Whether you’re looking for future vacation ideas or need a break as soon as possible, Las Vegas is a great option for a nearby getaway. But with kids?! Yes! You might be surprised to know there are plenty of kid friendly attractions and activities in and near the city.
Added bonus: it’s a short 2-hour flight and has many nonstop options from Denver.
Exploring Las Vegas with Kids
Of course, the Strip is what Las Vegas is best known for… casinos, shows, bright lights. And lots of things you wouldn’t think are for kids. And that can be true. There are venues with age restrictions, and shows that are meant for adult audiences, so it is a good idea to check reviews and specifications before you buy tickets or head out to a place that is new to you.
You might be surprised to know, however, that Las Vegas has tried to make itself more family friendly and even if you have your kids with you, there are some things on the Strip that you should definitely consider! First and foremost, the hotels! Hotels on the Strip are famous for their over-the-top décor and thematic lobbies. You could spend an entire day simply walking through them all and gawking at the details without ever stepping foot in the over 21 sections of casinos! Kids will be fascinated by the fact that these works of art are hotels.
Kid Friendly Hotels in Las Vegas
Starting at the southern end of the Strip, if you have a shark lover in the family (or even just a lover of marine life), you will want to stop at Mandalay Bay and their Shark Reef Aquarium. They have a wide variety of sharks and interactive experiences. You can check out a video overview as well as find their hours and prices here.
Heading north, one hotel your kids are sure to spot is one with the Statue of Liberty and a roller coaster! New York, New York is a hotel with not only shows and an arcade but, yes, an actual roller coaster. The coaster is open from 11am to midnight, and tickets cost $25 but you can purchase re-ride tickets at a discount of only $10. It is a fun hotel to walk around and admire in addition to the coaster and arcade. You can check out more about New York, New York and their entertainment here.
The Bellagio is another famous hotel that is hard to miss. Situated at just about the center of the Strip, it is known best for its fountains choreographed to music. If you see it at night, they also incorporate beautiful lighting. Depending on the day of the week and time of day, the schedule varies between happening every 30 minutes or every 15 minutes. Check here to plan your exact visit to be sure you don’t miss it. The song choice changes as well so the show can feel fresh every time you pass by! While you are at the Bellagio, you would be remiss not to go inside and stroll through their lobby. Their claim to fame is the amazing variety of plants and flowers and the scenes into which they are sculpted.
Directly across from the Bellagio is Paris Las Vegas. If you may not be able to take the family all the way to Paris, France, this is a fun way to show your kids the sites closer to home. Complete with an Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triumph, you can stroll through this hotel and get an up-close view of Parisian architecture and design.
Similarly, as you continue northbound along the Strip, Caesar’s Palace and The Venetian provide a look at architecture from other cultures. As you might imagine, Caesar’s Palace is complete with Roman columns and architecture. The Venetian not only looks like you’ve landed in Italy once you enter, but it even has a canal running through it with gondola rides. You can check the schedule and buy tickets here.
Mom Tip: If you want to see the entire strip but some in your group won’t be able to walk that much, there is a shuttle up and down the Strip. Ask at your hotel for routes and schedules and hop on and off as you please!
Food and Shopping
M&M World
Across the street from New York, New York at the southern end of the Strip, this stop is a must for families. This store is 4 stories of M&M everything! You can buy gifts, view a replica of Kyle Busch’s sponsored NASCAR race car, and even customize your own personal M&Ms out of their M&M printer.
Miracle Mile Shops
Not far north of the M&M Store, Miracle Mile is attached to the Planet Hollywood hotel and casino. It is a giant mall full of stores and restaurants that will please a variety of people. In a city full of food and shopping that can get quite pricey, this is a nice option for lower budgets. Even grabbing takeout and taking it back to your hotel for movie night on the hotel beds can be a big hit with kids!
Rainforest Café
Always a hit with kids, this is a fun experience dining with your favorite rainforest animals. From enjoying looking around and finding as many as you can to listening to them making their noises to periodic thunderstorms complete with lightning, your children will be entertained the entire time. Located at the heart of the Strip, beside Miracle Mile and across from the Bellagio hotel.
Mom Tip: If you don’t want to be out on the Strip at night, but you would like to see the Bellagio fountain show lit up, plan for a dinner at Rainforest Café (and possibly shopping in the mall if you need more time until dark) and catch the Bellagio fountain show as you’re leaving for your hotel for the night! Extra bonus will be seeing all of the hotels and shops lit up at night – that’s a site to see!
Black Tap
Located in The Venetian hotel, this is a must if you want to wow your kids with over-the-top desserts and milkshakes after some delicious burgers! You will certainly be snapping pictures to show your friends back home! Check out their website to see a full menu and prices, as well as some pictures that will get your mouth watering!
