25 Best Things to do in Las Vegas with Kids

Thinking of a Las Vegas vacation with your family and wondering what to do in Las Vegas with kids? Well, you’re in for a surprise!

Over the years, I’ve visited Las Vegas multiple times, including trips with my kids from their toddler years to our latest visit in 2024 when they were teenagers.

My kids had a blast exploring all the fun attractions in Vegas, and we also ventured out of the Strip to explore some outdoor adventures.

Let me assure you that Las Vegas isn’t just for adults anymore. It’s packed with a wide range of family-friendly attractions and kid-friendly resorts on and off the Strip that promise fun for kids of all age groups, including toddlers, pre-teens, and teens.

From thrilling amusement parks to interactive museums and kid-friendly shows, there’s no shortage of activities to keep kids entertained.

So, let’s dive into my list of top things to do in Las Vegas with kids.

Best Things to do in Las Vegas with kids

This list has all the kid-friendly attractions in Vegas, but kids come in all sizes, and not all attractions are relatable to all ages. Pick the activities that appeal to your kids’ age group, be they toddlers, kids, pre-teens, or teenagers.

1. Venetian Gondola Ride and Grand Canal Shoppes

No matter how many times I visit Vegas, Venetian is one of my favorite themed casinos on the Strip. The entire Grand Canal Shoppes area is so beautiful with the fake sky that makes it seem like day even at night and the water canal with the beautiful bridges.

This time around, my teens loved taking pics for their Instagram on the bridges with the unique canal and gondola backdrop. It is also fun to stroll here with kids, spot the street performances, and do some window shopping.

The highlight of Venetian is the gondola ride, and if you have not been to Venice, I would recommend experiencing it once. It’s not just for couples! We have done this as a family, and it was fun.

I recommend the indoor gondola ride as opposed to the outdoor one, as it’s more scenic and special!

You can also combine the Venetian Gondola ride with the Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum and save some money on the combo ticket. Overall, the Venetian’s Grand Canal area is an iconic Las Vegas attraction and one of the top family things to do in Vegas.

Anu’s Pro-tip – In addition to the fine dining restaurants, Venetian also has a nice food court that can come in handy with picky eaters or when hunger strikes at odd times, which is very common with my kids!

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Venetian Gondola ride with the Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum

2. Watch some kid-friendly shows in Vegas

Shows were big on my list during my visit to Vegas with my kids. Vegas truly has some of the best kid-friendly shows that cannot be found elsewhere!

Mat Franco Magic Reinvented Show – On our most recent Vegas family vacation, we watched the Mat Franco Magic Show at the LINQ Hotel and were blown away. It was my kids, who are in their early teens, favorite part of the entire trip. I would recommend this show for kids 7 years and above. Younger than that might not follow, although they can definitely watch.

Cirque Du Soleil shows like KA at MGM or O at Bellagio – I have watched both shows, and both are family-friendly, but I really liked KA at MGM better. My kids loved it, too! The performances and acrobatic acts are really amazing. If you have a kid who loves synchronized swimming acts, then they might like O at Bellagio better.

David Copperfield Magic show at MGM Grand – David Copperfield is legendary, and his magic show is a mix of storytelling, illusion, and magic that engages all ages.

Blue Man Group show at Luxor – This is another popular show with families, as their antics will make even the younger kids laugh. Their unique blend of music, comedy, and multimedia art is entertaining for kids and adults alike.

3. Indulge in some grand Vegas buffets

Just like everything else, buffets are over the top at Vegas as well!

The Wynn Buffet, The Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace, and The Wicked Spoon in Cosmopolitan are some of the most popular and renowned buffets with great quality food.

Although good buffets can be pricey and add up quickly for a family, I recommend treating your kids to at least one good buffet during your Las Vegas family vacation.

We always go to the Wynn buffet as we love the variety of food and the good number of vegetarian options available.

There are the fancier dishes for adults and the basic pasta, pizza, soups, rice, and noodle dishes that will please the kids.

Wynn Buffet also has the most elaborate and beautiful desert counter I have ever seen! My kids loved trying all the various kinds of desert combinations.

4. M&M’S World

No matter what age your kids are, you should definitely stop at M&M’S World! It’s right next to MGM Grand Casino, and we stopped here before going to the KA show.

My kids loved being here. On the second floor, they have a whole wall with dispensers filled with different colors and unique flavors of M&Ms. Even jumbo brownie M&Ms! Yum!

