The 25 Best Things To Do in Las Vegas With Kids [2023]

Las Vegas might not be the first city that comes to mind when traveling with kids — it might even be the last — but you may be surprised by how many family-friendly activities can be found in and around Sin City.

Famous for its larger-than-life casinos and shows, this desert city in Nevada has its roots in hospitality. You may start to reconsider Vegas as a family destination after reading this article.

Despite being in the middle of the desert, getting to Las Vegas is relatively easy thanks to many airlines offering nonstop flights to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). Once you land in Las Vegas, you are just minutes from The Strip where most of the hotels and resorts are.

Whether you want to see a show, check out the Fountains of Bellagio, or take a trip to the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas has something for everyone.

This list has some great options that will be exciting for the little ones but still entertaining for the rest of the family. While there are many attractions in Las Vegas that are 18+ or 21+, there is still so much to do for families that you won’t miss the other options too much.

Let’s take a look at some fun things to do with kids in Las Vegas, baby!

The Best Activities in Las Vegas With Kids

1. Watch the Fountains of Bellagio Show

There are few Vegas attractions more instantly recognizable and iconic than the Fountains of Bellagio.

With unique shows every 30 minutes in the afternoons and every 15 minutes in the evening, you are guaranteed a great show no matter when you are passing by. With more than 1,000 fountains swaying with lights and music, you will be wowed as you watch from the edge of the 8.5-acre lake in front of the gorgeous hotel.

The best part of all? It’s free and fun for all ages!

Hot Tip: Step inside the hotel to be wowed by the seasonal displays at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden — another free attraction!

2. Be Awed by Cirque du Soleil

When you think of shows and over-the-top performances, Vegas comes to mind, and what better group than Cirque du Soleil to complete that thought?

For those not familiar, Cirque du Soleil is an entertainment company and contemporary circus. But instead of animals, they feature incredible acrobats that perform some of the most stunning and seemingly impossible stunts in show business.

In Las Vegas, you can usually find at least 7 different resident shows at any given time, each set to its own music and theme. These shows are impressive, no matter your age, so definitely see what is playing when you are in town.

Hot Tip: MGM Rewards members can save up to 25% off Cirque du Soleil ticket prices and have access to preferred seating for select performances. 

3. Go for a Gondola Ride at The Venetian

The Venetian Las Vegas is one of the most impressive hotels on The Strip. One moment you are in Las Vegas, the next you are in an Italian square enjoying a gelato by the canal.

Just admiring the work of the painted sky and village shops is impressive enough on its own, but kids (and adults) will certainly enjoy a ride in one of the many indoor or outdoor gondolas passing by.

Float by the cafes, under bridges, and give your feet a much-needed break as the gondolier pilot steers and serenades you and your family on a classic Las Vegas gondola ride.

4. Visit the Eiffel Tower

Are you in Las Vegas? New York? Venice? Paris? Sometimes it can get confusing depending on which hotel you walk into, but that’s the beauty of Vegas.

If you want a stunning view of Las Vegas, you need to head up to the top of the replica Eiffel Tower at the Paris Las Vegas hotel. Ride up 46 stories and enjoy The Strip from above on the viewing deck. Prices are relatively cheap — adults cost $25 and only $20 for kids — so it’s a pretty good deal for Vegas.

5. Experience the Sweet Ethel M Chocolate Factory

If anyone in your family has a sweet tooth, they will love a visit to the Ethel M Chocolate Factory. You may know its sister brands M&Ms and Mars — this is the gourmet version.

Just a 15 drive from The Strip, you can go on a self-guided factory tour, take a chocolate-tasting class, and indulge in some delicious gourmet chocolate.

To top it off, the factory is located on a gorgeous 3-acre botanical cactus garden that you can enjoy as well!

6. Drive Heavy Construction Equipment

Yes, you read that correctly. Kids and adults can operate real construction equipment!

At Dig This Las Vegas, kids 2+ can operate a 1-ton excavator with assistance from an adult. Kids 48 inches or taller can dig by themselves!

This surprisingly fun, safe, affordable, and unique experience is something your little ones will never forget!

7. Soar Above The Strip on the High Roller Wheel

Who doesn’t love a good Ferris wheel? How about the world’s tallest Ferris wheel? Well, you can ride the famous High Roller at the LINQ Promenade which brings guests 550 feet above the Las Vegas Strip and offers stunning 360-degree views of the bright lights.

The High Roller is so big that it takes 30 minutes just to complete 1 revolution! Families can even participate in the S.T.E.M Family Field Trip Guide which comes with a lesson plan that incorporates architectural design, technology, geography, science, math, and more in relation to the ride.

To make this ride even more enticing, family discounts are available.

8. Catch a Show

There is nothing like catching a Vegas show. From music to magic, the only issue you will have is trying to decide which shows to see.

