Las Vegas with Kids: 10 Experiences We'd Absolutely Do Again

Think Las Vegas is just for adults? After three trips with our kids, we've discovered a completely different side of Vegas and some of our favorite experiences aren't even on the Strip.

Three trips to Las Vegas with kids, and we're still finding new things to love!

Living in the Los Angeles area, Las Vegas is an easy road trip or quick flight away. Before kids, my husband and I loved escaping to Vegas for a weekend. There was always something new to see, a restaurant to try, or a show to catch. It was a fun break from the workweek.

Then we had kids.

And surprisingly, Las Vegas became even more entertaining.

We've now taken our kids to Vegas three times, including two Presidents' Day weekends in a row. We had so much fun the first February that we decided to do it again the following year.

Here's the funny part: having kids has introduced us to shows and experiences we probably never would have considered before. We've seen Piff the Magic Dragon, Jabbawockeez, Mac King, and Blue Man Group. We've explored the desert, toured Hoover Dam, and discovered some fantastic restaurants away from the Strip.

And we've loved it.

Now, I know everyone has an opinion about Las Vegas.

Some people love it. Others immediately tell you they hate gambling, think Vegas is disgusting, or can't imagine why anyone would bring children there.

I find these reactions understandable and respect them.

If you're reading this, you're probably considering a family trip to Las Vegas. Or maybe you're just here to judge me for bringing my kids. Either way, welcome!

I'm not going to give you the same list of things to do in Vegas with kids that you've already read a dozen times. Yes, the Bellagio fountains are wonderful. Yes, you should walk through the hotels. And yes, your kids will probably beg to visit the M&M's store.

This isn't a list of every family attraction in Las Vegas. These are 10 experiences we've actually tried with our kids, including a few we never would have considered before becoming parents.

But after three family trips, these are the five experiences that have made Las Vegas memorable for us.

We typically visit in February, when it's too cold for us to spend the day at the pool. These recommendations are especially good for a winter trip to Las Vegas with kids. If you're visiting in the middle of summer, you might prefer more pool time and fewer desert hikes.

A quick note: Every experience mentioned in this article was paid for by us. We did not receive complimentary tickets, hotel stays, or compensation from any of the attractions, shows, or hotels featured. All opinions are entirely my own.

Getting to Las Vegas from Los Angeles

One of the reasons we keep returning to Las Vegas is how easy it is to get there from Southern California. It's about a four- to five-hour drive from the Los Angeles area, depending on traffic, or a quick flight if you'd rather skip the drive.

We've enjoyed making the journey part of the adventure, too. If you're planning to drive with kids, check out my How to Survive a Long Road Trip With Kids for our favorite tips on keeping everyone entertained and making the drive a little easier.

And whether you're driving or flying, packing for a quick family getaway doesn't need to be complicated. I've learned over the years that bringing less usually makes traveling with kids much easier. You can read more in my Family Packing Tips: 15 Things I’ve Learned Traveling With Kids, where I share how we pack for trips with kids without bringing everything we own.

And once you arrive, there's plenty to do whether you're staying on the Strip or exploring beyond it.

1. See a Comedy or Magic Show Your Kids Will Actually Love

I never expected Las Vegas to become one of our favorite places to take the kids to live performances.

But it has.

Before kids, we usually planned our Vegas weekends around concerts, restaurants, and adult entertainment. Now we're discovering comedians, magicians, and performers we might otherwise have overlooked.

And some have been absolutely hilarious.

Piff the Magic Dragon: Our Family Favori

Piff the Magic Dragon had our kids laughing harder than just about any show we've seen.

If I could recommend just one show, it would be Piff the Magic Dragon.

Imagine a man dressed in a dragon costume performing magic tricks while delivering incredibly dry, sarcastic humor.

It sounds ridiculous. And it is.

Our kids laughed so hard they were practically falling out of their seats. I honestly don't remember seeing them laugh that much at a live performance.

Part of what makes Piff so entertaining is the audience participation. You never quite know what's going to happen when someone gets called onstage, and sometimes I think the performer is just as surprised as the audience.

A quick parent warning: Piff does use some profanity. That doesn't particularly bother us, but every family has different comfort levels, so it's worth knowing before you book.

Mac King, Blue Man Group, and More

We've also enjoyed Mac King's comedy magic show, which combines silly humor, magic, and audience participation. One thing I especially liked was the afternoon showtime. We could enjoy the performance and still have the entire evening ahead of us to walk around, explore the hotels, and go out to dinner.

