Las Vegas For Kids: Family Tours & Things To Do

Las Vegas, Nevada – often referred to as ‘Vegas’ – is a famous tourism destination with exciting activities to keep any traveling family happy. Renowned as a resort city that never sleeps, the Las Vegas Valley serves as Nevada’s commercial and cultural hub. Las Vegas sees, on average, more than 40 million visitors annually who want to see just what it’s like to be in the bright city, big lights atmosphere.

Spending some much needed time away from the Las Vegas Strip is a great way to explore other areas of interest in Las Vegas, such as the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon West Rim is less than a five-hour drive out of the city, making it reachable in a day trip. The Red Rock Canyon is even closer: at around a 30-minute drive from the Strip, it is perfect for hiking. The Hoover Dam is also a popular choice for families.

For anyone traveling with children to a destination much loved for its bustling nightlife, bars, and casinos – you may still be wondering what type of holiday is available for families in the city? Well, the great news is, there are endless options in Vegas that are suitable for kids.

In this article, we’ll show you the best family tours and things to do with children when you visit Las Vegas, Nevada!

Travel tips for Las Vegas:

• Las Vegas is not considered to be a difficult destination to travel to with kids. In fact, it is known for being family-friendly, with plenty of resorts and restaurants that cater to children.
• Traveling to Vegas as a family could get expensive with kids, so take advantage of any free-for-kids activities, resort kids’ clubs, shows, swimming pools, and playgrounds in the area. Choose a family-friendly resort that has great kids’ facilities for days where you want to rest.
• The nightlife in Vegas is bustling and often crowded. If you have younger children, it might be best to plan for activities during the day instead of trying to navigate the streets at night. You might also like to consider hiring a car for the duration of your stay so you can travel as a family in and around the Las Vegas tourism areas.
• Make an itinerary for your trip to ensure you can manage the tours and activities you have chosen. Preparation is key when traveling with younger children, especially as some rides and exhibits have a minimum age for participation.
• You will do a lot of walking! Pack comfortable walking shoes, especially for the kids, and look the distance between blocks on the map before you head out; blocks are much further than people think! (manafort.com) Many tourists talk about how using public transport (such as the monorail), or rideshare apps in the city are very useful.
• Avoid peak dinner times if you can. Imagine the crowds in the hotel restaurants or the all-you-can-eat buffets. It gets hectic and could be overwhelming if you’re visiting with young children.
• Be prepared if you’re traveling with kids to meet some of the known ‘Costume Characters’ on the Strip. This is usually played as a fun photo opportunity, but the actors expect you to pay them; they will insist on it, so avoid interacting with them if you’re not comfortable.
• Final tip – don’t be afraid to try your luck and ask your hotel for any available complimentary services, special deals for families or kids’ clubs, parking, breakfasts, or even room upgrades. You’ll be surprised by how accommodating the customer service teams can be!

When to visit Las Vegas:

The weather in this city is known for being extreme. During summer, temperatures can soar above 100 F, and in winter, drop below freezing! The best time to visit is during the months of March-April and October-November when the weather is most pleasant.

There’s always something amazing happening in Las Vegas: from the Billboard Music Awards to Spring Break, this city knows how to draw a crowd. To avoid the peak season, visit after the summer break is over and most families have returned home to start the school year. If you’re planning a trip, it’s a good idea to check the dates for public holidays such as Independence Day. To avoid blowing your budget on higher tourism rates, you might want to avoid traveling during Christmas or New Year celebrations.

Where to shop with kids:

You’ll find plenty of toy stores, game stores, and retail brands for clothing and shoes in every corner of Vegas. If you want to keep the kids entertained, check out GameWorks or Toys R Us. For something extra fun, you can visit the fantastic M&M Store on Las Vegas Boulevard. For Shopping Malls, the Fashion Show Mall has excellent reviews, with over 250 shops and 25 places to eat. It is located right on Las Vegas Boulevard. Alternatively, take the family to the Downtown Container Park, a cool open-air shopping complex that features a kids’ treehouse, an interactive play area with a 33-foot-tall slide, and so much more!

