With slogans like “Sin City” and “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” it’s fair to wonder: is Vegas family-friendly? Are there any things to do in Las Vegas with kids?
The answer is a resounding yes: there are tons of family things to do in Las Vegas. True, the city has a rather scandalous reputation on the surface, but this is the entertainment capital of the world, after all—which means there’s something here for everyone, including the kiddos.
Ready to travel to Las Vegas today? Fora Advisors know the ins and outs of what to do in Las Vegas with kids. Plus, advisors can score you access to free hotel perks and awesome upgrades.
Exciting things to do in Las Vegas with kids & family: hotels, museums, sugar & adrenaline
Yes, most of the major hotels in Vegas double as casinos, but don’t worry: there are plenty of family-friendly hotels in Las Vegas.
Plus, most of the casino hotels still allow kids, they just have to avoid the gambling areas – which is easy because there are a lot of things to do in Vegas besides gambling. Read on for a few of our favorites.
1. Glory in Excalibur’s Tournament of Kings (& explore the Fun Dungeon)
Excalibur is one of the coolest hotels in Vegas, hands-down. The hotel's facade is designed to mimic a Medieval castle (watchtowers, walls and all).
If you’re looking for things to do in Las Vegas with kids, the Tournament of Kings should be high on your list. You’ll make like the noblemen of year’s past and eat with your bare hands, while knights in full armor compete to become the next King Champion.
When the show is over, check out the Excalibur Fun Dungeon arcade, which offers plenty of family-friendly games.
2. Turn up the adrenaline at Shark Reef Aquarium, then relax at Mandalay Bay Beach
Mandalay Bay isn’t just one of the best Vegas hotels for couples, kids will enjoy its offerings too. Over 2,000 critters — including a Komodo dragon — call Shark Reef Aquarium home. The aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, so you can visit knowing that these animals are well taken care of, with a focus on conservation, research and education.
When you’re done ogling the sharks and sea turtles, you can relax or play at shark-free Mandalay Bay Beach, which hosts a wave pool, lazy river and more.
And remember, booking with a Las Vegas travel advisor means free upgrades and perks galore so you can splurge elsewhere.
3. Gawk at the Bellagio Fountains then admire the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
The Bellagio, one of many Las Vegas landmarks, probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you’re wondering what to do in Las Vegas with kids — but this uber-classy hotel shouldn’t be skipped. For one, the Bellagio Fountains are a gorgeous sight, especially when they’re illuminated at night.
The real attraction might be the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, though. The Bellagio atrium is a sensorial wonder, mixing hundreds of thousands of flowers and rare flora with fantastical art displays.
Sidenote: the Bellagio also happens to be one of the best hotels in Vegas for bachelorette parties (need Vegas bachelorette party ideas? Check out our Las Vegas girls trip itinerary for more).
4. Head to Circus Circus for the Adventuredome roller coaster & actual circus acts
Not to be confused with the Thunderdome, Circus Circus' Adventuredome is an indoor amusement park, complete with rollercoasters, minigolf, carnival games and more.
Throughout the park, kids and adults can watch live circus acts, among other shows — so if you’re looking for family-oriented things to do in Las Vegas, you’ll find something here for everyone.
Looking for more live entertainment while you enjoy the best of Las Vegas? Chat with a Fora Advisor to start planning with expert recommendations.
5. Satisfy sugar cravings at M&M’s World, Hershey’s Chocolate World or Ethel M Chocolate Factory
A foodie paradise, Las Vegas isn’t exactly diet-friendly (we commend you if you can remain vigilant). On the sweeter side, kids and adults alike have a choice between M&M’s World, Hershey’s Chocolate World and Ethel M Chocolate Factory (among others) to indulge in sugary cravings.
Aside from interactive exhibits (like making your own M&Ms), you’ll find rare candy and chocolates. Who knew that Vegas with kids could be so sweet?
6. Check out family-friendly Las Vegas shows & entertainment
There’s no shortage of world-class shows and entertainment in Las Vegas.
From the incredible Cirque du Soleil to the whacky Blue Man Group, there are dozens of shows that kids can enjoy. But remember: not all the things to do in Las Vegas with kids have to be child-oriented. These shows are just a couple that the whole family can enjoy.
And as always, Fora travel advisor can help you sort through the best venues and performances that cater to the whole family (plus, you can check out our non-gambling Vegas itinerary for more ideas).
7. Wondering what to do in Las Vegas with kids that’s educational? Get inspired at Vegas museums
The DISCOVERY Children’s Museum’s mission is to spark curiosity in little ones through exciting play and a variety of interactive exhibits. Older kids, however, may prefer the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, which features displays of extinct and existing animals like dinosaurs, wild cats and more.
There are many more museums in Las Vegas to explore with kids, too. Or, if you want something a little more actionable, check out our ultimate Las Vegas itinerary.
8. Marvel at celebrity likenesses at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
At Madame Tussauds in Las Vegas, you can hang with everyone from Beyonce to Elvis Presley — or the wax versions of them, at least. The homages don’t stop at the celebrities, though, as there are wax recreations of iconic decor from decades past on display.
9. Enjoy world-class experiences, shopping and food on Fremont Street & the Downtown Container Park
No Las Vegas getaway is complete without strutting down Fremont Street. The “experience” is as extravagant as it is singular. As far as things to do in Las Vegas with kids go, this is one of the top spots to visit, ideally during daylight hours (walking Fremont street at night is not a family thing to do in Las Vegas).
The Downtown Container Park, which is literally made of shipping containers, is also worth visiting. You’ll find boutique shops, an interactive playground for the kiddos and world-class cocktails for adults.
Plus, at both locations, live music, performances and other attractions are a constant.
10. Test your strength & become a hero at Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.
One of the newer experiences in Las Vegas, Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. lets the whole family learn about Marvel’s greatest heroes with interactive exhibits and real props from the films. And let’s face it: what kid doesn’t love Marvel movies?
11. Take a leap at Las Vegas Indoor Skydiving
What’s better than leaping out of a plane at 10,000 feet? Approximating the experience at Las Vegas Indoor Skydiving (you know, without the whole two-miles-up aspect).
While adrenaline junkies might prefer the real thing, children and adults alike can safely experience up to 120-miles-per-hour winds as they simulate a real skydiving jump, so this is a great thing to do in Las Vegas with kids who want a bit of adrenaline.
Also worth checking out: Vegas helicopter tours. Looking for more Las Vegas adventures? Your Fora Advisor has the intel.
12. See the skyline from the best spot in the city: the High Roller Observation Wheel
If you want to see Vegas from the sky without leaving the ground (well, sort of), then you have to check out the High Roller ferris wheel.
From start to finish, the trip takes about half an hour, the majority of which you’ll be able to see a significant portion of the Vegas skyline. Of particular note: when you reach the top, you can see how the urban sprawl clashes with the surrounding Nevada desert.
Bonus: adults can take advantage of the open bar for the entire 30-minute rotation if they so choose. Though we wouldn’t necessarily say that part falls into the list of kid-friendly things to do in Vegas.
Still wondering what to do in Las Vegas with kids and family? Ask a Fora Advisor
Still wondering what to do in Las Vegas with kids? Let your Fora Advisor handle the heavy lifting while you focus on enjoying all the best family-oriented things to do in Las Vegas with kids.
The recommendations don’t stop there either. From places to visit near Las Vegas to epic trips from Vegas to the Grand Canyon, your Fora Advisor has your back with pro tips, free hotel upgrades and more.
