Las Vegas, often dubbed the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” has long held a reputation as an adult playground. While the city certainly caters to grown-up fun, it’s also brimming with attractions and activities perfect for families. After years of viewing Vegas as a destination for couples’ getaways, we discovered its surprisingly family-friendly side during a trip. This revelation led us to bring our kids to Las Vegas for Spring Break, and to our delight, they absolutely loved it! We experienced an incredible vacation, completely bypassing the casinos and nightclubs. Las Vegas truly offers something for everyone, and this guide will show you how to make it an unforgettable family vacation destination.
Getting to Las Vegas: Air or Road Trip?
Reaching Las Vegas is straightforward, with two primary travel options: flying and driving.
Southwest Airlines plane wing view over mountain range.
- Flying: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is your destination. For those coming from the West Coast, Southwest Airlines is frequently the most convenient and budget-friendly choice. They offer multiple daily flights from major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, and their generous baggage policy (two checked bags included) is a bonus for families. From the airport, ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber provide easy access to the Las Vegas Strip.
- Driving: Las Vegas is accessible by car, approximately a 4-5 hour drive from Los Angeles and a 10-11 hour drive from San Francisco. Both routes traverse the Mojave Desert, so ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and pack ample water and snacks for emergencies.
Unforgettable Family Activities: Things to Do in Las Vegas
While New York City may be known as “the city that never sleeps,” Las Vegas rivals it with its 24/7 energy. Beyond the casinos, a wealth of family-oriented entertainment awaits. Here are some of the highlights from our family trip:
Immersive Art and Entertainment:
- Omega Mart at AREA15: Dive into a surreal and mind-bending supermarket experience at Omega Mart. This interactive art installation from Meow Wolf is a hit with all ages, offering a quirky and imaginative world to explore. Kids and adults alike will be captivated by the secret passages and bizarre products.
High Roller Observation Wheel pod with Las Vegas cityscape view.
Iconic Las Vegas Experiences:
- The High Roller Observation Wheel: Take a ride on the High Roller, one of the world’s tallest observation wheels, for breathtaking panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip and surrounding valley. Day or night, the views are spectacular, offering a unique perspective of the city.
Family posing in front of the illuminated Sphere in Las Vegas at night.
- The Sphere: Witness the architectural marvel of The Sphere, a massive spherical entertainment venue. Its exterior LED screen displays stunning visuals that are sure to impress. Catch a show inside for an unparalleled immersive experience (note: content suitability for younger children should be checked beforehand).
Outdoor Adventures and Day Trips:
Young person overlooking the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon.
- Grand Canyon National Park: Embark on a day trip to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. While it’s a drive from Las Vegas, the natural wonder is well worth the journey. Hike along the rim, take in the majestic views, and create lasting family memories. Consider a helicopter tour for a truly unforgettable perspective.
Child relaxing in an inner tube on a lazy river at a Las Vegas pool.
Poolside Fun and Relaxation:
- Las Vegas Hotel Pools: Many Las Vegas hotels boast incredible pool complexes that are perfect for families. Spend days lounging by the pool, swimming, and enjoying lazy rivers or water slides. Pool day passes are often available even if you’re not staying at the hotel, offering access to these amazing amenities.
Bellagio Fountains water show, Bellagio Conservatory floral display, and Caesars Palace aquarium.
Free and Budget-Friendly Activities:
- Bellagio Fountains: Witness the mesmerizing Bellagio Fountains water show, a free spectacle of choreographed water, music, and light. It’s a classic Las Vegas experience that’s enjoyable for all ages.
- Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden: Explore the Bellagio Conservatory, a stunning indoor garden that changes seasonally with elaborate floral displays. It’s a beautiful and free attraction within the Bellagio hotel.
- Forum Shops Aquarium at Caesars Palace: Discover the free aquarium located in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Home to a variety of fish and marine life, it provides a fascinating and educational experience for children.
Family-Friendly Dining in Las Vegas
Las Vegas offers a diverse culinary scene with options to please every palate. For family-friendly dining recommendations, TikTok user @vegasstarfish is a great resource. Here are some of our family favorites:
Assortment of breakfast foods: french toast, chicken and waffles, and fried green tomatoes.
- Brunch Spots: Las Vegas excels at brunch. Look for family-friendly spots offering classic dishes like pancakes, waffles, and omelets. Many restaurants on and off the Strip cater to families with kid-friendly menus and relaxed atmospheres.
- Casual Dining: From pizza and burgers to tacos and Asian cuisine, you’ll find countless casual dining options perfect for families. Food courts and less formal restaurants within hotels are often convenient and budget-friendly choices.
