Las Vegas with Kids: Honest Family Guide 2026
Family-Friendly Activities, Hotels, Shows, & Tips
“Las Vegas is a city of endless possibilities, where the only limit is your imagination.”
A fun, family selfie in front of a smaller version of the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, located in the lower level of the Horseshoe Hotel & Casino.
This post was updated on January 4, 2026.
2026 FAMILY TRAVEL LAS VEGAS ALERT:
If you are visiting Las Vegas the week of January 6, 2026 to January 9, 2026, be prepared for massive crowds and surge pricing on the Strip due to one of Las Vegas’ largest trade shows, CES (Consumer Electronics Show).
Since it’s currently January, keep in mind that many outdoor resort pools (including the Mandalay Bay Beach) are on winter hours or closed for maintenance.
Top Indoor Picks for January 2026
The Sphere: Their current Postcard from Earth show is the #1 indoor escape for kids right now.
Area15: Perfect for teenagers who need a break from the “casino” vibe.
Lunar New Year Displays: Head to the Bellagio Conservatory this week to see the 2026 Year of the Horse setup.
Our 2026 Honest Family Guide to Las Vegas
Las Vegas with kids is not only possible; it can be an incredible family trip when you plan around pools, shows, and kid-friendly attractions instead of casinos and nightlife. Whether you're wondering if a family Vegas trip is a terrible idea or you’re already sold and just need logistics, this guide walks you through exactly how to make Las Vegas work with kids of different ages.
"I can't believe I got to see the REAL Eiffel Tower!"
That's what our 5-year-old, Sophie, said while staring up at the half-scale replica outside Paris Las Vegas on our first family trip. Watching her completely mesmerized, we realized Las Vegas with kids actually works. It has a reputation as "Sin City," but in practice, it's a giant playground of lights, fountains, pools, and over-the-top experiences that kids eat up.
Before that trip, my husband, Kevin, and I had been to Vegas plenty of times as a couple, gambling, seeing shows, eating late dinners, the whole adults-only routine. Taking our three daughters felt like a gamble of its own. We genuinely weren't sure if we were being irresponsible or brilliant. That first trip proved we were wrong to doubt it.
That was nearly a decade ago. Since then, we've been back many times. Our most recent trip, a whole week recently with our girls, now teens and young adults, gave us time to hit the classic Strip experiences. Each visit feels different because the city keeps changing, and so do our kids.
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Is Las Vegas Actually Good for Kids?
What This Las Vegas Family Guide Covers
Best Time to Visit Las Vegas with Kids
Where to Stay: Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Las Vegas
Where to Eat as a Family in Las Vegas
Things to Do with Kids in Las Vegas
Family-Friendly Shows in Las Vegas (& How we Book Them)
Is Las Vegas Actually Good for Kids?
Yes! With the right expectations.
Las Vegas works best for school-age kids and teens who enjoy pools, bright lights, big shows, and exploring themed spaces. Younger kids can absolutely have a great time, but you'll need more downtime, a truly family-friendly hotel, and realistic expectations about walking distances, heat, and bedtimes. The city isn't designed around children, but with smart planning, you can tilt the experience heavily in their favor.
You'll still see the adult side of Vegas: smoky casino floors you walk through to reach your room, flashy billboards, and the occasional "how do we explain that?" moment. But you can control most of it with timing and routing. Stick to daytime and early evening on the Strip, choose kid-friendly resorts, and skip the spots that lean hardest into the wild side. This guide shows you exactly how.
Sophie & Rachel, taking in the view of the famous Las Vegas Strip.
What This Las Vegas Family Guide Covers
Across years of family Vegas trips, from quick weekend stopovers to week-long stays, here's what you'll learn:
When to go, how to get around, and how to dodge the worst heat and crowds while still seeing the good stuff.
Where to stay with kids (and what to avoid), including hotels with pools your kids will actually use.
The best attractions and shows by age group, plus how to balance free and paid activities so you don't blow your budget on forgettable experiences.
Planning Vegas with Kids and don’t want to wing it?
Grab our free 3-day Las Vegas with kids planner and skip the guesswork. It’s a done-for-you itinerary with pool time, kid-friendly food, and realistic walking distances to get the most out of your Vegas family vacation.
Why Vegas Works for Families
The sheer variety packed into such a small area surprised us most. In one day, you can watch the Bellagio fountains, explore a chocolate factory, see sharks swimming through a casino, and cap it off with Blue Man Group. You can't get that mix anywhere else.
Our week in August this year drove this home. We sought the comfort of air conditioning during brutal afternoon heat, explored areas we'd always rushed past, and found restaurants that didn't force us to choose between "kid-friendly" and "actually good."
There were classic Vegas moments, too, like when the girls stumbled upon the statue of David at Caesars Palace years ago, and we suddenly had some unexpected art-history questions to answer. We still laugh about that one.
The Bottom Line: Las Vegas offers sensory overload in the best possible way. The lights, the scale, the weirdness, kids soak it all in.
Each trip feels completely different, and even after a whole week this past August, we left with a list of things we still want to do next time.
If you're on the fence about whether a family trip to Vegas makes sense, or you're already planning and just need a clear roadmap, you're in the right place.
Let's start with the basics: when to go, how to get there, and how to set your family up for a magical Vegas trip instead of an overwhelming one.
Best Time to Visit Las Vegas with Kids
Spring (March–May) and Fall (September–November) are your best bets. You get 70-85°F days, open pools, and manageable crowds. Kids can actually walk the Strip without melting or complaining every five minutes.
We love these months because everything works: the pools are open, outdoor spots like Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire are comfortable, and hotel rates drop midweek. Your kids will have energy to do things instead of dragging behind you, whining about the heat.
What About Other Times?
