Las Vegas with Kids and the Best Family Friendly Fun

For families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Red Rock Canyon is the perfect destination. Just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip, the conservation area offers beautiful desert landscapes and family-friendly hiking trails. Families can take scenic drives along the 13-mile loop to see the striking red rock formations or explore easy hiking paths that offer stunning views of the surrounding area. Kids can learn about the region’s wildlife and geology while enjoying a peaceful outdoor adventure.

Mandalay Bay Beach offers a relaxing and enjoyable escape for families looking to spend some time by the water. This 11-acre beach area features a large, sandy lagoon-style pool and 2,700 real, palm-tree-lined beach chairs for visitors to enjoy. Kids can splash around in the pool, build sandcastles, or enjoy the wave pool. For families seeking a tropical getaway without leaving the city, Mandalay Bay Beach offers a perfect option for water fun in the Las Vegas heat.

The Mirage Volcano is a thrilling, free outdoor spectacle that erupts every night in front of The Mirage Hotel. The volcano erupts with fire and water, accompanied by music and special effects, creating a dramatic and unforgettable show for the entire family. It’s a great way to experience Las Vegas’ larger-than-life attractions without spending money. The show is brief but highly entertaining, and it’s perfect for families to enjoy together.

While shopping may not always be the first choice for family activities, The Venetian's Grand Canal Shoppes offers a unique experience that families can enjoy together. The indoor shopping mall features a replica of Venice’s Grand Canal, complete with gondola rides. Families can take a relaxing boat ride through the shopping area while being serenaded by the gondoliers, providing a serene and memorable experience. The mall also offers family-friendly dining options and a variety of stores where kids can find fun souvenirs or enjoy sweet treats.

The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, also known as The Mob Museum, is an engaging and interactive experience for older kids and teens interested in history. The museum takes visitors on a journey through the history of organized crime, from its roots in the early 20th century to its impact on modern society. With hands-on exhibits and multimedia presentations, families can learn about famous mobsters, historical events, and the fight for justice. The museum also features a section on Las Vegas' mob history, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s past.

Exotics Racing offers families with teens or older children the opportunity to drive high-performance sports cars on a real racetrack. The experience allows kids and adults to take the wheel of luxury cars like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Porsches, under the guidance of professional instructors. This thrilling experience is sure to satisfy car enthusiasts and adrenaline seekers, as families can race around a world-class track while learning about driving techniques and car performance. The experience is perfect for older teens looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

The Neon Museum, also known as the Neon Boneyard, is a fascinating outdoor museum dedicated to preserving iconic neon signs from Las Vegas' past. Families can explore the collection of vintage signs, including those from old casinos and businesses, and learn about the city’s history through the evolution of its iconic signage. The museum offers guided tours that share interesting stories behind the signs and how they were created. It’s a unique and educational experience that allows kids to see the history of Las Vegas through bright, colorful displays.

The Discovery Children's Museum is a top-notch museum designed to inspire creativity and learning in children. The museum has a variety of interactive exhibits that encourage kids to explore science, art, and technology. The “Springs Preserve” exhibit lets children play in a water-themed area while learning about conservation. The “Eco City” exhibit allows kids to build and explore their own eco-friendly community. There’s also a great art area where children can engage in creative activities. This museum provides hands-on experiences that stimulate young minds.

The Adventuredome is an indoor amusement park located at Circus Circus, offering a variety of thrilling rides and attractions perfect for families with kids of all ages. From roller coasters and bumper cars to carnival games and laser tag, there's something for everyone. The park features a 4D cinema experience and the popular Canyon Blaster roller coaster, one of the world's highest indoor roller coasters. Younger children will enjoy the miniature rides and interactive attractions, while older kids and teens can enjoy the more adventurous rides. The park is climate-controlled, making it a great option for year-round fun.

Families can experience a touch of Venice in Las Vegas by taking a gondola ride at The Venetian Hotel. The gondola ride offers a serene journey along the canals of the resort, with a gondolier serenading riders in traditional Italian style. It’s a calm and relaxing experience that provides families with a unique way to see the beautiful architecture of The Venetian, while enjoying a peaceful boat ride. Kids will love the novelty of the gondola ride, and parents can take in the beauty of the surroundings.

For families with high-energy kids, Sky Zone Trampoline Park is an exciting indoor activity that will keep them bouncing with joy. The park features wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball courts, and more. Kids can jump, flip, and play to their heart’s content, burning off energy while having fun. Sky Zone also offers special programs, like toddler-friendly jump sessions and fitness classes, making it a great place for kids of all ages to get active while enjoying the thrill of trampolining.

For families looking to experience a bit of Old West nostalgia, the Wild West Town at Bonnie Springs Ranch offers a fun and interactive way to step back in time. Located just outside of Las Vegas, the ranch features a replica Western town complete with saloons, old-timey shops, and live cowboy reenactments. Kids can enjoy a pony ride, visit the petting zoo, or explore the old train station. The ranch also offers seasonal events, such as Halloween celebrations, making it a great stop for families looking for an entertaining and immersive experience.

For families looking to explore some of the history behind one of the most impressive engineering feats in the United States, the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum offers an informative and educational experience. Located in nearby Boulder City, this museum tells the story of the Hoover Dam, including its construction and impact on the region. Families can learn about the dam’s construction through exhibits, artifacts, and historical photos, and then take a short trip to the Hoover Dam itself for a tour. It’s an excellent choice for families interested in history and engineering.

