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Viva Las Vegas ... With Kids in Tow!

Las Vegas family-friendly venues, attractions, and shows

By Natalia Castro, publisher of Macaroni Kid NW Las Vegas February 11, 2020

Las Vegas has world-class entertainment and dining. But did you know that it's also a fantastic place for family vacations? Our Macaroni Kid Las Vegas publisher compiled a list of 16 family-friendly things to do on the Strip:


1. Circus Circus' The Adventuredome and Big Top

Enjoy a free performance in the Big Top. Your little might even be chosen to be part of the preshow! The Adventuredome features 25 rides and attractions for all ages. There is space to walk around, midway style games, and rides for all thrill levels.

Best for ages: Adventuredome has rides for older toddlers up to roller coasters for thrill-seekers.


2. M&M's World

This four story store features samples, a 4D movie, photo opps, and M&M's apparel, accessories, and flavors. Customize a bag of M&M's with the flavor wall or personalize your own message on M&M's.

Best for ages: Fun for all!


3. Coca-Cola Store

Located next door to M&M's World, this store is full of all things Coca-Cola related. Find apparel, accessories, kitchen decor, and of course Coca-Cola in various flavors! Enjoy a Coke Float or flavors from around the world with a Tastes of the World Tray. Capture the memory with a free photo with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear.

Best for ages: Little ones will enjoy meeting the Polar Bear and older family members will enjoy browsing the store and tasting the unique flavors.

4. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden 

This 14,000 square foot garden is transformed each season and during Lunar New Year to reflect the season's flowers, trees, and animals in a beautiful display of art. Kids will enjoy the moving displays while guests of all ages will admire the intricate details of the display.

Best for ages: Guests of all ages will enjoy the gardens. The walkways are stroller friendly.



5. Bellagio Fountains Water Show

Enjoy the water, music, and light display in front of the Bellagio nightly. The show can be viewed from the sidewalk directly in front of the fountains or in hotels and attractions around the Bellagio. The music varies depending on the season and special events, ranging from classical to pop.

Pro tip: The view of the fountains from the top of the Eiffel Tower is amazing! The fountains are outdoors, so dress accordingly.

Best for ages: Fun for all ages!

6. High Roller at the LINQ Promenade

View the city from the largest observation wheel on this side of the Mississippi. The wheel takes guests 550 feet above the Strip with 360-degree views of the city. Each trip takes 30 minutes. The LINQ Promenade is lined with restaurants and shops. There is a fountain in the middle and seasonal live entertainment.

Pro tips: There are no restrooms in the observation wheel. Best views are at night, while the best pricing is during the day.

Best for ages: The High Roller is fun for all ages. The Observation Wheels are fully enclosed so kids can move around freely.


7. The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York

Feel the 180-degree heartline twist as you dive and fly by Las Vegas Blvd on this thrilling rollercoaster.

Best for ages: Must be 54 inches tall to ride.



8. Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage

See dolphins, white tigers, white lions, and leopards up close. Watch the dolphins from next to their tank or go below and see them through the underwater glass. Get close to the giant cats that Siegfried and Roy loved so much. Special experiences like VIP tours, painting with the dolphins, and yoga with the dolphins are also available.

Pro tip: Check special events and pricing for Senior Sundays and Toddler Tuesdays.

Best for ages: Fun for all ages. Pathways are stroller friendly.



9. Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. at Treasure Island 

Leave Las Vegas behind and step into the world of the Avengers. Experience what it is like to be in Tony Stark's lab, see Captain America's shield, and see where you stand next to the Hulk in this museum-style attraction. As you walk through each room you will see uniforms and accessories, and experience hands-on displays.

Best for ages: Fun for all ages!



10. The Hunger Games: The Exhibition at MGM 

Enter the world of Katniss Everdeen and explore District 12, Panem, and the Capitol. Participate in Capitol Trivia, visit President Snow's office, and see what it's like to be a Game Maker. Then train to join the rebellion. The self-guided tour ends with Beetee's Archery Training, an interactive archery experience. The costume gallery features nearly 30 original costumes from the movies.

Pro tip: Even if you are not a fan of the series, the experience is immersive and hands-on, so everyone will find something to do.

Best for ages: All ages are welcome.


11. TopGolf

TopGolf is a driving range with a unique view of the Strip. The driving range is outside and the seating bays are covered, protecting you from the sun or cold. Reserve a bay for comfortable seating while playing different games to perfect your golf swing. Food and drinks are available for purchase and brought directly to your bay. Check the website for special events.

Pro tip: Best tine to go with the family is during the day or early evening. Call to reserve a bay as it gets very busy during the spring and summer.

Best for ages: 3 and up for golfing.



12. KISS Mini Golf at the Rio or Twilight Mini Golf at Bally's

Take your little rock and rollers to mini-golf where they can listen to the classics from KISS. Or travel into the 5th dimension for Twilight Zone mini golf. Both courses are glow in the dark and have black lights.

Best for ages: 2 and up. (They even have small golf clubs for the littles!)

13. Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay

See sea animals like sharks, giant rays, piranhas, and green sea turtles. This aquarium takes about an hour to walk through and has a unique shipwreck design. Sit in the boat area to watch the sea life swim around you before riding through the shark tunnel. There are also animal encounter opportunities.

Best for ages: Fun for the whole family.

14. Blue Man Group at Luxor Las Vegas

This is one of our favorite shows! All ages are welcome. If you have a baby or toddler they can sit on an adult's lap to enjoy the show. While it is a full-length show, it is action-packed and full of visual and musical wonders that will hold the whole family's interest. 

Pro tip: Stay after the show to meet the musicians and the Blue Men! 

Best for ages: Fun for the family!


15. Celestia

Experience the beauty and wonder of Cirque du Soleil style performances in a 30,000-square foot theatrical tent. Acts include contortion, acrobatics, and talents from "America's Got Talent." There is not a bad seat in the house during this 70-minute show. 

Best for ages: All ages are welcome.

16. Madame Tussauds Las Vegas at The Venetian

Spend a night mingling with your favorite celebrities -- at least that's how it will look in pictures you take from this wax attraction! The figures are so lifelike you will think they'll start speaking! The exhibit is self-guided so you can spend as much time in each room as you'd like. 

Best for ages: Fun for the whole family.


Off the Strip fun

The Las Vegas Strip is certainly fun, but there's plenty to do elsewhere in Las Vegas as well! Here are nine highlights off the Las Vegas strip for kids:

Springs Preserve

Walk the trails, visit the Origen Museum or participate in the various activities hosted at the Preserve. Exhibits change quarterly so there's always something new to see.

Hike at Red Rock Canyon

Trails range from child-friendly to more advanced. Make sure to bring water and snacks. Some trails have picnic areas. 

Downtown Container Park

The littles will enjoy the giant treehouse playground while parents can enjoy the delicious restaurants and cocktails.

Wetlands Park

Walk the trails, take a tour, and learn about the Wetlands right in the middle of the desert. Weekly activities are offered for kids inside the Cafe.

Children's Discovery Museum

Fun for infants all the way up to adults. Explore the different areas and catch the visiting exhibits. 

The Aquarium at the Silverton Hotel

Watch LIVE mermaids swim among the fish or catch a diver feeding the stingrays.

Las Vegas Natural History Museum

Great for an afternoon of learning for all ages. The museum hosts weekly workshops. 

The Neon Museum

See the neon signs of Vegas all in one spot. 

Slotzilla at Fremont 

Fun for the older kids and adults. You can zipline across the Fremont Experience.

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Traveling to Las Vegas with the family? 

Make sure to check the Las Vegas Macaroni Kid Event Calendar for seasonal fun!