You can mix and match different flavors and pay by weight. We got bags full, and they were handy for the kids to munch on during our long day excursions from Vegas.

They also have cute M&M-themed merchandise and gift items to take back home. I think M&M’s World is one of the best things to do with kids in Vegas, and looking at the crowds here, it is true!

5. World of Coca-Cola store

If you have teenagers or Coca-Cola fans in your family, stop by the Coca-Cola store. My older kid loves Coke, so we stopped here. The store has a lot of branded merchandise to purchase and some good photo ops.

The highlight here is that from the cafe on the second floor, you can order a tray of 16 shots of Coca-Cola brand flavors from different regions of the world.

We loved trying the different flavors and voting our favorites. Some were really good, and some tasted like bad medicine 🙂 Seeing everyone’s reactions to each flavor was fun.

Right next to this place is the Stranger Things Exhibit if you have fans of the show. Again my kids went to check it out as they love the show.

6. Hershey’s Chocolate World at New York New York

Across the street from M&M’S World in the New York New York Casino is Hershey’s Chocolate World. It is a must-stop for Hershey’s fans. Again, we stopped here as my kids love Hershey’s candy as well.

Just like M&M’s World, there is a huge wall filled with dispensers of different flavors of Kisses, Hershey’s, and Reese’s candy. We bought bags full by weight and got to try so many new flavors. There is a cafe here for shakes and snacks.

There is a huge Statue of Liberty here made entirely of milk chocolate, some 800 pounds of chocolate, as per the sign posted there! It’s a great photo op for kids.

You can buy Hershey’s themed merchandise and also get customized candy wrappers for your candy.

7. Bellagio Fountain Show

The Bellagio Fountain Show is a long-running, iconic attraction and a must-see in Las Vegas, perfect for families with kids of all ages. It occurs outside the Bellagio Hotel and Casino.

This free outdoor show combines water, music, and light to create stunning performances. Water jets dance in sync with classic, pop, and Broadway tunes, creating a captivating spectacle.

Shows run every 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the time of day, and last about 4-5 minutes each.

We usually grab a spot along the railing for the best view. I recommend seeing the show at night to see the light effects along with the music and the dancing water fountains.

It’s an easy and enjoyable experience for all ages, offering a moment of wonder right on the Center Strip.

8. Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay

The Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is ideal for families interested in marine life. It’s not just sharks here; you’ll find stingrays, jellyfish, octopus, piranha, and even a Komodo dragon!

The exhibits are creatively themed, with unique features like underwater tunnels allowing sea creatures to glide right above you. (I saw a similar underwater tunnel in the San Francisco Bay Aquarium on Pier 39!)

For a hands-on experience, visit the touch pools, where you can gently interact with stingrays, baby sharks, and other sea animals.

If you’re looking for something extra special, consider the shark-feeding add-on packages for an unforgettable experience learning the feeding habits of these predators.

➡ Check rates and availability for Shark Reef Aquarium tickets

9. High Roller Observation Wheel at The LINQ Hotel

The High Roller at The LINQ Hotel is a unique attraction for families in Las Vegas. It’s the world’s tallest observation wheel, offering panoramic views of the city from 550 feet in the air.

The ride is slow moving, and it might be better to set the kids’ expectations right that it is not a Ferris Wheel, but more like a sightseeing ride. The cabins are spacious and air-conditioned, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Each ride lasts about 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to spot famous landmarks and enjoy the scenery of the Strip area and the Nevada desert landscape beyond.

For the best views, I recommend timing your ride with sunset time so that you can see the day view as well as the iconic neon lights of the Strip from above.

Keep in mind that alcohol is allowed inside the cars, so if you want to avoid that experience with kids, I would recommend doing the ride during the day rather than at night with kids.

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High Roller Observation Wheel at The LINQ Hotel

Right outside the LINQ High Roller is the LINQ Promenade, which is a nice shopping area for families to stroll. We visited the ‘I Love Sugar’ store here, which had a really cool candy collection.

10. Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is inside the Bellagio Casino. It is free to explore, and I think it is really beautiful.

I recommend this attraction for the nature lovers in your family. Or if your kids love to take photos against pretty floral backdrops like mine!

This indoor garden changes with the seasons, offering a new theme and design every few months. It’s filled with stunning floral displays, intricate sculptures, and whimsical setups.

Anu’s Pro-Tip: The lush greenery, vibrant colors, and creative displays provide perfect backdrops for family photos, so dress up and come here to pose for a family pic!

