While Las Vegas may have a notorious reputation with a nickname to match, “Sin City” isn’t just for adults anymore. Over the years, the city has diversified its entertainment, activities, and culture to include lots of family-friendly options. Leaving your children at home is definitely an option—who doesn’t need a weekend away sometimes?—but it isn’t required.
Keep your kids and yourself entertained with these exciting, interesting, and occasionally educational Las Vegas experiences:
1. The Adventuredome Theme Park

Behind Circus Circus, you will find AdventureDome Theme Park—5 acres of indoor rides, mini-golf, movies, and fair and arcade games for you and your kids to enjoy whatever the weather.
Adventuredome Theme Park is ideal for:
- Daytime Activities in Las Vegas
- Activities on the Las Vegas Strip
- Excitement
Fast Facts
Location | Circus Circus Hotel & Resort 2880 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas |
Hours | Monday-Thursday: 10 AM or 11 AM-6 PM, 9 PM, or Midnight Friday-Saturday: 10 AM-Midnight Sunday: 10 AM-9 PM or MidnightHours of operation vary depending on time of year. Check website calendar (PDF) for details. |
Cost of admission | Pay to play/ride, or buy all day wristbands: 48” and over – $33.95 |
Website | Adventuredome |
2. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

For any nature- or plant-lovers in the family, the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is worth a stop. Open 24 hours a day with free admission, you’ll find beautifully arranged scenes of flowers, trees, and plants. Plus, with feature seasonal and holiday displays, no matter how many times you’ve been there is always something new to see.
The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens are ideal for:
Fast Facts
Location | Bellagio Hotel and Casino 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas |
Hours | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
Cost of admission | Free |
Website | Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden |
3. Bellagio Fountains

The Bellagio Fountains are a can’t-miss Las Vegas staple. This show is free-to-see and fun to watch for the whole family. The Fountains of Bellagio put on an impressive show, featuring choreographed-to-music illuminated water.
The Bellagio Fountains are ideal for:
Fast Facts
Location | Bellagio Hotel and Casino 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas |
Hours | Saturdays & Holidays: Every 30 minutes from noon to 8:00 PM Every 15 minutes from 8:00 PM to midnight Sundays: Every 30 minutes from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM Every 15 minutes from 7:00 PM to midnight Monday-Friday: Every 30 minutes from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM Every 15 minutes from 8:00 PM to midnight |
Cost of admission | Free |
Website | Fountains of Bellagio |
4. The Big Apple Coaster & Arcade
The Big Apple Coaster spans the New York-New York Hotel, reaching speeds of 67 mph with drops up to 144 feet. Children must be 54” (4 ft. 5” / 138 cm) or taller to ride. Also located at the New York-New York Hotel is the Big Apple Arcade, full of video and arcade games. Packages that include entrance to both attractions are available.
The Big Apple Coaster & Arcade are ideal for:
- Activities on the Vegas Strip
- Daytime Activities in Las Vegas
- Excitement
Fast Facts
Big Apple Coaster | Big Apple Arcade | |
Location | New York – New York Hotel & Casino 3790 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas | |
Hours | Sunday-Thursday, 11 AM-11 PM Friday-Saturday, 10:30 AM-Midnight | Monday-Thursday, 10:00 AM-11:30 PM Friday-Saturday, 9:00 AM-12:30 AM Sunday, 9:00 AM-11:30 PM |
Cost of admission | Packages for both the Big Apple Coaster & Arcade range from $45-$100. Coaster Rides Individual Tickets – $15.00 | Arcade Credits 10 Credits – $1 |
Website | The Big Apple Coaster | The Big Apple Arcade |
5. Circus acts & Carnival Midway at Circus Circus

