Vegas isn’t exactly the first place that comes to mind when you’re planning a family vacation. Most people think casinos, Fremont Street madness, and late-night everything. But if you dig a little deeper, there’s actually a ton of stuff here that works really well for families in Sin City.
Vegas knows how to put on a show, and a lot of those shows happen to be perfect for kids too. Between the massive attractions, crazy good entertainment, and some genuinely cool stuff to see and do, you might be surprised at how much fun you can have here as a family.
Planning a Trip to Las Vegas
If you’re heading to Vegas with the family, it’s worth checking out a few other guides to help plan the trip. We’ve got a guide on where to stay that’s helpful for first timers with kids. You can also check out our 3-day itinerary if you want ideas for how to pace your days, or dive into the local food scene if you’re curious about what to try while you’re here.
Fun Family Friendly Activities
Watch the Fountains of Bellagio
Head over to the Bellagio for that classic Vegas moment you’ve probably seen in every travel reel where the fountains dance in sync to music.
It is one of the simple but iconic things to do, and it really never gets old no matter how many times you’ve seen it. The shows run on a schedule, so try to time your visit if you wanna catch the water at its most dramatic.
While you’re already there, make sure to step inside the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. It’s not just beautiful, it’s also totally free. The whole space is transformed every season with massive floral displays, themed decorations, and tons of colors and details that’ll actually surprise you.
See The Sphere
You haven’t really been to Vegas if you haven’t seen this massive thing. The Sphere is hard to miss, it sticks out like a sore thumb (in a good way!). It’s a giant LED globe that lights up with insane visuals day and night.
The Sphere hosts immersive shows and they sell out fast, so if you’re planning to watch something, it’s a good idea to book in advance. Just be aware that not every show is made for younger kids, but there are family-friendly options depending on what’s playing while you’re in town.
It’s not really a requirement to go and watch a show inside. Most people hang around outside just to take photos, and honestly, that’s already pretty fun on its own.
Ride the Gondolas at The Venetian
This is one of those classic Vegas experiences that’s hard to pass up. It’s not Venice, obviously, but it does a pretty fun job pretending to be.
You get the option to choose between indoor and outdoor rides. The outdoor route winds around the hotel and has a bit more of a view, but both give you that same laid-back, floaty feeling.
Tickets can be bought on site, but there are also combo passes that include access to Madame Tussauds, which can be a nice add-on if you’re planning to stick around the area for a while.
Hop On a Big Bus Sightseeing Tour
If you’re landing in Vegas and just wanna get a feel for what the city’s all about without jumping into the chaos right away, the Big Bus Night Tour is the perfect way to start.
The Strip looks totally different after dark, with all the neon signs, flashing lights, and energy that makes this place famous. It’s the kind of thing that gets everyone hyped, and since you’re just sitting back and cruising, there’s zero effort involved.
You’ll be riding the top deck of a double-decker bus rolling past all the major landmarks. It’s a great way to spot the spots, get the lay of the land, and decide what places you might wanna come back to during the day.
However, I think this is only a great fit for families with older kids or teens who can appreciate the views and sit through the ride without getting bored. It doesn’t stop a lot, so little ones might get a bit restless. If you’re thinking of doing this, definitely book your seats in advance since it fills up pretty quick.
Important note: Do not confuse this for a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus. This is a whole sightseeing night tour that lasts for 2-3 hours.
Grab An Entertaining Dinner at Tournament of Kings
One of the most unique ways to spend an evening with your kids in Vegas is by checking out Tournament of Kings. It’s a live-action show packed with knights, jousting, and medieval-style battles, all happening while the audience cheers from the sidelines.
It’s a full production with lights, sound effects, and horses charging across the arena, and it keeps the energy high the whole time.
This is a ticketed experience though, so you’ll want to book your seats in advance if you have decided to go. Definitely a fun, high-energy night that’s different from your usual Vegas plans, and a really great pick if your kids love a bit of entertainment while taking their meal.
Catch any of The Cirque du Soleil Shows
There are a bunch of Cirque du Soleil shows spread across Vegas, and each one brings something different to the table. But what they have in common is that they all have high-flying acrobatics, crazy costumes and perfectly timed music, all without any dialogue.
Some shows are more whimsical and colorful, while others lean into dramatic lighting and intense soundtracks. It really just depends on what kind of vibe your family’s into at the moment.
If you’re not sure which one to go for, it helps to watch a few clips online and see what clicks. Try to pick and choose what fits best, and there’s usually something for every type of family.
- O by Cirque du Soleil
- Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil
- KÀ by Cirque du Soleil
- Mystère by Cirque du Soleil
- Mad Apple by Cirque du Soleil
Ride High Roller Observation Wheel
This is one of the most famous stops on the Strip and definitely something you’ll want to try while you’re in town. The High Roller at the LINQ is a massive observation wheel that gives you some of the best views in Vegas without having to walk around to get them.
The ride takes about 30 minutes to complete a full loop, which would give you plenty of time to enjoy the view and snap those Instagram photos. I recommend you go around sunset when the lights start to come on across the city.
Like I told you before, this ones kinda famous and it gets busy, so if it’s on your list, you gotta book your tickets in advance.
