Explore the Top Family-Friendly Activities in Las Vegas with Kids: Your Ultimate Guide to Fun and Adventure
Las Vegas may be known as the city of casinos and nightlife, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great destination for families too! On a recent trip, we had the pleasure of exploring Las Vegas with kids and were pleasantly surprised by the range of family-friendly activities and attractions on offer. From thrilling outdoor adventures to world-class entertainment on the strip, there’s something for everyone. And with the Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest National Park just a short drive away, Las Vegas makes for the perfect stop on a larger family road trip. Read on to discover our top recommendations for an unforgettable family vacation in Las Vegas.
Although our trip to Las Vegas was full of closures and unexpected setbacks, we made the best of our experience. We were still able to enjoy our time in the city and make some unforgettable memories.
Where We Stayed
During our trip to Las Vegas, we ended up staying at the Tropicana. While the hotel was clean, we couldn’t help but notice its dated appearance. Our main reason for choosing the Tropicana was its reputation for having a great pool, but unfortunately, the indoor pool was either gone or closed during our visit. Additionally, we felt that the location of the hotel, being too far down the strip, was not ideal for our needs. In hindsight, we would recommend choosing a more modern and centrally located hotel for a better experience.
Day 1: Valley of Fire State Park & The Strip At Night
Valley of Fire State Park was a perfect first stop after arriving in Las Vegas early in the morning. Located approximately an hour’s drive from the city, the park boasts stunning red rock formations and incredible hiking trails suitable for families. The Fire Wave trail, a 1.5-mile hike, is a popular option for its stunning sandstone formations and beautiful views. Families can also explore the Mouse’s Tank trail, a 0.75-mile hike that winds through ancient petroglyphs and colorful rock formations. For those feeling adventurous, the park’s unique rock formations offer ample opportunities for rock climbing and bouldering. The park’s entrance fee is $10 per vehicle, making it an affordable and accessible day trip from Las Vegas.
With the kids tired out we headed back to the strip, checked into the hotel, and started to think about dinner. Las Vegas is known for its diverse range of culinary options, with everything from high-end restaurants to food trucks and street vendors. After considering our options, we decided to dine at Gonzalez y Gonzalez in New York, New York. Mexican food is a good crowd pleaser and there was plenty of interesting people watching to keep everyone busy
Taking a walk down the Las Vegas Strip at night with kids can be both exciting and overwhelming. Our kids were slightly freaked out by the large crowds of people, but they were also captivated by the dazzling lights and sounds of the city.
As we strolled past the various hotels and attractions, we came across the Hello Kitty food truck in The Park and the outdoor venue with free live music and art installations as well as food vendors.
We also made a point to stop and watch the iconic Bellagio fountains dance to the beat of the music, which was a highlight of our trip. The sidewalk is way less crowded if you make your way up toward the hotel and watch the fountains. This also gives you a view down the strip.
After watching the Bellagio fountains, we stepped inside the Bellagio to explore some of its other attractions. One of the highlights was the stunning botanical gardens, which feature vibrant displays of flowers, plants, and trees from around the world. The gardens are changed seasonally to showcase different themes and are meticulously maintained by a team of horticulturists. We arrived on the last night of the Christmas display and wanted to be sure to see it.
We were also blown away by the incredible Chihuly-blown glass sculptures that were on display throughout the hotel. Created by world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly, the colorful and intricate sculptures are made up of thousands of hand-blown glass pieces and are truly a sight to behold. Seeing these two stunning works of art was a perfect end to our evening at the Bellagio.
Day 2: Meow Wolf, Caesars Palace, Circus Circus & Tournament of Kings
The kids were dying to go to Meow Wolf Omega Mart in Las Vegas after having visited the one in Denver last year. It’s highly recommended to purchase Meow Wolf tickets in advance, and booking the earliest available time slot is a great way to beat the crowds and fully immerse yourself in the exhibit. There is ample parking at the facility in Las Vegas.
Meow Wolf is an immersive art installation that has quickly become one of the must-visit attractions in Las Vegas. Our kids absolutely loved exploring the interactive exhibit, which features a variety of whimsical rooms and hidden passages that are full of surprises. We spent hours wandering through the exhibit, and our kids were fascinated by the intricate details and unique storytelling that Meow Wolf is known for. From the neon-lit arcade to the trippy blacklight forest, there was no shortage of fun and engaging experiences to be had.
I highly recommend that you get the $3 Omega Access Card. You only need one for your family and it really helps organize your visit by providing a quest for everyone to complete throughout the exhibit. Our one disappointment was that all the slides inside Omega Mart were closed while we were visiting. Even with this, Meow Wolf ended up being our kids’ favorite activity in Las Vegas, and we ended up spending way more time there than we had originally planned.
