a day exploring the great outdoors.
Family Pool at Resorts World Las Vegas
Las Vegas offers a fantastic experience for kids at the pool complex at Resorts World, a dedicated area for families for fun and relaxation. This pool area features a unique and playful water attraction, ensuring both kids and adults enjoy an exciting aquatic adventure. Conveniently located next to the Bites snack bar so you can easily refuel without any hassle. Elevate your family outing by reserving one of the three private cabanas, adding an extra touch of poolside relaxation.
Museums and Exhibits
Springs Preserve
Located a few miles off-Strip, there's plenty of kid-friendly activities at this 180-acre area of botanical gardens, walking trails, wildlife habitats, museums and more. Springs Preserve is home to a large collection of Mojave Desert cacti, plants, a variety of wetland bird species and desert creatures. This cultural institution also offers a seasonal butterfly habitat and rotating exhibits. You'll get a look into how the Vegas valley flourished from a vibrant desert to the phenomenal city it is today. There's also guided tours and a narrated, round-trip train ride that immerses riders into the Old West.
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is a great place for families to learn about the natural environment. The museum features a variety of exhibits on topics such as dinosaurs, marine life, and the wildlife of Nevada. One of the highlights of the museum is the Prehistoric Life Gallery, which features a massive T-Rex skeleton and a Triceratops skull. The museum also offers a variety of interactive exhibits and activities for kids, offering plenty of fun things and educational experiences for visitors of all ages.
Discovery Children’s Museum
Let kids be kids — while they learn and play — at the Discovery Children's Museum. Located downtown, the nine themed, hands-on, interactive zones include The Summit, a 70-foot tower with 12 levels of science fun and climbing/sliding structures. Cool off at Water World or help build a community in EcoCity. Make sure to check out the featured exhibitions gallery for more interactive fun. With rotating exhibits throughout the year, there are always new experiences and fun thing to do no matter when you visit. Another educational attraction to explore is the Nevada State Museum, which offers interactive exhibits and insights into the area's history as part of the Springs Preserve.
Kid-Friendly Dining
Rainforest Café
There's plenty of family-friendly dining options, one of which is the exciting Rainforest Café, a popular restaurant situated right on the Strip at Harmon Corner. Upon entering, you'll be transported to the rainforest and can dine alongside life-size animals. And with cheese sticks and kids meals' options like quesadillas, mini hot dogs, and macaroni and cheese, it's sure to delight the little ones.
Celebrity Food Hall
Food halls are all the rage, and this food hall just outside of the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace is a kid-pleasing hit. With two celebrity-chef helmed spots, the whole family is going to be fulfilled — choose from hand-held delights at Bobby's Burgers from Bobby Flay, grab a slice of pizza at Buddy V's Pizzeria, or fresh-brined chicken tenders and sandwiches at Guy Fieri's Chicken Guy!
The Park
Located in the heart of the Strip, The Park Vegas offers variety of kid-friendly dining options like the famous roadside burger joint Shake Shack for burgers, dogs and fries. And for sweet treats and coffee drinks, hit the screaming pink pop-up, Hello Kitty Café.
Sugar Factory
The longtime confectionary shop offers a full restaurant experience at Harmon Corner, with whimsical takes on kid-loving favorites. There's the Sugar Factory Rainbow Sliders with colorful mini-hamburger buns, an entire menu section of loaded fries (yum!), tacos, pastas and more. Did we mention the Flaming Hot Cheetos Burger?
Discover additional kid-friendly show ideas, hotels and free things to do that are perfect for any visit to Las Vegas with kids as you make your travel plans to visit this incredible destination!