Many people assume that Las Vegas is only for adults and that teens or families have no place in the city of neon lights and luxury. But there’s plenty for teenagers to do in Las Vegas if they are accompanied by an adult or guardian.
Whether you’re into history, nature, art or thrill-seeking adventures, there’s something here to suit every adolescent’s taste. When choosing the best place to stay in Las Vegas with teenagers in tow, consider building your trip around any of these family-friendly attractions.
Fremont Street (Downtown Las Vegas)
On The Strip
Whether your teenager loves the great outdoors or prefers the excitement of a major city, one of these 11 activities is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
1. Have an Adventure at the Stratosphere
The Stratosphere is an iconic Las Vegas landmark and a great spot for teens. Also called “The STRAT SkyPod,” it’s the tallest observation tower in the U.S., offering 360-degree Las Vegas views and three world-class thrill rides located 900+ feet above the Strip.
What Can Teenagers Do at The STRAT?
The STRAT offers a mix of adrenaline-pumping activities and panoramic sightseeing:
- Observation Deck: Take in 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Strip and Nevada horizon.
- Thrill Rides:
- Big Shot: A vertical slingshot launch to the very top of the tower mast. Get one ride plus tower admission for $29 or an unlimited ride pass plus tower admission for $43.95. The Big Shot is open daily, with rides running from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (weather permitting). Must be 48” to ride.
- X-Scream: A high-altitude pivot track that thrusts riders over the Strip. Get one ride plus tower admission for $29 or an unlimited ride pass plus tower admission for $43.95. The Big Shot is open daily, with rides running from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (weather permitting). Must be 52” to ride.
- SkyJump: A heart-pounding, open-air jump from the 108th floor. Hours of operation are 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (subject to change and weather permitting). Jumps are $129.99 per jump, Monday-Thursday and $169.99 per jump, Friday-Sunday. Other jump packages include:
- Photo Package: Monday-Thursday, $149.99 jump/photos, Friday-Sunday, $184.99 jump/photos
- Wrist Video Package: Monday-Thursday, $179.99 jump/wristcam video/photos, Friday-Sunday, $204.99 jump/wristcam video/photos
- SkyJump & Rides Package: Monday-Thursday, $164.99 jump & unlimited rides, Friday-Sunday, $189.99 jump & unlimited rides
- Special Offer For Hotel Guests and Local Residents: Guests of the The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower and Nevada locals can experience SkyJump for a reduced price of $99.99. Hotel guests must show their room key at the SkyJump Store when booking their reservation, and locals must present a Nevada ID when checking in.
- SkyJump Happy Hour: Monday-Thursday 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., $99
Pro Tip for Families: Teens looking for the best “photo ops” should visit during the “Golden Hour” just before sunset for the best lighting over the Las Vegas valley.
2. Ride the Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York
The Big Apple Coaster is the perfect mix of thrills and fun for your teenage adventurers. This wild ride reaches speeds of up to 67 mph, taking riders through three inversions, a 180-degree heartline roll and a double-take finale.
What makes this rollercoaster unique is that it’s located right on the Las Vegas Strip. Teens can enjoy this activity while the adults are busy in the casinos, all without being too far away. And you can stay at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino if you enjoy the views and want to stay more centrally located.
The coaster is open daily, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Rides cost $25, re-rides are $10, and ticket packages include:
- Vegas locals, Military, and First responders: $18 (Valid NV I.D. required.) Up to 4 passes per Military ID (active/retired).
- Scream Pass: $65 for an all day ride pass, priority access line and one plushie.
- Play Pack: $89 for a $50 play card, 500 Big Apple redemption points, one large plushie and one free hotdog with purchase of beverage from Nathan’s.
3. Hop On the High Roller at The LinQ
Climb aboard the world’s tallest observation wheel, the High Roller. Located two blocks away from the Las Vegas Strip, this massive structure stands at a staggering 550 feet and offers 360-degree views of Las Vegas as you’ve never seen before.
On each rotation, passengers can witness sweeping cityscapes and iconic sights, all accompanied by music and a bar offering non-alcoholic drinks for younger tourists. With pods that can hold up to 40 people, the whole family can enjoy the experience together and make new friends as well.