The Ethel M Chocolate Factory offers a sweet experience for families, combining a tour of the chocolate-making process with the chance to sample delicious treats. Kids will love watching how chocolates and candies are made and learning about the history of the brand. After the factory tour, families can explore the beautiful cactus garden, which features over 300 species of desert plants. The combination of chocolate and nature makes this a fun and unique activity for families visiting Las Vegas.

Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is an ideal outdoor destination for families seeking nature and history just a short drive from Las Vegas. The park features scenic trails that are perfect for hiking or picnicking, along with the historic McKee Ranch House, which was once a private estate. Families can explore the grounds, learn about the history of the area, and enjoy a peaceful day outdoors surrounded by beautiful desert landscapes. The park also offers guided tours and seasonal events, such as outdoor theater performances, making it a versatile location for family fun.

The Fountains of Bellagio is one of Las Vegas’ most iconic attractions and a must-see for families. The stunning water show features choreographed fountains that dance to music and lights in front of the Bellagio Hotel. The fountains perform every 15-30 minutes, making it easy for families to catch a show during their visit. The mesmerizing water displays are set against the backdrop of the Bellagio’s elegant architecture, providing a magical experience for visitors of all ages.

The High Roller is the world’s tallest observation wheel, offering breathtaking views of Las Vegas from 550 feet in the air. Families can take a ride in one of the spacious cabins and enjoy panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip, the surrounding mountains, and the city skyline. The ride takes approximately 30 minutes, giving families plenty of time to take in the sights. Kids will love the light show that takes place on the wheel at night, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience.

Cowabunga Bay Water Park is a fantastic destination for families looking to cool off and have fun. With a variety of water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers, the park offers something for everyone. Younger children can enjoy the shallow pools and water play areas, while older kids and adults can race down high-speed slides or float along the lazy river. The park also features a wave pool that simulates ocean waves, making it a perfect spot for families to splash around and enjoy a day of fun in the sun.

For families with older kids or teenagers, the Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York Hotel is an adrenaline-pumping ride that is not to be missed. The coaster offers a thrilling ride with sharp turns, loops, and drops, all while providing incredible views of the Las Vegas Strip. The ride’s theme is inspired by New York City, with iconic landmarks and scenery. It’s one of the most exciting rides in the city and a great way to add some thrills to your Las Vegas visit.

The Circus at Circus Circus is a classic Las Vegas attraction that offers free live circus performances every day. Families can enjoy acrobatics, trapeze acts, clowns, and animal tricks, all while sitting comfortably in the audience. The shows are perfect for young children, as they are both entertaining and engaging. Located inside the Circus Circus Hotel, the circus provides an old-school Las Vegas experience, complete with carnival games and attractions. It’s a great way to introduce kids to the magic of circus performances and the excitement of Las Vegas.

The Shark Reef Aquarium is one of Las Vegas' most exciting attractions for families, offering a chance to see marine life up close. The aquarium features a variety of exhibits, including a 1.3-million-gallon tank with over 2,000 animals, such as sharks, sea turtles, and exotic fish. Kids will love the chance to walk through a glass tunnel surrounded by sharks and stingrays, giving them the feeling of being submerged in the ocean. The aquarium also has touch pools where children can safely interact with stingrays and other sea creatures.

Kids Quest, located at The Venetian Resort, is an interactive play center designed for kids aged 6 months to 12 years. The center offers a range of activities to keep children entertained, including video games, arcade games, climbing walls, arts and crafts, and even a soft play area for younger kids. Parents can enjoy some time to themselves knowing that their kids are having fun in a safe, supervised environment. The center offers flexible hours and a variety of packages, making it a great option for families looking for some kid-free time while in Las Vegas.

M&M’s World is a colorful, fun store located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, offering families an immersive experience into the world of M&M’s candy. The store features four floors of interactive displays, including a 3D movie theater and personalized M&M’s, where kids can design their own candy with custom colors and messages. The store also has a wide variety of M&M’s-themed merchandise, from clothing to plush toys. It’s a sweet stop for families looking for a fun, unique experience in Las Vegas.

The Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage is a unique and educational experience for families. Kids can see bottlenose dolphins up close in a large, natural habitat, and learn about their care and conservation efforts. The attraction also features exotic animals like tigers, lions, and leopards in a lush, tropical setting. Families can attend educational presentations to learn about animal behavior, conservation, and the importance of wildlife protection. It’s an interactive and enjoyable experience for kids who are interested in animals and nature.

The Pinball Hall of Fame is a quirky and fun attraction for families, offering a collection of over 200 pinball machines, from classic games to modern ones. Kids can try their hand at these timeless arcade games, while adults will appreciate the nostalgia of their childhood favorites. The museum is open to the public and has free entry, with a pay-per-play system, making it an affordable family activity. The Pinball Hall of Fame offers a fun way for families to bond over a shared love of retro gaming, and it's a great spot for kids to experience the thrill of arcade games in their original form.

Las Vegas Springs Preserve is a unique family attraction that offers a blend of history, nature, and interactive exhibits. The preserve features walking trails, gardens, and a nature center that teaches children about the history of Las Vegas and the desert environment. The preserve also has exhibits on water conservation and sustainability, providing valuable lessons for kids. Families can explore the outdoor spaces, visit the Butterfly Habitat, or take part in family-friendly events throughout the year. It’s a great spot for families interested in learning about the environment while enjoying the outdoors.

The Las Vegas Natural History Museum is a family-friendly destination that combines fun and education. The museum features exhibits on dinosaurs, ancient Egypt, marine life, and the African savanna. Kids can learn about the natural world through hands-on exhibits, such as a fossil dig site where they can excavate replicas of dinosaur bones. The museum also hosts interactive workshops and educational programs, making it a great way for children to engage with science and history in an entertaining setting.