10+ Things to Do in Las Vegas for Families

By Katie Sagal

When you think of family-friendly destinations, Las Vegas may not be at the top of your list. In fact, it may not even make your top ten, but you'd be surprised by all the attractions the so-called “Sin City” has to offer families with kids. Contrary to popular belief, you can (and should!) enjoy a vacation in Las Vegas with your family, there are lots of ways to experience the city that don't involve casinos and night clubs. The devilishly delicious buffets will be the only “sinful” thing you do! If you're looking to save on admission to top Las Vegas attractions and tours, pick up a Las Vegas Explorer Pass® for your choice from 10+ of the best area attractions for one low price. Save up to 55% on combined admission prices vs paying at the gate!

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

Image of Adult, Male, Man, Person, Accessories, Jewelry, Necklace, Female, Woman, Fashion, Bride, People, Meet Brad and Angie at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas.
Madame Tussauds wax museums are enjoyable for visitors of all ages. In the Vegas location you’ll find lifelike wax creations in eight themed rooms (music, sports, Club Tussauds, Viva Las Vegas, Marvel Superheroes, and more) that are recognizable to kids, like Shaq and Britney Spears, as well as celebrities even grandparents will recognize (be on the lookout for Elvis). Take some photos of your kids with their favorite stars— they’ll love showing them off to all of their friends when you get back home. Visitors are encouraged to be creative with their poses and are allowed to get up close and even touch the figures.

Stratosphere Tower

Image of City, The Stratosphere Tower from afar.
The Stratosphere Tower is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States and the tallest building west of the Mississippi. For kids, looking out from the 869-foot observation deck is plenty of amusement. For adults, the 360-degree panoramic views from the Stratosphere are truly incomparable. If anyone in your family is looking for more excitement, get them in line for one of the 3 thrill rides housed in the tower—The Big Shot, X Scream, and Insanity.

World Class Circus Acts at Circus Circus Image of Lighting, Helmet, Animal, Canine, Dog, Mammal, Pet,

Although Circus Circus is a hotel/casino by night, in the day it is home to the world’s largest permanent circus. The incredible acts you’ll see at this Cirque de Soleil-style family attraction include jugglers, unicyclists, trapeze artists, acrobats, contortionists, and more. Each act lasts about 10 minutes and they take place every half hour (on most days) starting at 11 a.m. Best of all, watching a show is absolutely free.

Springs Preserve

Image of Vegetation, Nature, Outdoors, Wilderness, Land, Tree, Woodland, Scenery, Gravel, Road, Landscape, Rock, A beautiful scene from the Springs Preserve. Image copyright Springs Preserve.
This 180-acre cultural institution is only 3 miles from The Strip, but you’d never know it. The Preserve— designed and dedicated to honor Las Vegas’ lively history and pave the way for a sustainable future—features museums, galleries, outdoor concerts, bright botanical gardens, and a comprehensive trail system that runs through a scenic wetland habitat. Plus, the Preserve offers several programs tailored just for kids, like “Children’s Playground,” an interactive desert canyon-themed play area and “Nature Exchange,” which encourages kids with archaeological interests to collect shells, rocks, bark, pine cones, and more.

Fast Lap Indoor Kart Racing

Image of Kart, Vehicle, Helmet, Person, Adult, Male, Man, Car, Aircraft, Airplane, Excitement awaits at Fast Lap! Image copyright Fast Lap Indoor Kart Racing.
If you’re vacationing with kids that are over five feet tall, take them to Fast Lap’s indoor tracks for a racing adventure that emulates the experience of professional racers. Each kart at Fast Lap Indoor Kart Racing is equipped with Honda 200cc engines which reach speeds of up to 50 mph! The tracks were specially designed by two former IKF Racers, and Fast Lap prides itself on thoroughly maintaining them. Indoor karting may be the most fast, fun, and safe Vegas attraction for families.