Blue Man Group proves you don't need words to put on a memorable show!

We've also seen Jabbawockeez and Blue Man Group, which gave our kids a completely different kind of live entertainment experience.

Practical tip: Check each show's current performance schedule, age requirements, and content recommendations before buying tickets. Las Vegas shows vary widely in what's appropriate for children, and schedules can change. Afternoon performances are especially convenient for families because they leave your evening free.

My tip: Instead of automatically choosing the biggest production show in Las Vegas, look for smaller comedy and magic performances. They're often more interactive, and watching your kids become part of the experience can be half the fun.

And for the record, we paid for our own tickets. These are simply shows our family enjoyed.

2. Visit Hoover Dam and Prepare for a Lot of Dam Jokes

Hoover Dam had been on our bucket list for years.

It's one of those places you grow up hearing about, but seeing it in person is something entirely different.

The enormous scale of Hoover Dam is something you really have to see in person.

Located roughly 30–45 minutes from Las Vegas, depending on traffic, Hoover Dam is an easy half-day adventur

And it is enormous.

Standing there looking at the massive concrete structure, it's hard to comprehend the engineering involved in building it in the 1930s. Even more impressive is how quickly it was constructed and the fact that it continues to serve an important purpose today.

We decided to take a guided tour to learn more about the dam's construction and operation.

Here's something important to know before you go: Hoover Dam offers different tour experiences, and the ticketing rules aren't the same for all of them. The more extensive Guided Dam Tour tickets are available only in person, on a first-come, first-served basis. Other ticket options may be purchased in advance.

Going inside Hoover Dam gave us a whole new appreciation for this engineering marvel.

We had about an hour to wait before our tour began, but it worked out perfectly. There was plenty of time to explore the exhibits, visit the overlooks, and take photos. I would recommend arriving early, especially on weekends and holidays, to improve your chances of getting the tour you want.

You can find current tour options, prices, and operating hours on the official Hoover Dam website.

There are also some great outdoor stops nearby, including the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge pedestrian walkway, where you can get a spectacular view of the dam.

And then there were the jokes.

How many dam jokes can one family make in an afternoon?

Apparently, quite a few.

We talked about the dam tour, the dam traffic, the dam bathrooms, and just about everything else we could think of.

I'm not sure which was more memorable for the kids: the engineering or the jokes.

Either way, it was absolutely worth the trip.

My tip: Allow extra time beyond your scheduled tour. Between the exhibits, overlooks, and nearby bridge, there's more to explore than you might expect.

3. Skip the Strip for Dinner and Explore Las Vegas Chinatown

This might be my most unexpected recommendation.

After years of visiting Las Vegas, I had never really explored Chinatown. We always stayed on the Strip, ate at the hotels, and moved from one casino resort to the next.

From Korean BBQ to noodles and desserts, Las Vegas Chinatown has something for everyone.

This year, we stayed off the Strip for the first time in my approximately 25 years of visiting Vegas.

And it completely changed how we explored the city.

We stayed at the Rio, which made us much more willing to venture beyond the usual tourist areas.

One of our favorite discoveries was Las Vegas Chinatown.

First, the name is a little misleading.

Yes, there are Chinese restaurants, but the area offers an incredible variety of Asian cuisines. You'll find Korean barbecue, Thai food, Japanese restaurants, hand-pulled noodles, all-you-can-eat sushi, soups, bakeries, and all kinds of desserts.

One of our favorite discoveries: incredible Asian food just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip.

We've traveled to several countries throughout Asia, so exploring this neighborhood was especially fun for me. It felt like we could revisit some of our favorite flavors from different trips all in one evening.

After dinner, we walked around, checked out some of the shops, and enjoyed being somewhere completely different from the Strip.

It was a refreshing change from the giant casino restaurants and expensive resort dining.

And you don't need a rental car to visit. Chinatown is a relatively short Uber or taxi ride from much of the Strip.

Practical tip: Las Vegas Chinatown is centered along Spring Mountain Road, west of the Strip. It's a collection of shopping plazas and restaurants rather than one pedestrian-only neighborhood, so you may need to drive or take a short rideshare between places. Choose a restaurant and nearby shops before heading over, especially if you're visiting with younger kids.

My tip: Plan an entire evening around Chinatown rather than just going for dinner. Pick a restaurant, wander through a few shops, and leave room for dessert.