Enjoy some classic games along the Carnival Midway before taking in a free circus performance or two. Starting at 11:30 AM daily, you can check out 30 minute performances featuring acrobatics, trapeze tricks, aerial silks, juggling, unicycles, and visiting performers from around the world.
Circus Circus is ideal for:
- Activities on the Vegas Strip
- Cheap Things to Do in Las Vegas
- Excitement
Fast Facts
Circus Acts | Circus Midway | |
Location | Circus Circus Hotel & Resort 2880 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas | |
Hours | Daily, Starting at 11:30 AM | Monday-Thursday: 11:00 AM-Midnight Friday: 11:00 AM-12:30 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM-1:00 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM-Midnight |
Cost of admission | Free | Game prices vary |
Website | Circus Circus Free Circus Acts | Circus Circus Carnival Midway |
6. DISCOVERY Children’s Museum

Located north of the Strip near the Fremont Street Experience, you’ll find the DISCOVERY Children’s Museum. This museum boasts 3 stories of fun, educational, and engaging hands-on activities and exhibits, including:
- Climbing structures
- DISCOVERY lab
- Arts and crafts
- Water World
- Toddler Town
Discovery Children's Museum is ideal for:
Fast Facts
Location | 360 Promenade Place, Las Vegas |
Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10 AM-6 PM Wednesday-Saturday: 10 AM-5 PM Sunday: 12 PM-5 PM |
Cost of admission | $14.50 per person Families who present an EBT, WIC, SNAP card or foster care licence can be admitted to the DISCOVERY for a reduced fee of $3 per person (up to four guests). |
Website | DISCOVERY Children’s Museum |
9 Weird & Wonderful Las Vegas Museums
7. The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is within driving distance of Las Vegas and definitely worth a day trip during your Vegas vacation. If a full day at the Canyon or a long drive doesn’t appeal to your children, consider taking a faster mode of transportation—helicopter or airplane tours are available with half day options if you don’t have time for a full day trip.
The Grand Canyon is ideal for:
Fast Facts
West Rim | South Rim | North Rim | |
Location | 5001 Diamond Bar Rd Peach Springs, AZ | S Entrance Rd Grand Canyon Village, AZ | AZ-67 North Rim, AZ |
Hours | Daily, 7 AM-7 PM | Daily, 8 AM-7 PM | Daily, 8 AM-6 PM Closed seasonally from October to May |
Cost of admission | Varies depending on tour package | Varies depending on tour package | Varies depending on tour package |
Website | Grand Canyon West | South Rim | North Rim |
8. The Eiffel Tower Experience
Stop by the Paris Las Vegas Hotel to take in the Eiffel Tower choreographed light show. It runs every night from sunset to midnight. Ride the glass elevator up 46 stories to enjoy the incredible view from the open-air observation deck.
The Eiffel Tower Experience is ideal for:
- Cheap Things to Do in Las Vegas
- Activities on the Las Vegas Strip
- Sightseeing in Las Vegas
Fast Facts
Light Show | Viewing Deck | |
Location | Paris Las Vegas Hotel 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas | |
Hours | The Light Show runs nightly, every 30 minutes from sunset to midnight. | The Viewing Deck is open daily, 10 AM-1 AM |
Cost of admission | Free | Daytime General Admission $18 Youth $9 Express $25 Nighttime General Admission $22 Youth $19 Express $35 |
Website | Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck |
9. Ethel M Chocolate Factory
Located roughly 20 minutes from the Strip in Henderson, Nevada, you will find renowned chocolatier Ethel M Chocolate Factory. The factory offers free admission for self-guided tours of their chocolate factory viewing aisle, where you can learn about the candy-making process, enjoy some free samples, and take in the sights of their Botanical Cactus Garden. They also offer chocolate tasting classes.
Ethel M Chocolate Factory is ideal for:
Fast Facts
Location | 2 Cactus Garden Dr, Henderson, NV |
Hours | Daily, 8 AM-8 PM |
Cost of admission | Botanical Garden: Free Self-guided Factory Viewing Aisle Tour: Free Chocolate Tasting Experience: $15, $6 for children |
Website | Ethel M Chocolates |
10. Flamingo Hotel's Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
Every day you can see real flamingos, pelicans, sacred ibis, koi, parrots, and other incredible animals traverse 15 acres of lush wildlife habitat at the Flamingo. Make sure you arrive in time for the pelican feedings at 8:30 AM and 2 PM.
The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is ideal for:
Fast Facts
Location | Flamingo Las Vegas 3555 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas |
Hours | Daily, Dawn to dusk |
Cost of admission | Free |
Website | The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat |
11. Gondola Ride at The Venetian