Summer (June–August): We only recommend summer if you are prepared to build your days around heat and pools. We're talking 100°F+ every day. You'll be limited to outdoor activities in the early morning and late evening, with everything else built around air conditioning and pools. Hotel prices drop considerably during the summer, which is why we consider it one of the “best budget-friendly” times to visit.
We did our August trip purely for scheduling reasons and survived it, but we would not choose that heat again if we had little kids.
Winter (December–February): Mild (50–60°F) but short days. Good for shows and indoor attractions, fewer crowds except around holidays. (Skip New Year's unless you enjoy massive crowds and price gouging.)
Timing Tips
Check the Las Vegas Convention Center calendar before booking. Major conventions spike hotel prices and crowds. We learned this the hard way.
Weekdays are always quieter and cheaper than weekends, regardless of the season.
Avoid big event weekends (CES Show, March Madness, major fights) unless that's specifically why you're going.
The Caesars Palace fountains along the Las Vegas Strip.
Getting to Las Vegas
We have both driven and flown into Las Vegas over the past 10 years. Each mode has its own unique benefits and challenges. In fact, we have driven into Las Vegas multiple times from several directions (San Diego, CA, Moab, UT, Grand Canyon, AZ).
Flying In
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is about 10 minutes from the Strip. It's straightforward: quick baggage claim, plenty of rideshares, and shuttles.
Book nonstop flights if possible. Connections with kids are a recipe for meltdowns.
If using Uber/Lyft: Request car seats through the app in advance. Don't assume they'll have them.
Rental Cars: The airport now has a separate rental car facility. You'll take a shuttle from baggage claim, which adds 15-20 minutes. Factor that in if you've got tired kids.
Driving In
Adds flexibility and lets you hit places like Red Rock Canyon or Hoover Dam on your schedule. The roads are easy and well-marked.
The Catch: This year, most Strip hotels now charge $15–$30/day for parking, even for guests. That adds up fast on a week-long trip.
Do you need a rental car? Not if you're staying on the Strip the whole time. Walking between hotels is part of the experience, and Uber is relatively cheap (and everywhere). Get a car if you're planning off-Strip adventures.
The Hydration Thing
Stock your car or carry-on with extra water and snacks. The dryness sneaks up on you faster than you think.
The dry desert air is no joke. We learned this when our kids turned into grumps halfway through day one. Pack reusable water bottles and refill constantly! Hotels, restaurants, and attractions all have water fountains. This isn't optional!
Where to Stay: Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Las Vegas
Here's the Truth: where you stay matters more in Vegas than in most cities. Pick wrong, and you'll spend half your trip exhausted from walking or waiting for Ubers. Pick right and everything flows.
We've stayed all over Vegas. Strip, off-Strip, and even downtown once. Here's what actually works for families, based on where we've been and what we'd book again.
Our Top Pick: Stay on the Strip
Why?: Everything you want to do is walkable. The Bellagio fountains, M&M's World, the fancy hotel lobbies kids love exploring, it's all right there. No coordinating Ubers with tired kids at 9 pm.
The Strip isn't one long stretch, though. Location matters.
North Strip hotels (like Circus Circus) look cheap until you realize you're a 20-minute walk from anything. South Strip (Luxor, Mandalay Bay) is quieter, but you're far from the center action.
Sweet Spot: Mid-Strip. You can walk to most things without your kids staging a mutiny.
The stunning, nighttime view of the (fake) Eiffel Tower & hot air balloon outside Paris Hotel & Casino.
Off the Strip: When It Makes Sense
The Upside: Quieter, often cheaper, bigger rooms, better pools sometimes.
The Downside: You're Ubering everywhere. With kids, this gets old fast. Waiting for rides, coordinating car seats, and dealing with surge pricing at peak times.
When It Works: If you have a rental car, young kids who nap (and you want them to actually sleep), or teenagers who are cool with downtime at the hotel.
Las Vegas Hotels We've Actually Stayed At:
Horseshoe – Where we stayed on our last family trip in August for a full week.
Why We Pick It: Everyone wants to be near the center of the Strip. This is just the place to do that! Caesar's, Flamingo, Observation Wheel, Bellagio Fountains, and more are all within a short walk. You don't have to pay through the nose for that privilege.
Pool Situation: The Blu Pool is a heated outdoor pool with every amenity you expect from a Las Vegas pool.
Monorail Access: As you know, some things on the Strip aren't within walking distance, but you can get to those via the Las Vegas Monorail. (Station is right behind the property.)
Best For: Families prioritizing location and pool time
The Horseshoe Hotel & Casino was our affordable, family-friendly hotel pick for our week-long stay in Vegas.
Harrah's – Dead center Strip
Why We Pick It: Walking distance to everything, Caesars, Flamingo, Bellagio fountains, and the High Roller.
The Catch: The Pool is small, closes early, and has few chairs. If pool time matters to your kids, look elsewhere.
Monorail Access: There's a station that straddles Harrah's and The LINQ Hotel & Casino behind the properties.
Best For: Families prioritizing location over pool time
Excalibur – South Strip location with plenty of entertainment options.
Why It Works: There's an obvious reason why many families choose to stay here: it's cheap! And even with the resort fee, you'll still save a bundle.
Kid Fun: Castle theme that younger kids love, a solid pool with a water slide.
The Reality: Rooms are basic. Like, really basic. But they're clean, and you're not spending time in the room anyway.
Pool Situation: Four pools, one slide, and cabanas that you need to book well in advance. Pool season runs from March to October.
Best For: Families on a budget with elementary-age kids who think castles are cool.
Golden Nugget (Downtown) – Proves the rule that Downtown is its own thing!
Why We Love It: The Tank pool. A 200,000-gallon shark aquarium with a three-story water slide that goes through it. Kids lose their minds over this.
The Reality: You're on Fremont Street, which is grittier than the Strip. Amazing at night with the light show, but louder and more adult-oriented after dark. Request a room on the south side, away from Fremont, if you want to sleep.
