We all know that Sin City is a place where adults can let loose and indulge in some debauchery. However, there is another side of the city that is full of Vegas family fun. If you’re visiting with your kids, there are plenty of family things to do in Las Vegas on the Strip, downtown and other areas where locals hang out.
Whether you’re looking for free stuff to do or want to splurge a little for your family vacation, here are the top 20 kid-friendly attractions and destinations to visit in Las Vegas.
Check out the Fremont Street calendar for fun events in downtown Las Vegas.
1. Visit the Tank Pool at Golden Nugget Las Vegas
The Tank Pool at the Golden Nugget in downtown Las Vegas is perfect for the family to cool off on a hot day. What makes this award-winning pool unique is the 200,000-gallon shark tank with a three-story water slide shooting straight through it. With all ages welcome at The Tank, the whole family can have the full Vegas pool party experience, along with five different species of sharks.
Insider tip: If your family plans to stay at The Tank for a while, it’s a good idea to book a comfortable daybed or cabana.
2. Play a Round of Mini Golf
A fun way to spend the afternoon with the family in Las Vegas is to play a round or two of mini golf. Many themed mini golf venues in town have excellent service and affordable options, which can help you stretch your budget without compromising on fun.
Here are a few mini golf places to consider for your next Vegas trip:
- PopStroke Las Vegas: As one of the newest attractions to hit Las Vegas, PopStroke has it all, including a bar for the grown-ups and a playground for the kids.
- KISS by Monster Mini Golf: This KISS-themed putt-putt course and arcade at Rio Hotel & Casino also has arcade games and a live DJ.
- Twilight Zone Mini Golf: Black lights and incredible displays turn this course into a glow-in-the-dark wonderland.
- Atomic Golf: Older kids who have outgrown mini golf will love this fun driving range experience next to The STRAT.
Insider tip: If you visit in the summer, opt for an indoor mini golf course to give the kiddos a break from the Las Vegas heat.
3. Ride the SlotZilla Zipline
Even if you’ve been ziplining before, we promise you’ve never seen anything like SlotZilla. The epic zipline ride at the Fremont Street Experience sends you soaring over the downtown Las Vegas crowds and past the iconic casinos that started it all.
Four people can ride at the same time, giving your family the perfect opportunity to make unforgettable memories. You can ride seated at seven stories high or superhero style at 11 stories up. Depending on how daring you feel, riding the upper Super-Hero Zoom line doubles the speed and the thrills.
Insider tip: Get unlimited flights for one price when you book SlotZilla between Monday and Friday before 5:00 p.m.
4. Check Out the High Roller Observation Wheel
The 360-degree view of Las Vegas from the High Roller Observation Wheel is a special experience your family will never forget. From your glass dome pod that reaches heights of 550 feet, you’ll get to see special landmarks along the Strip, including:
- The Bellagio fountains
- The Sphere
- The Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas
- The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
Insider tip: The ride goes at a very slow pace, taking 30 minutes to complete one revolution, so it’s appropriate for younger children.
5. Try the Thrill Rides at The STRAT
If you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping rides for your older kids, The STRAT has you covered. The thrill rides are designed to get your heart racing from the top of The STRAT at 866 feet off the ground. Check them out:
- Big Shot: Up to 16 riders are catapulted to 1,081 feet in the air at 45 miles per hour.
- X-Scream: Riders are propelled over the edge of the tower to dangle above the Las Vegas Strip.
Insider tip: Because there are height requirements for these rides, make sure the whole family is tall enough to partake in the thrills before heading out.
6. Cool Off at Cowabunga Bay Water Park
With two Las Vegas locations (Cowabunga Bay in Henderson and Cowabunga Canyon in Summerlin) easily accessible from the Strip or downtown Las Vegas, Cowabunga water parks are a favorite summer destination for families.
The parks feature water rides and slides, lazy rivers, wave pools and attractions for younger kids. However, Cowabunga is a seasonal park that is closed in fall and winter.
Insider tip: Both Cowabunga locations have life jackets for children that are included with the admission price. No need to bring your own floaties.
