TL;DR: The 4 Smartest Strip Stays for Families
- Best Pool & Beach Experience: Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. Features an 11-acre sandy beach, wave pool, and lazy river—it’s a theme park in itself.
- Best for Suite Space & Quiet: Vdara Hotel & Spa. A non-gaming, non-smoking, all-suite hotel located centrally on the Strip with kitchenettes.
- Best for Theme & Budget: Excalibur Hotel & Casino. The medieval castle theme and budget-friendly rates make it a perfect first-time Vegas stay for kids.
- Best Entertainment Value: New York-New York Hotel & Casino. Home to the Big Apple Coaster and a huge arcade that keeps tweens and teens busy.
The Las Vegas Strip might be famous for dazzling nightlife, but when you’re traveling with family, it’s home to some of the best kid-friendly resorts in the world. The key to a great trip is booking a hotel that offers huge, self-contained fun—think epic pools, unique attractions, and suites with room to breathe—while minimizing exposure to the loud, adult casino scene.
As someone who has navigated the Strip balancing big-kid thrills with little-kid comfort, I’ve scoped out the hotels with built-in entertainment, free attractions, and the best lazy rivers. Forget the generic hotel experience; here are the 10 best family-friendly hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, guaranteed to please kids of all ages.
5 Hotels with Unbeatable Water Parks and Attractions
If your kids can spend all day splashing and swimming, these resorts are mandatory. Their pool complexes and built-in attractions offer the highest density of water-based and resort-based family fun.
1. Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
Mandalay Bay has the single best pool complex on the Strip for families: the 11-acre Mandalay Bay Beach. This massive area features a quarter-mile lazy river, a wave pool with real sand, and numerous standard pools and lagoons.
- Expert Take: You could literally spend your entire vacation here and the kids would be thrilled. It’s located on the South Strip, but a free tram connects you easily to Luxor and Excalibur.
- Pro Tip: Look into visiting the on-site Shark Reef Aquarium for a cool, indoor, educational break from the sun.
2. MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
The MGM Grand boasts a huge, 6.5-acre pool complex that includes four pools, waterfalls, and a lovely lazy river. The sheer size of the property ensures that even during busy times, the pool area can comfortably accommodate many families.
- Why It Works: The lazy river is partially shaded by palm trees, which is crucial during the hot summer months. Be sure to use the main pool complex and avoid the separate, 21+ Wet Republic dayclub entrance.
- Kid’s Favorite: Floating along the calm, winding lazy river is a perfect mid-day activity.
3. Excalibur Hotel & Casino
The moment kids see the giant medieval castle of the Excalibur, they are hooked. It is one of the most budget-friendly full-service Strip resorts, offering a fantastic location right next to New York-New York and easy tram access.
- Expert Take: The castle theme is fun, and the pool area features a cool waterslide. The Tournament of Kings dinner show is a huge, kid-friendly hit, complete with knights, horses, and a no-utensil feast!
- Best Value: Great pools and a themed show for a lower price point than the luxury resorts.
4. New York-New York Hotel & Casino
This hotel brings the energy of the Big Apple to the Strip. Its main draw for older kids and teens is the Big Apple Coaster, which loops and twists around the hotel’s replica skyline. There is also a huge, modern Big Apple Arcade.
- Why It Works: The location is fantastic, right across from MGM Grand. It offers a great mix of casual dining options, from quick slices of pizza to family-style Italian, all without having to leave the resort.
- Teen Thrill: The fast and exciting roller coaster (riders must be at least 54 inches tall).
5. Circus Circus Hotel & Casino
Circus Circus is a Las Vegas classic, designed from the ground up to be family-focused. It features the Adventuredome Indoor Theme Park, a five-acre space with roller coasters, thrill rides, and classic carnival games—a guaranteed hit on a scorching afternoon.
- Expert Take: While the hotel itself is older and more basic, the attractions offer unbeatable family entertainment value. Don’t miss the free circus acts that perform throughout the day on the main level.
- All-Weather Fun: Adventuredome is fully indoors and climate-controlled.
5 Hotels Offering the Best Comfort, Space, and Peace
These hotels offer a more refined experience. They are either non-gaming, all-suite, or focused on quiet luxury, which parents often appreciate after a busy day on the Strip.
6. Vdara Hotel & Spa
Vdara is an oasis of calm right in the center of the Strip. It is a non-gaming, non-smoking, all-suite hotel, meaning you never have to walk through a loud casino floor with your children.
- Why It Works: This is my top recommendation for families who prioritize a peaceful environment and space. Every room is a suite, and most include a small kitchenette, perfect for storing milk, snacks, and saving money on quick meals.
- Parent Bonus: Quiet, non-smoking environment, with easy pedestrian access to Bellagio.
Also Read: What Are The Pros And Cons Of Staying At The Vdara Hotel In Las Vegas
7. The Signature at MGM Grand (All Suites)
Tucked away in three quiet towers behind the MGM Grand, The Signature is an all-suite, non-gaming, non-smoking alternative. You get the benefits of the huge MGM Grand pool complex, but a peaceful, separate entrance and lobby.
- Expert Take: Every spacious suite features a kitchenette, and many have balconies. This is the best of both worlds: peace and quiet when you need it, and immediate access to the action when you want it.
- Luxury & Space: Full-service suites, but with access to the MGM lazy river.
8. The Venetian Resort Las Vegas & The Palazzo
These luxurious sister properties are ideal for families who need room to spread out. Every single standard room is a multi-level suite with a sunken living area, a sofa, and at least 650 square feet of space.
- Why It Works: The sheer space is a huge luxury, perfect for putting kids to bed while adults stay up. The experience of riding a Gondola (indoor or outdoor) is a fun novelty for kids.
- Key Feature: Oversized, two-room suites.
9. Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas
Located on the top floors of the Mandalay Bay tower, the Four Seasons operates as its own separate, non-gaming, luxury hotel. You get Five-Star service and access to the Mandalay Bay Beach complex without the casino chaos.
- Expert Take: This is the ultimate splurge for families who want the best service and a quiet, secure environment. Their dedicated pool is small and calm, but you can use the Mandalay Bay lazy river and wave pool, too.
- Family Program: Known for excellent kids’ amenities and personalized service.
10. Hilton Grand Vacations Club Elara Center Strip
This non-gaming, all-suite hotel is one of the best-kept secrets for families. It’s centrally located and connected directly to the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, offering indoor access to dozens of restaurants and retail stores.
- Why It Works: The suites are spacious, and the convenience of walking indoors through the mall to get food, entertainment, and reach the Strip is priceless when traveling with children.
- Location & Convenience: Directly attached to a massive mall for food and fun.
A Quick Tip for Parents:
Many of the all-suite hotels, like Vdara and The Signature, offer free cribs and rollaway beds. Request these when you book and confirm them at check-in; having that extra sleeping space is the most essential ingredient for a peaceful family trip!
Strip Family Hotel FAQs
Can children swim in all the pools on the Strip?
No. Every major resort has family pools (all ages allowed) and a separate dayclub/party pool (strictly 21+). Always confirm the name of the area you are headed to, especially at hotels like MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay.
How can I avoid walking through the casino with my kids?
Book a non-gaming hotel like Vdara or The Signature at MGM Grand, as they have separate lobbies and entrances. In traditional casino hotels, look for signs directing you through main walkways or side halls to bypass the gambling floor.
Which hotels have a free tram?
There are two main free tram lines that save your legs:
South Strip Tram: Connects Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and Excalibur.
Center Strip Tram: Connects Bellagio, CityCenter (ARIA/Vdara), and Park MGM.
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