Las Vegas Kids Attractions

While most think of a strip of casinos, restaurants and bars when it comes to Vegas, a family fun-filled vacation can be experienced here as well. A variety of attractions including free events are available for families to experience on a Vegas Vacation with kids. When taking the time to plan your vacation, be sure to have a variety of activities in mind, both rain and shine events, this will allow the ease of having something to do for your children at all time available. Nothing is worse than a whiny kid, especially a whiny kid on vacation.

Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat (link) allows everybody the opportunity to see exotic animals relaxing in a tropical environment. Located at The Mirage admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 4-12. For the full experience enjoy the VIP treatment with a special one-hour guided tour and get your photo taken with one of the dolphins. Older children (13 and over) can experience what it is like to be a dolphin trainer with the “Trainer for a Day” program. This is an all day program and provides an opportunity to play with, train and feed dolphins.

Circus Circus ADVENTURE DOME Theme Park (link), is located behind the West Tower, and is proximal to many other attractions in the Vegas area. Admission to the park is free with rides only $2-$5 each. Day passes are also available. For kids 4 feet and shorter, a pass is $12.95 and for those taller than 4 feet, the price is only $16.95.

The indoor elevated theme park offers something for both children and parents to enjoy. The Canyon Blaster is the world’s largest double-loop, double-corkscrew indoor roller coaster in America. The Sand Pirates ride is another thrill seeking ride where riders sit in a pirate ship as it swings both high and low. The Inverter is highly advised for riders 12 and over, the ride flips you at 360 degrees of G force at fast speeds, not meant for the faint of heart. Want something more Xtreme? Try the Xtreme Zone, a trampoline/wall climbing experience that is challenging for children young and old. The Drifter is a hot-air balloon inspired ferris wheel.

Looking for something more low key after all high-thrill rides? The IMAX CINEPLEX offers simulator experiences for both kids and adults! Lazer Blast laser tag is a non-risk, non-scary event for children of younger ages who may not enjoy roller coasters and wet rides as much as your older children. Pike’s Pass, is another experience all children will enjoy, the 18-hole mini golf course, can house competition matches between parents and kids. Watch out they might beat you!!

After a long day of fun, the kids are probably looking for something a little less hands-on, Las Vegas has a variety of arcades such as NY/NY, which has modern arcade games and a roller coaster. ESPN Zone is located nearby in case you are hungry as well. Gameworks, located near the MGM Grand Hotel, offers games for the kids, and big screens for the adults.

Some educational options to take children in Las Vegas include the Lied Discovery Museum, located at the North end of the Vegas Strip. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for children, and free for infants under a year old. Note that the museum is closed on Monday and has short hours (Noon – 5pm) on Sundays.

The museum offers something for children of all age (and yes adults too!). With nearly 100 stations throughout the museum, the museum will both educate and entertain your children. The first floor is designed for children 5 years and younger, with exhibits such as “Cool Moves: The Artistry of Motion”. The youngsters can also dress up and perform plays on a stage. Another station for younger children is “Desert Discovery”, where kids can enjoy themselves in a mining area and find ore and place it in buckets to be sent to the mountain. Near this exhibit is Toddler Tower, a jungle gym for kids that need to let some energy out.

Upstairs is designed for older individuals, with a variety of stations such as the stringless music station where you simply move your hand back and forth and can play 100 different musical instruments. There also is a exhibit where children can learn what a green screen is and can star in their own movie. The Lied Museum has countless activities to do, which makes it vital for every family visiting Vegas to visit. Who said Las Vegas cannot teach your kids something too?

After being indoors, the kids are probably aching for an outdoors activity. Take them to the Las Vegas Springs Preserve. The Preserve is located 3 miles west of downtown Vegas. The cost to enter the preserve is $18.95 for adults, $10.95 for kids 5-17, and those under 5 are free. Nevada residents experienced discounted rates. The park is open 10 am to 6 pm each day.