The AdventuredomeTM

Image of Amusement Park, Fun, Theme Park, Car, Photo credit: The Adventuredome Official Facebook Page
Everyone in the family is going to have a blast at America’s largest indoor theme park. Adventuredome is five acres of thrill rides and attractions enclosed under a glass dome. If you plan on riding more than one attraction, purchase the all-day ride pass for the best deal.

Bellagio Fountains

Stop by the Bellagio Hotel and Casino to see the famous Bellagio Fountains. Kids of all ages love to watch these dancing fountains as they move to a choreographed routine set to different musical tracks. Check this show out at night, as it is more exciting to see when lit up. After you're done checking out the fountain show, step into the Bellagio and head to their art gallery, which is considered one of the best in the city. It's where your favorite art goes on vacation.

Discovery Children’s Museum

Image of Person, Shoe, Adult, Male, Man, Female, Woman, Play Area, Handbag, Helmet, Indoors, Photo credit: Discovery Children's Museum Official Facebook Page
Discover something new at the Discovery Children’s Museum, where families can explore various hands-on exhibits. This museum is home to both permanent and visiting exhibits, all of which are unique and exciting for kids of all ages.

Las Vegas Natural History Museum

Image of Animal, Reptile, Snake, Photo credit: Las Vegas Natural History Museum Official Facebook Page
Get an up close look at Nevada’s wildlife, including animated dinosaurs at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, fondly known by the local kiddos as "the dinosaur museum". Families with smaller children will have a blast in the children’s learning room, featuring a hands-on experience with the area’s natural history.

M&M’s® World

Image of Food, Sweets, Candy, "My Color" Wall inside M&M'S WORLD® Las Vegas (Photo credit: M&M's WORLD® Las Vegas)
Discover four stories of chocolatey goodness right on the Las Vegas Strip at M&M’s World. This fun store features everything we all know and love about these candy covered pieces of chocolate, including T-shirts, caps, lithographs, candy machines, and so much more. Don't forget to go up to the fourth floor and watch the action-adventure film starring the M&Ms and get your own container filled with personalized candies.

Pinball Hall of Fame

Parents will have a blast introducing their kids to the games they used to play back when they were young while visiting the Pinball Hall of Fame, "a place to play pinball the way pinball was meant to be played!" featuring over 200 games. Adults will have fun reliving their childhood, while the kids will have fun testing out games they probably never knew existed. Even if you aren't a pinball wizard, the Pinball Hall of Fame is a worthwhile stop for anyone visting Vegas.

Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Exhibit

Get up close with some of the world’s most exotic animals at Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. This impressive habitat is located at The Mirage Hotel and Casino. Animals residing at this exhibit include white tigers, white lions, leopards and bottlenose dolphins. After exploring the secret garden take time to kick back and wait for the volcano at The Mirage to blow.

Toy Shack

If you find yourself enjoying the Fremont Street Experience while in Las Vegas, make time to wander through The Toy Shack. This store specializes in vintage toys from the 80’s and is the perfect opportunity to share with your kids the toys you used to play with at their age. You'll be hit with a wave of nostalgia and may just find yourself on eBay after visiting this unique shop.

Planet Hollywood

Image of Burger, Food, Grab a meal at Planet Hollywood for classic, American fare and a very family-friendly atmosphere. The kids will be entertained by the Hollywood-focused surroundings and movie memorabilia.

High Roller

Image of People, Person, Adult, Female, Woman, Pants, Photography, Boy, Child, Male, Shoe, Man, Take a spin on the world’s tallest observation wheel, for 30 minutes of unbeatable, 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Strip, Downtown, and beyond. The High Roller will take you to the top of sin city and once you've ridden the wheel you can check out everything that the strip offers.

So Remember...

You can save up to 55% on many of your attraction visits with a Las Vegas Explorer Pass, so pick one up today!