Best restaurants for kids:

On arrival to Las Vegas, families will be welcomed by the incredible array of places to dine out and share a meal. Families will be spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants and all-you-can-eat buffets. This city is truly a foodie’s paradise, with so many over-the-top meal options to try!

Vegas doesn’t do things by halves. From a $5000 burger (the world’s most expensive burger) to the $1000 Golden Opulence Sunday (the world’s most expensive sundae), it might appear as though Vegas is too over the top for families. Don’t worry; no matter what kind of food you’re looking for, you can find it here on any budget.

 

#1 – Giordano’s

It’s impossible to go wrong with pizza for dinner when you’re entertaining the whole family! That’s why the amazing Giordano’s deep-pan pizza dish should be on your list when it comes to eating out in Vegas.

The restaurant itself has been serving diners for more than 40 years and has a vast selection of classic Italian and American meals. Giordano’s is located on Las Vegas Boulevard and offers regular promotions and lunch deals.

Not yet booked? Take a look at our favorite hotels in Las Vegas!

#2 – Shake Shack

A much-loved restaurant by many who visit the USA, the Shake Shack serves up a classic menu of hot dogs, burgers, fries, and, of course, shakes! A fun and inviting atmosphere should make dining out here with the kids a great experience.

Located on the Vegas Strip, enjoy fresh-to-order burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and a variety of drinks – as well as a range of daily special meals on the menu.

 

#3 – Holsteins Shakes & Buns

Once you’ve tried one of Holsteins Bam-Boozled Shakes, you’ll find it hard to be amazed by another milkshake ever again! The kids will love this place, and so will the parents with a menu that features shakes topped with any kind of dessert you can find.

Families can enjoy brunch, dinner, and even late-night snacks at the Shakes & Buns restaurant located on the second floor of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Boulevard Tower, in a fun and relaxed setting.

 

21 Fun things to do with kids:

Indoor skydiving, amusement parks, entertainment shows, and plenty of resort accommodation with kids’ activities and restaurants – there are so many fun things to do with kids in Las Vegas!

Check out these fantastic activities and tours for kids in Las Vegas:

 

#1 – Mat Franco Magic Show

Be entertained at the Mat Franco Magic Show – the famous winner of America’s Got Talent!

A thrilling 1.5-hour magic show suitable for the whole family takes place at the LINQ Hotel & Casino. The Mat Franco Magic Show has been voted as the Best Magic Show in Las Vegas for two years running. It brings you illusions, card tricks, and plenty of surprises! The interactive magic show will surely entertain the kids and the adults in the state-of-the-art theater.

Guests must be above the age of five to attend the show, as strobe lighting and theater smoke are used for effects.

Tickets start at $108 per person.

 

#2 – BattleBLAST Laser Tag Las Vegas

Let the kids run wild in this incredible 5,800-square-foot arena as they play a laser tag battle.

The laser tag session starts with a briefing by staff: an introduction to the game is given by a qualified professional called a marshall. In this briefing, you will be given instructions on how to play the game and use the equipment.

From here, you will progress to the Vesting Room, where you are fitted with your vest, which has adjustable straps for comfort and allows players of all sizes to play without difficulty. The game is played with up to 37 people at any one time.

After the laser tag session, you can enjoy the snack bar located on-site and play a game to win prizes at the arcade.

Tickets start at $27 for a two-hour session.

Have some time in Las Vegas? These are our favorite day trips from Las Vegas!

#3 – Las Vegas Go-Cart Racing

The Las Vegas Motor Speedway offers guests an incredible rush of adrenaline!

This go-kart course features 11 turns, a pit area, lighting, and ample runoff. There are six possible configurations, ranging in difficulty, and two configurations can run simultaneously. The go-karts are made with the latest technology, with adjustable foot pedals. The track is considered the best in all of Las Vegas!

Tickets start at $35 per person and include a helmet and insurance.

