Family-Friendly Las Vegas: A Guide to Kid-Friendly Activities On and Off the Strip

– By Jody Ellis – 

When you think of Las Vegas, the first thing that probably comes to mind is gambling, drinking, and next-level partying — and with good reason! In the city where “what happens here, stays here,” there’s certainly no shortage of adult activities.

Yet alongside all the glitz, glamour, and wild nights is different side of Vegas — a surprising number of family-friendly events and activities. People do live and work here, raising their children and seeking out entertainment that is more aligned with good clean fun.

While strolling the Strip or Fremont with little ones isn’t recommended (they’re quite likely to see things that parents might not be comfortable explaining!), and children are, rightfully so, not allowed on casino floors, there’s still much to see and do if your family road trip takes you to what is often called the entertainment capital of the world. Here’s a quick guide to kid-friendly activities on and off the Strip.

Kid-Friendly Activities On the Las Vegas Strip

Kids obsessed with medieval times will love the Tournament of Kings, a nightly all-ages show that takes place at the Excalibur Hotel. Watch jousting knights ride their trusted steeds around a huge arena, cheering for your favorites and devouring turkey legs and other rustic treats.

Families with slightly older kids might also enjoy Blue Man Group. Held at the Egyptian-themed Luxor hotel, this otherworldly trio showcases their musical and comedic talents with music, interactive displays, and audience participation. There are no age restrictions, although it is recommended for ages three and up, and ear protection is encouraged for smaller kids. For an educational undersea adventure, head next door to Mandalay Bay Resort and visit the Shark Reef Aquarium. See more than 2,000 different animals, visit the stingray touch pool, or for a real thrill, feed the resident zebra sharks.

If shopping is on the agenda, don’t miss M&M World, located in the Showcase Mall. This is a fun, free place to wander, taking in the many chocolate themed displays. Purchase bulk M&Ms or design your own custom candies with their onsite personal printer. Just up the street at the Bellagio, the family can stroll through the Conservatory & Botanical Garden, home to incredible seasonal displays made entirely from fresh flowers, then stop to watch the beautiful fountain show out front, which runs approximately every 30 minutes. That cool header image on this post is from a past animal kingdom-themed display for the summer.

For kid-friendly meals, visit Black Tap at the Venetian and try their crazy milkshakes, or check out the Sugar Factory for out of this world desserts. And be sure to stop in at Rainforest Café, where the jungle comes to life via animatronic shows.

Kid-Friendly Activities Off the Las Vegas Strip

If you prefer to escape the sensory overload of the Strip, the Las Vegas valley offers a wide range of activities for all ages. Outdoor enthusiasts can head out to Spring Mountains Recreation Area, which has accessible trails and plenty of wildlife, or Red Rock Canyon, where you have options to hike different areas or take a leisurely drive through the park and enjoy the mountain views. The iconic Hoover Dam is another must-see, and there are guided tours available that showcase the dam’s functions and history.

If your little ones are interested in some up close and personal wildlife encounters, drive to nearby Henderson and the Lion Habitat Ranch, a federal non-profit dedicated to caring for big cats and other rescue animals. Henderson is also where you’ll find the famed Ethel M. Chocolates. You can purchase delicious sweet treats and walk through their cactus garden, which is decorated for various holidays throughout the year.

For off-strip meals, head to Vegas’ Town Square and grab a bite at Sickies Garage, where you’ll find cars hanging from the ceiling, or step back in time at Back to the 80s Café for an overload of 80s memorabilia.

Kid-Friendly Activities in Downtown Las Vegas

Downtown Las Vegas is a world all its own, with a covered lightshow along the lively and often raucous Fremont Street, zipline rides, free live music, and more. The “anything goes” attitude here can make it a bit much for kids, especially at night, but there are a few family-friendly activities worth mentioning.

Banked by a gigantic, fire-breathing Praying Mantis sculpture, the Downtown Container Park features a host of casual eateries, shopping, and a multi-level Tree House play area, which offers interactive equipment and a 33-foot slide. Parents should keep in mind that the park is adults-only after 9pm, and no strollers are permitted in the play area.

If you’re visiting in summer and want to cool off, the seasonally open Tank Pool at the Golden Nugget Hotel will delight both kids and adults. Their 200,000-gallon shark-filled aquarium covers three separate floors, with 17 private cabanas available to rent. Best of all, you don’t even have to stay at the hotel to use it, as they offer day passes for non-guests!

Also located in the downtown corridor, the Discovery Children’s Museum is a great way to spend an afternoon, with educational, interactive exhibitions for the whole family. Exhibits include a Discovery Lab, Toddler Town for the littlest ones, and Young at Art, which teaches the language of art through hands-on learning.

Have lunch at Pizza Rock, where you’ll find gourmet pizzas and assorted Italian dishes, or check out Le Thai, a small downtown eatery that is easily one of the best Thai restaurants in the city. Finish the day with ice cream at Sorry Not Sorry creamery, sampling flavors such as campfire s’mores, strawberry shortcake, or honey lavender.

The ever-evolving landscape of Las Vegas entertainment means that visitors can truly find a little something for everyone. What happens here might stay here for the adults, but a family adventure can be enjoyed by all with some planning and foresight.

 

Jody Ellis is a freelance writer based in Las Vegas and California. Her work, which includes investigative news stories, travel pieces, personal essays and two published books, has appeared in publications such as BBC Future Planet, MSN, Los Angeles Review of Books, The Progressive, Eater, and Huffington Post. In between writing assignments, she enjoys traveling around the globe, spending time with family, and entertaining her two dogs and cats. You can find her on Instagram and Threads at @jody_aklife.