- Buffets (Family-Friendly): While buffets might seem overwhelming, many Las Vegas buffets are surprisingly family-friendly, offering a wide variety of cuisines and options to satisfy everyone, even picky eaters.
Choosing the Right Family Hotel in Las Vegas
Selecting the right accommodation is crucial for a successful family trip to Las Vegas. Consider these factors when choosing where to stay:
Hotel room at Red Rock Resort overlooking a pool complex.
- On-Strip vs. Off-Strip: Do you want to be in the heart of the action on the Las Vegas Strip, or prefer a quieter, more relaxed environment off-strip? Off-strip hotels often offer more space and family-friendly amenities at potentially lower prices.
- Budget and Style: Las Vegas has hotels for every budget, from luxury resorts to more affordable options. Determine your budget and the style of accommodation you prefer (e.g., suites, themed hotels, family-focused resorts).
- Smoke and Casino-Free Options: If you’re sensitive to smoke or prefer to avoid casinos, look for hotels that offer smoke-free floors or are located away from casinos. Some hotels are specifically designed to be family-friendly and less casino-centric.
- Pool Amenities: For families, a great pool complex can be a major draw. Research hotels with pools, lazy rivers, water parks, or other water features that will appeal to your kids.
- Shuttle Service: If you choose an off-strip hotel, check if they offer a shuttle service to the Strip for easy access to attractions.
Getting Around Las Vegas with Kids
While the Las Vegas Strip may appear walkable on a map, distances can be deceiving, especially in the desert heat. Here are transportation options for families:
People walking along the Las Vegas Strip sidewalk.
- Resort Shuttles: Many off-strip hotels and hotel groups offer free shuttle services to central locations on the Strip. This is a convenient and cost-effective option.
- Public Bus (RTC): The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) operates buses along the Strip and downtown, including the Fremont Street Experience. Download the RTC app for easy ticket purchase and route planning.
- Monorail: The Las Vegas Monorail connects several casinos along the east side of the Strip. It’s a fast and economical option, but be aware that monorail stations can be a considerable walk from the casino entrances.
- Walking: Walking is possible, especially in the evenings or cooler months. Elevated walkways and sidewalks are available, but distances between attractions can be significant.
- Ride-Sharing (Lyft/Uber): Ride-sharing services are readily available and convenient for getting around Las Vegas. Designated pick-up and drop-off points are located at most hotels and attractions. For families of three or more, ride-sharing can be comparable in cost to public transportation and often faster.
- Car Rental: While driving is an option, navigating the Strip by car can be challenging due to traffic and parking. Parking is available at most casinos, but can be a walk from the main areas. Consider renting a car primarily for day trips outside of the Strip.
What to Pack for Your Family Trip to Vegas
Refer to general packing lists for carry-on only travel and tips for teaching kids to pack. For Las Vegas specifically, consider these essential items:
- Sun Protection: Las Vegas is in the desert, so pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourselves from the strong sun, even in cooler months.
- Swimwear: Essential for enjoying the hotel pools and water attractions.
- Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.
- Refillable Water Bottles: Stay hydrated in the desert climate by bringing refillable water bottles.
- Layers: Temperatures can fluctuate, especially between day and night. Pack layers of clothing to adapt to changing weather conditions.
- Pool Day Essentials: Bring pool towels (though hotels often provide them), swim diapers for babies, and pool toys if desired.
Essential Tips for a Family-Friendly Las Vegas Vacation
Woman overlooking the Las Vegas Strip and the Sphere from a high vantage point.
- Plan Activities by Area: Group your daily activities geographically to minimize travel time between locations. Focus on exploring one section of the Strip or a specific area each day.
- Weekday Daytime Strip is Family-Friendly: The Las Vegas Strip is generally more tame and family-appropriate during weekdays and daytime hours. Evenings and weekends tend to attract a more adult-oriented crowd.
- Pool Day Passes are a Great Option: Utilize resort day passes to access the amazing pool complexes of various hotels, even if you’re not staying there. Book in advance for potentially better rates.
- Consider the Time of Year: Las Vegas pools are typically open from April to October. Summer months are extremely hot, while winters can have chilly nights. April and October offer pleasant weather. Be mindful of holidays and special events, which can draw larger crowds.
- Older Kids May Appreciate Vegas More: Older children and teenagers may have a greater appreciation for the variety of attractions and activities in Las Vegas, from shows and roller coasters to outdoor adventures. Younger children may be content with pool time and simpler activities. Note that babies are allowed in most places except for active casino floors.
Las Vegas has transformed into a fantastic family vacation destination. With careful planning and an open mind, you can create a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone. Don’t hesitate to bring your family to Vegas – you might be surprised at just how much fun you all have!
