While Las Vegas is typically known for its casinos, vibrant nightlife, and adult entertainment, the city that never sleeps has lots more to offer the entire family. Visitors can choose from amusement parks and museums that blend education with entertainment or outdoor adventures.
We’ve compiled the top 10 family activities in Las Vegas to help you pick your next destination.
Visit the Adventuredome Theme Park
The Adventuredome Theme Park, at the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino, is the perfect activity for families with children of all ages. The five-acre indoor amusement park features 25 rides and attractions. It is open all year round, offering visitors an escape from the sweltering heat outdoors.
There are thrilling roller coaster rides for the daredevils in the family. The El Loco and Canyon Blaster are a few alongwith family rides, such as Circus Carousel and Drifters. Visitors can also enjoy classic carnival games, 18 holes of mini-golf, and a 4-D theater.
Stroll Through the Shark Reef Aquarium
Located at the Mandalay Bay Resort, the Shark Reef Aquarium is home to over 2,000 animals. The tunnel is surrounded by a 1.3 million-gallon tank. Families can get up close and personal with sharks, endangered sea turtles, and other exotic fish. There are even piranhas and a Komodo dragon.
Moreover,kids can feed stingrays and other aquatic animals at the touch pools. All this while learning all about the vital conservation efforts to protect these creatures.
Ride the High Roller Observation Wheel
The High Roller Observation Wheel, at a staggering 550 feet, is the world’s tallest observation wheel. It is located at The LINQ Promenade. It’s one of the most popular attractions in the city, offering a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Las Vegas skyline and the surrounding desert.
Families can enjoy a 30-minute ride and even upgrade to the Happy Half Hour Cabin with an open bar as they gaze at the spectacular scenery. The view of the sunset is highly recommended.
Explore the Springs Preserve
In the Las Vegas Valley lies the 180-acre Springs Preserve. The facility offers families insight into the area’s culture, history, and ecology through its interactive exhibits, hiking trails, gardens, and live shows. Kids will especially enjoy the Preserve’s Playground and Splash Pad, train ride, and Waterworks experience.
The Preserve also blends fun with learning for kids with the Origen Museum and Nevada State Museum. Adults will appreciate the newest event, DRI Science at the Springs, from the Desert Research Institute.
Investigate the DISCOVERY Children’s Museum
The DISCOVERY Children’s Museum is one of the more popular attractions for families. It offers three stories of interactive exhibits for children of all ages. The museum, which prides itself on encouraging children to explore and innovate, is the perfect activity for families wanting to blend fun with learning.
Some exhibits include Toddler Town for the youngest visitors; The Summit, a 70-foot tower that ascends the museum’s three floors; and the interactive Water World.
Tour the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Nature lovers will find plenty to appreciate at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, located just outside Las Vegas. Experience stunning views and outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, and a scenic drive through the canyon at the Conservation Area.
Families can also go camping at Red Rock Canyon and visit the Visitor Center, complete with interactive exhibits and a live Desert Tortoise Habitat.
Enjoy the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Located inside the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offer visitors an extraordinary sight each season as the 14,000-square-foot area is transformed using thousands of trees, plants, and flowers.
Not only are the Gardens a visual masterpiece, but most of the conservatory is recycled. Families can enjoy different displays five times a year during Chinese New Year, Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Spend the Day at the Mob Museum
The Mob Museum, or the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, is the perfect destination for families with crime buffs and those interested in the history of organized crime in Las Vegas and America. Visit the Mob Museum for a unique experience including a Scavenger Hunt, Crime Lab, and fully-operational Speakeasy.
Discover Al Capone’s story and the people who brought him to justice while having fun at Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix.
Experience the Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix
As a family-owned and operated amusement park, the Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix guarantees family-friendly fun and activities for all ages. The amusement park has attractions for all ages, including a Kiddy Karts Track, thrilling rides, and arcade games.
You can also enjoy a variety of rides and slides, such as the Tornado Twister, Super Fun Slide, as well as classic arcade games.
Pay a Visit to the Pinball Hall of Fame
One of the more unique attractions that Las Vegas has to offer, the Pinball Hall of Fame is a museum housing vintage pinball machines from the 1950s to the 1990s. Having recently relocated to Las Vegas Boulevard South, this interactive museum gives families 25,000 square feet of classic machines to play while learning all about the history of Pinball.
It’s not all fun and games, though. The Pinball Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization, with all proceeds going to non-denominational charities, so families can support a good cause while enjoying themselves.
The 10 Best Family-Friendly Activities in Las Vegas in a Nutshell
Although most people associate Las Vegas with adult-oriented entertainment, the city has many family-friendly activities. Families can choose from thrilling amusement parks for kids of all ages to educational museums with interactive exhibits and even outdoor adventures.
So, if you’re considering visiting Las Vegas, be sure to check out these family-friendly attractions and make the most of your stay in the city that never sleeps.
Check out these essential Travel Tips for Moms with Toddlers.