Las Vegas is famous for its activities for adults. Most people think Las Vegas doesn’t have much to do for families. But there are actually all sorts of fun activities for all ages. So, if you are going to Las Vegas with kids, read on. We’ve got some of the most unique activities in Vegas for the entire family.
It is also easy to extend your visit to Vegas by adding a day trip to Antelope Canyon or to the Grand Canyon.
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Attractions in Las Vegas for Kids
Neon Museum: Explore the Neon Graveyard of Las Vegas
The Neon Museum is a graveyard for all of the old casino signs that lit up the Strip. It’s also a home for a history museum for the kids. It’s a two-acre museum featuring hundreds of old signs and marquees from Las Vegas. Some signs in the Museum are from places still standing like the Palms and Caesars Palace while other signs are from places that once stood on the Strip. Many of the signs are iconic.
Some date back to the glory days of Vegas in the 1930s. Once the signs are taken down, they find a new life in the Neon Museum.
The neon lights in the Boneyard collection are turned on at night for a spectacular sight. One exhibit they have is the Tim Burton exhibition. It has all kinds of sculptures and characters from his movies and books. There’s broken glass and rusty metal in parts of the museum because it’s truly a sign junkyard so be careful with young children in the dark.
Lion Habitat Ranch: Get up close and personal with Lions and other exotic animals
The Lion Habitat Ranch is one of Vegas’ best-kept secrets. The Habitat is actually in Henderson which is about 15 minutes from the Strip. It started in 1975 as a home for animals that performed in the shows on the Strip. It opened in 2012 for guests. It’s like entering your own personal zoo. Animals roam in their habitat while you watch them at a close view of four feet. It’s not a big place so the Habitat Ranch is great to go to if you have a tight schedule.
The Ranch isn’t home to only lions. There’s not only over 30 lions, but also giraffes, ostriches, emus, exotic birds, and other animals.
If you go at the right times, you get to watch the caregivers feed the lions. The giraffe, Ozzie, even paints with his tongue. One of the best parts about the Ranch is they use all of the donations and admission fees to take care of these special animals. You can take a behind-the-scenes tour to get a personal experience. Kids under four are free, and kids under 14 are free when an adult is with them.
Hoover Dam: Once the world’s tallest dam
One of the many places for families to visit from Las Vagas is only 30 minutes from the main area, the Hoover Dam. The Dam is a history lesson wrapped in the beautiful scenery.
When it was completed in 1936, the Hoover Dam was one of the largest structures in the world made by man. It’s 726 feet high and over 1200 feet long.
It is easy to book a Hoover Dam half-day tour from Las Vegas. You can take a tour of this piece of history. It’s got amazing architecture, and the scenery that surrounds it is breathtaking. The actual power plant isn’t accessible to younger children so don’t promise them underground tunnels if they’re under 8 years old. There are lots of different types of tours available. The tour guides will usually give you deeper insight into the history of the Hoover Dam as well. After your tour, walk over to where Nevada and Arizona meet so you’re in 2 states at one time.
There are many other day trips from Las Vegas besides Hoover Dam.
Discovery Children’s Museum: Three stories of learning and fun for all ages
The Discovery Children’s Museum is a huge, fun place for all ages. It’s found in downtown Las Vegas. The museum is three stories tall. It has hands-on exhibits of all kinds of learning activities. The Museum even has a replica of the Hoover Dam so kids can see how it works. It has an interactive art gallery with scientific experiments.
If the kids aren’t old enough for all of the science activities, they can play in Toddler Town. The whole place is great because you can start at the bottom floor and work your way to the top. There’s even an area with “jobs” so kids can step into the professional world of their choice. Outside there’s a water section so kids can play with boats in the little rivers and even get shot with a water gun. The museum provides plastic parkas so the kids aren’t drenched in water, too.
If you’re in town during your child’s birthday, the Discovery Children’s Museum has 6 different party rooms. Kids of all ages can find something they love in this museum. They often change themes and exhibits so check in to see the newest attraction before you head out. Babies one-year-old and under are free.
