Las Vegas, Nevada—home to gambling, elaborate adult entertainment and more impromptu weddings than any other city. Although the sin city is a less than desirable nickname, you would be surprised to learn that it serves as a great family friendly vacation for kids of all ages.
Over the last few years, this busy city has successfully cleaned its act up to provide a ton of suitable activities for all members of the family to enjoy both on and off the strip. During our most recent trip to Vegas, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite things to see and do during a Kid Friendly Las Vegas Vacation to the entertainment capital of the world.
This Post was made possible by our partners at Smart Destinations Go City Card Las Vegas. However, all opinions and pictures are my own.
How to Save Money on a Las Vegas Family Vacation
Save Money on Las Vegas Attractions with Smart Destinations Go City Card Las Vegas
Las Vegas has a ton of attractions from free and budget friendly to expensive splurge experience. To keep the cost down, we chose to go with the Go City Card Las Vegas by Smart Destinations. This allowed us to bundle all our favorite attractions into one pass and cut costs. This option made the most sense for our family size and the amount of time we had in Las Vegas.
What is a Go City Card?
The Go City Card by Smart Destinations allows you to bundle and save money on multi attraction experiences in 19 cities both domestically and internationally. Instead of paying for each individual activity of interest, you pay one set discounted price that saves you up to 55%. Passes include activities, food, shows, museum, premium experiences and more.
What does the Go City Pass Las Vegas Include?
The pass offers 1,2,3,5 or 7 day all- inclusive passes with 35+ attractions and experiences to choose from including: Big Bus Tours, Cirque Du Soleil Shows (If your kids are age 5+), Full Day Grand Canyon Tours (With premium pass) and lunch at Planet Hollywood to name a few. What I loved about the Go City Card is that I did not have to keep up with tickets and confirmation numbers. The Go City Card has an app for smart phone devices. To activate, simply visit your first attraction. It also saved us time. With Go City Card, we were able to skip the ticket line and go straight to the box office. Here, they scan your QR code and voila!
Kid Friendly Las Vegas: Free Things to Do in Las Vegas with Kids on the Strip
Luckily, Las Vegas has a ton of things to do with kids both on and off the strip that are completely Free. Depending on the amount of time you have in the city, I suggest visiting the Free attractions first then purchasing an attraction pass like Go City Card for the rest. This way, you don’t over pay for days or attractions that you may not get to use. Here is a list of some of our favorite free things to do in Las Vegas with Kids on the Strip.
1.Fountains of Bellagio Show
2.Circus Acts at Circus Circus
3.Fall of Atlantis Caesar Palace Show
4.Hershey’s Chocolate World and M&M’s World
5.World of Coca Cola
6.Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
- Take Pictures with Street Performers
Outdoor Activities on the Strip
Fountains of Bellagio Show
Finding Vegas shows for Kids is surprisingly easy! Every day, the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas offers a free of charge street fountain show. The fountains dance to a familiar tune and families of all ages will enjoy. The show takes place every 30 minutes from Monday to Friday from 3pm to 8pm and every 15 minutes from 8pm to midnight. Weekend times are every 30 minutes from 11am to 8pm and every 15 minutes 8pm to midnight. Catch multiple shows if you want but never worry about missing one.
Note: The Bellagio also has a conservatory and garden section that is Free to visit. It is often changed with the season or to celebrate Holidays.
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
What’s a trip to Las Vegas without a picture by the Fabulous Las Vegas Sign? The Historic Fabulous Las Vegas Sign can be found on the south end of the strip and makes for the perfect photo opportunity. I highly suggest arriving at the sign early in the day to avoid the long lines. Also, bring a tripod to capture the entire family. If you don’t have one, no worries! Ask other families to take your picture or have one of the street patrons capture one for a tip.
Take Pictures with Street Performers
Everywhere you turn, your kids will probably find some of their favorite characters. From Mickey and friends to the avengers, there’s just about a character on every corner. Although taking photos with the street performers is free, it is customary to tip them for their service.
