The 21 best things to do with kids in Las Vegas

The five-acre indoor theme park at Circus Circus has been a longtime playground for kids of all ages. Adventuredome features a carousel and rides plus clown shows for the youngest in the group, while thrill seekers will enjoy the extreme vertical drops of El Loco and the 55mph indoor double-loop, double-corkscrew roller coaster, Canyon Blaster. There’s also laser tag, an arcade and midway games.

See tropical fish, giant sea turtles, sting rays and, of course, a variety of sharks at Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef Aquarium. Highlights include a tunnel that cuts through the 1.3-million-gallon shark exhibit, a mesmerizing jellyfish tank and the interactive touch pool that kids are sure to love.

Las Vegas has two cool water parks on opposite ends of the valley to take the kids to on a hot summer day. Cowabunga Bay in Henderson and Cowabunga Canyon in Summerlin have lots of slides to ride solo or together with family or friends, splash areas for the little ones, wave pools and a lazy river.

This “grocery store,” where shelves are stocked with whimsically named made-up products, is unlike any you’ve been to. Beyond the aisles, secret passageways serve as portals leading to an entirely mysterious world (from the immersive entertainment wizards at Meow Wolf) where wacky doesn’t even describe it.

Kids will feel like they’re on top of the world when taking a spin on the planet’s second tallest observation wheel. The High Roller at the LINQ Promenade offers leisurely 30-minute rides with 360-degree views from 550 feet up. Visit at night to see the Las Vegas Strip in all its neon glory.

Yes, there are indeed flamingos at the Flamingo. While the brilliantly pink Chilean flamingos are the main attraction at the wildlife habitat, you can also spot swans, ducks, turtles and koi. It’s free to explore and kids will enjoy watching the daily live feedings.

Kids will be in awe of the fire-breathing praying mantis at the entrance here and love the interactive playground inside Downtown Container Park, where they can climb up a giant treehouse and take a 33-foot-tall slide down. The Fremont East shopping center has boutique shops, restaurants and bars for parents.

Dramatic drops (including a 203-foot one), loops and a 180-degree “heartline” twist make the Big Apple Coaster a must for thrill seekers visiting the New York-New York resort. Riders zoom past a replica of the Statue of Liberty at speeds of 67 mph on this popular coaster. After the ride, kids can hit up the arcade, which features a number of video games, along with Skee-Ball and air hockey.

You may have to drag your kids out of M&M’s World. With attractions, souvenirs and plenty of chocolate treats, the four-level space is a bit of a sensory overload experience. Kids can create personalized M&Ms, fill a bag with 16 different colored candies and even watch a 3-D movie.

If your family hasn’t gotten its fill of sweets already, then head to the Ethel M Chocolates factory in Henderson, about a 20-minute drive from the Strip. Here, visitors can see the factory, learn about chocolate-making and partake in tastings (adults can pair with wine). It’s especially worth the trip during the holiday season when the large cactus garden gets dressed with colorful lights.