At first glance, Las Vegas may not seem ideal for a weekend away with kids. With its bright lights, nonstop nightlife, and opulent casinos, you may think it’s the last place you’d want to travel to with your children! But you couldn’t be more wrong. In fact, Las Vegas has a lot to offer families with kids of all ages; you just need to know where to look.
In this article, we’ll take you through some of the best hotels, restaurants, and activities for a weekend trip to Las Vegas with your kids. We guarantee you’ll be surprised by just how kid-friendly the Entertainment Capital of the World can be!
Choosing the Right Family-Friendly Hotel
When heading to Las Vegas with kids, choosing where you’re going to stay is arguably the most important decision you’re going to make. You want somewhere with a kid-friendly atmosphere and plenty of amenities, not somewhere aimed at stag, hen dos, and round-the-clock partying.
Think carefully about what’s important to you and your family. Do they want an aquatic adventure, immersive entertainment, or something a little more relaxed? No matter what type of hotel you choose to go for, just make sure you compare prices to ensure you get the best deal possible. If you have some flexibility on the time of year, it’s also worth looking out of season, as you might be able to pick up a bargain.
Here are some great options to consider:
The Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: Boasting an 11-acre outdoor oasis known as Mandalay Bay Beach, there’s a lazy river, a wave pool, and an actual real-sand beach. You’ll have trouble dragging your kids out of the water at the end of the day. There’s also easy access to the Shark Reef Aquarium.
Circus Circus Hotel & Casino: With a 5-acre indoor amusement park with rides and roller coasters, a Splash Zone with water slides and water playground, and a large arcade, this hotel ticks all the boxes for high-octane family fun.
Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa: Set away from the Strip, this family-friendly hotel offers a more serene atmosphere than you’ll find at other hotels. However, there are still plenty of amenities to keep the kids entertained, including a large pool complex and a supervised Kids Quest play area.
One thing to bear in mind when you’re booking a hotel is the “resort fee”. This is added per night to nearly all reservations and turns a budget-friendly room rate into something much more expensive. You’ll also want to factor in daily parking fees if you arrive by car. These hidden costs can all add up if you plan on heading to Las Vegas.
Fuelling the Fun
Las Vegas doesn’t only have a ton of family-friendly hotels to stay at, but there are also plenty of restaurants offering immersive dining experiences.
For a truly unique experience you’ll want to check out the Rainforest Cafe. Its jungle-themed environment complete with animatronics, thunder sounds, and flashing lights is sure to be a hit. They also have great kid-friendly menu with options like Jurassic Chicken Tidbits and Gorilla Grilled Cheese Delight.
You also won’t want to miss the Tournament of Kings dinner show at Excalibur. Guests can enjoy a three-course meal while watching medieval knights jousting. And make sure to head to the Black Tap at the Venetian for its famous Crazy Shakes.
There are also plenty of quick and casual eats on offer if you just need to grab a quick bite between dips in the pool or other activities. The food courts at the Excaliber and Luxur both offer a great selection and classic spots like Shake Shack and Earl of Sandwich are are always easy wins with kids.
Activities and Attractions in Las Vegas
While you might be tempted to never leave your hotel (and we wouldn’t blame you with some of the amenities they offer) there are plenty of attractions to experience on and off the Strip. Here are some of the best:
Spectacular Shows
Cirque du Soleil: A staple in Las Vegas, it’s magical characters and breath-taking acrobatics will enthral all the family.
KA: An action-adventure show with epic battles and a visually stunning, moving stage.
The Wizard of Oz at Sphere: This immersive cinematic experience uses haptic seats and environmental effects to make the audience feel like they are travelling down the Yellow Brick Road.
Interactive Worlds & On-Strip Fun
Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay: With over 2,000 species of aquatic life, a touch pool and a shipwreck exhibit, this is a captivating experience you won’t want to miss.
Meow Wolf Omega Mart: Located at AREA15 this is an interactive art collective that starts in a surreal supermarket. It then leads to mind-bending, art-filled landscapes through secret portals that your kids will love to explore.
High Roller Observation Wheel: This is the largest Ferris wheel in the United States and a ride takes 30 minutes. You’ll enjoy unobstructed views of the Strip and the surrounding desert.
With all activities it’s worth booking tickets in advance to make sure you’re not disappointed.
Easy Day Trips
A weekend may not seem like long, but there’s still plenty of time to leave the city and experience some of the natural beauty of the surrounding Nevada desert. If you do want to get out of the city, make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen, water, and take plenty of breaks in the shade.
One of the most impressive visits you can do is to the Hoover Dam. It’s only a 30 to 45 minute drive from the Strip and it’s completely free to walk around. They do offer tours but children under eight are not permitted.
Another short drive from the city takes you to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in the desert landscape and enjoy kid-friendly hikes like the Lost Creek Children’s Discovery trail and the Petroglyph Wall Trail. Just remember to make a timed-entry reservation if you’re planning on visiting between October and June.
Final Thoughts
I think we’ve shown that Las Vegas is more than just gambling and nightlife. Instead, it’s a lot more family friendly than you might think. There are plenty of activities on offer that your kids will love and will make your weekend in the Entertainment Capital of the World a unique and amazing holiday experience.
