Located in southern Nevada, Las Vegas is world-famous for neon lights and late nights. But look a little closer, and you’ll find it’s also a great destination for a family vacation. I’ve traveled with my own kids several times at different ages and have created a full list of the best things to do in Las Vegas with kids. These things are personally tested and kid-approved.
Vegas is packed with fun and surprises for younger visitors, making it an excellent choice for a memorable family trip.
Kids will love the wide range of entertainment, from thrilling amusement parks and hands-on museums to jaw-dropping live entertainment like Cirque du Soleil. There are also plenty of free things to enjoy, from dazzling fountain shows to larger-than-life street performances.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning with kids in tow, you’ll want to make the most of your time in Sin City. So, I’ve picked out my list of the best things to do in Las Vegas with kids, so you can focus on creating lasting memories with your kids.
In this guide:
- Las Vegas Shows
- Las Vegas Museums
- Indoor Las Vegas Attractions
- Cool Views of Las Vegas
- Outdoor Las Vegas Attractions
- Las Vegas Guided Tours
- Brunch in Las Vegas
Las Vegas Shows
Las Vegas offers a wide variety of live shows, so you’re sure to find one that suits your family’s tastes. Here are a few of my favorite family-friendly Las Vegas shows.
Blue Man Group
The Blue Man Group is an interactive performance combining art, music, and hilarious comedy. The three mute performers use custom instruments, quirky humor, and creative visuals in a high-energy performance.
There are lots of surprising moments and slapstick comedy in this show. My family loved the mix of music, humor, and audience interaction, and you can read more in my full Blue Man Group review.
The Blue Man Group show is part of the Cirque du Soleil portfolio and takes place at the Luxor Hotel. The show is not recommended for kids under three years due to the loud music and movement in the auditorium.
Cirque du Soleil Shows
In addition to the Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil presents several other live shows on the Las Vegas Strip. These include “Michael Jackson ONE” at Mandalay Bay and “KÀ” at the MGM Grand (I don’t recommend KA…it was the most disappointing of the many Cirque shows I have seen).
All Cirque du Soleil shows feature aerial acrobatics, cutting-edge technology, and original storylines that captivate audiences of all ages. The amazing stunts and top-class production make Cirque du Soleil shows a must-see for families visiting Las Vegas.
My family was fortunate to see a performance of the fabulous “O” at the Bellagio resort. If you only see one show in Las Vegas, this would be my top pick, and you can discover why in my full Cirque du Soleil review.
The minimum age for Cirque du Soleil shows varies depending on the show. So, it’s a good idea to check before you purchase your tickets. My kids were 7 and 10 when we saw “O” and they did great.
Tournament of Kings
Tournament of Kings is a medieval-themed dinner show at the Excalibur Hotel. This 90-minute show transports audiences to the court of King Arthur, combining sword fights, jousting, and horse races with a feast fit for a king.
Plenty of audience participation and cheering makes this an interactive and engaging experience that kids will love. My sons had much fun at the show, but it can be loud and scary for younger kids. You can find out more in my full Tournament of the Kings review.
All ages are welcome at the Tournament of Kings. Children aged 4 and over require their own ticket, while younger children receive free entry but must share an adult’s seat and meal. My older son has been to the show multiple times, first at around 4 years old and then both kids attended at 7 and 10. It’s a good show for all ages of kids but do read my review for heads up on the scary parts.
BattleBots Destruct-a-thon
BattleBots Destruct-a-thon is a family-friendly live show based on the TV series. Champion robots like Witch Doctor, HyperShock, and Whiplash take on new creations in the ultimate robot-on-robot battle arena.
The daily show takes place in the BattleBots Arena behind Horseshoe Las Vegas, with live performances at 2pm and 6pm.
Kids under 3 get free admission if they share an accompanying adult seat. However, this live event may be too loud and scary for babies and young children.
Las Vegas Museums
The fascinating museums in Las Vegas will educate and entertain your kids, and stir their curiosity in the world around them. Here are some of the best options for your Vegas vacation.