The High Roller is open Monday-Thursday, 12:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m., Friday-Sunday, 12:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. And tickets start at:
- Adult daytime ticket (12:00 p.m.-5:59 p.m.): $23.50
- Adult anytime ticket (starts 6:00 p.m. daily): $34.75
- Happy Half Hour (21+): $60
- Youth (ages 4-12) daytime ticket (12:00 p.m.-5:59 p.m.): $8.50
- Youth (ages 4-12) anytime ticket: $17.50
- Children 3 and under are free
*Plus taxes and fees
Fremont Street (Downtown Las Vegas)
4. Visit the Mob Museum
Your teenagers can explore the history of organized crime in America with a visit to The Mob Museum. This interactive museum attempts to bring the darker side of Sin City’s past alive with its fascinating collection of artifacts, interactive exhibits and video presentations.
With its hands-on exhibits and historical displays related to Las Vegas’ mob roots, your teens will learn about the organized crime that shaped the city. This is a great opportunity for all visitors to see Las Vegas in its earliest days and gain knowledge of a different side of the city’s history.
The Mob Museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (check for special hours and early closures).
Tickets:
- General Admission: $34.95 (access to exhibits)
- Premier Pass: $54.95 (access to exhibits, two interactive experiences)
- Deluxe Pass: $49.95 (access to exhibits, one interactive experiences)
5. Check Out the Fremont Street Experience
Fremont is often referred to as the “Old Las Vegas,” and its nostalgic charm doesn’t disappoint. While teenagers can’t take advantage of the many casinos in the area, they can certainly enjoy the many photo ops, street performers and of course, the immersive light and music shows on The Canopy. Plus, Fremont Street Experience is free to enjoy and offers plenty to see at any hour.
If you’re looking for a hotel in Las Vegas that isn’t located directly on the strip, you may want to stay at the Circa Resort and Casino for easy access to this historic area.
Plan your visit during the more family-friendly daylight hours. After dark, the atmosphere can get lively with active casino crowds and drinking, so keep that in mind for teens under 21. Also, be aware that there’s a curfew for unaccompanied children under the age of 18, as follows on Fridays and Saturdays, from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
Local Tip: Walk the area during the day for the best mix of views and comfort.
6. Glide Down the Slotzilla Zipline
If you’re looking for a family-friendly Vegas experience you can only do in Sin City, SlotZilla is your answer.
- SlotZilla is an 11-story slot machine-inspired zipline attraction 77 feet in the air above the iconic Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas
- Enjoy a unique view of downtown Sin City as you glide between the Four Queens and Fremont casinos, seated in a specially designed zipline harness. Glide more than ten stories in the air, which is 1,750 feet down Fremont Street Experience until you reach the landing platform at Golden Gate—the city’s most historic casino.
For an even greater thrill, opt for the upper Zoom Line and fly “superhero-style,” as you take in the unforgettable sights below.
The Zip Line starts at $49 and the Zoom Line starts at $69. Keep an eye out for packages.
Hours of Ride Operation
- Monday – Wednesday, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. (Last ride at 12:40 a.m.)
- Thursday – Sunday, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. (Last Ride 1:40 a.m.)
Box Office Hours
- Monday – Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
- Thursday – Sunday, 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Age Requirements
Guests 13 years old or younger must be accompanied by a rider who is 13 years old or older. Both riders must meet the weight requirements.
Weight & Height Requirements
- Zip Line: Between 50 lbs. and 300lbs.
- Zoom Line: Between 80lbs. and 300lbs.
- The maximum height for either the Zip Line or Zoom Line is 6’8″
7. Visit the Neon Museum
The Neon Museum is a must-see for any teen who loves history and art. This museum is a quirky and vibrant testament to Las Vegas’ past, where retired neon signs from the city’s greatest hotels and casinos are on display in their full glowing glory.
The museum offers guided tours of its Neon Boneyard, giving visitors an opportunity to explore older iconic signs that have made Las Vegas so famous. It’s an excellent way for your teen to learn more about the history of this city and see some of its most iconic pieces up close.