7. Play at the Downtown Container Park Treehouse
Downtown Container Park, near the Fremont Street Experience, is a unique shopping and dining destination. Their stores and restaurants are inside repurposed shipping containers, but that’s not the only thing that draws people there.
There is also a fun treehouse-inspired playground right in the middle of the park where kids can explore and burn off some energy. On top of that, kids can play with the oversized blocks, LEGOs and board games on the lawn.
Insider tip: The treehouse is fully enclosed by a circular gate, with only two entrances and exits to the playground.
8. Visit the Adventuredome
The Adventuredome at Circus Circus Las Vegas is an indoor theme park that offers rides, games and other attractions that are perfect for kids of all ages. Play video games at the arcade, test your luck at classic carnival challenges, ride the coasters or take in the circus shows. You can get ride-all-day wristbands for a flat rate.
Insider tip: If you’re on a tight budget, there is no admission fee to visit The Midway arcade and circus stage on their own.
9. Stay at a Las Vegas Landmark
If you’re going to be in Las Vegas with your family, you can take in some of the city’s vibrant and distinct history by staying at one of Sin City’s landmarks. Iconic hotels at Old Vegas will give you a glimpse into the city’s past and how Las Vegas got started. Some places to consider include:
- Golden Gate Hotel & Casino: Opening their doors in 1906, Golden Gate has maintained a fun Roaring 20s vibe and some original touches through every renovation.
- The Fremont Hotel & Casino: Opened in 1956, The Fremont is literally in the middle of the downtown action on the Fremont Street Experience.
- Golden Nugget Las Vegas: Offering The Tank pool, great Vegas restaurants and convenient amenities, Golden Nugget has been a downtown Las Vegas staple since 1946.
- Four Queens Hotel & Casino: Stretch that budget at Four Queens. There are no resort fees at this Las Vegas fixture, which opened in 1966 on Fremont Street.
Insider tip: Many of the downtown hotels and casinos offer free parking, food credits and other perks if you join their loyalty programs.
Find affordable rooms in downtown Las Vegas.
10. Explore the Shark Reef Aquarium
Families that are fascinated by marine life will not want to miss the Shark Reef Aquarium on the south end of the Strip. Along with several species of sharks, you will see exotic fish, endangered turtles, giant stingrays and a Komodo dragon.
Insider tip: You can also book special packages for an additional fee that will give you a more interactive experience with the sea life.
11. Check Out the Discovery Children’s Museum
The Discovery Children’s Museum has everything you need to entertain and educate your kids, including Las Vegas toddler activities and interactive curiosity-boosting exhibits, including:
- The Discovery Lab
- The Summit 70-foot tower with 12 levels that will get the kids moving
- Fantasy Festival gallery
- Eco City metropolitan play area
- Toddler Town
- Water World
- Young at Art
You can find the Discovery Children’s Museum next to Symphony Park in downtown Las Vegas. Check the website for exclusive deals and limited-time exhibits.
Insider tip: If you’re a Las Vegas local, you can get free admission to the Discovery Children’s Museum by checking out a Family Adventure Pass at a Clark County Library location.
12. Play at “In the Game” on Fremont Street
In the Game is a shiny new arcade located on Fremont Street in the historic El Portal building, across from The D. Along with your favorite arcade games, this popular spot also offers group challenge games, virtual reality gaming, food, drinks and a bar for grown-ups who want to imbibe. It’s an all-around good time that’s within walking distance of other attractions in downtown Las Vegas.
Insider tip: Visiting the arcade soon after it opens at 10:00 a.m. is the best time to avoid bigger and more rowdy crowds.
13. Catch a Local Sporting Event
As Las Vegas has evolved, we now have several sports teams that bring another level of excitement to the city. If your family enjoys a good game, you can’t go wrong with the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena, the Las Vegas Aces at the Michelob Ultra Arena or the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. These state-of-the-art venues do Vegas proud, with excellent seating, booming sound and impressive refreshment options.
Insider tip: Any baseball fans? Check out the minor-league Las Vegas Aviators at the Las Vegas Ballpark for a fast-paced game at an affordable price.