Throughout the Venetian Hotel and along the Grand Canal Shoppes, you will encounter the man-made gondola canals. As you glide along the canals in your gondola, your personal gondolier will sing in Italian. Indoor and outdoor gondola rides are offered, with each lasting about 15 minutes and holding 4 passengers.
Gondola Rides are ideal for:
- Activities on the Las Vegas Strip
- Classic Las Vegas Activities
- Sightseeing in Las Vegas
Fast Facts
Location | The Venetian Resort 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas |
Hours | Indoor Sunday-Thursday, 10:00 AM-11:00 PM Friday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-12:00 AM Outdoor Daily, 11:00 AM-9:45 PM |
Cost of admission | Shared Gondola $29 – 39 per person (max 4 per gondola) Private Gondola $116 – 156 for twoPrices vary based on seasonality |
Website | The Venetian Resort Gondola Rides |
12. High Roller Observation Wheel and LINQ Promenade

Located along the LINQ Promenade and standing 550 feet off the ground, the High Roller Observation Wheel is the world’s tallest observation wheel. It’s also an ideal place to spend 30 minutes taking in the view of the Strip and the surrounding Las Vegas Valley in a comfortably air conditioned, slowly rotating cabin.
The LINQ Promenade also offers a unique outdoor shopping experience, as well as the Strip’s only zipline, FLY LINQ. Riders must weigh between 60lbs – 300lbs (27kg – 136kg) and be a height of 3’4″-6’8″. Riders 12 years of age and under must be accompanied by a ticketed rider 13 years of age and over. Riders under the age of 18 must have a Parent or Legal Guardian sign the FLY LINQ Waiver of Liability.
The High Roller Observation Wheel and LINQ Promenade are ideal for:
- Sightseeing in Las Vegas
- Classic Las Vegas Activities
- Activities on the Las Vegas Strip
Fast Facts
LINQ Promenade | Las Vegas Observation Wheel | FLY LINQ | |
Location | 3545 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas | ||
Hours | Daily 10 AM-2 AM | Daily, 11:30 AM-2 AM | Daily, 11 AM-1 AM |
Cost of admission | Free | Day: Adult $25, Youth $10 Night: Adult $37, Youth $19 | Before 7 PM: Seated $30, Superman $40 After 7 PM: Seated $35, Superman $45 |
Website | The LINQ Promenade | Las Vegas Observation Wheel | FLY LINQ |
13. Take in a Las Vegas Show
Renowned for its impressive residencies and incredible shows, Las Vegas offers a wide range of entertainment options for any age.
Shows are ideal for:
- Activities on the Las Vegas Strip
- Classic Las Vegas Activities
Some of the more kid-friendly options include:
- Mystère by Cirque du Soleil at Treasure Island
- Mac King Comedy Magic Show at Harrah’s
- Tournament of Kings at Excalibur
- Blue Man Group at Luxor
Shows & Performances
14. Madame Tussauds
See all of your favorite celebrities and characters immortalized in wax at Madame Tussauds. From Muhammad Ali and the Kardashians to Marvel Superheroes, you will find legendary life-like figures in every themed room for you and your kids to pose and interact with.
Madame Tussauds is ideal for:
- Activities on the Las Vegas Strip
- Classic Las Vegas Activities
Fast Facts
Location | 3377 S Las Vegas Blvd, Ste. 2001, Las Vegas |
Hours | Sunday-Tuesday: 10 AM-9 PM Wednesday: 10 AM-4 PM Thursday: 10 AM-9 PM Friday-Saturday: 10 AM-10 PMNote: Sometimes Madame Tussauds closes early for special events, so check the website before visiting! |
Cost of admission | Children 3-12 $24.95, Adult $29.95 |
Website | Madame Tussauds Las Vegas |
15. Red Rock Canyon

