A Family-Friendly Guide to the Entertainment Capital of the World

If you think Las Vegas is all cocktails, card tables, and chaos — think again. The new Las Vegas is as family-friendly as it is fabulous, filled with wild rides, sugar highs, splash zones, and Insta-worthy memories for all ages. Whether you’ve got a stroller, a squad of tweens, or a teen who only looks up from their phone when food’s involved — this guide is your jackpot.

BEST FAMILY FUN IN VEGAS FOR BABIES & TODDLERS (AGES 0–5)

Where nap schedules meet neon.

• Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay – A serene, stroller-friendly underwater adventure. Little ones can gaze at sharks, sea turtles, and even a giant octopus. Bonus: it’s dark, quiet, and blissfully air-conditioned.
• Discovery Children’s Museum – This three-story wonderland near downtown is pure magic for small hands. From a miniature cityscape to water play and a climbing tower, it’s educational chaos in the best way possible.
• Town Square Las Vegas – This open-air shopping and dining district has a giant playground and splash pad that’s perfect for toddlers to run wild while parents sip an iced coffee and pretend to be relaxed.
• Ethel M Chocolate Factory & Cactus Garden – A gentle outing with sweet rewards. Stroll through the cactus garden, peek into chocolate-making, and end with a treat (obviously).

Where to Stay: Mandalay Bay (lazy river, beachy pool area, aquarium access) or The Mirage (for the Volcano and tropical vibes).

Where to Eat:

• Rainforest Café – Still unbeatable for kids who love thunder sounds and animatronic elephants.
• Black Bear Diner – Comfort food, pancakes the size of dinner plates, and crayons on every table.
• Capriotti’s or Shake Shack (at the Park) – Quick, clean, and perfect for stroller breaks.
• Giada at The Cromwell – For parents who want one nice meal with a view while the kids nap in the stroller.

Parent Review:

“We brought our twin toddlers to Mandalay Bay and couldn’t believe how easy it was. Everything was walkable, safe, and clean — and the Shark Reef Aquarium was the highlight of the trip. We even snuck in a cocktail at the pool while they napped. Total win.” – The Martinez Family, San Diego

If your kids are too young to appreciate the $$$$ finer establishments, you have options! Check out cheapeats.vegas for delicious restaurants that won’t break the bank. 

BEST FAMILY FUN IN VEGAS FOR YOUNG KIDS (AGES 6–9)

Because “Can we do something fun now?” starts here.

• Adventuredome at Circus Circus – A pink-domed paradise of roller coasters, bumper cars, and arcade chaos. It’s the perfect place to burn off energy — and cotton candy.
• High Roller Observation Wheel (LINQ Promenade) – The world’s tallest observation wheel and surprisingly peaceful for kids. Opt for a daytime ride for fewer crowds and fewer questions about the bar pods.
• Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. (Treasure Island) – A must for superhero fans. The interactive exhibits and life-size Iron Man suits make for epic selfies.
• Flamingo Wildlife Habitat – Free and fabulous. A lush little oasis right on the Strip, with flamingos, koi fish, and waterfalls — basically a toddler’s Zen garden.

Where to Stay: New York-New York Hotel & Casino (mini-Manhattan skyline, arcade, roller coaster) or Excalibur (castle vibes forever).

Where to Eat:

• Sugar Factory – Over-the-top milkshakes, color explosions, and celebrity-level Instagram energy.
• Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer – Legendary CrazyShakes and juicy burgers that even picky eaters approve of.
• Nacho Daddy – A local favorite that’s surprisingly kid-friendly; think giant nachos and friendly staff.
• Grimaldi’s Pizzeria (The Venetian or Boca Park) – Brick-oven pizza that satisfies everyone.
• Rainforest Café – If you didn’t go when they were toddlers, now’s your second chance.

Parent Review:

“Our kids were obsessed with the Adventuredome — and we loved that it was all indoors and safe. Dinner at Sugar Factory was chaos in the best way. Our server treated the kids like VIPs, and we left with three souvenir cups and two very happy kids.” – The Patel Family, Phoenix

The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is a rare find because it’s free. For other budget-friendly options, head over to budget.vegas. 

BEST FAMILY FUN IN VEGAS FOR BIG KIDS & TWEENS (AGES 10–12)

Old enough to keep up, young enough to still be impressed.