Another not to miss experience is to order some meat at the deli counter! You’ll end up with a free take-home souvenir. If you want even more tips and tricks for visiting Meow Wolf Omega Mart check out The Adventure Mom’s in-depth run-through.
After spending the morning exploring the mesmerizing world of Meow Wolf Omega Mart, we decided to grab a bite to eat before continuing our adventure in Las Vegas. We had stopped by a nearby grocery store earlier that morning and picked up some snacks and sandwiches, and we found a perfect spot to enjoy our picnic lunch just outside the Area 51 building. There were several tables and benches available, and we loved the unique atmosphere of the surrounding area.
As we made our way back to the Las Vegas Strip, we decided to park at the Bellagio so we could continue our exploration of the city. We discovered (thanks to this article from The Points Guy) that some of the hotels offer free parking to military personnel, which was a nice perk. You do have to sing up for their free player’s card to get the perk but you can do that inside the Casino at the service desk.
Our first stop was the Flamingo, where we were excited to see the famous flamingoes on display. However, we were disappointed to learn that they were off-exhibit due to bird flu concerns.
Undeterred, we continued on to Caesars Palace. The fountain show features a cast of animatronic figures, including horses, gods, and other mythological creatures, that come to life as the fountains dance to music. The show takes place every hour and is free to the public. The show is set against the stunning backdrop of the Caesars Palace hotel and its iconic architecture. It’s showing its age but the Littles still thought it was entertaining. While you’re waiting for the show it’s a good idea to grab a snack for the kids. They can also check out the aquarium that comprises the back of the fountain.
On our way back to the car we passed back through the Bellagio where the garden we visited the night before was completely dismantled. We watched as they cut down trees and brought in new flowers for the next display. If you are curious about what is currently on display you can check out the Bellagio Conservatory Cam.
After exploring the shops at Caesars Palace, we decided to move the car and continue our Las Vegas adventure down the strip to Circus Circus. We were excited to learn that they offer free circus performances several times a day, and we were able to catch one of their amazing trapeze shows. The performers were incredibly skilled and their acrobatics left us in awe. In addition to trapeze, they offer a variety of other shows, such as jugglers, clowns, and high-wire acts, providing entertainment for visitors of all ages. Though seating is limited, there are plenty of spots around the stage to catch the show and the atmosphere is lively and exciting.
The casinos are massive, and even just getting from the parking garage to the main entrance can be a considerable walk. Once inside, there is so much to see and explore that you can easily find yourself on your feet for hours on end. With so many attractions and activities located along the Las Vegas Strip, it’s essential to come prepared with comfortable shoes and be ready to walk. While there are shuttles and other transportation options available, walking is often the most efficient way to get around.
For dinner, we decided to check out the Tournament of Kings show at Excalibur. It was a short and easy walk over the sky bridge from our hotel. The show is a dinner theater-style production where you watch a medieval-style tournament of knights riding horses, jousting, and engaging in sword fights. What’s unique about the experience is that the audience is divided into sections, each cheering for a particular knight. Food is served during the show, and it’s eaten with your hands, which adds to the medieval feel. While the food is not particularly memorable, the show is fun and interactive, especially for kids who get to cheer on their favorite knight.
The only good thing about staying at the Tropicana was our short walk home after this great show. The kids were exhausted and ready to get to bed!
Day 3: Las Vegas Natural History Museum, Red Rocks Canyon, The Laugh Factory, The Freemont Street Experience & Downtown Container Park
We started the next morning with a visit to the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, which was covered by our ASTC Travel Passport. The museum was conveniently located off the strip and had plenty of parking. We were impressed with the vast collection of exhibits, including a giant marine reptile, dinosaur skeletons, and a simulated flash flood. The kids especially loved the interactive exhibits that allowed them to touch and feel various specimens. Overall, the museum was a great learning experience and a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the strip.
Our next stop was Baker Park. It is a small neighborhood park with a playground, basketball court, and picnic area.
We once again fled the city to enjoy some of the beauty surrounding the city. Red Rock Canyon is a stunning natural wonder located just a 30-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip. It offers visitors the opportunity to experience the desert landscape up close and personal. The most popular short hikes with kids include the Calico Tanks trail, which features incredible views and rocky terrain, and the Lost Creek trail, which has a beautiful waterfall at the end. To have a great visit, pack plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. It’s also recommended to arrive early in the day to beat the crowds and in the summer to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Timed tickets are required to enter the park. We were able to make same-day reservations in January just before we made the 30 min drive out to the park. Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas is a beautiful loop road that offers stunning views and great hiking opportunities. When visiting, it’s important not to skip the beginning of the loop as it has some of the best rock climbing for kids. Our favorite was the quarry, which provided a fun and challenging climb for the whole family. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for hiking, and enjoy the incredible natural beauty that Red Rock Canyon has to offer.