Discovery Children’s Museum
The Discovery Children’s Museum in Las Vegas is a three-story interactive museum near the Smith Center. It’s filled with hands-on exhibits designed to spark curiosity in kids.
Each floor is packed with fun things to do, like water play in “Water World,” town-building in “Eco City,” and the 70-foot, 13-level climbing tower at “The Summit.”
Activities at the Discovery Children’s Museum are designed for kids aged up to 12. All visitors aged 1 and over require tickets, which can be purchased on-site or online.
The Neon Museum
Las Vegas is famous for its brilliant illuminations, and visiting the Neon Museum lets you explore this part of the city’s cultural history.
The museum’s outdoor Neon Boneyard contains over 250 neon signs and exhibits. You can spot historic neon signs from hotels, including the iconic Tropicana and Stardust hotels.
The “Brilliant!” immersive audiovisual show and guided tours help bring history to life through music and fascinating stories. Guided tours are available, and evening tours may also include a light show.
The Neon Museum is suitable for all ages, and kids under 7 years old pay no admission fee.
Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions is a fascinating collection of mind-bending illusions that will fill kids’ minds with wonder. There are lots of fun photo opportunities and mind-bending installations that play with your sense of perspective.
In this immersive world of illusion, kids can meet their own clone, walk upside down, and take a peek at infinity. The installations and images will teach them about how their brain works, and that what they see isn’t always the same as what they think they see.
This family-friendly attraction is suitable for kids of all ages, and kids under 5 get in free. It’s also a great indoor, air-conditioned activity if you’re needing a break from the heat.
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
Fans of dinosaurs, marine life, and ancient Egypt will enjoy a visit to the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. The museum features interactive exhibits and educational displays about present-day and extinct animals, including a baby shark tank with feeding sessions.
The Prehistoric Gallery has masses of information about prehistoric creatures and massive models of a Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops. You can see a genuine woolly mammoth tooth up close, and kids can also do dinosaur rubbings.
The Treasures of Egypt exhibit displays 500 replica Egyptian artifacts, including Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s golden throne and sarcophagus. Kids will also enjoy the interactive mummy scan.
Above all, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum is a fascinating experience for the whole family. Kids aged 2 and under get in for free.
Indoor Las Vegas Attractions
If you want a break from the Las Vegas heat, these indoor attractions will keep your kids entertained.
Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay Resort
Shark Reef Aquarium at the Mandalay Bay resort is home to more than 2,000 marine animals, including sharks, rays, sea turtles, and rare golden crocodiles. Sharks and other aquatic life swim around a sunken galleon in the 1.3-million-gallon shipwreck tank, and two acrylic tunnels let you walk under sharks and fish for an immersive experience.
Kids will also enjoy the interactive touch pools where they can touch creatures like rays and horseshoe crabs.
The Shark Reef Aquarium is excellent fun for all ages, and kids aged four and under receive free admission. My son first visited at 4 years old and was mesmerized!
Hershey’s Chocolate World
Hershey’s Chocolate World at the New York-New York Hotel will add a sweet touch to your Vegas vacation.
The giant flagship store features a giant Statue of Liberty made from chocolate, and the shelves are packed with over 800 Hershey’s brand products, mementos, and gifts. In addition, you can personalize a chocolate bar wrapper with your own photo and message, and create custom mixes from a wall of candy.
This experience is a sweet treat for the whole family, and there’s no admission fee.
Pinball Hall of Fame
For a bit of nostalgic fun, why not take the family to the Pinball Hall of Fame? This arcade is filled with vintage pinball machines and classic arcade games that will entertain both kids and adults.
There are over 200 pinball and arcade machines available, from fully-restored 1950s tables up to modern electronic games based on films like “Iron Man”.
This fun arcade is suitable for the whole family, and there’s no admission fee. Just remember to bring plenty of quarters to play on the tables!
Madame Tussauds
You can hang out with your favorite celebrities at Madame Tussauds, the world-famous wax museum at The Venetian Las Vegas casino resort.
