The 19 best things to do with kids in Las Vegas

What is it: A five-acre indoor theme park at Circus Circus that has been a longtime playground for kids of all ages. 

Why go: Adventuredome features a carousel, laser tag and rides, plus clown shows for the youngest in the group. Thrill seekers will enjoy the extreme vertical drops of El Loco and the 55mph indoor double-loop, double-corkscrew roller coaster, Canyon Blaster. 

Don’t miss: Challenge your friends in the arcade or test your skills and try to win prizes playing your favorite carnival games in the Circus midway.

What is it: An aquarium with more than 2,000 animals, touch pools and a large shark tank.

Why go: Highlights of the Mandalay Bay aquarium include a walk-through tunnel that cuts through the 1.3-million-gallon shark exhibit, a mesmerizing jellyfish tank and an interactive touch pool that kids are sure to love. 

Don’t miss: For an additional fee, visitors can get an up-close experience and pay to feed either the stingrays, zebra sharks or sea turtles.

What are they: Two Las Vegas waterparks with wave pools, slides and splash pads. 

Why go: To cool off, of course. Las Vegas has two water parks on opposite ends of the valley to take the kids to on a hot summer day. Both Cowabunga Bay in Henderson and Cowabunga Canyon in Summerlin have lots of slides to ride either solo or together with family or friends. There are also splash areas for the little ones, wave pools, a lazy river, cabanas and a snack bar with Dippin’ Dots and Dole whip. 

Don’t miss: Purchase a 2025 season pass ($150) for unlimited visits to both parks, free parking, priority entrance and food discounts. 

What is it: An immersive entertainment district for kids of all ages. 

Why go: Set inside a colorful space that looks as if a neon crayon box exploded, AREA15 is a futuristic playground with rides and virtual reality experiences. To start, there’s Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, a “grocery store” where shelves are stocked with whimsically named made-up products and secret passageways lead to an entirely mysterious world. But there’s also an arcade, axe throwing, high-flying attractions such as Haley’s Comet and Birdly, and a monthly family rave with a 12-year-old DJ.  

Don’t miss: Purchase an Experience Pass. With four levels to choose from, these ticket packages allow guests to enter or ride multiple attractions at a bundled, lower cost. 

What is it: The world’s second-tallest observation wheel. 

Why go: Kids will feel like they’re on top of the world when taking a spin on this Strip-centered observation wheel. The High Roller at the LINQ Promenade offers leisurely 30-minute rides with 360-degree views from 550 feet up.

Don’t miss: Visit at night to see the Las Vegas Strip in all its neon glory.  

What is it: A four-acre garden with ponds, waterfalls, exotic birds, turtles and fish. 

Why go: 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.

Don’t miss: It’s free to explore and kids will enjoy watching the daily live feedings every morning at 10am. 

What is it: An open-air shopping center with a playground, restaurants and sugary treats. 

Why go: Kids will be in awe of the fire breathing praying mantis at the entrance 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 shopping center has boutiques, restaurants and bars for parents.  

Don’t miss: Check the performance schedule for free concerts and movie nights.

What is it: A roller coaster that loops and zooms through the fake New York skyline.  

Why go: The Big Apple Coaster is a must for thrill seekers visiting the New York-New York resort. With dramatic drops (including a 203-foot one), loops and a 180-degree “heartline” twist, riders zoom past a replica of the Statue of Liberty at speeds of 67mph. 

Don’t miss: After the ride, kids can hit up the arcade, which features a number of video games, along with Skee-Ball and air hockey.

What is it: A four-level store full of colorful, M&M fun. 

Why go: You may have to drag your kids out of M&M’s World. With attractions, souvenirs and plenty of the tiny chocolate treats in every color imaginable, the four-level, 28,000-square-foot space can be a sensory overload experience. 

Don’t miss: In just under two minutes, kids can create personalized M&Ms with customized messages and images.

What is it: An interactive museum with a series of rooms to take trippy photographs in. 

Why go: No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you: The Museum of Illusions is just as it sounds. This series of exhibits and rooms look relatively normal to the naked eye, but when photographed they defy common perception and sometimes even gravity itself. Among the mesmerizing experiences there are places where children will tower over their parents, a dizzying vortex tunnel and a head-on-a-platter display.  

Don’t miss: This spring, MOI celebrates the ‘90s with period props, illusions and retro trivia. Don’t forget your flip phone.