Shows Suitable for Kids
David Copperfield at the MGM Grand
Who doesn’t love magic and illusions? And David Copperfield is one of the greats! This show is 1.5 hours long and is suitable for anyone 5 years and older (below five will not be admitted). You can check here for schedules and to buy tickets.
Blue Man Group at the Luxor
Suitable for anyone over 3, the Blue Man Group is not only family-friendly and fun but also has a range of showtimes, some days even including 2:00pm if you’d like a show that is not late at night. Given some loud, percussive elements, it is recommended that young children have ear protection. To see a sneak peek and pictures to decide if it is right for your group, as well as finding showtimes and tickets, check out their website.
Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil shows take circus to a whole new level. Filled with interesting story lines and jaw-dropping acrobatics, spectators of all ages will be mesmerized. Every Cirque du Soleil show has its own story, costumes and vibe but all of them showcase incredible feats. There are many Cirque du Soleil shows running at various hotels, but here are a few to consider with families.
“O” at the Bellagio admits children 5 and older. Fitting that the Bellagio is known for their fountains out front; “O” incorporates water into their show with acrobatics on water, divers and more. Check out this site to see a preview and to find schedule and ticket information.
“KA” at the MGM Grand is one to consider if you have young children as this show will admit children as young as 3. It includes martial arts and acrobatics and is great for action-loving kiddos. It also has some 4:30 p.m. showings which can be nice for younger ones. Check out more information including ticketing here.
“Michael Jackson’s ONE” is at the Mandalay Bay and allows children 5 and older. Parents will love the tribute to Michael Jackson and everyone will be captivated by the acrobatics. Be aware: Strobe lights, lasers and theatrical fog are used during performances. Guests who react to either of these effects should attend the show at their own risk. To find out more and see a preview, find showtimes and ticketing information, visit their site.
Attractions Near Las Vegas
As much fun as there is in the city, it can be really nice to get out in nature, breathe the fresh air and unwind. Luckily, Las Vegas has that, too! Whether you want to stay close or venture as far as the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas is a great jumping off point.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Only 17 miles west of the Strip, Red Rock Canyon offers a 13-mile scenic drive (with plenty of photo op pullouts!), miles of hiking trails, rock climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, road biking, picnic areas, nature observing and visitor center with indoor and outdoor exhibits as well as a bookstore. Aptly named, the beauty comes from its breathtaking red rock formations. You can choose to just drive the 13-mile loop or get out and get more adventurous.
Note: Timed entry reservations are required for the Scenic Drive between October 1 – May 31 for entry between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Timed entry reservations can be made at Recreation.gov by visiting this website.
Las Vegas Dunes National Recreation Lands
On the northeast side of the city, there is a completely different nature experience than the red rocks of Red Rock Canyon – sand dunes! At the dunes, you can hike, view wildlife, do some off-road driving and camp. Keep in mind, this is the desert. So, the best time of year to visit is in the cooler months between October and April, as temperatures can easily exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Visitors should also be aware that the area is prone to flash floods and should stay alert for changing weather conditions.
Lake Mead and Hoover Dam
If water is more your speed than hiking, you’re in luck, too! Lake Mead is only about 45 minutes east of the city and provides a plethora of outdoor opportunities on land and water. There are paved roads that wind through the beautiful landscape if you would simply like to sightsee, but there are also many picnic areas, boat ramps, hiking trails and opportunities for water sports if weather permits. This page of the national park service can help you discover just how much there is to do and how you might want to plan your outing.
Also worth checking out if you trek over to Lake Mead is the Hoover Dam. Famous for its size and powering California, Nevada and Arizona, observing such a large dam up close is quite fascinating for kids. Guided tours are available as well to get an even closer look. Check out this page to find tickets and tour scheduling information.
Las Vegas as a Jumping Off Point
If you’re in the area for more than a few days, many people even use Las Vegas as a home base while visiting more of the Southwest. If you don’t mind long days and time in the car, it is doable to drive to Zion National Park in Utah or the Grand Canyon in Arizona – or both (on different days, of course)! You could drive yourself or arrange a tour from many travel groups based in Las Vegas. Zion National Park is closer than the Grand Canyon and therefore affords you more time to actually explore the park, but both are possible. If you’d like to explore the Grand Canyon for longer than just a peek, you could drive there and spend a night, giving you more time to hike. Make sure you check out the Junior Ranger program!
Las Vegas has a diverse set of offerings for a wide variety of travelers. Whether your group is into city life or nature (or you have some of each), you will be able to enjoy a getaway and unwind together there!