The lifelike wax figures include musicians like Beyonce and Travis Barker, Vegas icons like Elvis Presley, and sports legends including Shaquille O’Neal and Muhammad Ali. There’s also an interactive Marvel Universe zone where kids can pose with their favorite superheroes.
This is a fun experience for the whole family, offering plenty of cool exhibits and photo opportunities. Children under 2 enjoy free admission.
Gondola Rides at The Venetian
A gondola ride at the Venetian Resort Las Vegas is a unique and fun activity.
The indoor gondola experience takes you on a relaxing ride through the Grande Canal Shoppes. The setting imitates the bridges and canals of Venice, complete with the traditional narrow boats and costumed gondoliers singing Italian songs.
Outdoor rides are also available on the lagoon at the front of the hotel, subject to good weather.
Each gondola seats four people, there’s no age restriction, and the rides typically last 10-15 minutes.
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Over 5 million people visit the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens each year. This beautiful indoor garden inside the Bellagio Hotel has impressive floral displays that change for spring, summer, fall, winter, and Lunar New Year. It’s a full sensory experience for kids and adults and there is so much to look at.
The seasonally themed gardens range from a giant beehive in spring to a festive wonderland for the holidays. When we enjoyed brunch at the Garden Table in October 2025, the Conservatory’s fall display included colorful gourds, a Frog Queen, and a giant pumpkin.
This Las Vegas attraction is free to visit and the perfect venue for a relaxing stroll with the family.
The Aquarium at the Silverton Casino
A visit to the Aquarium at the Silverton Casino is a great way for guests of all ages to unwind. It has also been voted one of the best free things to do in Las Vegas.
The Silverton Aquarium has over 4000 sharks, stingrays, and exotic fish swimming in the 117,000-gallon reef aquarium, and plenty of comfortable seating where you can sit and watch them.
Fans of “The Little Mermaid” will love the mermaid swimming shows, which run throughout the day. There are also twice-daily stingray feeding sessions, led by divers wearing suits with microphones who will answer audience questions.
Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.
Superhero fans will love the Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. at the Treasure Island Hotel & Casino. This interactive experience gives kids a chance to train like an Avenger and they can also see costumes and props from the MCU movies.
Kids will find exhibits dedicated to their favorite Avengers heroes, including Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Black Widow, and more. They’ll learn about the science behind the superheroes, and complete interactive missions to become a S.T.A.T.I.O.N. agent.
Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. is suitable for kids of all ages, and under-4s get in for free.
Adventuredome at Circus Circus
Adventuredome at Circus Circus Hotel is an indoor theme park with a fun, carnival atmosphere. The five-acre indoor site has enough extreme roller coasters, carnival rides, bumper cars, and games to fill an entire day.
Ride-all-day wristbands and Fast Passes are available for the Adventuredome, and booking online is cheaper than telephone rates. Kids measuring 33” -48” pay a reduced admission fee, and kids under 33” tall don’t need a wristband.
Kids of all ages will also enjoy the free circus performances at the Carnival Midway, which feature clowns, aerialists, and acrobats. This is a free show, and there’s no age limit for these family-friendly shows.
Topgolf
Topgolf Las Vegas is a golf and entertainment attraction for all ages. The 120 hitting bays are heated in winter and cooled in summer, so you can play in comfort all year round.
You don’t need to be a golf expert to enjoy Topgolf. The high-tech balls and outfield targets keep track of your score automatically, and the Toptracer games and 48-foot video wall are fun for everyone.
There’s no admission fee or minimum age limit at Topgolf. However, you’ll pay a rental fee for using the hitting bays and under-16s must be supervised at all times.
We went to TopGolf in Las Vegas and we often go to the one near our house in the Seattle area and it is consistently a great experience.
M&M World
M&M’s Las Vegas is four floors of chocolate heaven with a colorful storefront that draws you in from the Strip.
This is a fun experience for the kid in all of us, and the high-energy atmosphere and upbeat music keep the fun flowing. You can get a photo with M&M characters, create personalized M&Ms, watch a free M&M movie, and admire the massive wall of candy.