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Las Vegas 4th of July Weekend - 10+ Fun Things to Do in July

Spending 4th of July weekend in Las Vegas? Then you’re probably looking for a few local attractions and things to do that won’t cost you an arm and a leg to enjoy. Don’t worry – we’ve got some events and activities that will help you celebrate Independence Day in style and on budget. Also, it's helpful to know that practically everything will be open on July 4th, too -- from casinos and bars to all kinds of attractions, shops, and museums. So no worrying about holiday hours in this town! Plus, each venue will be competing to host the largest, most popular Fourth of July celebrations, so you'll likely benefit from lots of specials, free festivals, and entertainment. Therefore, if you’re looking for Las Vegas 4th of July Weekend ideas (which will be celebrated the weekend after the fourth, as it falls on a Thursday this year), check out some of these local activities and fun things do in Las Vegas in July, including... Caesar's Palace Fireworks Show July 4th Celebrations at the LINQ Pool parties in Las Vegas Museums Hoover Dam Grand Canyon Lake Las Vegas Henderson Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade What are you waiting for? Save on Admission to Popular Attractions The Go Las Vegas pass provides regular admission to a number of these popular attractions. Choose as you go from dozens of Las Vegas attractions and activities and save up to 60% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and Las Vegas attractions – Learn more. Please note, some of these special July and 4th of July weekend events are separately ticketed and not included on the Go Las Vegas pass. Caesar’s Palace Fireworks Show July A great fireworks option is the breathtaking display by Caesar’s Palace. Fireworks will go off from the Roman Tower beginning at 9:15 pm, and will last for 13 minutes! Although you’ll have great views from anywhere nearby on the Strip, the best views are probably from the front fountains of the casino itself. Head there early to get a spot! Getting In: The fireworks are free to watch. July 4th Celebrations at the LINQ Pool Parties in Las Vegas Museums in Las Vegas   While it may seem a little counter intuitive to spend one of the country’s favorite outdoor holidays inside, it’s definitely worth a visit to these historical museums this 4th of July weekend. Plus, as July in Vegas is so hot -- it actually makes sense to soak up the AC as well as the sun! Learn about our nation’s history in quirky and wonderful ways at the Mob Museum, marvel at the famous works in the Bellagio Art Gallery, and step back in time with a walk through Madame Tussauds Las Vegas. Getting In: Mob Museum tickets and Madame Tussauds Las Vegas tickets are both included with the Go Las Vegas pass. However, The Bellagio Art Gallery is separately ticketed and not included with the pass. Appreciate America's Landmarks Celebrate America at Lake Las Vegas Date TBA Missed the celebrations on the 4th? No problem! Look no further than the family-friendly Lake Las Vegas 4th of July Celebration. There will be live music, barbecue stations, and a sidewalk sale for your enjoyment. You’ll also find a bouncy house (kids only, unfortunately), face painting, and a balloon artist. Top it all off with a fireworks display set off over the lake at 9:00 pm and you’ve got one incredible day the whole family can enjoy. Keep an eye out for the latest updates on Lake Las Vegas's Independence Day celebrations. Getting In: Celebrate America is free to attend. Henderson, NV 4th of July Additionally, another event that offers plenty of family-friendly fun is just a quick drive from Las Vegas -- Henderson, Nevada hosts a full array of July 4th festivities. Held in Heritage Park, this annual event runs from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm with a fireworks show at 9. So, see the sights and celebrate during the day, then soak up the excitement in the evening! Enjoy live music and other entertainment, tasty concessions, and much more. Arrive early to take advantage of the free parking. Getting In: The Henderson 4th of July Celebration is free to attend. Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade July 4 Every year, Summerlin City Council puts on the city's biggest 4th of July parade. The parade begins at 9:00 am and runs from Hillpoint and Hills Center, down Hills Center Drive, and concludes at 11:00 am. Arrive early for a good spot along the parade route! Enjoy the floats, marching bands, dance troupes, veterans' groups, and lots of entertainment. Perfect for celebrating this patriotic holiday! Getting In: The Summerlin Patriotic Parade is free to watch. 71st Annual Boulder City Damboree Celebration July 4 A perennially popular local event held in Boulder City, Nevada, this year’s theme is “We Luv BC." Enjoy a fun-filled day with activities like a Rotary Pancake Breakfast at Bicentennial Park, a parade down Nevada Highway, a water play zone, flag raising, contests and more! Top off your day with a stunning fireworks show at 9:00 pm. Getting In: The Boulder City Damboree is free to attend. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission There you go -- plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Las Vegas to help you plan your 4th of July weekend itinerary. Remember, use your Go Las Vegas pass to access many of these events and activities. You can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate! We really hope you consider adding a few of these popular options to your upcoming plans. Enjoy!
Katie Sagal
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Las Vegas Labor Day Weekend 2019 - 10+ Fun Things to Do in September

