Vegas is an adult playground and isn’t necessarily an appropriate vacation destination for kids given that they aren’t allowed near the slot machines and gaming tables inside casinos, and there are many “sinful” sights they might see. Having said that, Vegas does offer a number of family-friendly hotels, pools, shows and attractions. Here’s just a few of the things that families can see and do.
CIRCUS CIRCUS – ADVERTUREDOME, MIDWAY, CIRCUS ACTS & SPLASH ZONE/POOL
Circus Circus Hotel & Casino on the north end of the Strip is by far the most family-friendly property in Vegas. It is home to the Adventuredome, a midway, free circus acts and the Splash Zone & Pool.
The Adventuredome at Circus Circus is a five-acre indoor amusement park that is a great place for kids of all ages. It is open year-round and offers a variety of packages for families, groups, and special events. For extreme adventure seekers, the Adventuredome features thrilling rides, including the Canyon Blaster and El Loco roller coasters, the Inverter – a spinning ride that flips guests upside down, and the Sling Shot – a vertical launch ride that propels riders up to 400 feet in the air. For those less adventurous, there are bumper cars, a hot air balloon Ferris Wheel, and a classic carousel. Note that there is a height requirement on some of the rides. In addition to the rides, the Adventuredome features carnival-style games, miniature golf, indoor rock climbing, an arcade, a virtual reality room, a 4D movie theater, and a variety of shops and restaurants.
Circus Circus also features a midway with state-of-the-art video games and plenty of prizes. There is also an arcade with 200 of today’s most popular and yesterday’s most classic games. The midway surrounds the circus stage which showcases free world class circus acts daily, including trapeze artists, aerial dancers, jugglers, and circus clowns.
The Splash Zone & Pool at Circus Circus features swimming pools, whirlpools, a splash pad with water cannons and rain trees, a 50 ft slide tower, a food truck, and cabanas for rent.
MANDALAY BAY – MANDALAY BAY BEACH & SHARK REEF AQUARIUM
Mandalay Bay Resort at the south end of the Strip is another property that is family-friendly. It is home to Mandalay Beach and the Shark Reef Aquarium.
Mandalay Bay Beach is an 11-acre aquatic playground featuring three pools, a lazy river, a 1.6-million-gallon wave pool and a white sand beach. Note that there is a height requirement to swim in the wave pool. You can grab a bite to eat at the Beach Bar & Grill, and there are cabanas for rent.
The Shark Reef Aquarium is a popular attraction for kids. It’s home to more than 2,000 aquatic animals, including sharks, rays, turtles, and tropical fish. You can enhance your visit to the aquarium by learning about the food that sharks and stingrays eat and then feeding them.
NEW YORK-NEW YORK – ARCADE & ROLLER COASTER
The New York-New York Hotel & Casino on the Strip has two family-friendly attractions – The Big Apple Arcade and The Big Apple Coaster.
The Big Apple Arcade, open daily, is an exciting and fun-filled experience for the whole family and the perfect spot to spend an afternoon or evening. Located on the second level of the iconic hotel, the arcade features more than 150 classic and modern arcade games, such as Skee-Ball, Air Hockey, and NBA Fever.
Thriller seekers can ride The Big Apple Coaster, the world’s first coaster to feature a 180-degree “heartline” twist and dive maneuver and 203 ft drop. Note that ticket entry is timed in order to manage capacity limits and provide a great experience so riders should reserve their tickets in advance. There is a height requirement to ride the coaster.
OTHER ARCADES
The Fun Dungeon at the Excalibur is a great place to have some fun and make family memories. Located downstairs from the casino, the arcade offers over 200 games, including carnival midway games, kid’s games, and arcade and sports games. While you’re at the arcade, enjoy a tasty treat from Dairy Queen or Orange Julius.
With more than 80 games, the Arcade at Horseshoe offers something for every gamer, from immersive state-of-the-art VR adventure games like King Kong and Jurassic Park to your favorite retro classics like Pinball and Skee-Ball.
The Pinball Hall of Fame Museum, located south of Mandalay Bay, is home to the world’s largest collection of pinball games from the 1950s up to the 1990s. All machines are available for play, so not only can you see them, you can actually play your old favorites. The pinball machines are all restored to like-new playing condition. The cost to play older pinballs is 25 cents and 50 cents per play for the newer pinballs. The Pinball Hall of Fame is open Sunday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday they are open until 10 p.m.
SHOWS
One of the most popular things to do in Vegas is to take in a show, and there are several kid-friendly shows in Vegas that are sure to entertain and amaze the whole family, including any one of the following:
Blue Man Group uses music, comedy, and colorful visuals to create a unique and interactive experience that appeals to all ages.
Jabbawockeez is a fast-paced, high-energy performance filled with powerful music, dance and captivating special effects.
Gregory Popovich’s Comedy Pet Theater features over 30 trained animals performing tricks and stunts.
Potted Potter condenses all seven Harry Potter books into a funny show featuring all your favorite characters.
Tournament of Kings allows you to eat an authentic medieval meal with your hands while watching jousting, horse races and sword combat.
Nathan Burton Magic Show is the perfect afternoon magic show that will amaze and delight people of all ages.
Cirque du Soleil offers several family-friendly performances, including Kà, O, Mystère and MJ One.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Families are encouraged to check out these cool attractions on the Strip – Hershey’s Chocolate World, the Coca-Cola store, the M&M’s Store, the High Roller and the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat.
Chocolate World at New York-New York features exclusive Hershey’s chocolates and candies, as well as unique gifts. There is also a Statue of Liberty made entirely from almost 800 lbs. of chocolate.
The Coca-Cola Store offers exclusive Coca Cola branded merchandise, and a Coca-Cola Fountain where you can enjoy floats and sample 16 different international beverages.
The M&M’s Store offers M&M’s candies, merchandise, and an up-close look at a replica of Kyle Busch’s 18 M&M’S sponsored NASCAR.
The High Roller at The LINQ is the world’s tallest observation wheel, and kids will love the stunning views of Vegas from the top.
The Flamingo Wildlife habitat is a four-acre garden complete with meandering streams, waterfalls, exotic birds, turtles and fish. It’s a fun experience for the whole family, and it’s completely free.