Note: Friendly characters are not the only street performers that you will see. Some will be on the risqué side and we highly suggest warning older kids about these performers beforehand as they are highly visible by day and night.
Indoor Activities on the Strip
Circus Acts at Circus Circus
Are circus acts a family favorite? Well, you’re in luck! Circus Circus offers live acts starting at 11:30 am every morning and they are completely Free of charge. Circus Circus is the perfect place for kids because they do also offer rides and games for an additional charge. Visit to see the Free circus act or stay to enjoy all the amenities.
Fall of Atlantis Caesar Palace Show
Caesars Palace is well known for its opulent and shopping but they also offer a free show. The show is called Fall of Atlantis and it takes place very hour from 10am to midnight. If you purchase the Go City Card, you’ll find that your pass gives you access to a free lunch at Planet Hollywood in Caesars Palace. I suggest catching a free show before or after your free meal.
Hershey’s Chocolate World and M&M’s World
Candy (especially chocolate) is sure to be a hit with the entire family. Lucky for you, the Las Vegas strip is home to a ton of your favorite candy brands. While the products are not free, you can enjoy multi- level candy heaven, tons of free candy samples and cool photo opps.
World of Coca Cola
Walking for miles along the Las Vegas strip calls for a refreshing drink. Families will love stopping by the World of Coca Cola store which is another multi-level shop with FREE drink samples of coke around the world. There are also paid things to do photo opportunities with the polar bear and Coca-Cola themed apparel and personalized coke bottles. Photos are not free. However, the employees are willing to use your cell phone for pictures free of charge.
Kid Friendly Las Vegas: Paid Things to Do with Kids on Las Vegas Strip
Las Vegas has a ton more activities to do with kids that are paid. Luckily, if you purchase the Las Vegas Go City Card, most of these activities are included in the discounted bulk price. If you have children ages 3 and under, some of these activities are FREE admission. I highly suggest purchasing the Go City Card for toddlers and kids and not scanning where admission is FREE.
1.LINQ High Roller at LINQ Promenade
2.Fly LINQ Las Vegas Zip lining
3.Marvel Avengers Station
4.Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
5.Cirque Du Soleil Shows
6.Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden
7.Tournament of Kings at Excalibur
8.Big Bus Tours
Outdoor Activities on the Strip
LINQ High Roller at LINQ Promenade
The LINQ High Roller observation Ferris wheel is the largest wheel in the world at 500 + feet tall. These 28 cabin and air controlled pods offer a 360- degree view of Las Vegas and beyond for 30 minutes. Approximately 8 people are allowed in one pod at a time and you can enjoy the views both day and night.
Big Bus Tours
The Las Vegas Strip is approximately 4 ½ miles long and could take an hour or two to walk from one end to the other. This is a lot of walking for anyone (especially kids). The Big Bus Hop On/Hop Off Tours is an excellent option for families. This double decker bus allows you to explore the entire strip (day or night) or hop on or off to get to your attractions. While the top is open air, the bottom is air controlled to help you combat the Vegas heat. This attraction is included in the Go City Card.
Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden
Animal lovers will also enjoy Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden. From dolphin to tiger encounters, get up close and personal with some of your favorite animals. The Secret Garden also offers unique activities such as birthday parties, yoga with Dolphins VIP tours and more. Click HERE to view their activities and upcoming events for FREE admissions.
Fly LINQ Las Vegas Zip lining
Also in the LINQ Promenade is FLY LINQ Las Vegas Zip lining. The Fly LINQ zip line is a new attraction on the strip. Zip line across the LINQ promenade either seated or superman style. Although kid friendly, this attraction is not made for smaller children as there is a weight and height restriction of 60 to 300 lbs. and 3ft 4in to 6ft 8inches.
Indoor Activities on the Strip
Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
Aquarium lovers will love the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. The aquarium allows you to get up close and personal with your favorite sea creatures and serves as the perfect sensory activity for children. There is even a 1.3 million gallon shark tank with a ship wreck (Children under 3 are FREE). Feeling brave? For a hefty price, you can experience diving with sharks and capture it on video. (This experience is 18 and older).