Labor Day in Las Vegas is all about the parties, celebrities, and sunshine. Las Vegas will play host to lots of celebrity appearances and shows along the Strip. Prices tend to increase for holiday weekends and shows and parties often sell out quickly, so be sure to check the holiday weekend lineup to plan ahead and book as soon as you can. If you’re looking for Las Vegas Labor Day Weekend 2019 ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things do in Las Vegas in September, including: Rockstar Pool Party Hoover Dam Tour Drinks @ Señor Frogs High Roller Observation Wheel at the LINQ Fly LINQ Zipline Fremont Street Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens EDM Concerts The Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Hotel 1. Pool Parties Pack your sunscreen and take advantage of one of the last weekends of summer and join in on some Vegas pool party fun. One popular option is the Rock Star Pool Party Tour, which escorts you around town to the hottest clubs in style. Reserve a spot on a tour and enjoy not having to worry about the logistics or reserve a cabana in advance at a pool of your choice for a VIP experience. Most pools will also be hosting special Labor Day Weekend events, so you can party poolside along popular DJs,celebrities, and more. 2. Hoover Dam Tour The Hoover Dam is a must-see attraction when visiting the Las Vegas area. It's a marvel of twentieth-century engineering as well as a national landmark. You’ll get to soak up the amazing sights of the Hoover Dam from the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, which will give you an amazing view from 900 feet above the Colorado River. Detailed tours of the dam and its workings are fascinating glimpses behind-the scenes. You can also opt to upgrade on site for additional tours for a small fee. 3. Drinks @ Señor Frogs Get ready for a night out at the famous Señor Frogs. Offering tasty Mexican-inspired cuisine alongside delicious, inventive drinks, this popular restaurant is one of our favorites. Don't forget about their one-hour open bar, which can both be a lot of fun and save you some money. Have some fun and get a little loco while you're at it. 4. Entertainment at The LINQ Image Credit: Caesars Blog Head to The LINQ, an open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment destination and see what they've got going on for the weekend. Get above it all on the High Roller Observation Wheel for some great views of the scene on the Strip below and fun photo opportunities. The ride lasts about 30 minutes, all the while you'll be surrounded by beautiful views of downtown Las Vegas, from 550 feet above the ground. Another one our favorite options at this entertainment mecca is is the Fly LINQ Zipline. If you opt for a night flight (our recommendation), you'll get exhilarating views of the illuminated city below you. If you'd like the full scoop on what to do at the LINQ, check out our handy post on the subject. 5. Fremont Street One of the hippest areas in Las Vegas is Fremont Street. With everything from trendy bars and restaurants to boutique shops and indie bookstores, they've got it all. It's also an up-and-coming neighborhood, so expect to see something new each time you visit. People especially love Downtown Container Park, a neat little shopping an dining district fabricated from reclaimed shipping containers. Whether you want to explore on your own like a local or take an informative tour, Fremont Street awaits your company. 6. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bellagio Las Vegas (@bellagio) on Jun 10, 2019 at 5:23pm PDT If you're looking for a refreshing breath of nature in the middle of the Nevada Desert, the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a must-visit destination for you. With fabulous, elaborate themes that change seasonally, there's always something new and fantastic at this attraction. Admission to this popular garden and conservatory is free, and you don't need to be staying or gaming at the Bellagio to enjoy the exhibit. 7. Dance it Out to an EDM Show Image credit: electronic.vegas Lots of top DJs and artists will be celebrating Labor Day Weekend by working in Las Vegas (thank you DJs!). Among the top acts for Labor day 2019 are the one and only Cardi B, the inimitable Rick Ross, and the famous (infamous?) DJ Pauly D. Check out the lineup put together by electronic.vegas to see if one of your favorites will be at a Vegas venue and snag some tickets. Many events are ticketed by the day and the duration of the festival, so you can pick what you'd like to see and how long you'd like to party for. There are also still plenty of events whose special guests have yet to be revealed, so check back often to see who's appearing. 8. The Wildlife Habitat at Flamingo Hotel Image credit: Flamingo Hotel This is one of the more unique and most beloved attractions in all of Las Vegas. The Flamingo Hotel honors their namesakes with a wildlife habitat featuring these stunning birds alongside turtles, fish, and other exotic birds. A visit here is a great chance to connect with nature in the middle of an urban jungle. This is an especially great place to stop if you have children, it's a great escape from the typical Las Vegas scene. Admission to see these amazing birds is free! Save on Attraction Admission There you go--plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Las Vegas in September to help you plan your Labor Day weekend itinerary. Remember, some of these great attraction options are available on the Go Las Vegas pass, which can save you up to 65% on combined admission prices. If you're looking for more info on what to see in Sin City, check out our guide to Las Vegas. We hope you consider visiting some of these attractions to help round out your summer vacation in style. Share your adventure with us Remember to tag @GoCity in your holiday snaps and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination too!
Casey Makovich
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Fun Things to Do in Las Vegas - The Ultimate Tourist Guide for Your Trip

