Las Vegas is known as a destination for adults to let loose and have fun, but you may not realize the city also has many attractions geared toward kids. From aquariums and amusement parks to over-the-top circuses, the bright light and endless events in Las Vegas are just as thrilling for kids as they are for adults.
Whether you’re planning a full-blown family vacation or have the city as a stop on a road trip, here are 8 kid-friendly things to do in Vegas that are sure to be fun for everyone.
1. Circus Circus
What’s better than an amusement park and circus fusion? When it’s conveniently located indoors so you can enjoy the rides and vibes no matter the weather. The Adventuredome at Circus Circus is the perfect way to beat the Las Vegas heat while having fun with the entire family. The indoor amusement park spans an incredible 5 acres and features more than 25 different rides and attractions perfect for all ages.
For the older kids and thrill-seekers, there’s the El Loco roller coaster and NebluaZ. And for younger children, there are plenty of arcade games, midway games, and a miniature golf course. The escape room challenge is also great if you want to get the whole family involved in a fun teamwork activity.
Throughout the park, there are also free clown shows, and of course, we can’t forget the circus aspect! Trapeze artists soar above your heads and other acts that will leave kids in awe are always in reach at Circus Circus.
Make sure to book your tickets in advance for this kid-friendly Vegas attraction!
2. Shark Reef Aquarium
We guarantee that of all the fun family things to do in Vegas, this might be the most exciting for kids and adults alike. Located at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, the Shark Reef Aquarium transports you to an underwater oasis where you can get up close and personal with ocean creatures in a safe way.
The aquarium is home to over 2,000 animals, including sharks, giant rays, endangered green sea turtles, piranhas, and even a Komodo dragon. The unique exhibits and touch tanks are fun for all ages, but the true highlight of the aquarium is the underwater viewing tunnel that surrounds you with some of the reef’s most popular and interesting residents.
You can spend an entire day soaking up the sight at Shark Reef Aquarium, and you can even opt for some once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as diving with sharks or participating in a feeding session with endangered green sea turtles and exotic sharks.
Tickets for this attraction sell out quickly and are open for everyone (not just guests of the hotel), so it’s best to book this experience in advance.
3. Springs Preserve
There’s no better way to let your kids get out some energy than by letting them run around outdoors. Springs Preserve in Las Vegas has plenty of outdoor natural areas that are perfect for little explorers (and they just might learn something new during your stay).
The Outdoor Natural Areas of the Springs Preserve include sights such as the Botanical Garden, Trails, Butterfly Habitats, and playgrounds. The garden is particularly stunning as it’s home to thousands of Mojave Desert and desert-adapted plants that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s even received the award for Garden Excellence from Horticulture Magazine, so it shouldn’t be missed even if you just take a quick walk-through.
The Nevada State Museum is another gem on the property. The 70,000-square-foot building includes exhibits that span everything from Nevada’s state fossil and stalactite caves to the history of Nevada miners and the story of how the city became known for its glitz and glamor.
The Springs Preserve’s unique combination of indoor and outdoor interactive activities is perfect for kids and is even interesting for adults who want to learn more about Sin City.
4. Hershey’s Chocolate World
What kid (or adult for that matter) doesn’t love chocolate? Hershey’s Chocolate World is located conveniently on the Las Vegas strip and is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave your kids happy (and maybe with a little bit of a sugar rush).
Hershey’s Chocolate World is something out of a chocolate lover’s dreams. The flagship store spans over 13,000-square-feet and offers more than 800 Hershey’s chocolates and candies that you know and love or have yet to discover. Along with the candy, you can also find exclusive products and gifts that you can’t purchase anywhere else.
While you’re here, you can’t miss the sculpture of the Statue of Liberty made out of almost 800 lbs. of Hershey’s Milk Chocolate. It’s true that you can’t go wrong with any souvenir you pick up, but some of the store highlights for purchase are a customized chocolate bar!
This attraction is truly one-of-a-kind and your kids will not stop talking about it for months to come.