11. Fall of Atlantis show at Caesar’s Palace

The Fall of Atlantis show at Caesar’s Palace is an entertaining free attraction for families. This show is around 10 minutes long and combines animatronics, special effects, and water features to tell the mythical tale of Atlantis.

Kids will be captivated by the lifelike figures of gods and creatures, along with the dramatic storyline. The spectacle includes fire, music, light, and water effects, making it an exciting visual experience.

This show happens at Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace, which is also one of the best places for shopping in Vegas. We love to stroll around here and check out the stores.

Anu’s Pro-Tip: Arrive a bit early to grab a good viewing spot in the front, as it can get crowded. The show is located near the Atlantis Aquarium, so the kids can also enjoy watching the marine life before or after the show.

12. Big Apple Coaster and Arcade at New York New York

The Big Apple Coaster promises a thrilling ride for the roller coaster fans in your family; the minimum height to ride is 54 inches. The coaster, known for its exciting drops and loops, provides stunning views of the Las Vegas Strip.

After the coaster ride, you can head to the arcade, which is filled with a wide range of games, from classic arcade favorites to the latest video games.

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The Big Apple Coaster at New York New York Hotel and Casino

13. Mirage Volcano show

Update: The Mirage Volcano attraction is no longer available.

The Mirage Volcano Show is an iconic free Vegas attraction outside of the Mirage Hotel and Casino, perfect for families.

It features a simulated volcano eruption complete with fireballs, lava, and an impressive soundtrack by The Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart and the tabla maestro Zakir Hussain.

The show combines music, fire, and water effects to create a mesmerizing performance that lights up the night sky. You can feel the heat from the fire if you are close enough!

Shows are in the evening at the start of the hour, starting from 8 PM and ending at 11 PM, and last only 5 minutes. Try to arrive early so that younger kids can get in front of the line for better viewing.

14. Adventuredome and Arcade at Circus Circus

Circus Circus hosts an array of family-friendly attractions, including the Adventuredome, an indoor amusement park; a vast arcade; and free circus shows.

The Adventuredome is packed with over 25 rides and attractions for all ages, from thrilling roller coasters for the adventure seekers to gentler rides for the little ones.

The arcade, called Carnival Midway, features a wide selection of games, offering fun for everyone with classic arcade games, carnival games, and the latest video games.

You will also find a Virtual Reality room with immersive games, miniature golf, a laser challenge, indoor rock climbing, and bungee jumping, ensuring endless entertainment for kids and adults alike.

The highlight of course are the free circus shows, where performers showcase their talents with acrobatics, aerial acts, and juggling, captivating audiences multiple times throughout the day.

Anu’s Pro-Tip: As this is at the Northern end of the Strip, I would recommend visiting only if you have at least a half day to spare, as there is lots to do here.

15. STRAT Thrill Rides and Observation Deck

The STRAT in Las Vegas offers thrilling and daring rides for teens and adults.

Atop the STRAT Tower, the tallest freestanding observation tower in the U.S., you’ll find rides like Big Shot and X-Scream for those who dare. Just looking at X-Scream makes my heart stop!

Or, if you are like me and not that daring, the STRAT Tower observation deck offers panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip and surrounding areas. And you can also see these rides in action.

Personal Tip: For the best experience, visit the STRAT Tower observation deck at sunset to see the city transition from day to night, lighting up in all its neon glory.

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➡ The STRAT Tower Unlimited Ride Pass Ticket

➡ The STRAT Tower Observation Deck Ticket

16. Viva Vision Light Show at Fremont Street

I personally feel Downtown Las Vegas is not very kid-friendly as there is a high chance kids might encounter some adult version of Vegas. But there are a couple of things here that are cool – the Viva Vision Light Show at Fremont Street Experience and the Slotzilla zipline.

The Viva Vision canopy, the world’s largest video screen, displays mesmerizing light shows set to music, creating an awesome visual spectacle.

For adventure seekers, the SlotZilla zipline sends riders flying under the canopy, offering a unique way to experience the light show from below. There are two options: a lower zipline or a higher superhero-style zipline, both providing different levels of thrill.

Anu’s Pro-Tip: Visit in the early evening during the first showing of Vivia Vision Light show but leave before the late-night crowds arrive, making it a more kid-friendly experience. We didn’t take our kids to Fremont Street, but I visited during an all-girls trip to Vegas with my friends.