Best For: Families with older kids (10+) who want a different Vegas vibe and an unforgettable pool.
Hotels Other Families Swear By (That We Haven't Stayed At):
Luxor
Why It Works: That five-acre pool complex. Four pools, a whirlpool, and cabanas. The novelty of the pyramid doesn't wear off as quickly as you'd think.
The Reality: Still affordable but feels a step up from Excalibur. Bigger rooms, nicer bathrooms. It offers some of the more affordable hotel rates on the Strip, and the property is packed with things to do. It won't break your budget, but you won't feel like you're staying in a budget hotel.
Location: South Strip, but covered air-conditioned walkways make up for it
Best For: Families who want better pool amenities without mid-Strip prices
An impressive Sphinx, keeping watch inside the Luxor near the Blue Man Group Theater.
The Venetian & The Palazzo at The Venetian
Why It Works: Every room is a suite with a fully equipped kitchenette, separate living area, and two bathrooms, which is a tremendous advantage for families managing snacks, meals, and multiple children's schedules.
The Reality: At $150–$250 per night plus resort fees, it's not a budget option. The pool, while pleasant, lacks the entertainment-focused design of Mandalay Bay (no lazy river or wave pool).
Location: Center Strip
Best For: Families needing space, kitchenettes, and refined accommodations.
New York-New York Hotel & Casino
Why It Works: The central location provides proximity to Aria, Bellagio, and other mid-Strip attractions. Best approached as an entertainment-focused stay for kids.
The Reality: Geared more toward teens and pre-teens than younger children. The atmosphere is energetic (some say chaotic) rather than family-focused.
Location: South/Center Strip
Best For: Families with school-age children (ages 8+) seeking a central location and variety.
Connected Hotels Tip: Excalibur connects to Luxor and Mandalay Bay through air-conditioned walkways. This is perfect for summer weather! You can walk between all three without going outside in the brutal heat.
What Actually Matters When Choosing a Kid-Friendly Las Vegas Hotel
Pool Quality – If your kids are under 12, you'll use the pool every day during that brutal afternoon heat. Check photos, not descriptions.
Walking Distance to What You Want – Pull up a Strip map and see where your hotel actually sits. "On the Strip" can mean a 30-minute walk between properties.
Room Configuration – Can you get connecting rooms? A suite with a pull-out? Five people in one standard room gets cramped fast.
Breakfast Situation – Some hotels have affordable options. Some force you into $25/person buffets. This adds up over a week.
The Budget Reality of a Las Vegas Hotel Stay
Resort Fees: Almost all Las Vegas hotels charge resort fees. These fees range from about $30 to $50 per night, and they may not show up when you initially book your stay. The fees cover amenities such as pool access, spas, and more. While the charges are often criticized as deceptive, they are still legal. The best you can hope for is to ask the manager to deduct a portion of the fees that you won't be using. It is at their discretion.
Las Vegas Hotel Tax Rate: The tax rate for hotels in Las Vegas is 13% and can significantly increase your hotel expenses, so be prepared.
Wi-Fi Upcharges: On our most recent visit, we noticed that many hotels now charge for Wi-Fi access when you add a third device. This is not something we’ve encountered previously, and it added a bit of frustration for our family of five.
Parking: Most Strip hotels now charge $15–$30/day, even for guests. If you're driving, add this in.
Our Hotel Booking Strategy: We usually book the cheapest decent mid-Strip hotel we can find.
We've saved a few hundred dollars this way on our last trip to Las Vegas using sites like Vegas.com and hotel websites for comparisons. Plan on heavy pool use to justify the resort fee, and save the real money for shows, attractions, and good food.
Family-Friendly Las Vegas Hotels Bottom Line
Stay mid-Strip if you can afford it! Your kids will walk more, complain less, and you'll actually enjoy the trip instead of managing logistics. If the budget is tight, Excalibur delivers without feeling like a dump. If you want the best pool in Vegas and your kids are old enough for downtown, Golden Nugget is worth the Uber rides.
Skip off-Strip unless you have a specific reason (rental car, babies who need quiet naps, or teenagers who don't care about location). The money you save gets eaten by Uber fees and the hassle factor.
Looking at the Las Vegas Strip from the exterior walking path near the Bellagio Hotel & Casino.
Where to Eat as a Family in Las Vegas
Here's what nobody tells you about eating in Vegas with kids: you can blow your entire budget on mediocre food if you're not careful. A family breakfast buffet can easily hit $150. Lunch at a sit-down restaurant? Another $100. Do that three times a day for a week, and you've spent more on food than your hotel.
We learned this the hard way on our first trips to Las Vegas. By trip number five, we had a system.
Our Family’s Actual Las Vegas Eating Strategy
Breakfast: We typically stock our room fridge to keep breakfast cheap and fast. Grab bagels, protein bars, and fruit from a grocery store (there's Walgreens and CVS on the Strip). Save the fancy breakfast for one splurge day.
Lunch: Quick and on the go. We ate at Earl of Sandwich for an early lunch (even got hot coffee and cookies afterwards). Food courts, Johnny Rockets, and In-N-Out are all good for quick lunches. You're not sitting down for an hour when the kids want to get back to the pool or see the next thing.
Dinner: This is where we spend. One or two nice family dinners during the trip, everything else is casual.
For Quick, Cheap, & Actually Good Food
Earl of Sandwich: (Planet Hollywood) We ate here three times in seven days during our August trip! That tells you everything. Hot sandwiches at around $8–$10 each are legitimately good. Several sandwiches became our go-tos. There is never a line. Food is prepared fresh.
In-N-Out Burger: (Short walk from the Strip on Linq Lane) Yes, you can get this in California. But after a day at the pool, sometimes you just need burgers and fries that don't cost $20 per person. Our teenagers can demolish Double-Doubles. Total bill for five people: $45.