This is one of those Vegas experiences that I wish we'd discovered years earlier.

4. Spend a Morning Climbing and Exploring Red Rock Canyon

If your kids enjoy being outdoors, Red Rock Canyon is one of the best places to visit near Las Vegas.

And it's beautiful.

After spending so much time surrounded by hotels, casinos, bright lights, and crowds, heading into the desert feels like entering an entirely different world.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is about 30 minutes from the Strip, depending on traffic.

Trading the bright lights of Vegas for the beautiful red rocks of Red Rock Canyon.

We love going in the morning, when everyone has plenty of energy.

For our family, this isn't just about taking a hike.

It's about climbing on rocks, exploring little passages, discovering new views, and letting the kids choose which direction to investigate next.

It's like a giant natural playground.

The red sandstone formations are spectacular, and there's something about being surrounded by that scenery that makes everyone want to explore.

We can spend hours there without anyone asking when we're leaving.

That's a pretty big win on a family vacation.

One important thing to know: Red Rock Canyon requires timed-entry reservations for the Scenic Drive from October 1 through May 31, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Since we visit in February, this is something we need to plan ahead for. Reservations are made for an entry window, so you'll want to choose a time that works with your morning plans.

You can check the current requirements and make reservations through the Red Rock Canyon timed-entry information page.

If you're visiting in the cooler months, the weather can be ideal for hiking. During the summer, however, the desert heat can make many trails uncomfortable or unsafe, particularly later in the day.

I've written an entire post about our experience, including why we loved exploring the area with kids.

Read more: Red Rock Canyon with Kids: A FreshCruiser Take

My tip: Plan Red Rock Canyon for the morning, then return to your hotel to relax before heading out for dinner and a show. It's a great balance of outdoor adventure and classic Vegas entertainment.

5. Allegiant Stadium Tour: Behind the Scenes with the Las Vegas Raider

Inside the Raiders' locker room! One of the coolest stops on our Allegiant Stadium tour.

Even if you're not a huge football fan, touring Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders, is a pretty cool experience for families visiting Las Vegas.It's one thing to watch an NFL game on television, but something completely different to step inside a massive professional football stadium and see what happens behind the scenes.

One of the highlights of our tour was getting to go inside the Raiders' locker room! It's not every day you get to see where professional football players get ready for a game, and it made the whole experience feel that much more special.

It's a fun way to break up the usual Las Vegas activities, especially if you have kids who enjoy sports. And even if football isn't their favorite thing, seeing the stadium from a completely different perspective is impressive.

My tip: Book your Allegiant Stadium tour in advance, as tours are offered around the stadium's event schedule. Check what's included when you reserve, since access to areas like the locker room can vary depending on the day. You can find current tour information on the official Allegiant Stadium website.

6. Discover Duckpin Bowling at Treasure Island

Here's a little Vegas discovery that deserves more attention: duckpin bowling.

We played at Treasure Island, and it turned out to be one of those simple activities everyone genuinely enjoyed.

If you've never tried duckpin bowling, picture regular bowling with smaller balls and shorter lanes.

The games move quickly, the balls are easier for kids to handle, and you don't have to commit to the same amount of time as traditional bowling.

Small bowling balls, shorter lanes, and lots of laughs at Treasure Island's duckpin bowling.

I love duckpin bowling.

And apparently, so does everyone else in our family.

It's one of those rare activities that works across generations. I've enjoyed playing with my kids, and even my 79-year-old grandmother has had fun doing it.

On one of our trips, we spent the day walking the Strip, exploring hotels, and stopping wherever something caught our attention.

Duckpin bowling was a perfect break from all the walking.

Where to find it: Treasure Island lists duckpin bowling at The Cove Bar & Arcade. Guests under 14 must be accompanied by an adult, so it's a good activity to enjoy together as a family. I recommend checking the current hours and availability before heading over, particularly on busy weekends.

Of course, there's also an arcade.

We had already let the kids play arcade games at Excalibur the night before, so we made it very clear that this stop was for bowling only.

No video games.

Just bowling.

It was a fun stop and something a little different from the usual Vegas attractions.

My tip: Mix one or two planned activities into your day of exploring the Strip. Having a destination like duckpin bowling gives everyone something to look forward to between hotels.

7. The Wizard of Oz at Sphere

Following the yellow brick road in a whole new way at The Wizard of Oz at Sphere.