Heading to Las Vegas and starting to research and decide on which things to do? As the “Entertainment Capital of the World”, Vegas has lots of fun activities, famous (and infamous) attractions, diverse neighborhoods to explore, and more geared towards making your visit to Las Vegas memorable. There’s fun for everyone in Las Vegas. Whether you’re traveling with kids-in-tow, planning a romantic getaway, celebrating with friends, or going solo, our helpful travel guides will help you make the most of your time in Las Vegas. What are some popular attractions to visit? Big Bus Las Vegas Hop On Hop Off Tour - A must for first time visitors, this open-top sightseeing tour showcases many of the best landmarks and attractions. Blue Man Group - this show will electrify your night at the specially designed Blue Man Theater at Luxor Hotel and Casino Madame Tussauds Las Vegas - This world famous interactive wax museum features eight unique rooms of some of your favorite stars and celebrities. VEGAS! THE SHOW - When in Vegas be sure to catch a show at V Theater, home to some of the best entertainment on the Strip. High Roller Observation Wheel at the LINQ - Shining bright on the Las Vegas Strip, the 550-foot-tall observation wheel offers stunning, 360-degree views of downtown Las Vegas and beyond. Hoover Dam Tour - The Hoover Dam is a must-see modern engineering marvel and one of the top sightseeing attractions around. These are just a few. If you're looking for more fun things to do in Las Vegas, check out these top Vegas attractions to see during your trip. How long are you visiting? Whether you're visiting Las Vegas for 24-hours or a long weekend, we've put together sample itineraries that include all the most popular things to do in the city. From all-around-the-city tours to iconic experiences, these itineraries give you the best Las Vegas experience based on the time you have. 1 day in Las Vegas - sample itinerary 2 days in Las Vegas - sample itinerary 3 days in Las Vegas - sample itinerary more coming soon! Who are you visiting with? No matter who you're traveling with, whether it's a family vacation or romantic getaway, there's no shortage of things to do in Las Vegas. We've put together a list of top attractions and activities geared towards every type of traveler, from kid-friendly to bachelorette party. Things to Do in Las Vegas for Couples Things to Do in Las Vegas for Teens Things to Do in Las Vegas with Kids Las Vegas Bachelorette Party Ideas more coming soon! What type of activities interest you? Whether you're looking for a classic 'Las Vegas experience' or don't want to even step foot inside a casino, our Las Vegas insiders put together a few 'best of' lists to inspire and help you streamline your itinerary. Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gamble Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Day Visiting Las Vegas on a budget The Best Las Vegas Pool Parties more coming soon! What parts of Las Vegas are you visiting? Explore Las Vegas by neighborhood to make the most of your time sightseeing. Aside from the Strip, Las Vegas has a bustling downtown area. We've highlighted a handful of top attractions and places to see downtown so you can sightsee strategically. Las Vegas Neighborhoods Guide Things to Do off the Strip – Container Park in Las Vegas