If you need a break from the crowded and chaotic Las Vegas Strip, take a short trip to the scenic respite of Red Rock Canyon. Located 30 minutes away from the Strip by car, this beautiful, arid stretch of land was Nevada’s first National Conservation Area and it’s now one of the most popular in the country, with over one million annual visitors.
Red Rock Canyon is ideal for:
Fast Facts
Location | 1000 Scenic Loop Dr Las Vegas, NV |
Hours | Nov–Feb: 6 AM-5 PM March: 6 AM-7 PM Apr-Sep: 6 AM-8 PM Oct: 6 AM-7 PM |
Cost of admission | Varies based on tour |
Website | Red Rock Canyon |
VISIT RED ROCK CANYON
16. Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.
For the superhero fans in your family, plan a stop at the Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. (Scientific Training and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network). This interactive experience allows you to immerse yourself in the Marvel Universe. Check out Avengers equipment and uniform exhibits, shop the expansive retail store, and participate in recruitment and training to become a S.T.A.T.I.O.N. agent.
Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. is ideal for:
Fast Facts
Location | Treasure Island Hotel & Casino 3300 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas |
Hours | Daily, 10 AM-7 PM |
Cost of admission | Ages 12 and up – $34 Ages 4 to 11 – $24 Ages 3 and under – Free |
Website | Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. |
17. Shark Reef Aquarium & Beach at Mandalay Bay

Mandalay Bay Resort is home to not only the impressive Shark Reef Aquarium, featuring a walk-through underwater tunnel that showcases over 100 sharks and 14 different exhibits, but also an incredible man-made beach complete with lazy river and wave pool.
The Shark Reef Aquarium and Beach are ideal for:
- Activities on the Las Vegas Strip
- Daytime Activities in Las Vegas
Fast Facts
Shark Reef Aquarium | Beach | |
Location | Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd | |
Hours | Daily 10 AM-10 PM | Daily 8 AM-7 PM |
Cost of admission | Children 3 and under, Free Children 4-9, $19 Adults, $25 Seniors, $23 | Hotel Guests, Free Adults, $20 Kids 4-16, $10 Kids 3 and under, Free |
Website | Shark Reef Aquarium | Beach |
18. Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat
Stop by the Mirage to see a beautiful garden and dolphin habit, where you can catch dolphins doing tricks with the trainers, an underwater viewing area, and see and learn about a selection of big cats that reside in the garden, including leopards, lions, panthers, and tigers.
Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat is ideal for:
- Activities on the Las Vegas Strip
- Daytime Activities in Las Vegas
- Classic Las Vegas Activities
Fast Facts
Location | The Mirage 3400 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas |
Hours | Monday-Sunday, 10 AM-6 PM |
Cost of admission | All-Day Adventure Pass: $22 Children 4-12: $17 |
Website | Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage |
19. M&M’s World and Hershey’s Chocolate World
At M&M’s World, you and your family can explore four floors of chocolatey goodness, complete with a free movie screening and the option to create your own personalized M&M’s.
Don’t miss another incredible chocolate shop across the street—Hershey’s Chocolate World. At this place, you’ll find a nearly-800 lb chocolate-replica Statue of Liberty, a place to customize your own chocolate bars, and you can even star in a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup TV ad.
M&M’s World and Hershey’s Chocolate World is ideal for:
Fast Facts
M&M’s World Las Vegas | Hershey’s Chocolate World | |
Location | 3785 S Las Vegas Blvd. | 3790 S Las Vegas Blvd. |
Hours | Daily, 9 AM-Midnight | Sunday-Thursday: 9 AM-Midnight Friday-Saturday: 9 AM-1 AM |
Cost of admission | Free | Free |
Website | M&M’s World Las Vegas | Hershey’s Chocolate World |
20. Las Vegas Natural History Museum
Who doesn’t love to wander the halls of a natural history museum? This educational option is a Smithsonian affiliate (so you know it’s good) and has a range of exciting exhibits to entertain everyone. Make sure you don’t miss the Marine Life Gallery.
The Las Vegas Natural History Museum is ideal for:
Fast Facts
Location | 900 N Las Vegas Blvd. |
Hours | Daily, 9 AM-4 PM |
Cost of admission | Adults: $12 Seniors, Military, Students: $10 Children 3 – 11: $6 Children 2 and Under: Free |
Website | Las Vegas Natural History Museum |
21. Valley of Fire State Park