Whether you have a favorite magician or you’re just looking for a fun evening, you will have plenty of options. From the classics such as Penn and Teller, David Copperfield, and Blue Man Group to variety shows like America’s Got Talent presents Super Stars Live, everyone in the family is guaranteed to be entertained.

Tickets for popular (and child-friendly) shows can sell out, so be sure to book in advance if you want to see something specific.

9. Check Out the Old Vegas Lights on Fremont Street

One of the most traditional and iconic things to do is check out the Viva Vision Light Show on Fremont Street in “Old Vegas.”

The massive 1,375-foot tunnel boasts the largest video screen in the world that is 90 feet wide and 90 feet tall and covered in 16.4 million pixels. Pedestrians can walk through the tunnel (or zipline across via SlotZilla!) and enjoy shows nightly from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.

The mix of lights and music makes for an energizing experience and one that kids will be blown away by!

Hot Tip: Whether you’re looking to book a Vegas package or deal, a cheap hotel, or a hotel with points, our guides to lodging in Las Vegas have you covered!

10. Swing Around the Treehouse Playground at the Downtown Container Park

For parents looking for a trusty playground, look no further than the open-air shopping center and appropriately named Downtown Container Park.

With stores built into repurposed shipping containers and a giant treehouse and slide for kids to play in, this is a good spot to escape the lights of The Strip and enjoy a little outdoor fun.

With a foam pit, an interactive play area, and a couple of sweet shops, your kids will enjoy this stop.

11. Take a Photo in Front of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

Located in the median at 5200 Las Vegas Boulevard South, if you are looking for the perfect Vegas photo for your Instagram account, you now have the address.

The “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign is an iconic landmark, so you may need to wait a few minutes in line to get your photo.

12. Splash Around at a Water Park

If you are looking to beat the heat while in Las Vegas (which is a very common need), consider bringing the family to a local water park.

With plenty of options for parks with water slides, lazy rivers, beaches, and more, all within driving distance, your kids will love this surprise.

For a classic water park experience, check out Cowabunga Bay or Cowabunga Canyon. If you’re looking for a little bit more excitement, look into Lake Las Vegas Water Sports or The Tank at the Golden Nugget hotel.

13. Play Video Games at an Arcade

You may be surprised by how many video arcades are scattered across Las Vegas.

Inside hotels, shopping malls, and just along the Strip are some really impressive family-friendly arcades. My family and I enjoyed playing at the Fun Dungeon at The Excalibur and The Big Apple Arcade at New York-New York Hotel & Casino, where a few bucks and some entertaining video and carnival games could win you a prize or 2.

14. Ride in a Limousine

Riding in a limo is a fun time no matter how old you are, but it is often expensive. That’s not always the case in Las Vegas, however!

Limos are plentiful in Las Vegas, and you can often get them for a reasonable price since most trips are relatively short.

Whether you are just trying to get your family from one end of The Strip to the other or you are arranging transportation to and from the airport with luggage, a limo could be more affordable than you might think. Plus, it’s a limo!

Hot Tip: We reserved a round-trip airport transfer with Kaptyn for about $200, including tip, and we paid with a credit card. That’s a common package, but not all companies accept credit cards. Some are debit-only. 

The Best Museums in Las Vegas With Kids

15. Discovery Children’s Museum

Kids love children’s museums because they are fun — parents love them because they are educational. The Discovery Children’s Museum in Las Vegas won’t disappoint either group.

This 3-story, 58,000-square-foot museum engages kids in science, art, culture, and more. Located in downtown Las Vegas, your little ones will have a blast in all of the exhibits, including The Summit (a giant climbing structure), Water World (a water turbine station), Toddler Town (a padded and bean-bag-filled project room), and more!

With no age restrictions, kids of all ages are welcome and are guaranteed to enjoy themselves! Without question, this was one of the best children’s museums we have visited, and it’s just minutes from The Strip.

16. Madame Tussauds

This museum needs no introduction — Madame Tussauds, the world’s greatest wax museum, has a location at The Venetian in Las Vegas.

Your kids will love getting up close and taking a selfie with their favorite (wax) celebrities. Everyone from Beyoncé to Brad Pitt is available for a meet and greet. And to make things a little more exciting, there is a new Marvel 4-D Theatre on-site as well.

While it’s not the cheapest attraction ($37 per person), you can book a package that includes a gondola ride, so if you were planning on doing both, you could save some money.

17. Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.

If you think your family has what it takes, visit this interactive attraction and try to become qualified members of the Marvel Avengers S.TA.T.I.O.N.

Located inside Treasure Island, families of all ages are welcome to this immersive and educational experience where you will embark on a mission and test out your superpowers.