more coming soon! When are you visiting? Though a top destination year-round, Las Vegas offers visitors a different experience with each season and type of weather. Check out our lists of things to do Las Vegas throughout the year to make the most of your itinerary and experience unique, calendar-based events and activities. Things to Do in Las Vegas in the Spring Things to Do in Las Vegas in the Summer Things to Do in Las Vegas this Fall Things to Do in Las Vegas in the Winter What's the best way to get around? Las Vegas is easy to navigate and there are lots of options for transportation so getting around to Downtown and Las Vegas Boulevard, known as “The Strip,” is easy. There are tons of taxis and shared ride services available. Hop-on, hop-off tours: a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour (an included attraction option) is a great way to get acquainted with the city and visit popular attractions. Tours follow a specific route and time schedule, so plan accordingly if you have timed tickets or reservations Insider tip: most attractions are located along The Strip, which is just over 4 miles. Public transportation: buses are the most popular way to get around Las Vegas. The RTC bus system has 2 major lines: the Deuce bus line runs along The Strip 24-hour/day with stops at most resorts and the SDX bus line (Strip & Downtown Express) provides service along The Strip from 9:00 am-midnight. Tip: get the free moovit app for point-to-point trip planning and real-time updates for both subway and bus routes. Taxis: taxis are available and easy to hail down and shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are widely available and easy to use. Looking for more info? Check out our post on getting around Las Vegas for tourists. Where should you stay? There are plenty of great places to stay in the area. Below are a handful of hotel suggestions located near popular tourist attractions and fun things to do. The Cromwell Hilton Grand Vacations at The Flamingo Caesars Palace Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Plaza Hotel & Casino Where should you shop? In between sightseeing, try and find time to pick up some souvenirs. Here are a few popular areas to get some shopping in. Las Vegas Downtown - Fremont St. Walking Tour Las Vegas North Premium Outlets Las Vegas South Premium Outlets Miracle Mile Shops The Forum Shops at Caesars Where to Eat Go on a tour of Las Vegas’ foodie scene with our top picks for family-friendly places to eat in Las Vegas and Las Vegas’ top buffets. We’ve included top picks for every appetite and even made note of nearby attractions so you can sightsee while you taste your way through Las Vegas’s culinary destinations. No judgement. Fun Info from a Local The world’s largest neon sign is ‘Vegas Vic,’ the neon cowboy on Fremont Street. Getting hitched? There are 300 weddings per day in Las Vegas. The Silver Slipper was the first casino on The Strip to hire female card dealers. “Las Vegas” in Spanish means “the meadows.” Around 1,000 people live in the tunnel system under Las Vegas. The Strip technically isn’t in Las Vegas, it’s in Clark County. Share your adventure with us! Tag us when you upload photos from your trip to Instagram: @GoCity or #GoCityCard.
Casey Makovich

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