The 18 Best Kids-Friendly, Family Events in Las Vegas

1. Dino Safari 

Located in the Horseshoe Hotel and Casino, the Dino Safari is an activity that is sure to entertain the kids with its massive dinosaurs that move. The great news about this is that the Dino Safari doesn’t require kids under the age of two to have a ticket.

Typically, this walkthrough experience takes around 30 minutes, but feel free to spend as much time as you want. The Safari also offers rental spaces for birthday parties for up to 90 minutes in duration. 

Want to see the modern descendants of prehistoric creatures? We’re talking about sharks. Head to the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. This self-guided tour features tanks of stingrays, green sea turtles, and more. 

2. Eiffel Tower View Deck

The Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck is one of the best activities to check out in Vegas. The tower is a part of the Caesars Resort complex located in Paris Las Vegas Resort & Casino. 

Forty-six stories high, the tower is a half-scale replica of the one in Paris, France, and towers above the city provide the best views. Seniors, children, and rewards members get discounted tickets to this part light show, part observation deck extravaganza. 

While you’re in Downtown Las Vegas, brave kids might enjoy the Big Apple Coaster at the New York-New York Hotel. Keep in mind that this coaster goes upside down, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea. 

For something a bit more zen, a Ferris wheel might be in order. Take the family to the High Roller Observation Wheel. Located at The LINQ Promenade + Experience, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the glittery Vegas lights. Try the zipline next, perhaps (FLY LINQ). 

3. Magic Up Close 

The City of Lights has many magic shows competing for your attention, not least among them Mac King’s longest-running magic show. Another option is Magic Up Close, which provides excellent entertainment for the entire family. 

Located in an intimate theater with a smaller audience than other magic shows in the city, Magic Up Close includes captivating and simple magic, like sleight of hand and mentalism. Additionally, Magic Up Close is an interactive experience with audience members often invited on stage to act as a magician’s assistant. 

4. Fun Dungeon at Excalibur

The Fun Dungeon at Excalibur remains one of the area’s most entertaining attractions. With hundreds of arcade games, both new and old, kiddie games, and sports games, there are games for everyone. The arcade is open daily from noon to 11 p.m. The arcade also has offerings that include everything from Dairy Queen to Orange Julius. 

5. Jabbawockeez at MGM

A famed dance group with captivating and stellar performances, the Jabbawockeez often performs at MGM Grand Las Vegas in a show that received accolades as the best family-friendly performance for families to enjoy.

Expect to be treated to a high-energy performance with stage effects and catchy music. The dance group performs on Mondays and Wednesdays through Sundays, so be sure to check them out before you leave. Children two and younger don’t need tickets for entry. 

If your family is all about shows, check out the Blue Man Group at the Luxor Hotel too!

6. Mystere by Cirque du Soleil 

Performances by Cirque du Soleil are always intense sensory experiences replete with mind-blowing physical feats performed by acrobats and dancers. Mystere is no different in this regard, with its vibrant costumes and captivating lighting. 

This event is friendly for all ages. Children two and older must have tickets to enter. You can catch the 90-minute-long show at Treasure Island.

7. M&M’s World 

Located in Showcase Mall, M&M’s World is a large monument spanning four floors of the much-beloved candy. You get to design your own M&M candy by taking advantage of the printer and the variety of images and colors offered. The M&M World, located in Las Vegas, is also the very first of its stores.

8. Adventuredome Circus Circus

From free circus acts to a variety of exhilarating rides, the Adventuredome is an awesome place to spend time with the whole family. The indoor amusement park is large enough to offer an unending supply of fun for your family. 

9. Discovery Children’s Museum 

Your family can easily spend hours here exploring all of the different exhibits the museum offers over its three floors. From interactive art exhibits to tinkering exhibits where your child gets to problem-solve, create, and experiment. The museum is closed on Mondays and for most holidays, so plan accordingly. 

10. Hello Kitty Cafe

Open every day from 10 a.m., this ultra-cute cafe offers a variety of sweet treats, including freshly baked cookies, donuts, and cakes. The menu also has a number of both hot and iced drinks to choose from and has an array of merchandise for sale. Check out this cute cafe located at the Park MGM. 

Love kittens but looking for bigger cats? Head to Henderson’s Lion Habitat Ranch, an animal sanctuary caring for many large cats (and one giraffe). 

11. Rainforest Cafe

This isn’t only a place to eat with the kids; it’s a place that’s bound to fill them with excitement as they eat any number of offerings sure to delight them. The Rainforest Cafe, located in Harmon Retail Corner, is a jungle-themed restaurant complete with animatronic sounds and flora. 