In general, kids of all ages will enjoy M& M World, and there’s no charge for admission. However, the candy bill can soon add up!
There are several fun places to take pictures, including a real race car, M&Ms characters, and a fun M&Ms wall. It can be very overstimulating with all the people, lights, and colors, so be prepared to need a lower-key activity after a visit here!
Flyover in Las Vegas
Flyover in Las Vegas takes you to some of the world’s most beautiful locations without leaving Vegas.
For example, you can choose to soar over Iceland’s glaciers, the Canadian Rockies, or iconic locations in the United States, including the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam, and the Mojave Desert.
Your seat suspends you safely in front of a massive spherical screen, and the illusion of flight is enhanced by winds, mists, and scents.
Flyover in Las Vegas is located next to the Hard Rock Cafe on the Las Vegas Strip. There are no age restrictions, but guests must be at least 40” tall to ride the attraction.
We’ve done Flyover in New York and Orlando before and they can be a bit scary for younger kids, as the simulation feels very real, but kids 10 and up will love it, and brave younger kids will also have a great time.
Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart
Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart is a 52,000 square-foot interactive art installation set in a surreal grocery store. You can wander around the colourful rooms and admire optical illusions and artworks created by local and international artists.
But the fun really starts when you take a step into Omega Mart’s immersive adventure. Following the clues and hints from the Mart’s staff lets you create your own adventure filled with art and storytelling.
Omega Mart is suitable for kids of all ages and has been designated a Certified Autism Center™.
Hall of Excellence
The Hall of Excellence in the Fontainebleau Las Vegas resort is a must-do for sports lovers. Leave 45-60 minutes to talk through this small museum of sports memorabilia, including all 7 of Tom Brady’s Super Bowl rings, Muhammad Ali’s boxing gloves, Tiger Woods’s Master’s jacket, Simone Biles’s Olympic leotard, Michael Jordan’s sneakers, and so much more.
Every major sport is represented, and the memorabilia is the best of the best. There is an audio guide to accompany your self-guided visit, and it really is quite impressive for a small space.
While you’re there, check out the many amazing restaurants in Fontainebleau Las Vegas and if you can take turns with the kids, the spa is next-level.
Cool Views of Las Vegas
If you’ve got a head for heights, these Las Vegas attractions will all give your family a look at Sin City from a different angle!
High Roller Observation Wheel
The High Roller in Las Vegas is a giant observation wheel at the LINQ Promenade. It’s the biggest observation wheel in the United States at a massive 550 feet, taller than the Singapore Flyer and the London Eye.
The 28 climate-controlled glass cabins offer 30-minute rides with panoramic views of the Strip, the valley, and the mountains. It’s a popular place to watch the sun set and the city’s neon glow.
All ages are welcome at the High Roller Observation Wheel, with children under three riding free.
Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas
The Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas is a half-scale replica of the famous French landmark. A short ride in a high-speed elevator takes you up 46 stories to the panoramic observation deck.
As long as you have a good head for heights, you’ll enjoy amazing views of the Las Vegas Strip, Bellagio Fountains, and the Mojave Desert. Visiting after sunset gives you a great view of the city’s lights, and the tower puts on its own light show every half hour from sunset to midnight.
There’s no age limit for this Las Vegas experience. Children 3 and under have free admission.
Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York Hotel
The Big Apple Coaster offers adrenaline-loving kids a thrilling ride full of loops, dips, and a thrilling view of the Las Vegas Strip.
The roller coaster has trains designed to look like yellow NYC taxicabs, and the setting features some of Manhattan’s best-known landmarks, including a 150-foot replica of the Statue of Liberty.
The coaster reaches speeds of 67mph and a maximum height of 144 feet, making this a high-intensity ride to remember.
There’s no age restriction, but you must be 54” tall to ride the Big Apple Coaster.
The STRAT Tower
The 1,149-foot-tall STRAT Tower at the STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower is the tallest observation deck of its kind in the United States.
You can watch helicopters buzzing around at eye level, get an incredible view of the Las Vegas sunset, or enjoy a meal in the revolving Top of the World restaurant.
