Vegas isn’t just a grown-up city. Between indoor theme parks, aquariums, free fountain shows and hands-on museums, there’s a surprisingly strong family lineup here, if you know where to look. Here’s our researched pick of the best ten, with real prices and official booking links.
We’ve been to Las Vegas several times over the years, always as adults, always without the children. This time is different, and in the run-up to going as a family for the first time, we’ve been resetting everything we thought we knew about the city, working out what’s actually worth doing with two young kids in tow rather than what we’d have picked for ourselves a few years ago. These are the things we found.
Vegas has a reputation, and it’s fair to say most of it isn’t aimed at families. But underneath the neon, there’s a surprisingly deep bench of things built specifically for kids, and a few classic Strip attractions that work brilliantly for the whole family too. Here’s our top ten, why each one earns its spot, and what it’ll actually cost you.
1. Adventuredome at Circus Circus
An indoor, climate-controlled amusement park, five acres of rides including the Canyon Blaster (the world’s only indoor double-loop, double-corkscrew coaster) and gentler rides for younger children too. It’s a genuine year-round option since it’s fully indoors, perfect for escaping the heat.
Why it works for families: rides across a huge age range, from toddler-friendly to full thrill-seeker, all under one roof. Price: entry is free; a regular all-day ride wristband is around $60, junior passes (33-48 inches) around $30. Individual rides run roughly $5-12. Book: circuscircus.com/adventuredome-theme-park
2. Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
A 1.3-million-gallon aquarium with sharks, rays, sea turtles and a walk-through acrylic tunnel. Self-guided, so you move at your own pace, most visits run 3-4 hours.
Why it works for families: educational without ever feeling like a lesson, and the tunnel moment is a proper wow for kids. Price: child tickets (ages 5-12) from around $20, adult from around $30, under-4s free. Book: mandalaybay.com/en/entertainment/shark-reef-aquarium.html
3. Fountains of Bellagio
Choreographed water fountains set to music, right on the Strip, running every 15-30 minutes throughout the evening (and some afternoon slots too).
Why it works for families: completely free, no booking required, and truly spectacular, one of the best free things to do with kids anywhere in Vegas. Price: free. More info: bellagio.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/fountains-of-bellagio.html
4. DISCOVERY Children’s Museum
A three-floor, hands-on museum downtown, science, art, water play, a marketplace zone, and dedicated toddler space. Stroller-friendly throughout.
Why it works for families: built specifically for kids aged 0-12, with enough variety across three floors to fill half a day. Price: general admission from around $16-20 (discounts available for EBT/SNAP/WIC cardholders). Book: discoverykidslv.org
5. The High Roller at The LINQ
North America’s tallest observation wheel, a 30-minute rotation with 360° views across the whole Strip and valley.
Why it works for families: calm, visually stunning, and a nice change of pace from rides and noise, works for younger kids who might find a roller coaster too much. Price: daytime tickets from around $23.50 for adults, $8.50 for kids 4-12, under-3s free. Prices rise for evening entry. Book: caesars.com/linq/things-to-do/high-roller
6. Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York
A high-speed outdoor coaster wrapped around a replica Manhattan skyline, 67mph, a 203-foot drop, and genuine Strip views on the way up.
Why it works for families: best for older kids and teens rather than little ones, there’s a 54-inch height requirement, but it’s a proper Vegas rite of passage for the ones who qualify. Price: around $14-25 per ride, with a “Family Fun Flight for Four” package around $60-89 depending on inclusions. Book: nynyhotelcasino.com/en/entertainment/big-apple-coaster.html
7. Springs Preserve
180 acres of trails, botanical gardens, a museum, a trackless train, and live animal habitats, all built on the original water source for the Las Vegas Valley. A genuine antidote to the Strip.
Why it works for families: space to actually run around, shade, trails, and enough variety (train ride, gardens, museum) to fill a half or full day. Price: around $18.95 for adults, $10.95 for children 3-17 (Nevada residents pay roughly half), under-2s free. Book: springspreserve.org
8. The Neon Museum
An outdoor museum of Las Vegas’s iconic vintage neon signage, part history lesson, part striking photo opportunity, especially after dark when many signs are lit.
Why it works for families: a completely different side of Vegas history, and an easy way to talk to kids about how the city has changed over time. Price: check the official site for current adult/child pricing and tour times, as these vary by season and tour type. Book: neonmuseum.org
9. Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart (at AREA15)
Part art installation, part puzzle hunt, part immersive maze, hidden behind a surreal fake supermarket. Best suited to slightly older children.
Why it works for families: unlike anything else on this list, a shared “what just happened?” experience that older kids and teens especially love. Price: tickets start from around $45 per person; suggested ages 6+. Book: area15.com/meow-wolf-omega-mart
10. Popovich Comedy Pet Theater
A family-friendly comedy and animal show featuring rescued cats, dogs and other animals performing alongside a Russian circus-trained ringmaster. No age restriction.
Why it works for families: a proper Vegas show experience the whole family can actually attend together, most Cirque du Soleil shows require guests to be five or older, this one welcomes everyone. Price: check the official site for current showtimes and ticket pricing. Book: popovich.com
A few practical tips
Book tickets online in advance where you can, several of these (Adventuredome, Shark Reef, the museums) offer better pricing or guaranteed entry that way. Check height and age requirements before you promise a specific ride to a child, several attractions on this list have restrictions that catch families out. And don’t discount the free options, the Bellagio fountains alone are worth building an evening around.
What else is possible when a city built for adults turns out to have this much for kids too?
FAQ
What’s the best free thing to do with kids in Las Vegas? The Fountains of Bellagio, no cost, no booking, and one of the most memorable free shows anywhere on the Strip.
Is Las Vegas actually suitable for a family trip? Yes, as long as you plan around timed tickets and build in breaks, treating it a bit like a theme-park city makes a real difference.
Which attraction is best for very young children? DISCOVERY Children’s Museum is specifically designed for ages 0-12, and Adventuredome has plenty of gentle, younger-kid-friendly rides alongside the bigger thrills.
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