The museum is open daily, 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Remember, the Neon Boneyard is outdoors and uncovered, so be sure to check the weather before visiting and wear appropriate clothing. Weather conditions may impact availability.
Daytime admission prices:
- Adult: $25
- Child (7-17): $12.50
- Child <6 years (ticket required): FREE
- Military w/ ID: $20
- Museums for All (EBT/SNAP/WIC) *Maximum 4 tickets per card*: $3
- Museums for All Child (7-17) (EBT/SNAP/WIC): $3
- Nevada Resident w/ ID: $20
- Senior 65+ w/ ID: $20
- Student w/ ID: $20
- Veteran w/ ID: $20
Evening admission prices:
- Adult: $35
- Child (7-17): $17.50
- Child <6 years (ticket required): FREE
- Military w/ ID: $30
- Museums for All (EBT/SNAP/WIC) *Maximum 4 tickets per card*: $3
- Museums for All Child (7-17) (EBT/SNAP/WIC): $3
- Nevada Resident w/ ID: $30
- Senior 65+ w/ ID: $30
- Student w/ ID: $30
- Veteran w/ ID: $30
A ticket processing fee applies and guided tours are available as an add-on to your admission ticket.
8. Experience Live Music
If you’re ready for live music Las Vegas style, Fremont street always has something going on. Fremont street features three stages that offer free nightly entertainment ranging from great local acts to well-known headliners.
This is one of the best things for teenagers to do in Las Vegas because your teen will love the vibrant atmosphere without having to spend money on cover charges. Check out the event calendar for the upcoming acts, and make sure to come early!
Off The Strip
9. Take a Tour of the Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam, located just a short drive from Las Vegas, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. If your teens are interested in learning more about engineering and U.S. history, this is a great activity for them to enjoy.
The guided tour of the Dam provides visitors with an up-close look at the structure while also giving a fascinating history lesson about why and how it was built. You’ll also have access to some fantastic views of Lake Mead, so be sure to bring your camera! This is a great destination for teens who love getting fresh air and learning more about history and nature.
The Hoover Dam is open to the public daily from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Hoover Dam visitor center and tours are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day) with the doors closing at 4:15 p.m. and the last tour departing at 4:10 p.m.
Ticket Prices:
- Self-Guided Visitor Center Tour: $14 per person, children 3 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased online.
- Guided Dam Tour: $40 per person, children 3 and under are free. Tickets must be purchased on site.
- Guided Power Plant Tour: $25 for adults, $15 for kids (4-16 years old) and children 3 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased online.
Visitors must be over the age of 16 to go on tour by themselves. Dress comfortably and wear comfortable walking shoes.
10. Enjoy Activities Right at Your Hotel
There are plenty of hotels in downtown Las Vegas that offer a wide variety of activities for teenagers.
Many of the hotel casinos have family-friendly arcades, pool tables and bowling alleys that your teen can enjoy. Plus, with all the other entertainment options inside these establishments, such as live performances, movie theaters and laser tag arenas, there’s something for everyone.
Pro Tip: The best part about finding activities on-site where you’re staying is that it’s easy to pop upstairs for a quick break when things get too crowded or hectic. This is also a great way to take advantage of any amenities that the hotel offers, like swimming pools and fitness centers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Fun Things To Do For Teens At Night?
Sure, gambling and nightlife may get the headlines, but there’s plenty for teens to do in Las Vegas after the sun goes down. Teens can enjoy 360-degree views of the entire city on the High Roller observation wheel, lively free entertainment at Fremont Street Experience or shops and fun bites at LINQ Promenade.
What Are Free Fun Things to Do For Teens?
Who says nothing in life is free? Teens can find unique and free activities all around town, from free shows on The Canopy at Fremont Street Experience to the world-famous Bellagio fountains on The Strip.
What Are The Best Instagrammable Spots In Vegas For Teens?
Las Vegas is full of Instagrammable spots for teens to add to their feeds. Iconic spots like The Canopy at Fremont Street Experience, the Bellagio fountains on The Strip and the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign are all perfect selfie locations and free.