Looking for a real-life nature experience? Head to the Grand Canyon in a Jeep or helicopter. Note that it is possible to see the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam in one day, but it might be too tiring for younger kids.

A much less time-intensive excursion is to drive through Red Rock Canyon. While rock climbing here is possible (and popular), it’s very difficult, even for adults. 

12. Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix Fun Center

A great activity for all ages, the Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix Fun Center has four go-karts and Grand Prix tracks. It also has a variety of food offerings, games, and rides, as well as availability for party rentals. 

13. Vegas Indoor Skydiving 

Sometimes roller coasters are enough of a thrill. Sometimes zip lines feel too dull.

Open daily until 9 p.m., the Vegas Indoor Skydiving Center provides a fun experience for your entire family. Choose between an array of packages and get to flying. The minimum weight requirement is 40 pounds. This family-friendly activity is located between two iconic Las Vegas hotels (the Encore and the Riviera). It takes slightly over a half hour to walk from the Strip. 

14. Hershey’s Chocolate World

Hershey’s Chocolate World is located in the New York-New York Casino and Hotel. Spanning 13,000 square feet, Hershey’s Chocolate World is the closest you might get to bringing your kids to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.

At Hershey’s Chocolate World, your family gets to see an 800-pound chocolate sculpture of the Statue of Liberty, customize your own chocolate bars, and even participate in a Reese’s TV commercial. 

15. Excalibur Tournament of Kings 

Located on Excalibur Way in the Excalibur Hotel and Casino, the Tournament of Kings is definitely something you should check out. Get treated to the captivating tale of King Arthur and his knights as you dine on delicious fare. The dinner show brings you way back, insisting that the dinner you feast on is eaten with your hands like in the old days.  

16. Cactus Coaster

The Cactus Coaster is a cute electric train that operates without a track — no thrill rides here. The train takes up to 22 passengers through the Town Square’s open-air center. Take a ride with the family through the center as you figure out which activity is next on the agenda. Be sure to mention any birthdays at sign-up so that the train staff can help you celebrate with a free gift. 

This open-air shopping center also features the Ethel M Chocolate Factory, Botanical Cactus Garden, and Sin City Smash, a playground with splatter painting, ax throwing, and, of course, the smash room. It’s perfect for day trips when you don’t have a ton of time to spend. 

Keep the fun going and head to the Downtown Container Park (free admission!). The jungle gym Treehouse is definitely worth a visit. 

17. Wax Museum 

Known as the world’s best wax museum, Madame Tussauds’ array of wax sculptures is definitely a fun activity to put on your family’s itinerary. The museum’s sculptures are divided into several zones, such as sports, Viva Las Vegas, Club Tussauds, and music icons. Located on the Las Vegas Strip right by The Venetian, this is one fun thing to add to the to-do list stat!

It also has a handful of experiences on top of the wax sculptures in those four zones, including a Marvel 4D, What’s New, The Hangover Movie Bar, and Carnival Carnage 7D Game experiences. 

Speaking of the Venetian, the gondola rides are family-friendly things to add to the itinerary. Midway through, you might swear you aren’t in Vegas at all but in Italy. 

18. Cowabunga Bay 

Need a fun escape from the heat? Head over to Cowabunga Bay, a water park equipped with a picnic area, lazy rivers, a children’s area, sandy beaches, a wave pool, and much more. Cowabunga Bay is only open on Saturdays, so plan accordingly.

No worries if the weather isn’t great; as long as there aren’t strong winds or lightning close by, the park stays open. This theme park boasts more than 25 water slides, bringing an aquatic oasis to land-locked Nevada. 

Free Things To Do With Your Family in Vegas 

You might be thinking that any family activities available in Las Vegas will cost money. It is, after all, a city known for its excesses. From casinos to concerts, it is easy to think Las Vegas is synonymous with high rollers. Fortunately, there are a bunch of fun activities your entire family will enjoy at no cost. 

The Bellagio Fountains 

The Bellagio Fountains are a beautiful sight to check out if you go anywhere near the Strip. The water fountains sync with various genres of music, complete with changing colors. The shows happen every 30 minutes. 

Another free thing to do at the Bellagio is the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. These botanical gardens rotate throughout the year, so you always have a solid chance of seeing something new. 

Flamingo Wildlife Habitat

This is a fantastic place to go with the family to see some Chilean Flamingos and other exotic birds. The sanctuary hosts a public feeding twice a day. 

Big Elvis at Harrah’s Piano Bar

What is a trip to Las Vegas without including Elvis? This free show is an awesome tribute to the man, myth, and legend himself.