Las Vegas is not wrongly nicknamed Sin City, but it has changed quite a bit from its history of being characterized solely by gambling and showgirls. Of course, it is still the place to go to for those things, but it has also transformed in to a surprisingly family-friendly city. If you are unsure about taking your kids to a city that is famous for casinos, clubs, and booze, don’t worry, because Tripping.com has you covered! This is the guide to good, clean fun for everyone in the family in the Gambling Capital of the World.
Best Attractions for Kids in Las Vegas
Image Credit: bellagio.com
1. Gondola Rides at the Venetian
One cool about Las Vegas is that its visitors can experience foreign cities without ever leaving the Strip. At The Venetian Resort and Casino, you can buy a ticket to float through the replicated Venice canals while a gondolier serenades you in Italian. And really, who does not love a boat ride? If you prefer a voyage beneath the real blue sky, rather than the painted one, outdoor gondola rides are available depending on the weather and season.
Location: The Gondola Rides are located at 3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Hours: This attraction is open Sunday through Thursday 10am-11pm and Friday and Saturday 10am-12am.
Cost: Ride tickets are $21 per person.
2. Discovery Children’s Museum
The Discovery Children’s Museum is just a quick ten-minute drive from the Strip and is a hands-on play land where your children can investigate its nine different permanent exhibition halls. From exploring motion and power at the water tables in Water World to playing pretend at the “bank” and “grocery store” in Eco City to experimenting and inventing in the laboratory at Patents Pending, your children will have a full day of fun, creativity and learning at the Discovery Children’s Museum.
Location: The Discovery Children’s Museum is located at 360 Promenade Place.
Hours: The museum is open in winter Tuesday through Friday 9am-4pm, Sunday 10am-5pm, and Sunday 12pm-5pm. In summer, it is open Monday through Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 12pm-5pm.
Cost: General admission is $14.50 per person ages 1-99.
3. Rides atop the Stratosphere Tower
If you have a family of daredevils, look no further than the Stratosphere Tower. At 1,149 feet in the air, you can enjoy 360-degree views from the tallest freestanding observation tower in the entire United States. If that is not enough for you, there are three different thrill rides on top of the tower to get your adrenaline pumping. The Big Shot shoots you an additional 160 feet in the air before you freefall back down again, Insanity spins you over the edge of the tower as you look straight down 900 feet, and X-Scream is a rollercoaster car that accelerates you off the side of the building and dangles you from 109 stories. Be aware that height restrictions apply for these rides.
Location: The Stratosphere Hotel and Casino Tower is located on the Strip at 2000 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Hours: The rides are open Sunday to Thursday 10am-1am and Friday and Saturday 10am-2am.
Cost: Tickets for one ride are $25 each or $39.95 for an all day pass; both options include access to the Observation Deck itself.
4. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
The Las Vegas desert may not have the typical changing seasons, but you can find them at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Each year, you can experience the four different floral displays of thousands of flowers that illustrate the current season’s colors and ambience. Your kids will be awestruck by the beautiful presentation of over the top decorations that range from tree houses to Chinese lanterns and waterfalls.
Location: The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is located on the Strip inside the Bellagio Hotel and Casino at 3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Hours: It is open 24 hours a day, everyday.
Cost: Admission is always free.
5. Children’s Park at Town Square
Vegas may be considered an adult playground, but Children’s Park at Town Square is one of the best actual playgrounds that your children will ever encounter. Children’s Park is like a mini fairytale land complete with a hedge maze, tree house built in a live Oak Tree, and a princess tower playhouse. Do not be surprised when you want to join in and play right alongside your kids.
Location: Children’s Park is located at 6677 S Las Vegas Blvd., a ten-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip.
Hours: The park is open Monday through Thursday 10am-8:30pm, Friday and Saturday 10am-9:30pm, and Sunday 10am-7:30pm.
Cost: Admission is free.
6. Free Rainstorm Show at Miracle Mile Shops
For more fun that will not cost you a cent, head over to the Miracle Mile Shops and watch an indoor thunderstorm. Regularly scheduled shows happen throughout the day and you can experience an intense rainstorm complete with thunder, lightning in the painted sky, fog, and pouring rain. No need to bring an umbrella, but the kids will love witnessing the rarity of desert rain.
Location: The Rainstorm show is located on the Strip inside the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino at 3663 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Hours: Shows are at the top of each hour Monday through Thursday at 10am-11pm, and every half hour Friday through Sunday at 10am-11pm.
7. Popovich Comedy Pet Theater at Miracle Mile Shops
If your kids cannot stay awake to see the signature Cirque du Soleil shows, head over to the Popovich Comedy Pet Theater where they can see an afternoon of contortionists, juggling, mimes, and –most importantly – dogs and housecats performing incredible tricks. World-renowned juggler and performer, Gregory Popovich, stars in this show along with 30 dogs and cats rescued from animal shelters and given a second chance at life.
Location: The Popovich Comedy Pet Theater show is located at the V Theater inside the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino at 3663 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Hours: Show dates vary by season and are performed in the afternoon.
Cost: General admission tickets are $34.99 and children’s tickets are $29.98, not including taxes and fees. VIP seating is also available for an additional cost.
8. The Volcano at the Mirage
Stop by the Mirage to see The Volcano erupt in an exciting, free show that was recently revamped to include taller explosions and more fireballs. The whole production is choreographed to a tribal soundtrack that builds to a frenzy for the fiery finale. Your kids will imagine they have been transported to a tropical island.
Location: The Volcano is located in front of The Mirage Hotel & Casino on the Strip at 3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Hours: Shows are daily at 7pm and 8pm, with an additional 9pm show on Friday and Saturday.
9. The Big Apple Coaster & Arcade at New York-New York
Next to the Statue of Liberty replica and winding its way around the outside of New York-New York is The Big Apple Coaster, which will have you and your kids screaming with fright (but the good kind). The rollercoaster races along at 67 mph with drops and loops that will leave you breathless. For the smaller visitors who do not make the 54” cutoff, there is also an arcade featuring carnival-type games.
Location: The Big Apple Coaster & Arcade is located on the Strip inside New York-New York Hotel & Casino at 3790 S. Las Vegas Blvd. The arcade is open daily 8am-12am.
Hours: The roller coaster is open Sunday through Thursday 11am-11pm and Friday and Saturday from 10:30am-12am.
Cost: Coaster tickets are $14 each or $25 for an all day pass.
10. The Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris
Your Eiffel Tower adventure will begin with a ride in a glass elevator up to the observation deck of the half scale model of the actual French landmark. The whole family will enjoy the panoramic view of the Strip, which is particularly remarkable at night when the signature lights of Vegas are in their full glory. The observation deck is 46 stories up and is a great location to take a memorable family photo. Visitors should be aware that the cost of entry goes up on nights and weekends.
Location: Eiffel Tower Experience is located on the Strip in Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino at 3655 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Hours: Daytime hours are Monday through Friday 9:30am-7:15pm and tickets are $14 for adults and $10 for children. Evening hour pricing is Monday through Friday 7:30pm-12:30am and Saturday and Sunday 7:30pm-1am.
Cost: Tickets are $19 for adults and $14 for children.
This article was written by Paula Ashlee Berg.