 

#4 – Grand Canyon National Park Tour

This is the perfect option for families who would like to tour the Grand Canyon National Park in comfort.

The coach tour begins with hotel pick-up, followed by a drive to the first stop at the Hoover Dam for photos. The Hoover Dam is in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, and nearly one million tourists visit every year!

From the Hoover Dam, you will have a break at Kingman before going to Seligman for lunch.

After lunch, you’ll go to the amazing Grand Canyon. Once the tour of the Grand Canyon is complete, you’ll travel to In-N-Out Burger for dinner before returning to your hotel.

The tour takes approximately 15 hours, and tickets start at $119 per person. Due to the length of this tour, it is not recommended for small children.

The price includes transportation, admission to the National Park, breakfast snacks, two bottles of water, lunch, and a 15-20-minute stopover at the Hoover Dam.

 

#5 – Taste, Explore, Shop Chocolate Tour

There is so much to explore in this great 4.5-hour tour! Chocolate lovers will be happy in a foodie paradise shopping at the M&M store and the famous Hershey’s Chocolate World.

The tour begins at the front of the M&M Store, which is the meeting point. You will then ride in an SUV between destinations. You’ll have the chance to explore the M&M Store before you travel to the Hershey’s Chocolate World to sample some of the best Hershey’s Kisses! To ensure you get the full Vegas experience, the tour will take you to the ‘Welcome To Las Vegas’ sign.

This tour then heads to the awesome Ethel. M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Garden, where you can create your own chocolate collection and wander around the gardens. The final stop is at the Cafe Hollywood, located back at the Las Vegas Strip, where you try the one-of-a-kind ice cream shakes!

Tickets start at $109 per person.

 

#6 – Colorado River Jet Boat Tour

This action-packed tour allows you to explore the rivers by jet boat.

The tour starts with hotel pick up and transfers to the Colorado River. The Colorado River is responsible for supplying water to seven US states, including Mexico. It is now a popular tourist destination for water sports, such as kayaking and white water rafting.

The jet boat takes you on a 58-mile cruise along the river and through Topic Gorge. This area is known as one of the most famous waterways in the US. The tour includes lunch at the scenic Lake Havasu Beach.

You’ll have a chance to swim and enjoy the surrounding nature before you head back to the Strip via Route 66. There’s a final stop at the Oatman Ghost Town, where you can visit the 19th-century mining town. Shop and enjoy the area before returning to the Las Vegas Strip at the end of the tour.

The jet boat ride is truly a Wild West excursion, and a unique way to experience Las Vegas.

Tickets start at $299 per person and include the jet boat ride, hotel return transfers, breakfast, picnic lunch, unlimited snacks, and bottled water. Guests are required to bring their own swimwear and towels.

 

#7 – Marvel Avengers Station

 

Come and see the Marvel Avengers Station Interactive Exhibit! This family attraction lets you explore characters such as Captain America, Thor, and the Hulk, to solve case files and puzzles, and qualify as a member of the Avengers Station. This is an excellent idea for anyone who loves the Marvel movies and wants a unique, up-close experience.

Children under three are free.

 

#8 – High Roller Observation Wheel

 

Check out the view of the city from 550 feet above ground in the world’s tallest Observation Wheel. The ride is a must for anyone who wants to see the sights with a 360-degree view. The ride takes 30 minutes to complete one full revolution.

Capture the memories with the available photographs and souvenir books, which are available for purchase at the gift shop after the ride. The cabins are spacious and are air-conditioned for your comfort.

Children under six are free.

Like good weather? These are the best times to visit Las Vegas!

#9 – Fly LINQ Zip Line

 

The awesome Fly LINQ Zip Line is located right on the Las Vegas Boulevard and offers visitors a fun way to soar across the city! Fly over the promenade in either a seated position (which is suited to beginners), try the Superhero fly position lying down in a harness, or be daring and try out the backward flying position!

The ride is 12 stories above the LINQ promenade, and multiple zip lines run side by side, meaning it can be an adrenaline rush for the whole family!

