Las Vegas, Things To Do in Las Vegas

Things to Do in Vegas if You’re Under 21 [Updated in 2023]

things to do in vegas under 21

Last updated: April 11, 2023. 

Las Vegas has a serious and well-deserved party reputation, but there’s a lot more to the city than gambling, drinking, and risque entertainment. That’s good news for anyone visiting Vegas under 21!

There are some rules that have to be followed—anyone under 21 can’t gamble or hang out in a casino (though you can pass through them) and can’t enter a bar, for example—but there are still enough entertaining options and ways to enjoy Vegas that will make your visit worthwhile, whether you’re travelling with kids or you’re counting down the days till your 21st birthday.

Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Vegas if you’re under 21:

  • Take in a show
  • Sing your heart out
  • Indulge in dining
  • See the sights
  • Shop till you drop
  • Explore the museums and culture
  • Seek some thrills
  • Enjoy the desert

Take in a show

One thing Vegas is known for, aside from its sinful reputation, is its impressive roster of residencies and shows. There is pretty much guaranteed to be a concert, show, or performance somewhere in the city worth checking out any day of the week, no matter what age you are.

While most residencies and shows were put on hold over the last year, many big names have returned or are returning over the next few months, including:

  • Several Cirque du Soleil shows, including O, KÀ, Mystère, The Beatles LOVE, and Michael Jackson
  • Miranda Lambert
  • Usher
  • Bruno Mars
  • Keith Urban
  • Katy Perry
  • Luke Bryan
  • Pitbull
  • Adele
  • Carrie Underwood

View a complete list of current and upcoming residencies on Lavish Vegas.

TRAVEL TIP: Check out individual venues for dates and locations.

Sing your heart out

While you will be hard-pressed to find an all-ages nightclub (though you may have some luck with day- and beach clubs, or special all-ages nights!), there are many karaoke clubs that offer options for those under 21. These karaoke spots typically require at least one person over the age of 18 to act as a guardian, and, in rooms with people under 21, no alcohol is allowed. Be sure to check with individual establishments to confirm their rules and make note if there is a certain time you have to be out by (usually 9 or 10pm).

Indulge in dining

If there’s one thing that everyone can enjoy in Vegas—regardless of their age—it’s delicious food. There is a huge range of dining options at a variety of price points, from gourmet Michelin-starred restaurants and chefs to the renowned buffets and local food trucks. Plus, it seems like every celebrity chef has a restaurant (or five) in Vegas. If trying lots of cuisines, delectable dishes and desserts is your idea of a good time, then Vegas is the place for you.

Eateries pop-up, open, and close all the time in Sin City, so make sure you check out what’s currently open before getting your hopes up.

Learn more about dining in Las Vegas in our Ultimate Guide to Visiting Las Vegas.

TRAVEL TIP: Looking to enjoy the outdoors while you dine? Check out 37 Patios for Off-Strip Dining All Over Las Vegas & Henderson.

See the sights

If checking out roadside and tourist attractions, sculptures and art installations, impressive architecture, signs, statues, and iconic landmarks counts as your idea of a good time, there is no shortage of sights to take in around town, including:

  • Seven Magic Mountains by Ugo Rondinone in Sloan, Nevada
  • Bliss Dance by Marco Cochrane at Treasure Island
  • Akhob by James Turrell at Louis Vuitton in City Center Plaza
  • Giant Typewriter Eraser
  • Snowball the cat by Jessie Smigel in the Arts District
  • Glacia and Halo in Crystals
  • The Big Edge by Nancy Rubins at City Center Plaza
  • Tulips by Jeff Koons at The Wynn
  • Symphony Park
  • Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas Hotel
  • New York City skyline at New York, New York Hotel
  • Bellagio Conservatory
  • Bellagio Fountains
  • Gondola rides at The Venetian

TRAVEL TIP: Capture the best pictures of your trip—make sure you stop at the best places to get pics on the Strip and visit these spots in our Guide to Tours & Sightseeing Opportunities in Downtown Vegas.

Shop till you drop

Described as a world-class shopping destination, Vegas is home to several flagship designer stores. Add to that a whole host of luxury high-end brands, as well as some mid-range shops and even some outlets, bazaars, and markets for the bargain shopper, and you have the perfect ingredients for the shopping trip of a lifetime.

Here are some of the best places to check out for your Sin City shopping spree:

Explore the museums & culture

Museums and culture may be the first thing you think of when you think of Las Vegas, but the city has its own unique history, flavor, and art scene to dive into. From the odd to the educational, there are numerous galleries, museums, and exhibits to explore, including:

Learn more about the museums and other cultural experiences Las Vegas has to offer:

Seek some thrills

Vegas might not be the first place you think of when you think of thrill-seeking, adventure park destinations, but there are options for the adrenaline-inclined, including:

The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Skypod

  • SkyJump
  • Big Shot
  • X-Scream
  • Insanity

New York-New York

Circus Circus Adventuredome

  • Canyon Blaster
  • Chaos
  • El Loco
  • Inverter
  • Sling Shot

Not to mention several Ziplines for high flyers who are too young to be high rollers:

Enjoy the desert

Las Vegas may be in a desert, but it’s a desert with lots of outdoor activities to offer. Hiking, biking, horse-back riding, and things like bird-watching and plant identification are all activities you can enjoy while taking in the sights of the Mojave Dessert’s unique beauty.

TRAVEL TIP: It is important to be mindful of weather conditions when doing any kind of physical activity in the desert. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, dress appropriately, and seek shade. Aim for early morning and evening activities to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Make sure you follow guidance from local authorities and come prepared to recreate safely.

Conclusion

Vegas vacations aren’t just for those 21 and older. While most TV shows and movies may give you a different impression, you can still have fun and enjoy yourself around town even if you can’t legally drink or gamble. There are lots of options, including (but not limited to!): 

  • Taking in a show
  • Sing your heart out at a karaoke club
  • Indulging in the delectable dining options
  • Seeing the sights
  • Shopping till you drop
  • Exploring the museums & culture
  • Seeking some thrills
  • Enjoying the desert

Add even more to your Las Vegas itinerary:

author-avatar

About Ria Borja

Ria is a Customer Experience Manager at Canyon Tours and an avid lover of the outdoors. When she isn't helping other travelers check destinations and dream vacations off their bucket lists, she's busy exploring the Southwest. Her favorite place to visit is (unsurprisingly!) the Grand Canyon.