Marvel Avengers Station
If your entire family are Marvel Fans, then you will love Marvel Avengers Station. This interactive entertainment and museum complex, you will get behind the scenes look at your favorite superhero characters. These activities double as a lesson in science and engineering which is perfect for kids. Even the smallest member of the family will be wowed by the displays. Children 3 and under are FREE.
Cirque Du Soleil Shows
Cirque Du Soleil is widely known for their stunningly visual shows, diverse circus acts and unique productions. There are about 5 Cirque Du Soleil shows ranging from adult only to family friendly. The Go City Card gives you access to 2 of the shows.Note: Zumanity by Cirque Du Soleil is a show for 18 and older while Love (Beatles) by Cirque Du Soleil is family appropriate. Be advised, all Las Vegas Cirque Du Soleil shows have a minimum age of 5.
Tournament of Kings at Excalibur
If your family’s a fan of medieval Knights style dinner shows, then this is the perfect show for you. Fully dressed Knights sword fighting is enough to excite even the smallest members of your family. The Excalibur is easily accessed by the southern end of the strip and you can use the monorail to visit both the Tournament of Kings at Excalibur to Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. Click HERE for show times.
Kid Friendly Las Vegas: Things to Do in Las Vegas with Kids off Strip
Looking to get away from the Strip and still enjoy your time in Vegas? Luckily, Las Vegas can be enjoyable far beyond the strip. There are tons of activities and landmarks to visit within drivable distance. Here are 4 more things to do in Las Vegas with or without kids off the strip:
Cities near Las Vegas
Lake Las Vegas
Lake Las Vegas is a stunning new development area in Henderson, Nevada. Just a few miles outside the strip, you’ll find a serene getaway fit for families and couples alike. Lake Las Vegas is known for its pristine Golf courses, water sports, dining, shopping and more. Click HERE to read about Lake Las Vegas: Vegas’s Best Kept Secret and the Best Family Friendly Resort in Las Vegas.
Scenic Drives and Hiking near Las Vegas
Las Vegas has stunningly gorgeous landscapes and it makes the perfect place for an American Southwest Road Trip. Some of the best places to road trip, sightsee and/or hike include:
The Hoover Dam
Just 30 miles from Las Vegas you’ll find one of the top construction achievements of the 20th Century, The Hoover Dam. Not only is the Hoover Dam essential in providing hydroelectric power to Nevada, Arizona and California, it’s also a stunning work of art carved from a natural wonder. This scenic drive can either take you by car across the Mike O’Callaghan- Mike Tillman Memorial bridge, cross the Nevada/Arizona state line or you can park and explore the Dam while taking in the scenery.
Red Rock Canyon
Just 16 miles west of Las Vegas, you will find the Red Rock Canyon National Conservational Area and Scenic loop drive. These canyons are actually a large chunk of the Mohave Desert and here you will find stunning naturally occurring rock formations. The Red Rock Canyon is the perfect place for hiking near Las Vegas so if hiking is your hobby, plan to spend the day here and hike at the different points.
Lake Mead National Park
Lake Mead is gorgeous. There are tons of picturesque views to take in on your short drive or you can plan a day enjoying the scenery. Along your drive, you will find tons of pull over spots for fishing and picnics. As far as outdoor activities, there are a ton of things to do such as biking, boating, hiking, scuba diving and more. You can very well make a day trip out of this state park.
Click HERE to read an in depth article about 3 Must See Scenic Drives near Las Vegas
Activities near Las Vegas with Kids
Wet n Wild Las Vegas
The Las Vegas heat can be hard to get away from. Take the day to cool off at Wet n Wild Las Vegas. This water park is the number 1 water park in the state of Nevada and for good reason. Wet n Wild covers 20 acres with over 17 water slides and activities perfect for the entire family. It is also very inexpensive. Click HERE for park information and pricing.
Discovery Children’s Museum
Turn a vacation into a learning experience for children at the Discovery Children’s Museum in Las Vegas. Here, children can explore the world of science through hands on interactive activities and more. Click HERE to learn more about the Museum.
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