2014
9 minutes readAmusement parks and city views
1. Ride The Big Apple —a sky-high adventure
- Cost: Admission fee
- Website: The Big Apple Coaster & Arcade
- District: The Strip
For families who enjoy adrenaline-filled rides, The Big Apple Coaster and arcade packs a punch.
With twists and turns around the iconic New York-New York Hotel, you’ll have the chance to view the city from a whole new perspective. Plus, once you’re done at this urban park coaster, take the tribe over to the arcade, where kids of all ages can enjoy entertainment.
2. Adventuredome—an indoor amusement park
- Cost: Admission fee; prices on rides may vary
- Website: Adventuredome
- District: Inside Circus Circus (Down the street from Excalibur)
The Adventuredome is LV’s largest indoor park located in one of the famous hotels, Circus Circus.
With roller coaster rides, bumper cars, slides, different carnival games, and other family-friendly rides, the park takes on quite the thrill. Just be sure to check what times they are open before heading over that way.
3. The High Roller—a 550 feet observation wheel
- Cost: Admission fee ($19-$25 depending on age)
- Website: The High Roller Wheel
- District: The Strip
Ride the biggest and highly popular observation wheel in North America, climbing 550 feet high in the air over the middle of Las Vegas.
Photo : tripadvisor.co.uk
The whole family will be amazed as you watch the 360-degree views, with miles of sights to see as they travel into the sky on the High Roller. The wheel rotates slowly for 30 minutes, almost continuously daily, and every minute is a delight!
Hot interactive exhibits
4. Discovery Children’s Museum—collaborative & educational
- Cost: Admission fee ($17 for non-locals)
- Website: Discovery Children’s Museum
- District: Downtown
Are you not fans of amusement parks? Or perhaps you want something different that involves a higher degree of interaction?
Photo : tripadvisor.co.uk
The Discovery Children’s Museum in downtown Las Vegas extends popular, hands-on shows focused on science, art, music, and culture. In a fun and educational environment, children can explore on their own and learn in everything from a pretend grocery store to a climbing play area.
5. Shark Reef Aquarium—dive into the Mandalay Bay marine world
- Cost: Admission fee ($29+)
- Website: Shark Reef Aquarium
- District: The Strip
Dip your feet into our grand oceans at Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef, home to various creatures making a splash, including fish, stingrays, and sea turtles.
Photo : mandalaybay.mgmresorts.com
Open during the week and weekend, there are touch pools and exploring animals in which children can learn interesting information about unusual species of marine life and how to preserve their ocean habitats.
6. Natural History Museum—transformative & fun
- Cost: Admission fee ($14)
- Website: Natural History Museum
- District: Downtown
Slide into the Las Vegas Natural History Institution, an incredible place that ignites visitors’ curiosity and imagination.
Photo : lvnhm.org
Home to impressive displays of dinosaurs, wildlife creatures & habitats, and the environment, this science center is a must-visit spot. Apart from the amazing displays, the institution also offers events that are both educational and fun.
7. SeaQuest—marine life from 5 continents
- Cost: Admission fee ($18.99)
- Website: SeaQuest Las Vegas
- District: LV Valley (The Boulevard Mall)
Ride over to the grand Boulevard Mall, and create a lasting love with creatures from around the planet (five continents, to be exact) at SeaQuest, a wildlife touch pools aquarium right here in Las Vegas.
Photo : visitseaquest.com
Kids can feed stingrays daily, interact with exotic birds, and even slash around as they dive feet deep during a fun snorkeling experience (Sorry, no lions, tigers or bears)!
Outdoor Adventures/Attractions
8. Mojave Desert at Springs Preserve—the perfect exploration
- Cost: Admission fee ($18 for non-residents)
- Website: Springs Preserve
- District: Water District
The Mojave Desert at Springs Preserve is steeped in history, has interactive exhibits, and has plenty of hiking trails (dogs not allowed).
For outdoor lovers, it is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic, do some exploring, see a cactus and have an educational experience the whole group can appreciate.
9. Red Rock Canyon—a scenic Vegas adventure
- Cost: Free: some events may have fees
- Website: Red Rock Canyon
- District: Salcha-Delta Soil & Water Conservation District
Looking for a new way to escape the hustle and bustle of busy Vegas? Red Rock Cayon, a free scenic adventure within driving distance of the city, offers a mountain of outdoor possibilities (no pun intended).
Photo : www.redrockcanyonlv.org
Families can relish in beautiful hiking trails (dogs not allowed), watch wild creatures, and appreciate nature’s playground here, just a short ride from the city. Bring something hydrating though, because it might get hot!
