Las Vegas is where adults come to have fun, right? Well, that ain’t wrong but amidst the casinos and upmarket eateries, you’ll find a whole host of exciting things to do with kids in the city itself or just a short drive away. When the Vegas heat hits and the kids start getting antsy, check out these spots for some top-notch, family-friendly entertainment.
1. Discover animals from around the world at Sea Quest
You’ll find SeaQuest in the Boulevard Mall and curious minds will love this marine adventure. This fantastic aquarium boasts a huge range of underwater creatures for the little ones to gaze at from different corners of the world. There’s even an interactive element where kids can touch some of the animals, including reptiles, birds, and fish.
Not only is it a fun experience for kids of all ages but it’s incredibly educational. You can explore exhibits like the Crested Porcupine Interaction, where the kids can meet Quilliam the porcupine and learn all about her unique species, while hand-feeding her snacks. Tickets for those aged 12 and over are $14 and it’s a great way to escape the Las Vegas heat, too.
📍3528 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89169
2. Discovery Children’s Museum
No list of things to do with kids in Las Vegas would be complete without mentioning Discovery Children’s Museum. We all know that kids love to be hands-on and this is absolutely the place to learn interactively. The museum aims to foster creativity, boasting exhibits on just about every subject they’ll be learning about at school: science, technology and art to name just a few.
One unique aspect of this educational experience is Eco City where kids can learn about things like sustainability and conservation. Another is the Young at Art exhibit which allows kids to get stuck in using different mediums like clay and paint. There are sometimes temporary exhibits too, which means that this place never really gets old, even as the kids get older. If you have Nevada ID, you can get in for $14.50 and standard tickets are $20.00.
📍360 Promenade Pl, Las Vegas, NV 89106
3. LINQ High Roller
The LINQ High Roller is a colossal observation wheel out on the strip – one of the tallest in the world, at 550 feet in height. It offers incredible views out over the Strip, Vegas and the desert, making it an unmissable experience for locals and tourists alike. Each ride lasts 30 minutes and there’s even a bar within the Ferris wheel, so the kids can enjoy a soft drink too! Tickets start from $12.40 for kids under 12, and you can grab yours here.
📍3545 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
4. Check out immersive digital art at Arte Museum Las Vegas
This may not be fit for any age, but slightly older kids will enjoy this immersive, colorful experience. At this new-ish museum, eternal nature comes to life through stunning digital art, soundscapes, and custom-crafted scents. You’ll travel though time and space, and then you can unwind at the cafe with a unique fusion of tea and media art. You can get tickets here.
5. Step into history at this Titanic exhibit
TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition takes you and your family on an immersive journey through the ship’s tragic 1912 voyage. You’ll find this fascinating due to the over 350 real artifacts and full-scale recreations. Check out the Grand Staircase and wander around the Promenade Deck. Other exciting highlights include a 15-ton piece of the hull and a recently unveiled stoking transmitter recovered in 1994. While this may not be quite the fit for very young children, older ones will definitely enjoy this unique exhibit. You can learn more and find tickets here.
6. The Wildlife Habitat at Flamingo Las Vegas
Looking for something free to do with the kids? Check out the Wildlife Habitat at Flamingo Las Vegas – an absolute oasis surrounding the hotel. You can just wander right in and enjoy it. There you’ll find fish, turtles, birds and more with the highlight being the beautiful Chilean flamingos. It’s a gorgeous spot to explore and it won’t cost you a single dime!
📍3555 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
7. Springs Preserve
Not far from Downtown Las Vegas, you’ll find the stunning Springs Reserve. It’s the perfect place to get out and about in nature if you’re looking for a little escape from the bright lights of the city. At the reserve itself, you can explore the Mojave Desert with its unique combination of desert, wetlands, and thriving gardens. There are loads of museums too such as the Origen Museum and the Nevada State Museum.
You can’t miss the natural springs either – they’re such an important part of Nevada’s history and geography and you can also check out the cabins where original settlers in the area used to live. There are play areas to keep the kids entertained and tire them out for the car ride home, too. You can spend all day here easily and if you’re a resident of Nevada, adult tickets are $9.95 with kids tickets around half the price.
📍333 S Valley View Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89107
8. M&M’s World
M&M’s World Las Vegas is just one of those irresistible outings. The store is a whole 28,000 square feet and you’ll find every variety and flavor of M&Ms that your heart (and tummy) could ever desire there. Of course, you can buy loads of M&M-related stuff but you can also personalize those things or take photos with life-size statues of the M&M characters, and it’s completely free! Apart from the mountains of candy you’re about to be cajoled into buying, of course…
📍3785 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
9. Adventuredome
It’s no surprise that one of the largest indoor theme parks in the country is right here in Las Vegas. After all, this city is known for its entertainment! At Circus Circus Hotel you’ll find Adventuredome, and it’s just as exciting as it sounds.
There are tons of exhilarating rides to enjoy, notably the Canyon Blaster and El Loco but there are also things to do for the little kids. Check out the carnival, the 4D theatre, and the mini golf for some family fun that can include everyone. You can also opt for laser tag if the children are a bit older. Really, you could spend a couple of days here and it will certainly tire out those active brains. Tickets start at $25 if you book on the Circus Circus website.
📍2880 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
10. Tournament of Kings
Step back in time at a Medieval-themed dinner inside the Excalibur Hotel and Casino on the Strip. There you can chow down on a tasty three-course dinner with entertainment. You’ll see jousting and each section of the audience represents a different country, inevitably cheering for their knight.
It’s quite a meaty meal, as you might expect, with roasted chicken quarters being the mouthwatering main but vegetarians can also enjoy a delicious dinner upon request. If you want to upgrade to premium, you get all sorts of extras like souvenirs but tickets start from $63 per person.
📍3850 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
11. Las Vegas Natural History Museum
The Las Vegas Natural History Museum is a truly special spot where kids can gaze in awe at incredible exhibits whilst learning everything they can about the natural world. If your kids love animals, fossils, and biology then this place is an absolute must-visit, abounding with different avenues to explore and things to read about.
Best of all, the museum is non-profit, focused on teaching people about the importance of the Earth’s natural ecosystems and how we can help to look after them. It offers a hands-on experience and we all know that kids learn by touching, seeing and really experiencing the things around them.
Go back in time to the prehistoric era and walk amongst dinosaurs. Plunge into the world of marine life and let the kids be the little animals that they are in the wildlife exhibits. Tickets start at $14 for adults and half for kids.
📍900 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89101
12. Omega Mart by Meow Wolf
Omega Mart by Meow Wolf is one of the most unique attractions in Las Vegas, and perfect for kids over 7-8 years old. At first, it looks like a colorful, quirky grocery store – but each item you’ll find in “store” will surprise you! Besides, behind and within shelves there are secret passages and portals that lead to an entire other world. Your little one will explore alien landscapes, trippy rooms, and mind-bending environments filled with lights, sounds, and storytelling elements. Grab your tickets right here.
From exciting exhibits to thrilling rollercoasters and even Medieval jousting, there’s something to keep every young mind occupied in this city. As the little ones get older and the years go by, it can be hard to think of new things to do with kids in Las Vegas. Think you’ve dried up the well over the years? Think again!