Try the Insane Thrill Rides at the STRAT
If you’re looking to mix a little adrenaline into your Vegas trip, head over to The STRAT.
Their Thrill Rides are no joke, and if you’ve got older kids or teens who are into that kind of thing, they’ll love it here. You’ve got rides that shoot straight up, dangle you over the edge, and spin you around while you’re hanging way above the Strip. Just make sure to check the age and height requirements so none of you gets disappointed.
But if you’re not really a big fan of the thrill rides, the observation deck is still worth the visit. It gives you great views of the city and the desert beyond, and it’s a nice spot to chill for a bit away from the chaos on the ground.
Go to Any Family-Friendly Museum in Vegas
Vegas might not scream “museum town,” but there are actually a few great ones that can be perfect for your family. No need to be an enthusiast to enjoy them; most of them are made for curious kids and parents who just want something different from the usual Strip experience.
Start with the Discovery Children’s Museum if you’ve got younger kids to entertain. It’s one of those places where everything is hands-on and designed for kids to explore, climb, and learn while playing.
The Las Vegas Natural History Museum is also worth checking out if your family enjoys a mix of animals, science, and cool artifacts. It’s smaller than a lot of big city museums, but just enough variety to keep your small ones interested.
If you want something a little more offbeat, the Neon Museum is definitely one of the coolest stops in town. It’s an outdoor space filled with vintage Vegas signs that used to light up the Strip. The best time to visit is after dark, where some of the restored signs light up at night.
If your family’s more into quirky experiences, the Museum of Illusions is another good option. It’s made up of weird rooms and visual tricks that mess with your brain in the best way.
Most of these museums are indoors (except the Neon Museum), so they’re great for escaping the heat or filling in downtime between the bigger attractions.
Visit the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
If you’re looking for another family-friendly break from the heat and noise of the Strip, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is a solid one.
The main thing thats gonna pull everyone in is the tunnel where sharks, rays, and green sea turtles swim all around you. It’s not that massive, but the setup is super immersive and can keep your kids interested the whole way through.
If you plan to visit, you can book your tickets ahead since it does get a line on the entrance sometimes. You can spend about an hour here, before heading back out on The Strip again.
Experience Something Different at Dig This
If you’ve ever been curious about what it’s like to control a real bulldozer or excavator (cuz I do!) Dig This – Las Vegas gives you that perfect chance. It’s not a simulation or a scaled-down version. You’re going to be actually operating the real thing, and it’s just as fun as it sounds.
There are different packages to choose from, it depends on what machines you want to try and how long you want to be in the driver’s seat. You might be moving giant tires, digging into the dirt, or just messing around to see what the equipment can do. I’ll bet 20 bucks that the adults would have more fun here than the kids 😂.
If you have decided to go and picked the package you like, you can book and prepurchase your tickets in advance through their website.
Visit the Lion Habitat Ranch
The Lion Habitat Ranch is where the MGM lions ended up after their time on the Strip, where they now live in a peaceful little sanctuary that’s open to visitors.
The ranch is not huge, but that actually makes it easier to get close and really see the animals. It’s not limited to lions, you’ll also spot a couple of giraffes, and other rescued wildlife.
It’s about 20 minutes away from the Strip, so you’re gonna have to drive or take a rideshare, but it’s an easy trip and totally worth it if you’ve got kids who love animals. The place is quiet and you can totally see the animals are really well taken care of.
Just make sure to check their website before you go. They close pretty early in the afternoon, so plan your visit around their hours.
Spend the Day at Springs Preserve
Springs Preserve is often called the birthplace of Las Vegas, and it’s one of those places that ends up being way cooler than you’d expect. It’s 180 acres of desert gardens, museums, walking trails, and interactive exhibits that make learning about the Mojave Desert surprisingly fun.
It’s also another solid break option from the usual Vegas chaos.. You can easily spend a couple of hours here without the kids getting bored, and there’s a little bit of everything to see.
Since it’s mostly outdoors, you might wanna check their website before you go. Some exhibits may be closed off during extreme heat or summer weather advisories, so you’ll want to plan accordingly. You can also pre-purchase your tickets online, and there’s a skip-the-line option if you want to make things easier.
Grab a Sweet Treat at the Strip
Before wrapping up your Vegas trip, take your kids for a sweet treat right on the Strip. Hershey’s Chocolate World and M&M’S Las Vegas are both easy stops if you’re already in the area, and they’re more than just regular stores. They double as fun attractions where you can grab souvenirs, snap a few photos, and let the kids indulge a little.
At Hershey’s, you can customize your own candy bar, and explore all kinds of themed treats and merch. Right across the street, the M&M’S store has four colorful floors filled with mix-and-match candy walls, exclusive flavors, and even the option to print your own message on the candies.
These spots are perfect for a quick stop when you’re already strolling the Strip, or if you’re looking for something fun and easy to do if you’ve got younger children with you.
Las Vegas for Families
There’s definitely more to see around Vegas once you’ve hit the main spots with the family. If you’ve got extra time, you might want to check out some easy day trips outside the city. You can also explore more hotel options that work well for any type of traveler, or just browse through our few fun Vegas facts that are cool to know, especially if it’s your first time here.