10. Bonnie Springs Ranch—witness the Wild West themed ranch
- Cost: Admission fee ($5 on weekdays, $7 on weekends); some activities may have additional fees
- Website: Bonnie Springs Ranch
- District: 15 miles outside of Las Vegas
While this Vegas attraction is roughly 15 miles outside of the city, Bonnie Springs Ranch is a fun day trip for the whole family that is sure to be a hit.
Photo : Fotomicar
At the ranch, you can travel back in time to the Wild West and immerse yourself and the kids in themed horseback riding (6+), petting zoos, and mock gunfights.
Family-friendly entertainment shows
11. Cirque du Soleil—flips, tricks, an absolute hit!
- Cost: Ticket prices vary around shows
- Website: Cirque du Soleil
- District: Various locations
A great memory that will last forever can be made at one of Cirque du Soleil’s enchanting shows in Las Vegas.
Photo: tripadvisor.co.uk
These performances combine acrobatics soaring several feet in the air, music, and storytelling in ways that will amaze and delight people of all ages.
12. Fountains of Bellagio—a dancing water spectacle
- Cost: Free
- Website: N/A
- District: The Strip
Marvel at the spectacular water dancing in the air to choreographed music at the Fountains of Bellagio.
Photo by Yves Scheuber on Unsplash
This iconic Vegas attraction poses nightly performances, every few hours, of dancing water that are both impressive and friendly for all ages. Once the lights go out, the water comes on!
13. Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.—for comic and superhero lovers
- Cost: Admission fee
- Website: Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.
- District: The Strip
Got some superhero-loving kids (or maybe you’re the superhero fans)? Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N., a newer addition to Vegas, teams you up with your favorite superheroes in an immersive showing.
Photo : marvelavengersstation.com
Experience exclusive stages props, costumes, and collaborating experiences from the Marvel Cinematic Universe as you explore this incredible display. Definitely a must-check-out!
Indoor play centers
14. Kids Quest—tucker out the kids
- Cost: Hourly rates apply
- Website: Kids Quest
- District: Westside
Let’s face it, the best activity any parent can ask for is one that will tucker out the kids, making them ready for bed as soon as your back in the hotel room. Kids Quest gives you just this.
As a play center filled with games, arts and crafts, and play structures, kids of all ages can experience this family fun center. Plus, they offer childcare (6 weeks to 12 years old), meaning adults can roam on their own, while the younger ones are entertained.
15. Gameworks—games for everyone
Have a blast at Gameworks, where you can choose from a variety of video games, simulators, and redemption tournaments.
Photo : Monkey Business Images
Find which one of you can make the most points and win tickets to exchange for rewards, as you challenge the family to a day of competition and excitement. Or try and beat your own personal best scores!
Fun dining experiences
16. Hershey’s Chocolate World—13,000 sq-foot selection of candy
- Cost: Free entry (but you will have to pay to eat the sweets!)
- Website: Hershey’s Chocolate World
- District: The Strip
Satisfy your sweet tooth at one Hershey’s largest chocolate worlds, where you can explore a 13,000-square-foot selection of chocolate treats and merchandise. This candy store is not just for kids; adults will also enjoy it.
Oh! And be sure to take a look at the striking and iconic sculpture of the Statue of Liberty, created from approximately 800 lbs of rich, creamy milk chocolate. It’s truly a sight to behold!
17. Sugar Factory—satisfy your sweet tooth
- Cost: $20-$45 per person
- Website: Sugar Factory
- District: The Strip
From delicious brunch, lunch, and dinner options to endless unique desserts, Sugar Factory takes the clan on a dining experience like no other.
Photo : tripadvisor.com
The whole group will undoubtedly appreciate extravagant milkshakes and decadent desserts while also being surrounded by a fun, upbeat atmosphere. It may not be a light meal, but it is a great dining spot for the family!
18. Rainforest Café—transport into the jungle
- Cost: $20- $35 per person
- Website: Rainforest Cafe
- District: The Strip
Take a quick trip into an exotic rainforest adventure at the Rainforest Cafe. This unique restaurant is decorated wall to wall with lush greenery and lifelike animatronic animals, creating a truly immersive and unforgettable dining spot to eat at. With a wide variety of mouthwatering dishes on the menu, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, there’s something for everyone.
Photo : tripadvisor.com
Get started with ZenHotels
Las Vegas is a city that has many fun things to do for families, such as amusement parks and city views, interactive exhibits, outdoor adventures, family-friendly entertainment shows, and more! Regardless of interests or age, you can make lasting memories with your family in Las Vegas.
Reserve your family vacation now with ZenHotels and begin planning your trip today, and enjoy the best prices on the most popular hotels!