Meanwhile, there’s even more excitement in store on The STRAT rides. Thrill-seekers can enjoy a range of heart-racing rides like the Big Shot, X-Scream, and the free-fall SkyJump.
Kids under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and there’s free admission for under-5s.
Outdoor Las Vegas Attractions
When you want to let your kids burn off some energy, these outdoor attractions are the perfect choice.
The Fountains of Bellagio
The Fountains of Bellagio is a free show set on an 8.5-acre lake in front of the Bellagio Hotel. This water, music, and light show is one of the most famous attractions in Las Vegas.
The Bellagio fountain show features over 1,000 jets shooting water up to 460 feet high, choreographed to music ranging from classical to pop. The shows run every 15-30 minutes, and the music changes regularly to keep the experience fresh.
Overall, this is a very popular free attraction that’s suitable for all ages.
Springs Preserve
Springs Preserve is a fun and educational experience that celebrates the origins of Las Vegas at its natural springs.
The site is home to the Nevada State Museum and the Origen Museum, which has fascinating interactive exhibits on desert life. In addition, the Natural Mojave Gallery explores the city’s natural surroundings, and Boomtown 1905 recreates what Vegas looked like 100 years ago.
Kid-friendly attractions include the Mariposa Playground & Splash Pad, animal habitats, and a train ride around the grounds. There are also 2.5 miles of easy walking trails and botanical gardens to explore.
Springs Preserve offers a fun day out for all ages, and under-2s get in for free.
Downtown Container Park
Downtown Container Park is an open-air shopping and entertainment district in downtown Las Vegas. However, there’s a twist: all the buildings are made from repurposed shipping containers and modular cubes.
The area has an industrial-chic vibe and offers plenty to entertain families, including pop-up boutique stores, art galleries, bars, and eateries. There’s also a playground and interactive zone for children, which features a 3-story treehouse jungle gym and slide.
Downtown Container Park is open to all ages during the day, but it’s strictly 21+ after 9pm except on the weekly outdoor family movie nights.
Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel is a four-acre garden oasis that’s home to a variety of birds, including flamingos, mandarin ducks, and parrots.
The garden’s waterfalls, streams, and lush planting make it a peaceful respite from the noise of the Strip. This is a quiet, relaxed experience and visitors can take part in scheduled keeper talks and feeding times.
There’s no admission fee or age limit for this peaceful Las Vegas experience.
Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix
The Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix is a family-friendly entertainment center that offers action-packed fun.
The center has four karting tracks and over 80 karts to choose from, including gentle kid-friendly options. There’s also a range of amusement park rides, like the Tornado Twister slide and the kids’ Dragon Coaster, and a large arcade featuring new and classic games.
To sum it all up, this great range of amusements and inexpensive food options makes Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix an excellent family day out. Age restrictions apply on various rides and karts, and wristbands are available for 1-3 hours of unlimited fun.
Mandalay Bay Beach
Mandalay Bay Beach is an aquatic playground at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. It’s the perfect place for families to cool off in the heat of the Las Vegas summer. My kids loved the wave pool and the lazy river.
We rented a cabana for the day and while it was convenient, I’m not sure it was worth the price for how little time we spent there. We found that the kids really wanted to be out in the water, not lounging on chairs!
Guests can choose from multiple pools including a large wave pool, a lazy river ride, and a lagoon for relaxing in. There’s also a real beach made with 2,700 tons of Californian sand.
Although non-residents can visit Mandalay Bay Beach, capacity is limited, and priority goes to Mandalay Bay Resort guests. It may be possible to pay on-site, but booking online is the best way to guarantee entry.
Fremont Street Experience
The Fremont Street Experience is a pedestrian mall covered by the 1,375-foot-long Viva Vision light canopy. This is the world’s largest LED canopy screen, with more than 49.3 million LEDs, and covers an area the size of four football fields.
Inside the mall, you’ll find a range of shops, restaurants, and casinos. There are also live music performances, street performers, and a six-minute Viva Vision light and music show that runs hourly between 6.00 pm and 2.00 am.