For kids that love superheroes, this is a can’t-miss activity. My family and I were pleasantly surprised with how fun this attraction was. It was easily my son’s favorite part of the trip.

Hot Tip: If you’re passing by The Mirage en route to Treasure Island, check out The Volcano that erupts hourly starting from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

18. SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium

If you and your kids want to get up close with and even touch some incredible animals, head to the SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium.

Guests can have hands-on encounters with birds, reptiles, and plenty of cuddly mammals. For those daring enough, you can even snorkel with reef sharks, fish, and stingrays!

The 20,000-square-foot aquarium has animals from 5 continents, so a trip here will be fun and educational.

19. Shark Reef Aquarium

The Shark Reef Aquarium at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino is an educational and convenient field trip for the family.

With more than 2,000 animals including endangered sea turtles, giant rays, and of course, exotic sharks, this is a great outing — and kids under 4 are free!

If you want to test your nerves a bit, you can even feed the sharks!

The Best Sports in Las Vegas With Kids

20. Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas Raiders, NFL)

Located adjacent to the Las Vegas Strip, the brand-new Allegiant Stadium is home to NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders. Domed and climate-controlled, the weather is never an issue.

The 65,000-seat, state-of-the-art stadium (also known as The Death Star) is the newest stadium in football and absolutely worth checking out if your family enjoys a rowdy crowd.

Hot Tip: Coming in from Los Angeles? Here are the best ways to fly from Las Vegas (LAS) to Los Angeles (LAX).

21. Topgolf Las Vegas

Topgolf has quickly become one of the top destinations for golfers and non-golfers alike. Part driving range, part bar, part club, part restaurant — no matter what you are there for, you’ll have some fun.

Families can reserve a climate-controlled hitting bay and practice their swings while relaxing and enjoying the fun atmosphere. Once you are done golfing, try some shuffleboard or cornhole!

22. Tournament of Kings

We’re taking it way back when it comes to this sport — the kids will love seeing some jousting and sword fighting at the Tournament of Kings.

This medieval-themed dinner and show is pure entertainment and the food is hearty and fit for a king — just be prepared to eat with your hands!

Located in the Excalibur hotel, this King Arthur live-action production is easy to get to and won’t soon be forgotten by your loyal family.

The Best Walks in Las Vegas With Kids

23. Hoover Dam

While it will take a bit of a drive to get to this walk, it’s worth it. About 40 minutes from Las Vegas, you will find the famous Hoover Dam.

This arch-gravity dam is on the border of Nevada and Arizona, so you could be right next to your kids but actually be in different states and different time zones!

This major tourist attraction is as functional as it is massive, with hydroelectric generators that provide power in Nevada, Arizona, and California.

Hot Tip: If you need to rent a car while in town, here is how to book cheap car rentals in Las Vegas (with price comparisons).

24. Grand Canyon

A bit further, but impossible to leave off this list, is the breathtaking Grand Canyon. While it would take about 4.5 hours each way to drive, a popular alternative is by helicopter.

Helicopter tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon are very popular but can get expensive. However, it’s an awesome experience for the family.

In less than an hour, you will arrive at the Grand Canyon where you can get out to explore, have a snack, and then be back on The Strip in time for dinner.

Bonus: You will get to pass by the Hoover Dam, too!

25. The Strip

Last, but certainly not least, the most famous, popular, photographed, light-covered attraction in Las Vegas is The Strip.

Home to all of the big-name hotels, casinos, shows, attractions, and more, you could spend your entire trip walking up and down The Strip and never get bored.

There are also numerous family-friendly experiences and retailers on The Strip to tempt your wallet. From the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, Big Apple Coaster at New York New York, Hershey’s Chocolate World, and M&Ms World at the south end of The Strip to the thrill rides at The Strat and indoor theme park The Adventuredome at Circus Circus at the north end (and even Meow Wolf’s Mega Mart at Area 15 just off the central Strip area), it is easy to plan a fun day with kids while staying close to South Las Vegas Boulevard.

With plenty to see (not all of it family-friendly, so beware), walking The Strip is 1 free itinerary item that everyone will enjoy!

Final Thoughts

Impressive, right? Las Vegas has some pretty awesome things for kids to do while in town. They say that Vegas is like Disney for adults — well, this list is a pretty good argument that Vegas can be like Disney for kids, too!

With a seemingly unlimited amount of entertainment, it should come as no shock that kids will benefit from it as well. And we didn’t even cover the awesome pools that Las Vegas hotels and resorts are known for. Those will just be a bonus when you check-in.

Whether you’re looking for shows, museums, or some famous attractions, Las Vegas could be a great destination for your next family trip.

And on your way out of town, don’t forget to stop at the American Express Centurion Lounge at LAS.

If you think we left something off the list, let us know in the comments or share your tips in our private Facebook Group, Level UP Travel!