For Spring Break last year we took the kids on a desert road trip. Our final destination was Death Valley National Park just two hours outside of Las Vegas. Before that though, we decided to stop in Las Vegas because the kids had never been before! We knew they would get a kick out of all the sights on the Strip and the lights of the giant hotels. If you’re thinking about visiting Las Vegas with kids check out our tips.
Las Vegas with kids
Las Vegas has a lot to offer for families with kids of all ages. There are amusement rides and outdoor adventures, and there are family-friendly shows and museums. There’s also never-ending options for restaurants and shopping. Here’s a guide to the top things to do in Las Vegas with kids.
| Read: Great Nevada Field Trips to Take Your Kids To |
visiting the Las Vegas “Strip” with kids
The Las Vegas Strip is the stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard South and comprises some of the largest resort properties in the world. It is 4.2 miles long in length and the southernmost hotel is the Mandala Bay Hotel and Casino. It is easy to park at one central location and either walk or take public transportation from one hotel to another.
Adventuredome Theme Park
The Adventuredome Theme Park is located at Circus Circus Hotel and Casino on the far north end of the Las Vegas Strip. It is an indoor amusement park that offers over 25 rides and attractions for adults and kids alike. One of the highlights is the Canyon Blaster rollercoaster, which reaches speeds up to 55 miles per hour.
Free Hotel Exhibits
One of the best things to do in Las Vegas with kids on the Strip is to tour the free hotel shows and exhibits. Some of these take place on the street in front of the hotels, some are indoors.
- Fountains of Bellagio
- Fremont Street Experience
- Circus Circus Acts
- Fall of Atlantis at Caesars’ Forums Shops
- The Volcano at the Mirage
- The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
Coca-Cola Store, M & M’s World, and Hershey’s Chocolate World
These are some of our favorite stores to stop by on the Strip–with or without kids! Each one is located within walking distance of each other so it’s easy to visit them all. They’re more than just a retail store or restaurant. You can find unique merchandise, customize your own candy, and taste sodas from around the world!
Blue Man Group
The Blue Man Group Show is a family-friendly show that combines music, comedy, and multimedia elements. The Blue Men, who are bald and blue and wear black clothing, perform a variety of skits that involve painting, drumming, and interacting with the audience. The show is held at the Luxor Hotel and Casino, and is suitable for kids of all ages.
Shark Reef Aquarium
The Shark Reef Aquarium is located at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, and is home to over 2,000 animals, including sharks, rays, sea turtles, and piranhas. The aquarium features a 1.3 million-gallon tank that houses several species of sharks, including sand tiger sharks and tiger sharks. There’s also a touch tank where kids can touch and feed several species of rays.
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign
Located less than a mile south from Mandalay Bay and the official start of the Strip, the Las Vegs sign is as iconic as they come. There is a small parking area located there, and the line of people can get quite long. If you don’t want to wait in the line for a straight on shot, head over and snap some quick poses from the side–just stay out of anyone else’s shot!
Mandalay Bay Beach
If you’re staying at Mandalay Bay you have to visit their Beach (day passes are not currently available). The Mandalay Bay Beach is comprised of a lazy river, wave pool, swimming pools, and hot tubs. There are also bars, dining options, adult-only areas, and entertainment at select times. If you are looking for day passes to a hotel pool, many in Las Vegas offer them.
| Read: Our Family’s Review of Mandalay Bay |
things to do off “the Strip”
There is so much to do in Las Vegas it can be easy to focus all your time there. However, if you do you’ll be missing out! Some of our favorite things to do in Las Vegas with our kids weren’t located on the Strip.
Discovery Children’s Museum
The Discovery Children’s Museum is an interactive and educational museum that offers a variety of exhibits and activities for kids of all ages. The museum features a water world exhibit, where kids can learn about the importance of water conservation, and a mystery town exhibit, where they can learn about problem-solving and decision-making. Other exhibits include a science tower, art studio, and a cultural village. The museum is located in downtown Las Vegas and is open every day except Monday.
Downtown Container Park
The Container Park in Downtown is a great place for the family to unwind a little. There’s an outdoor playground, giant lawn games, free entertainment, and more. There’s also plenty of food and shopping options for the whole family.
Lake Las Vegas Aqua Park
This massive floating obstacle course at the Lake Las Vegas Marina is open seasonally but is a great way to stay cool in the desert heat. Kids have to be at least 6 years old and sessions are either 45 minutes or 90 minutes.
Hoover Dam
Located less than an hour from the Las Vegas Strip, the Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel that’s worth the drive. This dam was built in the 1930s and provides power for public and private utilities in Nevada, Arizona, and California. You can drive across it, walk around it, or even tour inside of it on a guided or self-guided tour. Impressively, Hoover Dam sees roughly 7 million tourists a year!
7 Magic Mountains
Seven Magic Mountains is really a large-scale art exhibition that was originally supposed to be up for two years after its May 11, 2016 debut. It is free to visit these brightly-painted, stacked rock towers located roughly 10 miles south of Las Vegas. Be sure to leave no trace behind.
Red Rock Canyon
If you want to get outdoors during your Las Vegas getaway then consider trip to Red Rock Canyon. Located 17 miles west of Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon has plenty of hiking trails and rock climbing for the whole family. This desert marvel features a 13-mile scenic drive as well as plenty of hiking trails. There is also camping and a Visitor Center which offers local information. The Visitor Center also features indoor and outdoor exhibits, as well as a book and gift store.
Death Valley National Park
Just two hours from Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park is a must-do. There’s plenty to explore in Death Valley National Park with over 3 million acres. There are lots of hikes that are flat and relatively easy for kids, as long as you plan for the heat. Summer temperatures are in the triple digits and there isn’t a lot of shade so I recommend not visiting this park with children in the summer months. You can read our tips for visiting Death Valley with kids by clicking here!
| Read: See These National Parks Near Las Vegas |
Have you been to Las Vegas with kids?
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