We hightailed it back to the Las Vegas Strip to catch Murry the Magician‘s early evening show at the Luagh Factory in the Tropicana. Murry the Magician is a Las Vegas-based magician who has been performing for over 30 years. He is known for his signature illusions and has appeared on numerous television shows, including “America’s Got Talent,” “Pawn Stars,” and “Celebrity Blind Date.” Our kids absolutely loved the show and were completely captivated by Murray’s magic tricks. The show is filled with illusions and comedy, and Murray engages with the audience throughout the performance. Murray is a skilled magician and his show is a great way to introduce kids to the world of magic.
After the show, we loaded up the car to drive back down the strip. This in and of its self is an activity. The kids were in awe of all the stuff happening. We even caught a bungee jumper going off the Strat.
We wanted the kids to see the Freemont Street Experience. The Fremont Street Experience is a nightly show that runs from dusk until midnight in downtown Las Vegas. It features a light and sound show on a canopy covering the pedestrian-only street. The best place to see the show is under the canopy, where visitors can also enjoy live entertainment and vendors selling food and drinks. The show itself is a unique experience, featuring high-resolution graphics and music that transports visitors into a sensory wonderland. It’s a must-see attraction.
The Container Park is a unique and creative destination located near the Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas. We initially wanted to go there for the incredible playground and thought we would grab dinner there as well. We were slightly disappointed to find that there were only a few food options available. We found an ok pizza place and a very authentic and excellent Mexican restaurant. The kids were happy to play in the playground, which was made entirely out of shipping containers. I suspect in the summer there are more food options and live music and art installations.
Since you are already here, don’t miss the praying mantis at Container Park. This giant, metal sculpture stands 40 feet tall and is capable of shooting flames up to 25 feet in the air. The mantis was originally created for the Burning Man festival and now stands as a permanent installation at the Container Park. Visitors can watch the praying mantis light up and shoot flames every night, creating a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Day 4: The Las Vegas Sign & Leaving Las Vegas
You can’t leave Las Vegas without a picture at the Las Vegas sign. The sign is located at the south end of the Las Vegas Strip, near the airport. To avoid crowds, it’s best to go early in the morning. We opted to catch it on our way out of time The sign is brightly lit with colored lights around the perimeter, and these colors change to represent various causes and events. The City of Las Vegas has even installed a sign next to the iconic sign explaining the meaning behind the different colors. Make sure to bring your camera and snap a memorable photo in front of this iconic symbol of Las Vegas.
Las Vegas After Action Report
Our number one mistake on this trip is that I assumed we would easily find kid-friendly places to eat, but I should have done a bit more planning. Mommy Travels has a good list that I found after the fact. 2 Food Trippers also has a great list of restaurants off the strip that are worth checking out.
There were a few attractions in Las Vegas that we didn’t get a chance to visit on this trip. The Neon Museum, for example, is a popular spot for those interested in vintage neon signs and the history of Las Vegas. It’s a guided tour and the museum also offers night tours where the signs are illuminated, creating a unique and beautiful experience. Another attraction we missed out on was the Pinball Hall of Fame, which houses one of the largest collections of pinball machines in the world. We visited both these places when they were smaller and largely unknown when we lived in the area 11 years ago. The kids would have loved them but we just ran out of time.
Another mistake we made was not taking our magic-loving kids to see Penn & Teller. Penn & Teller are a world-famous duo of magicians who have been performing in Las Vegas since 1993. Their show at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino is a unique mix of comedy, magic, and illusion that has won critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. Penn & Teller’s show is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, as they often use their performances to challenge common beliefs and misconceptions. We saw this show when we lived in the area nearly 11 years ago.
I also missed out on getting a drink at my favorite bar in Las Vegas, Parasol at the Wynn. if you are not visiting with kids, it’s worth checking out.
If your looking for a few more free things to check on the strip that we didn’t make it to here is a list I compiled.
- Mirage Volcano – A fire and light show that happens every hour in the evening. (It is eventually going to be replaced by a guitar-shaped hotel but as of 2023 it is still there erupting nightly.)
- The Aquarium at the Silverton – A free aquarium with thousands of fish and a mermaid show.
- Lake of Dreams at the Wynn – a performance waterfall with nightly shows
- Streetmosphere at the Grand Canal Shops – street performers that bring this town to life with shows
- The Glow Show at Resorts World – digital display with optical illusions
Overall, our Las Vegas trip was a fun and adventurous experience. We had a blast exploring the city’s unique attractions, from the Fremont Street Experience to the Meow Wolf, and the kids loved seeing all the magical shows and circus performances. However, it’s important to note that Las Vegas can be quite overwhelming, especially for young children, and the abundance of flashing lights, loud noises, and crowds can be overstimulating. Nonetheless, we left Las Vegas with many fond memories and continued on our journey to the Grand Canyon, excited for our next adventure.