We saw The Wizard of Oz at Sphere, which brought the classic movie to life on a massive immersive screen. It's a completely different way to experience a movie, and the technology alone makes it memorable. We did not expect much from the show as how can it be different than going to the movies. We were all wrong and couldn’t stop talking about different parts of the “magic” throughout the show. My daughter played the Tin Man in her school musical, it was cute to see her mouthing the words as he spoke.

My tip: Check the current Sphere schedule, ticket prices, and show-specific age guidance before visiting. It's a unique experience, but tickets can be expensive for a family.

8. Tournament of Kings at Excalibur

Knights, horses, and dinner with a show—Tournament of Kings at Excalibur is quite the experience!

If your kids enjoy knights, horses, and a little friendly competition, Tournament of Kings at Excalibur is a fun dinner show to consider. It's a medieval-themed performance with jousting, sword fights, and plenty of cheering from the audience. We were given a knight to cheer and I saw our entire family get into the spirit.

And dinner is part of the experience! It's definitely not your typical restaurant meal. You have to eat with your hands, enjoy getting a little messy.

9. Excalibur's Fun Dungeon Arcade

A little friendly competition at Excalibur's Fun Dungeon arcade.

Sometimes the kids just want to play arcade games, and that’s definitely no something they regularly do, so it feels special. The Fun Dungeon arcade at Excalibur is an easy stop while exploring the south end of the Las Vegas Strip. With a variety of video games and carnival-style games, it's a fun way to give the kids a break from sightseeing.

We visited during one of our trips, and of course, it made negotiating arcade time at Treasure Island the following day a little more interesting.

Apparently, there's no such thing as too many arcade games when you're a kid.

My tip: Decide on a game budget before walking in. Otherwise, it's surprisingly easy for a quick arcade stop to turn into a much longer and more expensive—activity.

10. Take a Ride in a Driverless Zoox

This is one of those experiences that feels very Las Vegas.

If you have the opportunity, try taking a ride in a Zoox robotaxi.

No driver, no steering wheel, and lots of giggles—our Zoox ride was a Vegas experience all its own.

It's a driverless vehicle that transports passengers between designated pickup and drop-off locations in Las Vegas.

There's no driver sitting behind the wheel.

For kids, that's pretty amazing.

Watching the car navigate traffic all by itself is both fascinating and a little surreal. It's the kind of experience that can turn an ordinary ride into one of the most talked-about parts of the trip.

Trying for a ride earlier in the afternoon, before demand picks up, may be a good approach.

Practical tip: Zoox operates within a limited service area, and ride availability, pickup points, and passenger requirements can change. Check the current service area and rider eligibility before planning your trip around it. In particular, confirm that everyone in your family meets the current age requirements.

It's a fun way to experience a little bit of the future while you're in Vegas.

Where We Stayed: The Luxor Pyramid and the Rio Hotel

We've stayed at two very different hotels during our recent family trips, and both taught us something about visiting Las Vegas with kids.

The Luxor: We Actually Turned Down a Room Upgrade

One year, we stayed at the Luxor because we wanted the kids to experience sleeping inside the giant pyramid.

At check-in, the hotel offered us an upgrade to a room in the tower.

Looking down into the Luxor pyramid from our hotel floor was part of the fun.

And we said no.

I think that might be the first time in our lives we've ever turned down a hotel upgrade.

But the whole reason we booked the Luxor was to stay inside the pyramid!

One of the most unusual parts of the experience is the inclinator.

Instead of a traditional elevator, the inclinator travels diagonally along the inside of the pyramid.

It's loud, a little rickety-feeling, and definitely strange.

Which, of course, made the kids love it.

When you step out onto your floor, you can look down into the enormous interior of the pyramid and see the casino area far below.

It's not your typical hotel hallway.

Was the Luxor our favorite hotel in terms of restaurants? No. We didn't find the food options especially appealing for our family.

But as an experience, sleeping inside the pyramid was memorable.

And the kids still talk about it.

My tip: If the pyramid experience is important to your family, make sure you're booking a Pyramid room rather than a Tower room. They're different accommodations, and an upgrade isn't necessarily an upgrade if your kids are excited about sleeping inside the pyramid!

The Rio: Our First Time Staying Off the Strip

This year, we stayed at the Rio.

After roughly 25 years of visiting Las Vegas, this was my first time staying off the Strip.

I wasn't sure how I'd feel about it.

Our first time staying off the Strip in 25 years of visiting Vegas, and we'd do it again!

But I actually liked it.