Johnny Rockets: (Multiple locations) We used to eat here more, but prices have jumped. Still good for a sit-down burger meal, just not the bargain it used to be. Milkshakes are still huge. Locations at Excalibur, Flamingo, Venetian, and others.
Enjoying some post-Blue Man Group milkshakes from Johnny Rockets.
Food Courts: (Miracle Mile at Planet Hollywood, Grand Canal Shoppes at Venetian) Underrated for families. Everyone can pick what they want; you're not stuck waiting for table service, and it's cheaper than sit-down. Miracle Mile has everything from pizza to Asian to sandwiches. We grabbed lunch there twice.
For Breakfast (When You Want to Sit Down)
Hash House A Go Go: (The LINQ) Massive portions of Midwest comfort food. The Sage Fried Chicken Benedict is ridiculous in the best way. Their "flapjacks" are the size of dinner plates. One adult meal can easily be split between two kids.
Catch: They close at 3 pm on weekdays and at 9 pm on weekends. Plan accordingly.
Reality Check: This isn't cheap ($15–$25 per person), but the portions mean you're probably skipping lunch.
For Family Dinners (The Splurges)
Guy Fieri's Flavortown Sports Kitchen: (Horseshoe Las Vegas) We shared appetizers and desserts as a family here. The Smoked Brisket Trash Can Nachos are absurdly delicious and easily feed four people as an appetizer. Decent burgers, fun atmosphere, not as expensive as you'd think if you share smart.
Carmine's: (Forum Shops at Caesars) Family-style Italian. Everything comes in huge portions meant for sharing. One pasta dish feeds 3–4 people. Order two entrees for a family of five, and you're set. The chicken parm is solid.
For Younger Kids (If You Must)
Rainforest Cafe: (Planet Hollywood) Look, the food is generic chain stuff. But if you have elementary-age kids who freak out over animatronic gorillas and thunderstorms, they'll love it. Dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets, mini-burgers, grilled cheese. Nothing adventurous, nothing expensive, nothing terrible.
We did this once when Ellie was 7. She talked about it for weeks! We never went back once she was older.
The Las Vegas Buffet Question with Kids
Bacchanal Buffet: (Caesars Palace) is the biggest, fanciest buffet in Vegas. Over 250 items. Is it worth it?
For teenagers who eat everything: Maybe. They can try crab legs, prime rib, sushi, desserts, and still go back for seconds. If you have a 16-year-old athlete, you might get your money's worth.
For picky younger kids: Absolutely not. You're paying $60–$80 per person, so your 8-year-old can eat chicken fingers and mac and cheese? Skip it.
For our family of 5: We decided to skip a buffet, as the costs far outweighed the experience.
Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino welcomes visitors with its impressive fountains.
What We Learned About Vegas Restaurant Pricing
Prices jumped noticeably during our August 2025 trip. Stuff that used to feel like deals (Johnny Rockets, casual sit-downs) now costs much more than they used to.
Our Adjustment: We stopped doing sit-down lunch. Grabbed sandwiches, hit food courts, or found In-N-Out. Saved the restaurant budget for one or two nice dinners where we actually wanted to sit and enjoy the meal.
The sharing strategy works: Order appetizers and entrees to split as a family instead of everyone getting their own meal. You'll eat better food, spend less, and not leave with that awful "we spent HOW much on chicken fingers?" feeling.
Grocery Store Hack
There's a Walgreens and a CVS on the Strip. We stock up on:
Breakfast stuff (bagels, protein bars, fruit, yogurt)
Snacks for the room (chips, granola bars, fruit snacks)
Water bottles (don't pay $6 at the hotel shop)
One grocery run saves you $100+ over a week. Your hotel room has a mini-fridge. Use it.
What Actually Matters
Don't eat every meal like it's a vacation splurge. That's how you spend $2,000 on food in a week and eat nothing memorable.
Plan your splurges. Pick one or two restaurants you're genuinely excited about. Make everything else quick and cheap.
Feed kids before they melt down. Hangry kids in 105-degree heat is a special kind of hell. Keep snacks in your bag. Stop for food before they start complaining.
The food isn't why you're in Vegas. You're there for the shows, the pools, the spectacle. Eat well enough to fuel that. Save your money for what actually matters.
Things to Do with Kids in Las Vegas
Here's the Reality: you can't do everything in Vegas, and you shouldn't try. We've learned this across multiple trips with kids ranging from 5 to 20 years old. Some attractions are absolutely worth your time and money. Others? Skip them and hit the pool instead.
Here's what actually worked for us, organized by what matters most: your kids' ages.
The Free Stuff (Do These First)
Bellagio Fountains: (outside Bellagio Hotel) We've watched these numerous times across all our trips. They never get old. Shows run every 30 minutes in the afternoon, every 15 minutes at night. Takes 5 minutes, costs nothing, and your kids will be mesmerized.
Best Viewing: Stand on the Strip sidewalk right in front, or grab a spot on the bridge between Bellagio and Caesars. Get there a few minutes early for a good spot.
Before or after viewing the Bellagio Fountains, step inside the hotel lobby for a look at its impressive Chihuly glass ceiling.
Lake of Dreams: (at Wynn) Free outdoor show with lights, music, and projections on a waterfall. Runs every 30 minutes from 6 pm to midnight. It's less crowded than the Bellagio fountains and has a totally different vibe, more artistic and trippy.
Fall of Atlantis: (Forum Shops at Caesars Palace) Free animatronic show inside the mall. Statues come to life, there's a story about ancient gods, fire effects, the whole deal. Shows run hourly. Your younger kids (under 10) will probably love it. Teenagers will tolerate it while you're already shopping.
Flamingo Wildlife Habitat: (Flamingo Hotel & Casino) Tropical garden with actual flamingos, koi fish, and turtles wandering around. Our girls loved this; it's such a weird contrast to the casino chaos. Takes 15–20 minutes to walk through. Completely free.
