Las Vegas with Kids

February 23, 2023March 1, 2023 bornexplorers

Read Time:6 Minute, 50 Second

Upon first glance, Las Vegas doesn’t really seem like a place to bring the kids…but is Las Vegas family friendly? We would say a resounding YES!!! There is surprisingly so much to do in the Las Vegas area with kids. There is stunning nature to explore in the area, but we found a lot of indoor options too. There is definitely something for everyone. So what are the best things to do with kids in Las Vegas? Here’s a list of our top picks!

Outdoor Adventures

We’d recommend visiting when the temperatures are a bit cooler so that you can take advantage of all the fabulous hiking in the area. You’re truly spoiled with choice when it comes to hikes, but here is a round up of the top places to hike near Las Vegas.

Red Rocks Canyon- ~30 minutes from Las Vegas. There is a scenic loop drive that you can take and just stop at the lookouts if you’re not up for hiking, but there are plenty of trail options too. The Lost Creek Children’s Discovery trail is a good one with kids. It’s .8 miles and easy/moderate. A timed entry reservation is required October through May for Red Rocks Canyon and entry is $20 per vehicle.

Valley of Fire State Park- ~1 hour from Las Vegas. This State Park has so many stunning views and hikes, it’s definitely worth the drive. Sometime in 2023 they will be moving to a reservation system so make sure to check before you go. There are lots of view points that you can access directly from parking areas and tons of trails to hike too. Our favorite trails were the White Domes loop and the Seven Wonders Loop.

Emerald Cove- ~1 hour from Las Vegas. This is actually not a hike but a paddle. There are guided tours available or you can rent kayaks and go on your own.

White Owl Canyon- ~30 minutes from Las Vegas. A two mile out and back kid friendly trail where owls actually nest!

Anniversary Narrows- ~45 minutes from Las Vegas. A very cool 3-6 mile out and back hike (depending on your vehicle) through a slot canyon.

Arizona (Ringbolt) Hot Springs- ~45 minutes from Las Vegas. This hike is definitely on the more challenging side at 5.8 miles with 1,223 feet of elevation gain. But you’ll be rewarded with a relaxing hot springs soak and epic views of the Colorado River.

You can also take a day trip to visit Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon or extend your trip and spend a longer time exploring the Grand Canyon.

Las Vegas is a great place to fly into for several national parks, so you can spend a few days exploring the area and then head to Zion National Park (2.5 hours), Bryce Canyon National Park (4 hours), Death Valley National Park (2 hours), or Joshua Tree National Park (3.5 hours).

Off the Strip

Discovery Children’s Museum- This excellent children’s museum is best for 8 and under but still has enough to entertain kids up to around 12 years old. Admission is $15.50 per person and there are 3 floors of fun to entertain the kids for a few hours.

Meow Wolf- This “immersive art adventure” is definitely a unique experience that you won’t forget. The theme is Omega Mart and it’s like you’ve stepped inside a grocery store in an alternate universe. Ticket prices are dynamic but around $50 and it’s best to book online in advance as it is timed entry. There are strobe lights and flashing lights at times and it can be a bit of sensory overload so just be aware if you have kids who are sensitive to that. Full disclosure, we’ve been to the other two locations in Denver and Santa Fe and felt they were both much better. This location is smaller with a lot less but for around the same price so it just didn’t feel like it was as good of value for the money. But if you’ve never been to one, it’s still a really cool experience!

Springs Preserve- This 180-acre attraction features botanical gardens, museums, trails, and wildlife habitats. There are also train rides as well as a playground, splash pad, and cafe. It’s a great place to check out with the family just a few miles off the strip.

The Downtown Container Park- A great place to grab lunch or dinner and hang out for a bit. Head to the Fremont East area and look for the giant praying mantis and you’ll find an open air shopping center with unique restaurants, live entertainment, and a large Treehouse playground for the kids.

On the Strip

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay- This aquarium featers 14 exhibits with more than 2,000 aquatic creatures, a tunnel for shark viewing, and a touch pool where you can get up close to sharks, rays, and horseshoe crabs.

High Roller Las Vegas- This 550-foot tall observation wheel with birds-eye views of the strip is a family favorite in Las Vegas. This gigantic ferris wheel is taller than the London Eye! Kids 6 and younger ride for free.

Minus5 Icebar- Gear up in provided gloves and a parka before heading to the ice cave where everything from seats to walls to drink glasses are made of ice. Guests ages 7 and up are welcome until 9 pm.

Marvel Avengers STATION- This interactive exhibit has a variety of props and costumes from the Avengers movies. Children 3 and under are free.

Vegas Indoor Skydiving- Guests 40 pounds and over can experience the feeling of skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel with a mesh trampoline floor and foam-padded walls.

Fly LINQ Zipline- Thrill seeking kids over 60 pounds can zipline 12 stories above the LINQ promenade.

FlyOver Las Vegas- A new thrill ride that gives the simulated experience of flying over iconic locations and natural wonders.

Fun Dungeon at Excalibur- This is an arcade for kids of all ages with over 200 games to choose from.

Adventuredome at Circus Circus- This amusement park has tons of rides and attractions including mini-golf, mini-bowling, indoor rock climbing, laser bean escape rooms, roller skating, arcades, and roller coasters.

Go See a Show- Las Vegas is known as the entertainment capital of the world, so of course it’s a great place to go see a show. Kid friendly choices are the Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil, Excalibur’s Tournament of Kings, Jabbawockeez at MGM Grand, or a magic show with Mat Franco.

Free Activities

There are surprisingly quite a few free things to do around Las Vegas including some iconic things like getting your family picture next to the world famous Las Vegas sign. Of course you also can’t miss the iconic Bellagio fountains with shows starting in the afternoon and going through the evening every day. There is also the Promenade Light Show at LINQ that is synchronized to music along with the High Roller and LINQ fountains. Kids will have fun watching the Mirage volcano erupt at night too! Stroll through the Bellagio after you see the fountains to check out the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, which get especially decked out around the holidays.

Off the strip, there is a free mermaid show at the small aquarium at Silverton Casino which will be a big hit if you’ve got a little mermaid lover. Check the website for showtimes.

Get a behind the scenes look at how chocolates are made at the Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Garden. There are free self guided tours and you can also explore Nevada’s largest cactus garden.

Finally, about 30 minutes from the strip is the tourist favorite, Seven Magic Mountains. It’s an art installation in the Mojave Desert and it’s a great spot for some photos.

Whether you’re an outdoor adventure family and you plan to spend most of your time away from the strip, you’re here for all the attractions, or you want a mix of both, there is truly something for everyone in Las Vegas!