9 Family-Friendly Things To Do in Las Vegas

Mandalay Bay isn’t just for poker players and resort goers. It’s also home to one of the best family-friendly attractions in Las Vegas: the Shark Reef Aquarium. Kids can marvel at more than 2,000 sea creatures, from sea turtles to glowing jellyfish, and walk through a 360-degree tunnel surrounded by swimming sharks. After the aquarium, cool off at Mandalay Bay Beach, a sprawling pool complex featuring a wave pool, lazy river, and a shallow beach entry perfect for little ones to splash and play. Book admission early in the day to beat the crowds and get the best shark views.

Las Vegas may be best known for glitz and glamour, but adventure-loving families can find stunning outdoor escapes on a Vegas day trip. You’ll find easy, family-friendly hikes, such as the Lost Creek Canyon Trail, and plenty of boulders for kids to climb at Red Rock Canyon. Plus, kids can keep an eye out for desert tortoises, wild burros, and more.

If you head further out, you can explore on a Hoover Dam tour that will wow your family with massive views and history lessons, while nearby Lake Mead and Emerald Cave are perfect for kayaking, swimming, or having a picnic.

The Discovery Children’s Museum, where kids can climb, create, and explore a kid-size city, is just one of the interactive play spaces with Las Vegas activities for children. Over at the Downtown Container Park, a giant treehouse and slides make for the perfect play break. For something truly out-of-this-world without venturing off the strip, AREA15 offers augmented reality games and the mind-bending Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, where secret portals lead to a surreal, interactive playground.

From comedy to illusionists, there’s something for everyone—proving that in this city, the show always goes on. Mac King Comedy Magic Show delivers laughs alongside sleight-of-hand, while Nathan Burton Comedy Magic blends illusions with entertaining audience participation. For an awe-inspiring spectacle for families with tweens and teens, Piff the Magic Dragon combines magic with deadpan humor—plus a tiny, real-life dragon (that is, the magician's chihuahua, Mr. Piffles). If your family loves variety, The Ultimate Variety Show features an ever-changing lineup of kid-approved acts; Cirque du Soleil shows are a tried-and-true option that will leave the whole family mesmerized.

Eating out on a family vacation can sometimes feel like a chore, but it's easy to cater to picky eaters and hungry little ones with Las Vegas' selection of buffets. The buffet at the Bellagio serves up everything from made-to-order crepes to a dessert station that is all ages will enjoy, while Caesars Palace'sBacchanal Buffet, allows kids to snack on everything from pizza to sushi. Or, head to the MGM Grand’s buffet for a mix of options and a fun, lively atmosphere.

Insider tip: Top off your meal with a visit to M&M’s World or a dessert tour for even more colorful treats.

Betting it all on red isn’t the only way to get an adrenaline rush in Vegas. The High Roller, North America’s largest observation wheel, lifts you 550 feet (168 meters) into the air for panoramic city views. Older kids can take their thrills up a notch by speeding down the Strip on the Fly LINQ zipline. For younger ones, FlyOver in Las Vegas offers a virtual flight experience that’s just as exciting: Think of it as a Las Vegas version of Disneyland’s Soarin’ Around the World.

Topping the list of fun things for kids in Las Vegas is a wildlife-filled break right on the Strip: the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Hotel & Casino. Pop into the tranquil spot to explore four acres (1.5 hectares) of lush gardens where kids can see flamingos, turtles, and koi fish. For even more animal adventures, head about 20 minutes south to the Lion Habitat Ranch, where you can observe majestic lions, giraffes, and other animals. Book tickets in advance to make the most of this unforgettable experience.

Las Vegas has plenty of kid-friendly fun that doesn't cost a dime. Watch the Bellagio Fountain Show, where water dances to music every 30 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes at night, and then head inside the Bellagio. Here, you can explore the Conservatory & Botanical Garden which wows with colorful, seasonal floral displays.

Over at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, you can catch the Atlantis Show, a 15-minute animatronic spectacle complete with music and pyrotechnics.

Insider tip: Arrive at the Atlantis Show early to watch the fish in the nearby aquarium before the show starts—it’s an extra dose of free entertainment!

Built for thrill-seeking families, the Adventuredome at Circus Circus offers nonstop fun on the Las Vegas Strip. Indoor attractions include the El Loco and Canyon Blaster coasters which are perfect for older kids and teens, while little kids will love the Fog Hopper, plus mini golf, bumper cars, and 4D movies.

Meanwhile, the Big Apple Coaster and Arcade at New York – New York just down the Strip allows you to soar through twists and turns above a replica NYC skyline, while the arcade keeps kids entertained with classic and modern games.