Good For: All ages, honestly. Even our oldest thought the flamingos were fabulous.
Enjoying a free family trip to the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat.
Fremont Street Experience: (Downtown) The Viva Vision light show plays on a massive LED canopy covering the entire street. Shows run hourly starting at 6 pm (last show at 2 am), each about 6–8 minutes. They just upgraded the screens with $32 million in new tech, and it's genuinely impressive.
The Vibe: Grittier and louder than the Strip. More adult-oriented at night with street performers and bars everywhere. It's worth seeing, but I wouldn't take young kids after dark.
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign: The iconic photo op. They added a dedicated parking lot and crosswalks, so it's way easier and safer now than it used to be. Takes 10 minutes unless there's a line for photos.
Worth the Detour?: If you're driving in, sure. If you're already on the Strip without a car, probably skip it; it's south of Mandalay Bay. There’s a smaller, more convenient one located on the food court level of the Horseshoe Hotel & Casino. (That’s where we grabbed our family selfie this year.)
Silverton Aquarium: (Silverton Casino, just off-Strip) 117,000-gallon tank with tropical fish and, this is the wild part, mermaids swimming around Thursday through Sunday. Free interactive mermaid shows throughout the day.
We haven't been yet, but it's on our list. Requires a short Uber ride or car since it's off-Strip.
Good For: Younger kids who'd lose their minds over mermaids.
Conservatory & Botanical Gardens: (inside Bellagio) Massive indoor garden that changes themes seasonally. We wandered through this multiple times just because it's beautiful, air-conditioned, and free. Takes 10–15 minutes. (It’s a great place to cool down between activities.)
A look at some of the stunning floral display pieces, located in the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino.
Walking the Strip at Night: This sounds too simple, but it's genuinely magical for kids. The lights, the scale of everything, the crowds, the weird street performers, it's sensory overload in the best way. We did this almost every night. Cost: $0.
Entertainment Value: Surprisingly high!
For Younger Kids (Ages 5–10)
Shark Reef Aquarium: (Mandalay Bay) The shark tunnel where they swim overhead? Takes about an hour to go through the whole thing. Tickets are about $29 for adults, less for kids.
Worth it?: Yes, if your kids like aquariums. Skip it if they've been to better ones (like the Georgia Aquarium). This one's decent, but not world-class.
Discovery Children's Museum: (Downtown Las Vegas) We haven't done this one yet (kept running out of time), but it's on our list for next time. Interactive science and art exhibits, a toddler play area, and hands-on activities. Open Tuesday–Sunday. $20 for non-locals.
When it Makes Sense: Rainy day, need a break from the Strip chaos, have kids under 10 who need to burn energy indoors.
Hershey's Chocolate World: (New York-New York) Free to walk through, and there's a giant Statue of Liberty made of chocolate. You can customize your own chocolate bar for around $15. We loved the candy shopping experience. We spent $40 on chocolate we didn't need. No regrets.
Time Investment: 20–30 minutes if you're just looking, an hour if you're doing the custom bar thing.
For Tweens & Teens (Ages 11+)
The High Roller (The LINQ) Giant observation wheel, 30-minute ride, incredible views of the Strip. The whole Strip lights up below you, including the Sphere. Pretty spectacular. Tickets start at $18 but go up at night.
High Roller Tip: Book your High Roller tickets online before you arrive and choose a night slot to avoid box‑office lines. Tickets are usually cheaper online thanks to occasional deals or family bundles, and we have found mobile tickets much easier with kids.
Skip if: You're terrified of heights or your kids get bored easily (it's 30 minutes of slow rotation and views).
Our nighttime view of the High Roller & the Sphere from 1 of our 2 rooms at the Horseshoe Hotel & Casino.
Adventuredome: (Circus Circus) Indoor amusement park with roller coasters, rock climbing, laser tag, and mini golf. You can spend a full afternoon here with your tweens and teens. Everyone will have fun.
The Canyon Blaster Coaster is legitimately good. An indoor double-loop that hits 55 mph. Your thrill-seeking teens will love it. Younger kids have plenty of gentler ride options, too.
Cost: You can buy individual ride tickets or an all-day pass (around $40–$50). Worth it if you're spending 3+ hours there.
Big Apple Coaster Official Page: (New York-New York) Roller coaster on the roof of the casino. 203-foot drop, 67 mph, crazy twists. Must be 54" tall to ride (and they measure without shoes, so no cheating).
Tickets start at $25. Check their website for availability. Weather-dependent, so if it's windy, the ride shuts down.
Worth it? Only if you have roller coaster enthusiasts. It's a short ride for $25.
The STRAT Tower & Thrill Rides Official Page: Observation deck 866 feet up, plus terrifying rides that dangle you off the side of the tower. The Big Shot launches you 160 feet in the air. X-Scream is a roller coaster that tilts you over the edge.
We haven't done the rides, but the view from the observation deck is insane.
Observation Deck: $22–$27, depending on age. Rides are extra.
Best For: Teenagers who want to prove they're fearless. Not for anyone with a fear of heights.
The "Worth It If You're Into It" Category
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition: (Luxor) We're a homeschooling family, so we're suckers for educational stuff. This exhibition is better than it has any right to be. Real artifacts from the ship, recreated rooms, and even an iceberg you can touch.
The Catch: They try to upsell you on a $20 photo op ("king of the world" moment from the movie). Skip it. The exhibition itself is about $32 for kids and $39 for adults, and it's actually worth it if your family is interested in history.
Takes about 90 minutes. Great for a hot afternoon when you need indoor activities.
Skip if: Your kids don't care about history, or you've done similar museum exhibits before.
The Luxor Hotel hosts a fabulous Titanic Exhibit that is worth your time, especially if you or your kids are fascinated by the ill-fated ship.
Springs Preserve: (Off the Strip) 180-acre site with museums, gardens, animal habitats, a splash pad, and train rides. It's educational and genuinely interesting if you care about desert ecosystems and Vegas history.
