Top 10 Things to Do in Las Vegas for Families

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Roller coasters and desert adventures, interactive museums and cupcake stores…there’s a reason why kids love this city. Here are ten of the best things to do in Vegas as a family.

1. Explore the Vegas Valley

See the kids’ delight as they hold bugs in their hands at the Springs Preserve Las Vegas. Three miles west of Downtown Las Vegas, this award-winning conservation area is home to interpretive hiking trails, a butterfly garden, indoor and outdoor science and nature exhibits, and a 110-acre botanical garden where children can discover the Mojave Desert flora. No wonder Nevada Magazine named it the “Best Place to Take the Kids in Southern Nevada.”

2. Discover fine art for free

Located in the CityCenter complex and featuring 20 pieces by 15 world-class artists, visit the Aria Fine Art Collection — it’s the first major permanent art collection in the city to be hosted in a public space. Pick up a brochure at the concierge desk to take the kids on the art tour, or just download the app. If the kids are intrigued by art, introduce them to Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art where they’ll get the taste of a boutique gallery.

3. Check out Adventuredome

Brace yourself for the twisting and turning of El Loco or scream at the top of your lungs while performing a corkscrew on Canyon Blaster at Adventuredome. This indoor theme park features little to no lines at the attractions and has rides for all ages. The young ones will love the B.C. Bus, but they’ll also try to convince you to ride the Road Runner with them. Insider tip: Stay away from anything that spins.

4. Take a leap of faith at Stratosphere Tower

Take on Big Shot and plunge from the 1,149-foot-tall Stratosphere Tower in what’s the highest thrill ride on Earth. Teens love it. If that’s too much for you, ride the X-Scream or SkyJump: The former is the third-highest thrill ride in the world at 866 feet; the latter’s a bungee-like ride where you’re plunged 855 feet along a high-speed descent wire. Which still sounds pretty terrifying.

5. Head to a family-friendly comedy show

You think juggling the schedule for the entire family is tough work? Try making people laugh while you balance a ladder on your chin and toss bowling pins in the air. Jeff Civillico: Comedy in Action does just that. Toss away your dignity by volunteering to go on stage to juggle…or just attempt to keep a straight face throughout the act. You can also take in the best afternoon show in Las Vegas with The Mac King Comedy Magic Show. His old-school approach to comedy gets rave reviews.

6. Visit the city’s outdoor spaces

Challenge the kids to a game of giant Jenga or Connect Four and lunch in The Park Las Vegas. Inexpensive food options such as Shake Shack and Bruxie will keep the kids fed. Go on the rollercoaster next door at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino, too. Another alternative is a ride the High Roller at The LINQ, followed by ice cream and cupcakes at Sprinkles.

7. Discover where education meets entertainment at a children’s museum

Touch it. Feel It. Do it. Learn it. Just next to the Smith Center in Downtown, Discovery Children’s Museum is a huge interactive space (58,000 square feet of exhibits across three stories) where kids get to make the most of nine themed exhibition halls that include a Water World, Eco City, Toddler Town, Young at Art, and a Fantasy Festival.

8. Foster the foodie in the family

Introducing your children to the art of fine dining is really easy when you have a guide who explains everything. Lip Smacking Foodie Tours host daily restaurant tours on and off the Strip that can accommodate teenagers looking to learn a bit about food and broaden their palate. These tours are catered to adults, so your older kids will appreciate you for treating them as such.

9. Eat all the sweet things in Vegas

Nothing makes kids happier than chocolate, right? Indulge in a decadent afternoon of chocolate sampling at Ethel M’s Chocolate Factory, create your own candy bar at Hershey’s Chocolate World, then top off the day with a frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity 3 at Caesars Palace.

10. Go hiking in the desert

17 miles west of Las Vegas, hike the desert in search of Lost Creek at Red Rock Canyon. This Children’s Discovery route is a self-guided interpretive trail that’s fun for the entire family while actually teaching you a bit about the local fauna, geology, and wildlife. The risk takers in the family can sign on to a climbing lesson with the American Alpine Institute; they’ll teach you how to scale the sandstone safely while learning to trust each other.

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