Las Vegas is often described as the ultimate playground for adults—a city of neon lights, world-class casinos, and dazzling shows. I can tell you this: Las Vegas is also a city where families can have an unforgettable time together.
I know this might surprise some people. I used to think Las Vegas was all about nightlife and gambling too, but once I started exploring it through the lens of family travel, I discovered an entirely new side of the city. Theme parks, aquariums, museums, kid-friendly shows, and plenty of outdoor fun—Vegas has it all.
I’ll share three activities I personally experienced with my family during my trips, and then I’ll recommend four additional activities that are perfect for children, teens, and parents alike. Along the way, I’ll give you my honest thoughts, practical travel tips, and details you’ll need to plan your own trip.
My Personal Experiences: Three Family Activities I Tried in Las Vegas
- Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
📍 Location: Mandalay Bay Resort, 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119
🎟️ Tickets: Adults $29, Kids (ages 5–12) $24, Children under 4 free. Discounts available online or with the Go City Las Vegas Pass.
When I first walked into the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay with my niece and nephew, I honestly didn’t expect to be so amazed myself. I thought, “Okay, an aquarium in the desert, how exciting can that be?” But the moment we stepped into the giant walk-through tunnel surrounded by sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles gliding over our heads, I was hooked.
What I loved most:
• Immersive tunnels: You’re literally surrounded by water—it feels like diving without getting wet. My niece squealed every time a shark passed right overhead.
• Interactive exhibits: Kids can touch horseshoe crabs and stingrays in the touch pool. Watching their faces light up was priceless.
• The Komodo dragon exhibit: My nephew couldn’t stop staring at this massive lizard; it was one of the highlights for him.
Pros: Clean, well-organized, stroller-friendly, and air-conditioned (a blessing in summer). Staff members were genuinely knowledgeable and patient with children’s endless questions.
Cons: It’s not as large as aquariums you’d find in coastal cities, so don’t expect a half-day visit—it’s usually 1.5–2 hours.
My Tip: Buy tickets in advance through the official Mandalay Bay website or GetYourGuide to skip the line. If you’re staying at Mandalay Bay, some hotel packages include discounted entry.
Walking out of Shark Reef, I realized this was one of the most stress-free family activities I’ve ever done in Vegas. My nephew kept imitating the sharks the rest of the evening, and my niece proudly told everyone she had “petted a stingray.” - Adventuredome at Circus Circus
📍 Location: 2880 S Las Vegas Blvd, inside Circus Circus Hotel
🎟️ Tickets: $60 for all-day ride passes (kids under 36” tall enter free).
Adventuredome was a nostalgic trip for me because I visited it as a child myself years ago. Coming back with family made me appreciate how unique it is—a full indoor amusement park right in the middle of the Strip.
What stood out:
• Rides for all ages: My younger niece loved the merry-go-round and kiddie rides, while my teenage nephew begged to go again and again on the Canyon Blaster roller coaster (the only indoor double-loop, double-corkscrew coaster in the U.S.).
• Arcade games and mini-golf: Perfect fillers between big rides, and they let the whole family join in together.
• 4D Theater Experience: We watched a short animated movie with moving seats, wind, and water effects—it had the kids laughing and screaming the whole time.
Pros: Since it’s indoors, you don’t need to worry about the blazing Vegas sun. Plus, everything is contained in one space, so it’s easy to keep track of kids.
Cons: It does get crowded on weekends, and the lines can be long for popular rides. Some parts of the park feel a little dated compared to newer attractions in Vegas.
My Tip: Arrive right when it opens (usually 11 AM) to enjoy the rides before the crowds build. If you’re staying at Circus Circus, consider booking a room package that includes Adventuredome passes.
For me, this visit was pure joy—I got to relive my childhood while watching the kids experience the same thrill I felt years ago. It reminded me that family fun doesn’t always have to be fancy—sometimes roller coasters and cotton candy are enough to create lasting memories. - Springs Preserve – Nature and History in One Place
📍 Location: 333 S Valley View Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89107 (about 3 miles from the Strip)
🎟️ Tickets: Adults $19.95, Kids (3–17) $11.95, Children under 2 free.
Springs Preserve was hands down one of the best family experiences I’ve ever had in Las Vegas, mainly because it gave us a chance to escape the casinos and connect with the natural side of the desert.