Downtown Container Park: A shopping and restaurant area made of shipping containers
Container Park is located near Fremont Street, the “old” Strip. The park is made from shipping containers into shops and restaurants. The containers surround a huge playground called the Treehouse for the kids with all sorts of interactive activities. There’s even a park area with grass that you don’t see a lot of in Las Vegas.
You can attend outdoor movies, concerts and events at Container Park throughout the year.
Many people love to shop at the little boutiques then get a bite to eat at the trendy eateries. There are plenty of family restaurants in Las Vegas to go with your kids. Adults love the trendy artwork throughout the Container Park. There’s even a huge metal praying mantis as you enter that breathes fire. The entire family can hang out on lounge chairs while the kids play in the middle. It’s big enough to have a good time for a few hours, yet small enough so the kids don’t get lost. After you get done, take a stroll over to Fremont Street for a totally different feel than the Strip.
Family Friendly Shows in Las Vegas
Vegas shows are not all meant for adults. Some kid-friendly shows in Las Vegas include Blue Man Group, Gregory Popovich’s Comedy Pet Theater, and Tournament of the Kings. Each of these Las Vegas shows either have no age restriction or allow anyone older than 3 years to attend. Then there is Cirque du Soleil show, it allows guests above 5 years to attend. Another show that is a hit with kids and adults alike is America’s Got Talent.
Amusement Parks to enjoy with kids
There are many amusement parks and thrilling rides in Las Vegas to take your kids to. The LINQ promenade in the heart of Vegas Strip has a High Roller Observation Wheel. This 550-feet high gigantic Ferris Wheel has transparent pods that will take your kids for a ride of their lifetime.
Older kids (14 years and above) can enjoy the thrill of the highest Sky Jump in North America at the STRAT Hotel. SkyJump is a controlled descent, similar to a vertical zip line. The launching pad is located on the 108th floor of The STRAT Hotel, 855 feet above the Las Vegas Strip. Want more adventure? Strap into the Big Shot and prepare to be shot 160 feet in the air as you overlook the majestic Las Vegas Valley. This is a high-speed ride experience with high vertical g-forces at an elevated height, not for the faint-hearted!
Then there is Adventuredome, an amusement park at Circus Circus with rides and attractions for kids. There are roller coasters for all levels, plus laser beam escape rooms, roller skating, midway games, mini-bowling, indoor rock climbing, and more.
Day Trips from Las Vegas
Las Vegas makes for a good base for several day trips. Hoover Dam is an easy half-day tour. You can consider these day tours to explore Grand Canyon South Rim, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend.
Best time to visit Las vegas
The best time to visit Las Vegas with kids is during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). During these months, temperatures are pleasant (70s-90s°F / 21-32°C), allowing for comfortable outdoor activities, pool days, and sightseeing while avoiding the extreme summer heat. It also is a good choice if you figuring out spring break destinations for families in the US.
If time permits, families can also combine a trip to Vegas with a Utah’s Big 5 national parks.
Final Thoughts on Vegas with kids
One more cool thing to do in Vegas on a family vacation is to take a helicopter tour. One great option would be to take an evening tour to see the shimmering lights over the city. So you see, Las Vegas can be a thrill for the entire family. Best of all, you don’t even have to stay on the Strip to have fun.
Vegas is also known for spending money, but there are many interesting free things to do in Vegas as well.
If you are planning a trip to the US west coast, you may find these other blogs useful –
Cities: Top Things To Do in Los Angeles for Families, 4 days in San Francisco
National Parks: Yosemite National Park with kids, Grand Canyon South Rim, Utah’s Mighty 5
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This is a guest post by Charlotte Davis. Charlotte Davis is a digital nomad originally from New Zealand on a mission to inspire people to uncover the world by sharing her simple and unusual travel adventures. She likes to travel with her family and explore different destinations and do some unique activities.
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