TL;DR: The 4 Best Things To Do In Las Vegas With Kids
- Best Thrill/Theme Park: Adventuredome Indoor Theme Park (Circus Circus). Five acres of indoor, climate-controlled rides and games.
- Best Free Attraction: Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Stunning, ever-changing floral displays that are great for photos.
- Best Pool Experience: Mandalay Bay Beach. Features an 11-acre complex with a lazy river and wave pool.
- Best Educational Fun: The Shark Reef Aquarium (Mandalay Bay). Home to over 2,000 animals, including sharks and sea turtles.
If you think Las Vegas is only for adults, think again! The city has transformed into a world-class family destination, offering spectacular shows, thrilling rides, and pool complexes that will keep kids entertained from morning until night. The trick to a successful trip is knowing which hotels and attractions prioritize Things To Do In Las Vegas With Kids over the casino floor.
I’ve navigated the Strip and surrounding areas to find the best activities that are genuinely fun, engaging, and worth your family’s time and money. From amazing indoor theme parks to aquariums and massive pools, here are the 15 essential Things To Do In Las Vegas With Kids that prove Vegas is a playground for all ages.
5 Theme Parks, Thrills, and Unique Experiences
These activities offer high energy and unique attractions perfect for engaging children of all ages, rain or shine.
1. Adventuredome Indoor Theme Park (Circus Circus)
The Adventuredome is the absolute king of Things To Do In Las Vegas With Kids. It’s a massive, five-acre indoor theme park featuring roller coasters, classic rides, and arcade games, all housed under a glass dome.
- My Take: Since it’s climate-controlled, it’s the perfect escape from the intense heat of summer or the rare chill of winter. It offers day passes for unlimited rides.
- Must-Do: Ride the Canyon Blaster (the indoor double-loop, double-corkscrew coaster).
2. The Big Apple Coaster (New York-New York)
For older kids and teens craving adrenaline, the Big Apple Coaster is a must. It wraps around the replica New York skyline of the hotel and features a 203-foot drop and a loop that reaches speeds up to 67 mph.
- Why Kids Love It: It’s a true thrill ride right on the Strip with spectacular views.
- Age/Height Limit: Riders must be at least 54 inches tall.
3. Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. (Treasure Island)
This interactive, educational exhibit allows kids to immerse themselves in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They can view authentic props, try on Iron Man’s suit, and learn about the science behind the superheroes.
- Fun Tip: Kids can participate in a training mission to become qualified S.T.A.T.I.O.N. agents.
- Location: Treasure Island.
4. FlyOver Las Vegas (Next to MGM Grand)
This state-of-the-art flying theater experience simulates flying over natural wonders, including the Canadian Rockies and the American West. The full sensory experience includes wind, mist, and custom scents.
- Why It’s Great for Families: It’s a thrilling, immersive ride that feels like a family field trip to breathtaking locations without leaving the building.
- Vibe: Simulated Thrill, All-Weather Fun.
5. SlotZilla Zipline (Downtown Las Vegas)
If your kids are tweens or teens, heading Downtown to ride the SlotZilla Zipline is huge fun. They can fly either seated or “Superman” style right under the Viva Vision canopy of Fremont Street.
- Thrill Level: The upper “Zoom” line is the most exciting, launching you from 11 stories up.
5 Best Aquatic Fun and Animal Encounters
Las Vegas has surprisingly excellent pools and animal habitats that offer refreshing breaks from the desert heat.
6. Mandalay Bay Beach & Lazy River
The Mandalay Bay Beach is the best pool complex for families on the Strip. This 11-acre aquatic playground includes a large wave pool, a sandy beach, and a long lazy river.
- Family Tip: The lazy river is perfect for winding down after a day of sightseeing. Bring your own inner tubes to save on rental fees.
- Location: Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.
7. The Shark Reef Aquarium (Mandalay Bay)
Located inside Mandalay Bay, the Shark Reef Aquarium is a fantastic educational experience. It features a walk-through tunnel surrounded by sharks, sea turtles, rays, and exotic fish.
- Must-See: The 1.3-million-gallon main tank.
- Vibe: Cool, Educational, Immersive.
8. Flamingo Wildlife Habitat (Flamingo Las Vegas)
This is one of the best free attractions for families on the Strip. The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is a beautiful, lush garden featuring Chilean flamingos, exotic birds, and turtles.
- Vibe: Free, Relaxing, Quick Stop.
9. The Tank at Golden Nugget (Downtown Las Vegas)
The Golden Nugget’s pool is famous for “The Tank,” a three-story complex featuring a 200,000-gallon shark aquarium. You can ride a waterslide that goes right through the middle of the shark tank.
- Fun Factor: Riding the waterslide through the sharks is a truly unique, must-do Vegas experience.
10. Hershey’s Chocolate World (New York-New York)
A giant, two-story store dedicated entirely to Hershey’s chocolate. Kids can personalize chocolate bars, pose with a massive Hershey’s bar replica, and, of course, indulge in every candy imaginable.
- Sweet Treat: Located right next to the New York-New York lobby.
5 Free, Educational, and Unique Family Stops
These attractions are either free, inexpensive, or offer a unique cultural experience that is highly engaging for children.
11. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens (Bellagio)
The Bellagio Conservatory transforms five times a year with massive, stunning floral displays corresponding to the seasons and holidays. It’s beautiful, free, and completely captivating.
- Pro Tip: Look for the little details—the animated characters, water features, and sheer scale keep all ages interested.
12. M&M’s World (Showcase Mall near MGM Grand)
Four floors of colorful fun dedicated to M&M’s. This includes a 3D movie theater, unique merchandise, and the famous wall where you can fill bags with every color of M&M imaginable.
- Photo Op: Take a picture with the M&M’s race car.
13. Pinball Hall of Fame (Near Mandalay Bay)
This massive, non-profit museum houses the world’s largest collection of pinball machines, all of which are fully operational.
- Fun & Cheap: It’s a cheap, nostalgic way to spend a few hours playing classic games (free admission; you only pay for the games you play).
14. Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden (Off-Strip)
Located about 20 minutes from the Strip, the Ethel M Chocolate Factory offers a self-guided tour where you can see how chocolate is made. Outside is a huge, beautiful Botanical Cactus Garden.
- Best Value: It’s free to visit, offers free chocolate samples, and the garden is stunning, especially when lit up during the holidays.
15. The Neon Museum (Downtown Las Vegas)
While more educational, the huge, rusted signs in the Neon Museum’s Boneyard are fascinating for kids to see. They look like giant, forgotten toys.
- Vibe: Great for older kids who appreciate history and unique art.
A Quick Tip for a Cool Trip:
Plan your day to take advantage of the air conditioning. Schedule outdoor activities (like the Roller Coaster or Flamingo habitat) for the early morning, and save the afternoons for indoor, climate-controlled fun like the Adventuredome, Shark Reef, or the Bellagio Conservatory! This makes exploring all the great Things To Do In Las Vegas With Kids much more enjoyable.
❓ Things To Do In Las Vegas With Kids FAQ
Can kids walk through the casino floors?
Yes, minors can walk through the casino floor, but they must not stop or linger near the gambling machines or tables. They must keep moving to their destination (restaurant, lobby, etc.).
Are there any free shows for kids?
Yes! The Bellagio Fountains, the Bellagio Conservatory, and the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat are free. Circus Circus offers free circus acts on its Carnival Midway.
Is a stroller necessary for the Strip?
Yes, the Strip is huge, and walking distances are deceptive. A stroller or wagon is highly recommended for young children to cover the vast distances between resorts comfortably.
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