Final Take: Your kids might find it boring if they're expecting Strip-level entertainment.
Admission: Around $11 for kids, $19 for adults. It gets crowded on weekends.
Worth the trip? Only if you have a car and your family enjoys museums and nature. Not worth Ubering there if you're Strip-focused.
What Las Vegas Activities We Skipped (& Don't Regret)
Fun Dungeon: (Excalibur) Just an arcade. Nothing special. You can find better arcades anywhere.
Twilight Zone Mini Golf: (Horseshoe) Glow-in-the-dark mini golf sounds cool, but it's $25+ per person. We did mini golf at home for $10. Didn't feel worth it.
How to Actually Plan This
Don't try to do everything! Pick 2–3 paid attractions for the whole trip. Fill the rest of your time with free stuff, pool time, and wandering.
A Typical Day:
Morning: Pool
Afternoon: One planned activity (aquarium, coaster, museum)
Late Afternoon: Back to the pool or rest at the hotel
Evening: Walk the Strip, catch the fountains, see a show, or a free activity
Cluster by location. If you're at Mandalay Bay for the aquarium, hit the Luxor Titanic exhibit too; they're connected. Don't zigzag all over the Strip in one day.
Age matters more than you think. Sophie loved the animatronic shows at 5. Rachel rolled her eyes at them at 9. By the time they were teenagers, they wanted thrill rides and shopping, not kid stuff. (Plan for where YOUR kids are right now.)
The pool will save you money. Spend 15 hours at the pool across the week. Many of the hotels on the Strip boast some pretty amazing pools with cabanas and food service. The kids will be happy, you will be relaxed, and you won’t blow $200 on mediocre attractions. Sometimes the best activity is doing nothing!
Want this as a plug-and-play plan?
Instead of trying to piece all this together from screenshots and notes, grab the free 3-day Las Vegas with kids planner. You’ll get:
A done-for-you 3-day itinerary broken into morning / afternoon / evening by area
Built-in pool time and rest breaks so nobody melts down on Day 2
A short list of shows and attractions actually worth booking
A melt-down proof packing + rules checklist for Vegas with Kids
Family-Friendly Shows in Las Vegas (& How we Book Them)
Shows are where Vegas gets expensive fast. At $50–$70 per ticket, a family of five would pay $250–$350 for one show. So we're selective about which ones are actually worth that money.
Our strategy after multiple trips: Pick 1–2 anchor shows per trip.
Check age requirements and start times first; some shows have age minimums or late start times that don't work with younger kids. Book in advance online so you're not stuck with whatever's left at the box office.
How We Book: We usually book shows through Vegas.com. They typically discount shows or bundle show packages with hotels (we've saved $100–$150 this way). Please compare with the show's official site to make sure you're getting the best deal.
The savings can add up quickly across multiple tickets and can be used for a meal or another activity. Check their current family-friendly show options here.
So, here's what actually matters: which shows are worth that money?
We've seen several shows over the years. Some were incredible. Some we left thinking "that was fine, but not $300 fine." Here's the honest breakdown.
Our Top Family-Friendly Picks
Blue Man Group: (Luxor) We saw this on our August trip, and it was the highlight of the week for everyone. Music played on PVC pipes, paint flying everywhere, audience participation, zero dialogue, so even young kids stay engaged. It's weird, loud, and hilarious!
Show Length: 90 minutes, but it moves fast. Even our youngest never got bored.
Age Sweet Spot: 5 and up. (Younger than that might find it too loud or overwhelming.)
Tickets: Around $70–$90, depending on seats and day.
Worth it?: Absolutely! If you only see one show, make it this one.
We had an incredibly fun time at the Blue Man Group show!
Mystère by Cirque du Soleil: (Treasure Island) It's the original Cirque show in Vegas (running since 1993), and it's still great. Expect acrobats, comedy, weird costumes, and moments where they pull audience members on stage.
Show Length: 90 minutes with no intermission.
Age Considerations: Great for kids 7+. Younger kids might struggle sitting that long. No toddlers. The theater will not let them in.
Tickets: Start at $59 and go up to $150+ for the front row.
Worth it?: Yes, if your kids can handle 90 minutes and appreciate acrobatics. It's less flashy than newer Cirque shows but more approachable for families.
KÀ by Cirque du Soleil: (MGM Grand) We haven't seen this one yet, but it's on our list for next time. The stage rotates 360 degrees and tilts vertically during the show; it's supposed to be insane. More story-driven than Mystère.
Show Length: 90 minutes.
Best For: Tweens and teens. It's darker and more intense than Mystère, with an actual storyline and combat scenes.
Tickets: Start at $69. Shows run Saturday-Wednesday.
Why we're recommending it without seeing it: Every family we know who's been raves about it. It's on our “next-trip” list.
The "Depends on Your Kids" Category
Tournament of Kings: (Excalibur) Dinner theater with knights jousting on horses while you eat. Kids are encouraged to eat with their hands and cheer for their knight. The food is fine, nothing special, but the show is high-energy.
Show Length: About 90 minutes, including dinner.
Age Sweet Spot: 5–9 years old. Older kids might think it's cheesy. (Sophie would have loved this at 6, but would have been bored by the time she turned 10.)
Cost: Starts at $68, including dinner. Actually decent value since you're getting a meal.
Worth it?: Only if you have elementary-age kids who love knights and horses.
The lively, kid-friendly Tournament of Kings show is located at Excalibur. If you have younger children, it will be the highlight of their Las Vegas trip.
Mat Franco Magic Reinvented Nightly: (The LINQ) Close-up magic, audience interaction, family-friendly comedian vibe. Mat Franco won America's Got Talent, and his show is solid, just not blow-your-mind amazing.
Age Requirement: 5+ (they enforce this).
Show Length: 75 minutes.