There are height and weight restrictions for this activity: between 60lbs – 300lbs (27kg – 136kg) and a height of 3’4″ – 6’8″

 

#10 – Cirque Du Soleil Show

 

The world-famous Cirque Du Soleil (Circus Of The Sun) brings you year-round entertainment in Vegas with stunning shows that will amaze the whole family. The Canadian Entertainment Company runs more than 25 different shows, each with an amazing mastery that has to be seen to be believed.

Cirque Du Soleil’s show ‘O’ at the Bellagio Hotel is an aquatic masterpiece, featuring world-class acrobats and synchronized swimmers and divers. This show can’t be missed!

All 80 cast members are scuba diver certified, and the high diving water stunts are spectacular.

The show runs seven days a week, with two evening shows available at 7:30 pm and 9:00 pm. Tickets start at $99.

Cirque Du Soleil has alternative shows available in Vegas – check the website for updated showtimes.

 

#11 – GameWorks Las Vegas

 

GameWorks is in Town Square, just a mile south of the Mandalay Bay Hotel. The Town Square is a 1.5-million-square foot shopping and outdoor dining area, with plenty of outdoor playgrounds and entertainment for the whole family.

GameWorks is an impressive arcade facility that has over 200 games, including the much-loved Dance-Dance Revolution, Indy 500, plus carnival theme games and plenty of prizes to be won.

The facility also has a full-service restaurant and two additional snack bars. GameWorks also features a Non-Smoking Zone Bowling Alley, perfect for the kids.

 

#12 – Madame Tussauds

 

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum at the Venetian Las Vegas features A-List celebrities, including Beyoncé, Will Smith, Leonardo DiCaprio, Justin Timberlake, and many more. The Marvel Superheroes are also ready for you here in Vegas with wax figures of The Hulk and all your Marvel favorites!

There is a modern 4-D theatre with incorporated 3-D film ready to take you on a real adventure from your chair, plus, plenty of music and sports celebrities.

Tickets are available online in Silver, Gold, or Platinum pricing with a range of combos and specials.

 

#13 – Big Bus Tours Las Vegas

 

Las Vegas sightseeing tours are a fantastic way to see the city as a family. Traveling with kids can, at times, be a little exhausting when it comes to getting from point A to point B. Big Bus Tours have both day and night trips available, and they will take you to the city’s most prominent tourist attractions and landmarks.

The Day Tour (Red Route) will show you Las Vegas by day – landmarks like the Stratosphere and Bellagio Fountains, and you’ll have the chance to hop-off for photos at the ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign!

The Night Tour (Green Route) will show you Las Vegas after dark.

To book a tour and purchase both tickets, visit the website.

 

#14 – Vegas Indoor Skydiving

 

Indoor Skydiving is fun for all ages, with learn-to-fly lessons and training. Imagine you can feel the sensation of skydiving with winds up to 120 miles per hour in the safety of an indoor arena!

A skydiving session will include all hire equipment, professional training, and flight instructions. This activity has a set of guidelines that are required in order to skydive.

Weight restrictions: related to aerodynamics and safety

Under 170 cm Weight Maximum Men 82 kg & Women 72 kg

170 – 182 cm Weight Maximum Men 98 kg & Women 82 kg

Over 182 cm Weight Maximum Men 104 kg & Women 91 kg

Children must weigh over 18 kilos to participate and are required to take a safety class before entering the skydive.

You can book a time and ticket directly on the website.

 

#15 – Dig This Las Vegas

 

Kids Digs are a very popular tourist attraction for families when visiting Las Vegas. The real 1- ton Caterpillar earth separating equipment and Tonka trucks will have every kid smiling with excitement. This activity is suitable for children aged three and up, and can be fun for everyone to try!

The five-acre site lets you try the equipment. Each session offers a specialist instructor to help and guide you. The mini excavators have been designed just for kids!

A mini ride for kids starts at just $20. With a range of options, you can book directly through the Dig This Vegas website.

