The best things to do in Las Vegas with the kids

March 15, 2024 • 5 min read

There’s more to Las Vegas, Nevada than bright lights, 24-7 casinos, and gaudy hotels. Just beyond the neon glow is an entire world of adventure for the whole family. So consider yourself lucky, because here are our favorite family-friendly things to do in Las Vegas with the kids.

Points of interest

Check out stellar kid-friendly museums and outdoor spaces
Head out of the city for stunning desert drives and hikes
The world-famous culinary scene has plenty of kid-friendly options

A little boy sits on his mom’s lap in front of a desert fire pit at night.

Culture, science, and scenery for the whole family

Learn a little something new while you’re in town. These destinations are the perfect way to pass a few hours and awaken curiosity in your kids.

For classic glitz and glamor: Step inside the history of Vegas at The Neon Museum Las Vegas. Kids under six are free, and you can wander around the Neon Boneyard, which features over 250 of the signs that used to light up Sin City. Posing here as a family makes for a classic Las Vegas family photo opp (without having to wait in the long line to pose by the Welcome to Las Vegas sign).

For a kid-focused paradise: If you’re looking for a place that’s quite literally made for kids, add Discovery Children’s Museum to your list. Inspire future inventors at Patents Pending, an exhibit that invites kids to test out their next great idea, or let them play inside Eco City, a miniature city that teaches kids how to live in the real world. Younger kids can explore a desert-themed sensory area for toddlers.

For wildlife and butterfly spotting: There’s a lot for the kids to learn and discover at Springs Preserve. Hang out with some desert tortoises, get up close with colorful butterflies at the butterfly habitat, and learn all about local cacti and succulents.

An outdoor dining table sits on a porch at sunset.

Entire cabin in Kingman, Arizona

Go beyond the city limits

The tall buildings and busy streets of Las Vegas are surrounded by a surreal, silent desert with trails and views waiting to be enjoyed — just remember to pack hats, sunscreen, and a lot of extra water (and avoid the midday sun, especially in the summer). If the temperature is too high, you can always enjoy a scenic ride in the car for an afternoon break.

For a quick drive and hike: Put the crowds behind you and wind through the quiet of the desert at Red Rock Canyon. Easy hikes like Moenkopi Loop let you explore a landscape of soaring red boulders, or you can take the thirteen mile, one-way drive that carries you through the park’s best views and wildlife. Be sure to check Red Rock Canyon’s website as timed reservations are sometimes required for entry.

For an amazing day trip: You can get to California’s Death Valley National Park in under two hours from Vegas — and it’s well-worth the drive, especially in cooler months. The Mesquite Sand Dunes offer neverending sandy slopes that heighten the dramatic scenery of the park. Visit the lowest point in North America at Badwater Basin, where you might mistake the salt flats for snow — or tour a natural art show at Artist’s Palette, where volcanic deposits splash the rocks with bright color. On the way back to Vegas, Cactus Joe’s is a fun place to stretch your legs together and check out a 7+ acre cactus nursery.

Best places to stay

Rent a vacation home in Death Valley, California for the night and you’ll be treated to some of the best stargazing in the West.

For a relaxing stay in the desert

Finding a vacation home in or near Las Vegas with a pool is an easy way to relax in Vegas with the kids and spend some time outside — especially if you also factor in these important family-friendly vacation rental amenities.

A stunning striped rock formation at sunset in the desert.

Eat your way through Las Vegas with the kids

There’s more to Vegas than the buffets. Amazing eats are around every corner here, whether you're grabbing a casual burger off the Strip or exploring Vegas’s sprawling Chinatown brimming with hidden gem restaurants. In fact, the food here is part of the reason we picked Las Vegas as one of our favorite budget-friendly vacation ideas for a quick weekend away.

For a full foodie adventure: Chinatown is a foodie wonderland — you’ll find almost four miles of options along Spring Mountain Road, from Chinese to Vietnamese food. Restaurants tend to be much more casual and budget-friendly here, which makes them a great pick for families. Pop by Noodlehead for a cozy bowl of soup noodles, savor Japanese tapas and sushi at Izakaya Go, or sip a honeydew latte and relax in the charming atmosphere at Gäbi Coffee & Bakery.

For a locally loved brew and bite: Breweries are usually known for a laid back, casual environment that’s good for kids, and Las Vegas Brewing is no exception, with tasty pub food classics like burgers and mac and cheese.

For something sweet: Cool down with a scoop or two on a hot day at Sorry, Not Sorry Creamery with otherworldly flavors like Ube Honeycomb or Coffee and Donuts 2.0. Feeling indecisive about whether to keep it healthy or indulge? Thick and Thin Treat Bar serves up healthy fresh juices and smoothies — and decadent ice cream treats. And if you want to have breakfast for dessert, grab crepes at Burgundy Bakery (which also has savory options like breakfast sandwiches and frittatas).

For burning off some energy after dessert: Container Park has plenty of restaurants and shops for adults — and it’s also home to a giant treehouse-themed playground for the kids. Let the littles run around, soar down the slides, and tire themselves out.

No matter if you are hoping to relax or explore, Las Vegas has a world of wonders for both the adults and the kids. And bonus, it’s so much cheaper when you stay away from those slot machines!