If your family is the outdoorsy type, a trip to the Valley of Fire is in order. Just 50 miles northeast of the Strip, Valley of Fire State Park is only a 1 hour drive from Las Vegas. Spend the day exploring and hiking through this beautiful, scenic state park, or hop onto an SUV tour and see this place from the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle.
The Valley of Fire is ideal for:
Fast Facts
Location | 29450 Valley of Fire Hwy Overton, NV |
Hours | Daily, 6:30 AM-7 PM |
Cost of admission | Varies based on tour |
Website | Valley of Fire State Park |
VISIT THE VALLEY OF FIRE
22. Fremont Street Experience

Located a short 10 minute drive from the Strip, you will find the Fremont Street Experience. This incredible experience has lots of fun (and often free!) things for families to enjoy, including:
- Viva Vision Light Show delivered via the light canopy (view their calendar to find out what’s on the agenda)
- Live music acts
- SlotZilla zip line
- Pedestrian mall
The Fremont Street Experience is ideal for:
Fast Facts
Location | Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV |
Hours | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
Cost of admission | Free |
Website | Fremont Street Experience |
23. Vegas Indoor Skydiving
Pack some excitement into your itinerary with a flight in the vertical wind tunnel at Vegas Indoor Skydiving.
Children must be at least 40 lbs to fly, with a parent or legal guardian present.
Vegas Indoor Skydiving is ideal for:
Fast Facts
Location | 200 Convention Center Dr. |
Hours | Daily, 9:30 AM-8 PM |
Cost of admission | Prices range from $75-$99 per person. |
Website | Vegas Indoor Skydiving |
24. The Pinball Hall of Fame
Enter the Pinball Hall of Fame to explore and play over 200 pinball and vintage arcade games from the 1950s-1990s. It’s free to enter and games are typically $1 or less to play.
The Pinball Hall of Fame is ideal for:
Fast Facts
Location | 1610 E Tropicana Ave |
Hours | Sunday-Thursday: 11 AM-11 PM Friday-Saturday, 11 AM-Midnight |
Cost of admission | Free to enter Games 25¢ to $1 per play |
Website | Las Vegas Pinball Hall of Fame |
25. Silverton Aquarium
Inside the Silverton Hotel, you’ll find a 117,000 gallon aquarium full of thousands of tropical fish, three species of stingrays, and—even more impressive—mermaids! Catch the interactive feeding shows daily at 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM, and if you stop by between Thursday and Sunday, make sure you stick around for a Mermaid Swim.
The Silverton Aquarium is ideal for:
Fast Facts
Location | 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd. |
Hours | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Mermaid swims operate Thursday – Sunday |
Cost of admission | Free |
Website | Silverton Aquarium |
Conclusion
If you’re worried about bringing your kids to Las Vegas—don’t be! There’s lots of family-friendly activities and entertainment for you to check out both in and outside of the city.
Get more tips for visiting Las Vegas: