15 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Las Vegas (Beyond the Casino Floor)

Vegas is secretly a great family town.

Theme parks & rides

1. Big Apple Coaster (New York-New York). 2. High Roller observation wheel — go at sunset.

Animals & aquariums

3. Shark Reef Aquarium (Mandalay Bay). 4. Flamingo Wildlife Habitat (free). 5. Springs Preserve — 180 acres of botanical gardens, desert trails, and museums; the seasonal butterfly habitat and hands-on exhibits make it a full family morning.

Museums & discovery

6. Discovery Children's Museum downtown. 7. The Atomic Museum (older kids). 8. Neon Museum day tour.

Shows kids enjoy

9. Tournament of Kings (Excalibur). 10. Popovich Comedy Pet Theater.

Free & outdoors

11. Container Park downtown. 12. Ethel M Chocolate Factory & Cactus Garden. 13. Seven Magic Mountains — 20 min south, free, kids love the colorful boulders; See our family-friendly 2.5-hour tour. 14. Red Rock Canyon Junior Ranger program (free badge).

AREA 15

15. AREA 15 — An immersive entertainment district built for families: Meow Wolf's Omega Mart (a surreal, interactive supermarket art experience teens love), plus arcade games, VR experiences, and themed spots for parents. A top pick for an evening or hot afternoon.

The best family day trip

Valley of Fire — easy walking, petroglyphs; small-group Valley of Fire tour (driving, park fees, snacks/drinks, hotel pickup, English/Spanish).

Traveling with kids? Both our tours welcome families: Valley of Fire (Fridays & Saturdays, $127) and Seven Magic Mountains (Monday–Thursday, $47). Free cancellation up to 24 hours.