Things To Do In Las Vegas With Kids

Las Vegas means neon, showgirls, and questionable decisions. But guess what? Kids can have a blast here, too.

You just need to know where to look. And maybe pack extra snacks.

Free and Fabulous on the Strip

Start at the Bellagio Fountains. Every 15 or 30 minutes, water shoots up like it just heard a juicy secret.

Inside the Bellagio Conservatory, giant flowers and whimsical displays change with the seasons. It’s a selfie factory. And it smells way better than a casino carpet.

The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is a hidden oasis. Real flamingos strut around like they own the place. Spoiler: they kind of do.

Then hit the Linq Promenade. Ride the High Roller, a 550-foot Ferris wheel. Kids gasp. Adults double-check the safety bar.

Downtown Quirks

Head to Container Park for a giant praying mantis that breathes fire at night. There’s also a treehouse playground and giant building blocks. It’s weird, free, and wonderful.

The Fremont Street Experience has a massive LED canopy show. It’s loud, flashy, and very Vegas. Keep an eye on little ones in the crowd.

Hands-On Fun and Indoor Play

The Discovery Children’s Museum is three floors of chaos in the best way. Kids build, splash, climb, and pretend to be grown-ups. You might lose them in the grocery exhibit.

The Pinball Hall of Fame is a time machine. Hundreds of vintage machines, from 1930s oddities to 1990s classics. Bring quarters. Lots of them.

At Adventuredome, inside Circus Circus, there’s an indoor theme park under a pink glass dome. Roller coasters, bumper cars, and a clown motif that’s either charming or terrifying. You decide.

Circus Circus also has free circus acts throughout the day. Acrobats, jugglers, and clowns perform on a small stage. It’s old-school and oddly delightful.

Animals and Aquariums

For animal lovers, Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay has sharks, rays, and a giant octopus. It’s dark, cool, and weirdly calming.

The Silverton Casino Aquarium is another free-ish gem. It has mermaid shows and a huge tank. Kids wave. Mermaids wave back. Magic.

The Las Vegas Natural History Museum offers dinosaurs, fossils, and a recreated Egyptian tomb. It’s small but mighty. Perfect for a hot afternoon.

The 21 Best Things To Do in Las Vegas With Kids [2021]

Sweet Treats and Silly Eats

M&M’s World has four floors of chocolate-covered madness. The wall of M&M’s colors is oddly hypnotic. Try not to buy a five-pound bag. You will.

Coca-Cola Store offers a tasting tray of sodas from around the world. Some taste like liquid candy. Others taste like regret. It’s hilarious.

At Hershey’s Chocolate World, you can customize your own chocolate bar. Yes, you can add pretzels and caramel. No, you don’t need permission.

For a sit-down sugar bomb, head to Jean Philippe Patisserie. The chocolate fountain is huge. The pastries look like art. The kids will lick the glass. Maybe.

Outdoor Adventures Just Outside the Glow

Red Rock Canyon is a 30-minute drive from the Strip. Red cliffs, easy trails, and tortoises if you’re lucky. It’s like another planet with better parking.

Springs Preserve mixes museums, gardens, and a butterfly habitat. It’s educational but doesn’t feel like homework.

Drive 45 minutes to Hoover Dam. It’s a giant wall holding back a giant lake. Kids love the scale. Adults love the air conditioning in the visitor center.

Want a weird combo? Ethel M Chocolate Factory has a self-guided tour and a cactus garden. Chocolate and cacti. Together at last.

In Boulder City, the Nevada State Railroad Museum lets kids climb on historic trains. It’s low-key and charming. A nice break from the neon circus.

Shows and Thrills for Little Legends

Tournament of Kings at Excalibur is a dinner show with knights, horses, and zero forks. Kids eat chicken with their hands. You cheer for your section. It’s ridiculous fun.

Mystère by Cirque du Soleil is a solid family pick. Acrobats fly. Clowns babble. Everyone leaves smiling.

The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York twists around the fake skyline. Check height requirements. Then hold onto your hat.

Free Things To Do In Las Vegas With Family | Detroit Chinatown

FlyOver Las Vegas is a motion ride that feels like a drone flight over landscapes. It’s short, sweet, and air-conditioned.

More Strip Shenanigans

Madame Tussauds lets kids pose with wax versions of famous people. It’s silly and surprisingly interactive. Where else can you high-five a wax Dwayne Johnson?

The Toy Shack inside Neonopolis is a collector’s dream. Vintage action figures, retro games, and bins of weird treasures. Kids might find a new obsession.

For older kids, Brooklyn Bowl combines bowling, food, and music. It’s loud and fun. Check show schedules before you go.

The Mac King Comedy Magic Show is a daytime delight. Clean jokes, sleight of hand, and a live goldfish. Kids laugh. Parents relax.

Blue Man Group is messy, loud, and totally kid-friendly. Ponchos are provided for a reason. Sit in the splash zone if you dare.

Pro Tips for Surviving Vegas With Kids

Stay on the Strip or near it. Walking is free, but little legs get tired. Strollers help, but elevators and crowds can be brutal.

Go in the morning or late afternoon. Midday heat is no joke. Hydrate like you’re training for a desert marathon.

Skip the casino floor with kids. It’s illegal to loiter, and it’s boring for them anyway. Unless they like watching sad adults press buttons.

Book shows wisely. Check age limits and runtime. A tired kid at a 10 p.m. show is a meltdown waiting to happen.

And remember: Vegas is weird. That’s the point. A giant flamingo, a fire-breathing mantis, and a chocolate fountain can all exist in one day.

So yes, bring the kids. Just leave the poker face at home.