When we stayed on the Strip, we tended to spend nearly all our time walking between the major resorts. And there's nothing wrong with that—we love seeing the decorations, fountains, and over-the-top hotel designs.

But staying at the Rio encouraged us to explore more of the city.

We tried restaurants outside the casino resorts and discovered places we probably wouldn't have visited otherwise.

It made Vegas feel like a much bigger destination.

My tip: If you're staying off the Strip, think about your transportation plans before booking. A rental car or rideshares can make exploring much easier, but remember to factor in parking and transportation costs when comparing hotels.

Would I stay off the Strip again with kids?

Absolutely.

The Sphere is one of those attractions that makes you stop and stare, even before you go inside. Its enormous exterior displays are incredible, but experiencing a show inside is something else entirely.

Bonus: Exploring the Las Vegas Strip

Because apparently no family trip to Las Vegas is complete without a stop at M&M's World.

Even after all our trips, we still enjoy walking through the different hotels and attractions. Some of our favorite stops include the Bellagio fountains, M&M's World, Hershey's Chocolate World, and the elaborate decorations inside the resorts.

We don't always have a plan. Sometimes we just start walking, stop for something to eat, and see where the afternoon takes us.

And that's one of the things I love about Las Vegas. You don't have to book every minute of your trip to have a memorable day.

While these ten experiences are some of our favorites, there's so much more to do in Las Vegas with kids. Every time we visit, we discover something new.

And honestly, part of the fun is just wandering around the Strip and seeing what catches our attention. Where else can you visit a giant pyramid, watch dancing fountains, explore a medieval castle, and see a larger-than-life show all in one afternoon?

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Las Vegas with Kids

Is Las Vegas a good place to visit with kids?

Surprisingly, yes! We've taken our kids to Las Vegas three times and have genuinely enjoyed every trip. Between comedy and magic shows, exploring the hotels, visiting Hoover Dam, and hiking at Red Rock Canyon, we've found plenty to do beyond the casinos.

That said, Vegas isn't for every family. There's smoking, gambling, adult-oriented entertainment, and plenty of crowds. But we've found that with a little planning, it's a fun and easy family getaway.

Is February a good time to visit Las Vegas with kids?

No matter how many times we visit, the Bellagio fountains never get old.

February is actually one of our favorite times to visit Las Vegas! We've gone over Presidents' Day weekend two years in a row.

The cooler weather makes it a great time to explore Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, and the Strip without dealing with the intense summer heat.

The downside? It's generally not pool weather. Some hotel pools are closed seasonally, and even when they're open, it's often too chilly for us to swim.

If your kids are all about swimming, I'd choose a warmer month. But if you enjoy shows, hiking, sightseeing, and trying new restaurants, February is a wonderful time to go.

Do you need a rental car in Las Vegas with kids?

Not necessarily, but we've found having a car gives us more flexibility.

If you're planning to spend most of your time on the Strip, you can easily get around using taxis, rideshares, and walking.

However, if you want to visit Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, or explore restaurants away from the Strip, a rental car makes things much easier.

One of the things we enjoyed about staying off the Strip at the Rio was that it encouraged us to explore parts of Las Vegas we had overlooked for years.

What are the best things to do in Las Vegas with kids besides the Strip?

Only in Vegas! The Sphere is almost as entertaining from the outside as it is inside.

Our favorite experiences have been seeing comedy and magic shows, touring Hoover Dam, exploring Chinatown, hiking and climbing at Red Rock Canyon, and playing duckpin bowling.

These activities gave us a completely different experience from simply walking through casinos and visiting the usual tourist attractions.

And honestly, some of our favorite memories came from the things we hadn't originally planned.

Can kids go to Las Vegas comedy and magic shows?

Absolutely, but check each show's age recommendations and restrictions before purchasing tickets.

We've enjoyed Piff the Magic Dragon, Mac King, Jabbawockeez, and Blue Man Group with our kids.

Piff is our family favorite. I don't think I've ever seen our kids laugh so hard! Just know that his humor includes some profanity, so parents should decide whether it's appropriate for their family.

How many days should you spend in Las Vegas with kids?

For us, a three-day weekend is ideal.

It's enough time to see a show or two, spend a morning exploring Red Rock Canyon or Hoover Dam, enjoy some great meals, and wander through the hotels.

I wouldn't try to squeeze everything into one trip. We've visited three times with our kids and continue discovering new things to do.

That's part of why we keep going back!