Tickets: Start at $49.
Worth it?: If your kids love magic shows, yes. If they're lukewarm on magic, save your money.
Shin Lim: (Palazzo Theater, Venetian) Another AGT winner, does close-up card magic. Incredibly skilled, visually stunning, very polished.
We haven't seen this, but friends with teenagers loved it.
Age Consideration: Best for older kids (12+) who can appreciate sleight-of-hand skill. Younger kids might not get why it's impressive.
Tickets: Start at $56.
Jabbawockeez: (MGM Grand) Hip-hop dance crew, masks, high-energy music, visual effects. Won "Best Family Show" awards multiple years.
We haven't seen it. It's popular with families who have tweens and teens into dance.
Tickets: Start at $54. Sells out fast.
Worth booking?: If your kids are into hip-hop or dance, probably. Otherwise, there are better shows for the money.
A daytime view of the High Roller & the Sphere in Las Vegas.
Shows We're Skipping (& Why)
Terry Fator: (Strat) Ventriloquist who does celebrity impressions with puppets. We saw this show years ago, and it was good. However, given other show options, he just seems dated. Our kids would be bored.
Skip if: Your kids didn't grow up watching ventriloquists on TV. This plays to an older crowd.
The Wizard of Oz at Sphere: The reviews for this show are generally positive. However, the biggest criticism is that many felt the high cost wasn’t justified for what’s essentially an altered movie with added AI elements.
Tickets: Start at $120–$250 per person for general admission seats.
Is it Worth it?: Only if you're a huge Wizard of Oz fan and want to experience the movie in a completely new way. Think of it as an interactive ride, not a traditional screening.
Skip it if: You want to watch the original film without AI alterations, you're bothered by high ticket prices, or you're not into experimental tech that might have visual glitches.
Eagles at the Sphere: Look, the Eagles are legendary. The Sphere is incredible technology. But tickets are $300+ per person. For our family of five, that's $1,500+ for one show.
Worth it? Only if you're massive Eagles fans with money to burn. We love the band, but not $1,500 love them.
Concerts in 2026 are expensive at the Sphere! (Backstreet Boys, Phish, Kenny Chesney, No Doubt, and the Zac Brown Band).
For Perspective: We could see Blue Man Group, Mystère, AND KÀ for less than one Sphere concert.
How to Actually Choose
If You Have a One-Show Budget: Blue Man Group. Works for all ages, and everyone leaves happy.
If You Have a Two-Show Budget: Blue Man Group + either Mystère (younger kids) or KÀ (older kids/teens).
If You're on a Tight Budget: Skip the shows entirely. The free attractions (Bellagio fountains, Fremont Street, hotel-hopping) provide plenty of entertainment. Save your money for activities instead.
Las Vegas Show Booking Tips That Actually Matter
Book at least a week in advance. Popular shows (Blue Man Group, Cirque shows, Mat Franco) sell out, especially for weekend performances.
Consider a matinee showing: Some shows offer cheaper matinee pricing. If your kids can handle a mid-afternoon show instead of an evening show, you'll save money.
Seating matters less than you think. We've sat mid-theater and at the back of the theater for many shows. Both were great. Don't blow an extra $100 per ticket for front row unless money isn't a concern.
The Budget Reality
One Show for a Family of Five: $250–$350
Two Shows: $500–$700
Three Shows: $750–$1,000+
That's a lot of money! Be selective. We'd rather do one fantastic show and spend the rest on activities than see three mediocre shows.
Our Strategy: One big show per trip, fill the rest of the time with free entertainment. The Strip itself is a show, the lights, the fountains, the people-watching. You don't need to spend $300 every night to have fun.
How to Get Around Las Vegas with Children
Here's what nobody tells you about getting around Vegas: the Strip looks walkable on a map. In reality, walking from one end to the other is about 4 miles. Hotels that look close together are 15–20-minute walks, and doing this in 105-degree heat with kids is miserable.
After multiple trips, here's what actually works for families.
How We Actually Get Around (Our Real Routine)
Walking – This is what we do most. Not because it's easy, but because it's free and often faster than waiting for transportation.
The Reality: Hotels on the Strip are deceptively far apart. Bellagio to MGM Grand looks like a quick walk, but it's 15 minutes. Excalibur to Caesars? 25 minutes. Add kids, heat, and crowds, and that feels like forever.
Our Strategy: We walk in the morning and evening when it's cooler. Midday (noon–4 pm) in summer? We're at the pool or inside. Walking the Strip at 2 pm in August is asking for meltdowns.
Works For: Teens, parents with strollers (sidewalks are wide), and short distances between adjacent hotels.
Doesn't Work For: Young kids (ages 5–10) walking long distances, midday summer heat, or anyone in a hurry.
A family selfie near the Bellagio Hotel & Casino with some of the Strip in the background.
Uber/Lyft – We use this infrequently.
Airport to hotel, hotel back to airport, and anytime we need to get from one end of the Strip to the other quickly (like catching a show at the Luxor from the Horseshoe). Cost depends on surge pricing and distance, usually $10–$25 for Strip trips, $20–$35 for airport runs.
Car Seat Reality: If you have young kids, request car seats through the app in advance. Not all drivers have them.
Our Pattern: We probably took 4 Ubers during our week in August. Not ideal budget-wise, but sometimes it's worth $15 to avoid dragging exhausted kids half a mile.
Rental Car – We've driven to Vegas a few times. The car mostly sits in the parking garage.
If you're staying on the Strip, you don't need a car. Walking works for close stuff, Uber covers the rest. Parking fees ($15–$30/day at most hotels) add up, and navigating Strip traffic is annoying.
Get a Car If: You're doing off-Strip activities (Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire) or staying off-Strip without good transportation options.
Skip the Car If: You're sticking to the Strip. Save the money.
Transportation Options We've Actually Used
Free Trams – These connect specific hotel clusters. We have used them frequently.