The area is generally family-friendly during the day. However, it gets rowdier at night, and the entertainment gets more adult-focused.
Slotzilla
You can’t miss Slotzilla. It’s the massive 12-story slot machine on the east side of the Fremont Street Experience.
Slotzilla offers two thrilling ride options: a 77-feet-high, 850-feet-long zip line and a heart-racing 114-feet-high, 1700-feet-long zoom line that reaches speeds above 35mph.
First, you’ll travel in an open-air elevator to the launch platform, where a ride attendant will attach you securely to the line. Before you know it, you’ll be zooming through the air, watching the pedestrians below you, and getting the most fantastic view of the city.
There’s no age restriction for Slotzilla, but the minimum weights are 50 pounds for the zipline and 80 pounds for the zoomline.
Ethel M Chocolate Factory
A visit to the Ethel M Chocolate Factory combines delicious chocolate with a beautiful cactus garden. Kids can watch the chocolates being made using a recipe that hasn’t changed since the 1980s. Then, they can try a sample of their favorite chocolate in the gift shop.
After the factory tour, kids can burn off some excess energy in the Botanical Cactus Garden. There are 300+ types of cactus in the three-acre garden, including Texas prickly pears, yuccas, and agave plants.
The Ethel M Chocolate Factory is fun for the whole family, and it’s usually a free attraction to visit.
Lion Habitat Ranch
Located 12 miles south of the Las Vegas Strip, Lion Habitat Ranch lets kids of all ages see lions up close in a safe and relaxed setting. It’s home to over 30 lions, including some that used to take part in the MGM Grand Casino Lion Habitat.
This non-profit animal sanctuary also houses other rescued animals, including a giraffe named Ozzie, who’s famous for his colourful paintings.
As well as watching the lions lounging and playing, kids can take part in supervised feeding sessions or go on a behind-the-scenes tour. There’s also an opportunity to meet some of the animals, including Ozzie.
Find out about our behind-the-scenes experience in my full review of the Lion Habitat Ranch.
Las Vegas Guided Tours
Whether you want to explore the city or go further afield, a guided tour will help you maximize your time.
A Grand Canyon Guided Tour
This Grand Canyon guided tour will give you a view of the iconic canyon from the West Rim, and the option to walk on the famous Skywalk glass bridge for an extra cost.
You’ll travel in a luxury coach or SUV, and stops along the way include the 900-year-old Joshua Tree Forest. There’s also a chance to shop for authentic handmade Indian jewelry at Eagle Point.
Other great outdoor activities around Las Vegas include hiking in Red Rock Canyon and Death Valley National Park.
Nighttime Bus Tour
Las Vegas looks even more dazzling at night with its iconic neon light glow. So, why not hop on an open-top bus to see the lights at their best?
This 2-hour night tour of Las Vegas will take you around the city on a comfortable double-decker bus. It’s a fun way to see all the top landmarks like the Bellagio Fountains, Fremont Street, the Las Vegas Strip, and the Welcome to Las Vegas sign.
An audio guide will share fascinating facts and tales from Las Vegas’ history while you relax and take in the breathtaking views. Overall, this tour is suitable for children aged 3 and over.
Enjoy a Family Brunch
Finally, sharing a family brunch is a laid-back way to start the day together. It’s perfect for planning the day ahead or remembering yesterday’s fun.
Las Vegas is packed with great brunch spots with nearly 40 hotels on Las Vegas Boulevard, plus restaurants, cafes…the list goes on!
For example, Sadelle’s Cafe at the Bellagio is a good choice for a family-friendly brunch spot. It overlooks the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens and serves all your brunch favourites from early morning until 3 pm every day.
You’ll find more suggestions in my guide to the best places for brunch in Las Vegas.
The Wrap-Up
That wraps up my list of the best things to do with kids in Las Vegas. As you can see, the city is packed with so many unforgettable experiences for kids of all ages. There are also plenty of great family-friendly hotels in Las Vegas, making it the perfect destination for a family getaway.
Ready to plan your trip? Which attractions will you be adding to your itinerary?