17. Downtown Container Park

Downtown Container Park, in downtown Las Vegas, is an innovative shopping and entertainment space crafted from shipping containers, offering a great family-friendly experience.

Kids can enjoy the large, interactive play area featuring slides and a treehouse, ensuring they’re entertained for hours.

The park is also home to the Mantis, a giant praying mantis sculpture that shoots flames into the air, providing a spectacular show, especially after dark. The park hosts a drum circle event at sunset to wake up Mantis, offering families a chance to enjoy live music together.

Please note that kids are allowed here only till 9 PM. After that, the area is for ages 21+ only.

18. Area 15 Las Vegas

Area 15 in Las Vegas is the newest immersive entertainment complex that offers a wide range of activities for families.

Although all ages are welcome, most attractions are more suitable for older kids and teens. This is one of the popular things to do in Las Vegas with teens.

Area 15 attractions combine art, technology, and immersive design to create interactive experiences, ranging from virtual reality games and interactive installations to unique art exhibits.

While there are several exhibits here, the most popular one is Meow Wolf Omega Mart, an interactive art installation disguised as a supermarket. It offers a unique adventure through whimsical spaces and hidden portals.

There are some thrill rides here as well. Entry to Area 15 is free, but access to the attractions is paid. You can buy combo tickets for attractions on the Area 15 website or at the venue.

Outdoor Things to do with kids near Las Vegas

One of the things I love about Las Vegas is the many amazing road trips from Las Vegas to nearby outdoor attractions. There are so many to pick from.

I strongly recommend adding some of these to your Las Vegas family trip. Exploring the desert landscape is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas!

We have visited all of these places on various trips, and they are all equally amazing. But if I had to pick a favorite, it would be Zion and Valley of Fire!

Anu’s Pro-Tip: If you are visiting during the summer months, some of these outdoor places can get very hot during mid-day, so either explore in the mornings or evenings when it’s cooler and carry enough water.

19. Visit Hoover Dam

One of the most popular excursions is Las Vegas to Hoover Dam. You can rent a car and do this on your own or book a tour from Las Vegas.

Hoover Dam, around a 45-minute drive from the Vegas Strip, is a marvel of modern engineering. It was just huge and amazing. You can walk on the top of the dam and cross from Nevada to Arizona State. My kids thought it was super cool.

The dam offers guided tours that delve into its history and significance, along with stunning views of the Colorado River and Lake Mead. We also went up the Memorial Bridge to see views of the Dam from the bridge.

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➡ Ultimate Hoover Dam Tour from Las Vegas With Lunch

20. Day trip to Grand Canyon West

Grand Canyon West is around a 1.5-hour drive from Hoover Dam. This part of the Grand Canyon is managed by the Hualapai Tribe. Most tours combine a visit to Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon West as part of a full-day tour.

At Grand Canyon West, the most popular attraction is the Skywalk, a glass bridge extending out over the canyon for breathtaking views.

Here you can explore viewpoints like Eagle Point and Guano Point for spectacular vistas of the canyon. There are also paid activities like helicopter tours and pontoon boat rides on the Colorado River.

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➡ Grand Canyon West with Lunch, Hoover Dam Stop & Optional Skywalk

21. Helicopter tour to Grand Canyon National Park

If you want to create a special family memory or celebrate a special occasion, splurge on a helicopter tour from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park, which offers a breathtaking experience unlike any other.

This adventure allows you to soar above the stunning landscapes of the Mojave Desert, Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead before reaching the majestic Grand Canyon.

I have taken this helicopter tour to the Grand Canyon, which included a landing on the Canyon floor and a picnic in the Canyon. It was a very special adventure!

The views of the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon from the sky were jaw-dropping, as well as the Las Vegas Strip views at sunset on the way back. I recommend taking the evening tour for a bit cooler weather.

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➡ Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour with Champagne Toast (soft drinks for kids)

22. Explore Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is only around a 20-minute drive from the Vegas Strip and is very convenient to visit.

It’s known for its stunning red sandstone formations, scenic vistas, and over 30 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes.

We spent a morning at Red Rock, did the 13-mile scenic drive through the canyon, and explored the various stops and overlooks. The Red Rock formations at the Calico Hills are really amazing.