Excalibur-Luxor-Mandalay Bay Tram: Runs 7 days a week, connects all three hotels. We stayed at Mandalay Bay and used it to hit Excalibur and back without going outside. Takes about 5 minutes between stops.
Worth it?: Yes, if you're staying at or visiting these specific hotels. Zero cost, air-conditioned, and saves walking in the heat.
Free Hotel Shuttles – Some off-Strip hotels run shuttles to the Strip.
We haven't used these because we stay on the Strip, but if you're at a hotel like Westgate or Palms, check if they offer shuttle service. Saves Uber costs.
Las Vegas Monorail – Runs from the MGM Grand to the Sahara with stops along the way. Single ride is $5.50. Day passes are available. For our family of 5, going from the Horseshoe to the Linq was $30 one-way! We walked back.
Why We Don’t Use it Often: The stations aren't actually ON the Strip; they're behind the hotels. So you walk through a casino, find the station, ride the monorail, then walk through another casino to get where you're going. Often, it's cheaper and faster to walk or take an Uber directly.
Maybe Worth it if: You're staying at a hotel right by a station and going to another hotel right by a station. For most families, it's more hassle than it's worth.
After visiting several Buddhist temples in Thailand, we were surprised to find this temple honoring the 4-Faced Buddha in the heart of Las Vegas, just steps from Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino.
Transportation We Haven't Bothered With (& Why)
The Deuce (Double-Decker Bus) – Runs 24/7 along the Strip, stops at almost every hotel. Kids 5 and under ride free.
Why We Skip It: It's slow. Traffic on the Strip is terrible, and the bus stops every few minutes. A trip that takes 10 minutes walking takes 20+ minutes on the bus. Plus, you need exact change or to deal with ticket machines.
Maybe Worth it if: You have very young kids who can't walk far, and you're not in a hurry. Otherwise, walking or Uber is faster.
SDX (Strip & Downtown Express) – Faster bus with fewer stops. Runs 9 am to midnight.
Why We Skip It: Fewer stops sounds better than the Deuce, but we've never needed it. Walking and Uber have covered everything.
Taxis – Available everywhere, but we use Uber/Lyft instead.
Why We Skip It: Same cost, less convenient (you have to find a taxi stand), and Uber shows you the price upfront. No reason to use taxis unless you can't get an Uber for some reason.
What Actually Works for Families
Our transportation hierarchy:
Walk if it's close (adjacent hotels, morning/evening when it's cooler)
Use free trams (if you're near Excalibur/Luxor/Mandalay Bay or Bellagio/Aria area)
Uber/Lyft (anything over 30 minutes walking, midday heat, airport runs)
Everything else (monorail, buses) – skip unless you have a specific reason
Insider Tip: Walk when reasonable, Uber when necessary, don't overthink it. The time and energy you save are worth more than $15.
Practical Tips That Actually Matter
Plan around the heat. Summer afternoons (noon–4 pm), stay inside or at the pool. Do your walking early or late.
Wear comfortable shoes. This sounds obvious, but we've seen so many families in flip-flops or fancy shoes suffering by day two. You're walking miles whether you plan to or not.
The Strip is NOT stroller-friendly at night. Weekend evenings get packed, and navigating crowds with a stroller is rough. Better for morning and early afternoon.
Why Las Vegas with Kids Works (If You Plan It Right)
Look, Vegas isn't going to work for every family. If your kids need total quiet, hate crowds, or you're morally opposed to casinos, pick a different destination.
But if you want a trip that combines pools, shows, over-the-top spectacle, and experiences you literally can't get anywhere else, Vegas delivers!
What We've Learned After a Decade of Las Vegas Family Trips
Stay Mid-Strip. You'll walk more and stress less. The money you save staying off-Strip gets eaten by Uber fees and hassle.
Pick 1–2 Anchor Shows. Blue Man Group, if you do nothing else. Skip the rest and save money for activities.
Use the Pool Heavily. It's included in your resort fee whether you use it or not. Afternoon pool time = happy kids and money saved.
Walk Early or Late, Uber Midday. The heat is no joke. Plan around it.
Don't Try to Do Everything. The free stuff (Bellagio fountains, walking the Strip at night, hotel-hopping) is genuinely entertaining. You don't need to spend $300 a day on attractions.
Eat Strategically. One nice dinner, everything else quick and cheap. Earl of Sandwich and In-N-Out are your friends.
A lighted pirate ship outside Treasure Island Hotel & Casino.
The Real Bottom Line
Vegas with kids isn't about turning it into Disneyland. It's about letting them experience something completely different, the lights, the scale, the weirdness of it all, while you handle the logistics smart enough that everyone has fun.
Our first trip was a convenient stopover during a bigger road trip. We weren't sure if we were being brilliant or irresponsible. Sophie's reaction to that fake Eiffel Tower (thinking it was real and being absolutely mesmerized) told us everything we needed to know.
A decade later, our girls still talk about Vegas trips. The Blue Man Group show. Walking the Strip at night. That time they discovered the David statue at Caesars, and we had to answer some anatomy questions.
The Littles, getting their first glimpse at the “David” statue in Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino.
If you're on the fence: Start with a long weekend. Stay somewhere like Excalibur (cheap, decent pool, good location). Do Blue Man Group, hit the free attractions, and use the pool daily. See how your family handles it.
If it works? Great, come back and do more. If it doesn't? You only spent three days figuring that out.
Your next step: Pick your dates, book a mid-Strip hotel like Horseshoe, grab show tickets, and stop overthinking it. Vegas isn't perfect for families, but with the right approach, it's way better than most people expect.
Now, go plan your trip and trust that your kids will surprise you!
If you’d rather not build your own schedule from scratch, you can grab our free 3-day Las Vegas with kids planner. It’s the exact itinerary I use with school-age kids, pool time, shows, food, and walking distances already mapped out.
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