Known primarily as an adult playground full of casinos, shows, and nightlife, Las Vegas might not seem like an obvious choice for a family vacation. However, with the right planning, Sin City can offer plenty of child-friendly activities and attractions that will delight kids of all ages. From hands-on museums to thrill rides and animal encounters, families can find their fill of fun together in this vibrant desert city.
Getting to Vegas
The first step for any Vegas family vacation is getting there. Harry Reid International Airport is located right in the heart of the city, making it easy to transport your crew to wherever you’re staying. There are dozens of non-stop flights to Vegas from cities across North America and beyond on major U.S. airlines like American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Frontier, and Southwest. Flight times average 4-5 hours from the East Coast and 3-4 hours from the West. Head online to look for the best price and travel during off-peak times midweek when possible to save money.
The Discovery Children's Museum
The Discovery Children’s Museum should top any family’s Las Vegas to-do list. With three whole floors packed with hands-on exhibits, kids can touch, build, splash, roleplay, and explore to their heart’s content. Some highlights include the three-story Summit climbing structure, the life-sized pirate ship where imaginations set sail, an interactive mini city focused on sustainability, and the splashy Water World block area. The onsite Da Vinci’s Corner even offers STEM activities for older kids like robot building workshops. Admission starts at $16 per person.
The Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix
At Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix, the whole family can hit the track together! This massive entertainment complex is home to four go-kart racing tracks spanning over five acres, from the relaxing Lil’ Indy track for young kids to the heart-racing Speedway course. In addition to go-karts, other rides like bumper boats, roller coasters, and a log flume add to the amusement park atmosphere. An arcade, pizza parlor, and private party rooms round out the amenities. Buy discounted ride passes online starting at $11 per ride.
Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden
Calling all animal lovers! The Mirage Hotel’s Secret Garden is home to an incredible array of exotic creatures that kids go wild for. Dolphins, white tigers, and leopards are just a few of the stars of this indoor/outdoor habitat. Interactive experiences like the trainer for a day program allow kids to get up close to parrots, rabbits, and more domestic critters as well. General admission tickets start at $22 for kids under 12 and include access to the Secret Garden as well as the hotel’s volcanic aquarium next door.
Adventuredome Theme Park
Circus Circus offers families a one-stop shop for entertainment with its five-acre indoor Adventuredome theme park. This climate-controlled wonderland is home to 25 rides and attractions ranging from pint-sized roller coasters to laser tag, arcade games, and even a rock-climbing wall. Every night, the whole park lights up with a vibrant neon glow for an even more immersive sensory experience for kids. Day passes start at $20 per person while individual ride tickets can be purchased a la carte.
Who says you have to leave the kids with Grandma to have an adventure in Las Vegas? With incredible museums, thrill rides, hands-on activities, and animal encounters galore, Sin City offers families endless entertainment options to enjoy together. By planning ahead and picking kid-focused attractions like the ones mentioned here, you’re guaranteed to have a blast, even with your little VIPs in tow. So get booking some rides and activities the whole family can enjoy!