There are several activities at Red Rock Canyon that you can explore with kids:

• Red Rock Canyon Sunset Horseback Ride and Barbeque (ages 7 and up)
• Red Rock Canyon Hiking Tour – Choose from 3 different levels of trails
• Red Rock Canyon Electric bike tour (Ages 14 and up)

Red Rock Canyon is near the Summerlin neighborhood, which is one of the best places to stay in Las Vegas off the Strip.

Summerlin has some nice family-friendly resorts like the Red Rock Resort and Spa.

23. Explore Valley of Fire State Park

Las Vegas to Valley of Fire is an excellent way to spend a day or half a day exploring the outdoors with kids.

Valley of Fire State Park, located about an hour from Las Vegas, is Nevada’s oldest and largest state park, known for its vibrant red sandstone formations, ancient petroglyphs, and hiking trails.

We loved Valley of Fire! We stopped here on the way back from Zion National Park, and it took us around 3 hours to do the entire Mouse’s Tank Road scenic drive and the Fire Wave hike. My kids loved the Fire Wave hike.

If debating between visiting Valley of Fire or Red Rock Canyon, we loved Valley of Fire much more. It really feels like you are on another planet with its red landscape!

You can also take a tour from Vegas to explore Valley of Fire State Park and its hikes.

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➡ Valley of Fire Hiking Tour from Las Vegas

24. Day trip to Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park, located on the California-Nevada border, is renowned for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.

It is a 2-hour drive from Vegas, and we did a Death Valley day trip from Vegas.

Despite its foreboding name, the park offers a diverse landscape of salt flats, sand dunes, badlands, valleys, and mountains.

My family’s favorite attractions were the views of the badlands from Zabriskie Point and the salt flats and temporary lake we saw at Badwater Basin, which is the lowest point in North America.

You can also take a day tour from Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park to ensure you cover all the major sights in a day.

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➡ Death Valley Small Group Day Adventure From Las Vegas

25. Visit Zion National Park

Saving the best for the last, visiting Zion National Park was the most epic outdoor thing to do with kids near Vegas. I loved Zion National Park so much. Its towering red cliffs, valleys, and stunning canyons took my breath away!

Zion National Park is around a 2-hour drive from Vegas, and you can do a day trip from Las Vegas to Zion or take a tour as well. Although, if you have time, I highly recommend staying overnight in or near Zion to have more time to explore the park.

Zion is popular for hiking, and we explored the Emerald Pools hike and Canyon Overlook Trail. Both of these hikes are great to explore with kids.

Another popular hike with families is the Riverside Walk trail that will take you to the entrance of the Narrows. During summer, the famous Narrow hike is also fun with kids as they would love to hike in water during the hot weather.

We visited in winter and were able to drive on the Zion Canyon scenic drive. During the busy months, you will have to take the park shuttle to explore the various sights and trails.

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➡  Zion & Bryce Canyon National Park Tour from Las Vegas

More kid-friendly things to do in Vegas

If you have more time or looking for additional things to explore, below are some additional family activities in Las Vegas:

• Check out the exterior of The Sphere entertainment arena and its ever-changing displays. The Sphere was right across the street from our hotel, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, and the kids loved checking out the various displays.
• Taking a family picture at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign at S Las Vegas Blvd.
• Titanic Museum at Luxor.
• Fun Dungeon Arcade at Excalibur Hotel.
• The Eiffel Tower viewing deck in Paris, Las Vegas for epic views.
• Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at Flamingo Las Vegas.
• Discovery Children’s Museum near downtown Las Vegas.

Anu’s Pro-Tip: If you are planning to visit multiple paid attractions, check out the Las Vegas Go City pass, which includes admission to over 45 attractions and choice of some popular premium attractions like helicopter tours. It can be a money-saver instead of paying individually for each attraction.

Final Takeaways: Things to do with kids in Las Vegas

So now you have an idea of the vast range of family-friendly activities and things to do in Las Vegas with kids that go beyond its famed casinos and adult entertainment.

From the thrill of amusement parks and interactive museums to the natural beauty of nearby national parks, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Remember to plan ahead, stay hydrated, and, most importantly, have fun as you create unforgettable memories with your kids in this vibrant city.

Up next, check the top resorts to stay in Las Vegas with kids both on and off the Strip!

More about visiting Las Vegas

Going to Las Vegas? Check out my other posts related to Las Vegas:

11 Best Resorts in Las Vegas for Families: On and Off Strip

The BEST 3 day Las Vegas family itinerary

Best Day Trips and Day Tours from Las Vegas

19 Epic Road Trips from Las Vegas to National Parks