5. Treasure Island
As the name suggests, Treasure Island is full of shows and attractions that are special. Though the main attractions rotate, you can find Mystère™, the original Cirque du Soleil® show, headlining at the resort this summer. This show has been a staple in the Las Vegas entertainment scene for decades because of its high-energy acrobatic, powerful athleticism, and inspiring imagery that enthralls even the youngest audience members.
Another current attraction is Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. an interactive and educational exhibit that immerses visitors into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Fans of The Avengers will love seeing the extensive range of authentic props and customers from the movies, like Captain America’s uniform and shield, and Black Widow’s uniform!
This truly interactive experience puts visitors right into the official Scientific Training and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network where they can access intelligence files and classified studies. By the end of the experience, everyone will have a deeper understanding of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and have the opportunity to train to become an agent of the S.T.A.T.I.O.N.
Like with many of these kid-friendly attractions in Vegas, it’s best to purchase tickets ahead of your visit to ensure entry.
6. Discovery Children’s Museum
Of all the family-friendly things to do in Vegas, Discovery Children’s Museum is the most interactive and educational. With three floors packed with heart-pumping, brain-boosting, curiosity-quenching fun and adventure, it’s easy to spend the entire day at this entertaining museum.
What makes this attraction so special is that there are exhibits geared toward every age group. Toddler Town is perfect for little learners and children of all ages who have sensory issues in mind since it’s located in a quieter area of the Museum and has an emphasis on sensory play. Then there’s Eco City for kids that gets their imagination running as they pretend like they’re living in their own little city. Patents Pending is ideal for older children who want to design and engineer their own creations in a lively laboratory environment.
No matter which area your child chooses to play, you will know that they’re not only having fun but are also learning through activities tailored to their age and development.
These are only a handful of the wonderful kid-focused areas at Discovery Children’s Museum in Las Vegas.
7. Excalibur Entertainment
Excalibur Hotel and Casino, an MGM Resort, is known for its over-the-top shows geared toward adults, but there are some events that are perfect for the whole family. The Tournament of Kings is Las Vegas’ ultimate dinner and kid-friendly show experience. Adapted from the tale of King Arthur, this live-action production takes place in a 900-seat theater-in-the-round arena. Your family will be immersed in the tale of valor and treachery as valiant knights ride their might steeds to battle.
While you watch the story unfold, you feast on a hearty three-course meal (no utensils required, just like in medieval times). The epic portrayal of a classic story is accompanied by breathtaking special effects and pyrotechnics.
Another can’t miss stopping at Excalibur is the 4-D theater. Your family can experience the unique worlds of Hollywood’s top brands as high-definition 3-D projection and thrilling special effects place you right in the middle of the action. With multiple shows to choose from, you will find something everyone loves for an incredible 15-minute adventure in the ultimate 4-D experience.
8. High Roller Observation Wheel
What’s the best way to end your family vacation in Vegas? A trip to the High Roller Observation Wheel! Get a birds-eye view of the Las Vegas Strip from 550 feet in the air on the world’s tallest observation wheel.
This isn’t your average Ferris wheel ride. The wheel takes 30 minutes to complete one revolution so you have ample time to take in the 360-degree views of the City of Lights. The cabins are also spacious enough to accommodate a family and for everyone to stand up so you can take some stunning pictures. While you can’t go wrong with the views any time of day, the night is really when the city comes to life and provides some of the best sights.
Tickets to this attraction are sold in advance, but make sure to ask about a family discount and other High Roller experiences to see if you can get any extra perks during your time.
Savor the Sights and Sounds of Las Vegas
As you can see, there’s a lot of fun stuff to do with kids in Las Vegas. And when you’re ready to grab something to eat, a self-guided foodie tour is perfect for the entire family.
Finger Licking Foodie Tours offers self-guided foodie tours in some of the best areas for eats in Vegas. Founded by dedicated local professionals with years of experience in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries, our delightful experiences always exceed expectations.
Contact us today to learn more about our self-guided foodie tours or to book your mouth-watering experience today.