• FlyOver Las Vegas – Think “Soarin’ Over California,” but with Vegas tech. A motion simulator that swoops through landscapes from Iceland to the Wild West. Total crowd-pleaser.
• Topgolf Las Vegas – Kid-friendly bays, good food, and pool time between swings. Great for groups and older kids who like a challenge.
• AREA15 – Immersive art, VR, and interactive experiences galore. Check out Wink World and Museum Fiasco. (Pro tip: call ahead as they sometimes close zones for private events. And nothing is worse than disappointing your kids.)
• Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix – Go-karts, arcade games, and pizza. The perfect “half-day adventure” just off the Strip.

Where to Stay: MGM Grand (lazy river + family-friendly entertainment), Hilton Grand Vacations (kitchenettes, great pools), or The Mirage (while it lasts).

Where to Eat:

• Gordon Ramsay Burger (Planet Hollywood) – Big flavors, fun energy, and the perfect “grown-up” burger spot for preteens.
• Peppermill Restaurant & Lounge – Retro Vegas classic, huge portions, and neon nostalgia.
• Hash House A Go Go – Famous for pancakes the size of steering wheels and farm-style breakfasts.
• Yardbird Southern Table & Bar – Comfort food done fancy: fried chicken, mac & cheese, and biscuits that could win awards.

Parent Review:

“AREA15 was the hit of the trip — our 11-year-old didn’t stop talking about it. We felt totally comfortable letting him explore while we had a coffee. Dinner at Yardbird wrapped it up perfectly. Great service, great energy, and zero meltdowns. That’s a Vegas miracle.” – The Thompson Family, Denver

If your kids loved FlyOver Las Vegas, they’ll want to check out the SlotZilla Zipline. Check out that – and more – at FreemontStreet.vegas. 

BEST FAMILY FUN IN VEGAS FOR TEENS (AGES 13–18)

Finally — something cool enough to post about.

• The STRAT SkyJump or Observation Deck – Teens with nerves of steel can leap off a perfectly good building (safely harnessed, of course). Others can just take in the epic views.
• Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart at AREA15 – Weird, wonderful, and endlessly photogenic. An art-meets-alternate-universe grocery store that will blow their minds.
• Vegas Indoor Skydiving – A safe way to fly without jumping out of a plane. Major cool points.
• KÀ by Cirque du Soleil (MGM Grand) – Epic storytelling, martial arts, acrobatics, and jaw-dropping visuals. One of the most teen-approved Cirque shows on the Strip. (Verify show calendars online before you head over, schedules are subject to change due to casting, holidays and special events.) 

Where to Stay: MGM Grand, Resorts World, or The Venetian for spacious suites and luxe pools.

Where to Eat:

• Secret Pizza (The Cosmopolitan) – Hidden, unmarked, and delicious — which makes it irresistible for teens.
• Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips (LINQ Promenade) – Fast, flavorful, and very Instagrammable.
• Black Tap – A repeat hit for teens who want those over-the-top milkshakes.
• Nacho Daddy – Great for groups and late-night bites after a show.
• Café Hollywood (Planet Hollywood) – 24-hour diner energy and a menu big enough to please everyone.

Parent Review:

“Traveling with teenagers can be tough, but Vegas made it easy. Our 15-year-old loved Omega Mart, our 17-year-old jumped off The STRAT, and my husband and I just enjoyed watching them actually smile. Dinner at Secret Pizza was our family’s best moment — it felt like we’d discovered our own Vegas secret.” – The Reynolds Family, Dallas

Want more off-the-beaten path recommendations? Visit divebar.vegas to see where the locals go! 

PET-FRIENDLY FAMILY FUN

Because fur babies deserve Vegas, too.

• Barkin’ Basin Dog Park (near Downtown Summerlin) – A shady, clean off-leash park with plenty of room to run.
• Lake Las Vegas – Dogs are welcome on many trails and even some paddleboards.
• Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar – Great family menu, doggy meals included.
• Vdara Hotel & Spa – One of the most upscale, truly pet-welcoming hotels on the Strip.

FINAL THOUGHT

Vegas with kids doesn’t have to mean giving up glamour — it just means trading bottle service for bottomless milkshakes, and slot machines for splash pads.
Because at the end of the day, what happens in Vegas… becomes a core memory.

Want to share your Sin-City-without-the-Sin story? Drop a note below and share your “dos-and-don’ts” of traveling to Vegas with kids. 

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