 

#16 – Adventure Dome Indoor Theme Park

 

Packed with awesome rides and featured attractions for kids, the Adventure Dome Theme Park is a great place to spend the day! The Roller Coasters, Pirates Bounty, Highway 66, Classic Arcade, Xtreme Zone, and Canyon Cars are just a few of the rides on offer.

There is even an Ice Age 4-D Cinema, SpongeBob SquarePants 4-D Cinema, an Angry Birds The Ride experience, and a selection of rides for younger children, such as the traditional carousel. Junior rides like the Frog Hopper, Miner Mike, and Thunderbirds mean every age group is covered.

Ride-All-Day wristbands are available for children and adults.

 

#17 – Discovery Children’s Museum

 

Need a place that will keep the kids entertained for a day? A three-story museum with interactive and educational exhibits suited for children is precisely what you’ll find at Discovery! The museum impressively spans over 58,000 square feet and is located conveniently in Symphony Park. This activity is excellent value for money and suitable for the whole family.

Here are some of the included activities inside the museum: The Summit (indoor rock wall climbing), Water World (play stations and water games), Fantasy Festival (dress-up costume area), Toddler Town (children under five area), Mystery Town (mini-problems to solve), Young At Art (paint and drawing station) Eco City (educational play), plus ever-changing and ongoing feature exhibitions for children.

Tickets are $14.50, and children younger than one have free entry.

 

#18 – The Big Apple Coaster

 

Love the thrill of a roller coaster? Parents and children can marvel at this impressive state-of-the-art roller coaster located at the New York New York Hotel & Casino. With a maximum height of 203 feet, a drop of 144 feet, and a speed of 67 mph, this roller coaster is right on the Las Vegas Strip. Popular, and deemed one of the best attractions in the city, the Big Apple Coaster is a great choice!

You must be 54 inches tall to ride the coaster.

Located on the second level inside the New York-New York Hotel at the south end of the Strip, Las Vegas Boulevard meets Tropicana Avenue.

 

#19 – Big Shot

 

A 160-foot launch takes you up the tower, 1000 feet in the air, to experience an epic view with a crazy rush of adrenaline. There is a sensation of 4-G’s of force during this ride, a view from above, and a return to the ground at negative 1-G’s!

You must be 48 inches tall to ride the big shot.

Located at The STRAT Hotel, Casino, and Skypod, north of the intersection of the Vegas Strip and Sahara Avenue.

 

#20 – Gondola Ride at the Venetian

 

A relaxing and beautiful gondola ride is the perfect way to end a busy holiday in Las Vegas. Take a boat ride in a place that will make you feel like you left Nevada and landed in Italy as the gondolier takes you through the canals.

There are both indoor and outdoor options for the ride, depending on the weather. The indoor rides can be much more pleasant with smaller children during summertime. Float along the stunning grand canals in one of the most luxurious resorts in the city.

Tickets start at $29 per person, and gondolas can seat four people at a time per ride.

 

#21 – Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

 

The Bellagio Conservatory is one of the best ‘free’ attractions in the city, with an amazing display put on by talented horticulturists every season. The gardens span over an incredible 14,000-square-foot floral playground into the colors of spring, summer, fall, and winter, plus extended exhibits during the special holidays.

During each rotation, all the contents of the garden are recycled to ensure sustainability and a commitment to the environment. The kids will love exploring the trees and flowers, and it is a great place to take a few family photographs.

This year’s displays include:

Chinese New Year: January 11, 2020 – March 14, 2020
Japan Journey: Magical Kansai: March 21, 2020 – September 12, 2020
Autumn: September 19, 2020 – November 28, 2020
Holiday: December 5, 2020 – January 4, 2020

Entry is free, and the gardens are located next to the hotel lobby.

 

Final Thoughts

Las Vegas offers something fun for every family and budget. You can spend hours exploring all this city has to offer at some or all of the above attractions. If you don’t know where to start, check out some of the activities and tours listed in our guide to Las Vegas For Kids, which features some of the best and most top-rated destinations for families in the city! Not only is Las Vegas possible with children, but with a little research and planning, you can make this a family vacation to remember!