14. Experience a Free Viva Vision Light Show
If you’re looking for free family things to do in Las Vegas, the Viva Vision screen should be at the top of your list. With a mind-blowing canopy featuring 16.4 brilliant pixels that stretch over five city blocks and 90 feet above the Fremont Street Experience, Viva Vision light shows are a truly immersive experience that will leave the family speechless.
The free light shows run nightly at the top of the hour starting at 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. While the shows rotate regularly, popular featured artists include:
- Shakira
- Imagine Dragons
- Tiësto
- Stone Temple Pilots
- Steve Aoki
- The Chainsmokers
- Katy Perry
Insider tip: With each light show lasting about six to eight minutes, you can always squeeze one into your busy Las Vegas family vacation.
15. See the Mermaids at Silverton Casino
Another free thing to do in Las Vegas with kids is the mermaid show at Silverton Casino. Your family can see a live mermaid swim in the 117,000-gallon aquarium every half hour from noon to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. The skilled mermaids interact with the crowd, blowing kisses and waving to mesmerized on-lookers. Bring a little magic to your Vegas trip with a stunning mermaid experience.
Insider tip: The Bass Pro Shop next to the Silverton Aquarium has some impressive taxidermy displays and fish tanks that are also worth seeing.
16. Explore the Springs Preserve
The Springs Preserve is one of the best-kept secrets in Las Vegas. The sprawling 180-acre area offers families a place to explore what Las Vegas looked like before it became the entertainment capital of the world. Some of the highlights include:
- Botanical garden
- Butterfly Habitat
- Boomtown 1904
- Playground and splash pad
- Flash flood interactive exhibit
- Nevada State Museum
- WaterWorks
- Origen Museum
- Train ride to Boomtown
Located about 15 minutes from the Strip and 10 minutes from downtown Las Vegas, the Springs Preserve is only a quick drive away.
Insider tip: The line to enter the Butterfly Habitat can get pretty long, so plan to get there early if you can.
17. Race Go-Karts at the Gene Woods Racing Experience
If you’re looking for something a little more exciting for thrill-seeking teenagers, the Gene Woods Racing Experience on Fremont Street promises a heart-pounding good time.
They say a little friendly competition is healthy, right? Well, the family can hash it out by racing indoor go-karts on a drift track for 15 laps. With accurate electronic timing, you will instantly know who in your family has the top time.
Insider tip: Driving helmets and other safety gear are included in the price of your racing experience.
18. Visit Gilcrease Orchard
Another historic landmark you can visit in Las Vegas is the Gilcrease Orchard, a local farm and ranch that offers harvesting experiences and other fun activities for kids, including wagon rides. If you want to get away from the bustling city for a little while, head to Gilcrease to reconnect with nature, get your hands a little dirty and sample locally-grown goodness.
Insider tip: Gilcrease Orchard is closed during the winter months, but the nearby Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary is open all year.
19. Go Shopping
Las Vegas has some of the best shopping outlets, malls and outdoor centers that are great for all ages. Families who want to shop ‘til they drop should check out these popular shopping destinations:
- Las Vegas North Premium Outlets
- Las Vegas South Premium Outlets
- Fashion Show Las Vegas
- The Grand Canal Shoppes
- Miracle Mile Shops
- The Forum Shops
- Town Square Las Vegas
- Downtown Summerlin
Insider tip: You can take the Downtown Loop shuttle from the Fremont Street Experience to the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets for free.
20. Check Out the Tournament of Kings Dinner Experience
If you want the family to enjoy dinner and a show together, the Tournament of Kings at Excalibur Hotel & Casino offers just that. The live-action production features valiant sword fights, pyrotechnics, horse-riding and special effects that captivate the crowds. Each section of the audience is given a knight to root for, making it even more exciting as they battle it out.
The tournament meal includes roasted seasonal chicken, roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, an apple square dessert and a dinner roll. However, you can also request special dietary changes in advance.
Insider tip: Because the show can be a bit loud for younger kids, you may want to bring ear protectors or earmuffs.
Discover What Downtown Las Vegas Has To Offer
Heading to Las Vegas with the family? Make sure you check out everything downtown has to offer, including affordable accommodations, live shows, fun attractions and kid-friendly experiences.