Highlights for us:
• Botanical Gardens: My niece, who’s obsessed with flowers, was thrilled to see desert plants blooming. She even took photos pretending she was in a jungle adventure.
• Nevada State Museum: We all learned about the history of Las Vegas, from its early Native American inhabitants to the construction of the Hoover Dam. The kids were fascinated by the fossils and dinosaur exhibits.
• Live animal exhibits: Tortoises, lizards, and even desert birds—small but exciting for kids.
Pros: Educational, relaxing, and much quieter than the Strip. Lots of shaded picnic areas. Perfect if you want a slower day.
Cons: In summer, it can get very hot—bring water, sunscreen, and hats. Some trails may feel too long for younger kids.
My Tip: Combine your ticket with the Nevada State Museum (included in entry). Buy tickets online to save a couple of dollars and skip waiting in line.
This was the kind of place where I felt my family actually learned something while having fun. Watching the kids ask curious questions about the desert ecosystem reminded me why I love traveling with them—it’s not just entertainment, it’s education wrapped in adventure.
Four More Recommended Family Activities in Las Vegas
Now that I’ve shared my personal adventures, here are four more activities I recommend for families, based on research, reviews, and conversations with other travelers.
- Discovery Children’s Museum
📍 Location: 360 Promenade Place, Las Vegas, NV 89106
🎟️ Tickets: $15.50 for everyone over 1 year old.
This is Vegas’s best indoor playground for kids. It’s packed with hands-on exhibits—kids can role-play in a miniature grocery store, climb a three-story jungle gym, and experiment with science exhibits.
Why recommend: It’s 100% family-focused, safe, and indoors (again, a huge plus in desert heat). Parents can relax while kids explore. - High Roller Observation Wheel at The LINQ
📍 Location: 3545 S Las Vegas Blvd
🎟️ Tickets: Daytime $25 (adults), $10 (kids); Nighttime $38 (adults), $20 (kids).
Riding the High Roller gives families breathtaking views of the Strip without the chaos of walking it. The ride lasts about 30 minutes, and the cabins are spacious enough for strollers.
Why recommend: It’s iconic, family-friendly, and memorable. Sunset rides are especially stunning. - Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
📍 Location: 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd
🎟️ Tickets: Free!
One of the few free family-friendly attractions in Vegas, this garden changes themes seasonally (spring blossoms, Chinese New Year, fall harvest). Kids love the oversized flowers and whimsical displays.
Why recommend: Beautiful, safe, stroller-accessible, and free—what’s not to love? - Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix
📍 Location: 1401 N Rainbow Blvd
🎟️ Tickets: Around $9–$12 per ride, or unlimited wristbands for $27–$35.
A family-friendly amusement park with go-karts, rides, and arcade games. It’s a bit off the Strip but perfect for a half-day trip.
Why recommend: Great for kids who love racing and active fun, plus it’s affordable compared to Strip attractions.
Traveling to Las Vegas with family has changed the way I see this city. Yes, it’s still the world’s entertainment capital, but it’s also full of opportunities for kids and parents to create memories together—whether you’re touching stingrays at Shark Reef, screaming on roller coasters at Adventuredome, or wandering among desert plants at Springs Preserve.
For me, the joy came not from the big lights but from the little moments: my niece clutching my hand in the shark tunnel, my nephew’s wide eyes on the roller coaster, and the calm of sitting under a shaded tree at Springs Preserve. These small snapshots are what I’ll remember long after the neon fades.
If you’re planning a family trip, don’t hesitate—Las Vegas can absolutely be fun for all ages and interests. The key is balance: mix a little education, a little thrill, a little nature, and yes, even a little Vegas sparkle. That’s how you keep both kids and adults happy.
I also learned that a family-friendly trip in Vegas doesn’t have to be complicated. Advance planning really pays off—book attractions online for discounts, check schedules for family-friendly shows, and don’t be afraid to venture off the Strip for unique experiences like Red Rock Canyon or the Discovery Children’s Museum.
And one last tip from me: don’t overschedule. Vegas is stimulating enough on its own, so leave some downtime for pool afternoons, casual meals, or just wandering through themed hotels. Sometimes the unplanned moments—a child giggling at a street performer, or the family sharing ice cream at midnight—are the ones that stay with you forever.
So, pack your curiosity, a bit of sunscreen, and a sense of adventure. Las Vegas with family isn’t about gambling—it’s about connection. And trust me, those family memories will be the best jackpot you’ll ever hit.
