Last updated 05/30/24
We’ve seen this debated many times all across social media. We don’t expect to settle this debate, but we can tell you that there are a lot of family activities in “Sin City” that get a lot of business and won’t be closing anytime soon. Even though some people don’t think children or families should visit Las Vegas we don’t think that should stop you from having a great vacation in Las Vegas.
Is Las Vegas appropriate for families and kids? Although some parts of Las Vegas are adult only or cater to adults, there are many shows, restaurants, activities, and places that are family-friendly or made for children. Hundreds of thousands of families visit Las Vegas each year and have a great vacation.
A lot depends on your kids ages and what activities you want to do. Can an older kid babysit while you go out to dinner? Do you want to do outdoor activities? Are you going to stay on the Strip? Or rent a car and visit the rest of the city?
Are There Activities In Las Vegas That Are Kid Friendly?
Las Vegas is known for it’s adult oriented activities, but there are kid friendly options for just about everyone in Las Vegas. There is a real bell curve as to how much a fun a kid will have. Babies, as much as anywhere else. They’re babies. Toddlers a little bit more. Kindergarten to middle school a lot more. High school, a little less. Just before they turn 21, not so much
Many shows in Las Vegas don’t have an age restrictions and many are extremely entertaining for kids. See our article 13 Kid-Friendly Show Frequent Visitors Recommend. The Cirque du Soleil shows are a particular favorite, with performances that combine acrobatics, music, and dance. The Blue Man Group is another popular show that is appropriate for all ages. With so many options for family-friendly entertainment, Las Vegas can be a great destination for a fun-filled vacation with the whole family.
There are several places on the strip that are kid friendly. The M&M Store, the Pinball Museum, Bellagio Fountains, Container Park. One of the most popular family-friendly attractions in Las Vegas is the Adventuredome Theme Park, located at Circus Circus Hotel and Casino. The indoor amusement park features more than 25 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, bumper cars, and mini-golf. Another popular destination for families is the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, which features more than 2,000 animals, including sharks, sea turtles, and exotic fish.
Off the strip are even more places for kids. Red Rock, the Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden, Hoover Dam. Sunset Park: This park features playgrounds, picnic areas, and plenty of open space for families to enjoy. There are also walking trails and a fishing pond. Floyd Lamb Park: This park is home to a historic ranch and several ponds where families can fish. There are also picnic areas and walking trails. Springs Preserve: This park offers a variety of outdoor exhibits and activities, including hiking trails, botanical gardens, and a butterfly habitat.
Restaurants are a little bit trickier. It’s not that there are kid unfriendly restaurants, but they’re not exactly kid friendly. Hell’s Kitchen isn’t known for it’s kids meal. They have gotten good reviews for making excellent mac and cheese for children. The Rainforest Café, which features a jungle-themed atmosphere and a menu that includes burgers, sandwiches, and chicken tenders, is the most kid centered restaurant we can think of in Las Vegas, except for Chuckie E Cheese of course.
Are Kids Allowed In Casinos?
Yes, kids are allowed in casinos. But, there are some areas they are not allowed to linger. Anywhere with slot machines or table games is restricted. Children can move through the gaming floor, but they can’t stand around. Your spouse can’t even hold a baby and watch you play slots while they stand behind you. And children can’t sit at at slot machine at any time, even for you to get a quick picture of your little cutie playing slots.
The cage and loyalty club areas are also off-limits for children. Your teen can’t go with you to cash out your chips at the cage. Some other areas are sort of obvious, like bars and nightclubs. Everywhere else is just fine. Shopping, movies, food, and some shows are all areas children are allowed.
Some casinos have kids clubs available. For a cost, kids can enjoy playing with other children, games, and activities while their parents enjoy other activities in the casino. Some people might find this distasteful, but is it much different than hiring a babysitter so you can take your spouse on a date?
Is Las Vegas Family Friendly?
Las Vegas has lots of activities for families. From shows on the Strip to hiking in the desert, there’s something that will appeal to every kind of family.
One of the main family activities on vacation is going to the pool. Las Vegas vacations are no exception. Every hotel has a pool, some have multiple. Depending on your budget, choose a hotel in the middle of the Strip with a good pool and you’ll find it a lot easier to get around and fill all of the down time at the pool.
Many hotels in Las Vegas offer kid-friendly amenities to keep children entertained during their stay. One such hotel is the Circus Circus Hotel & Casino, which has an indoor theme park and carnival games. The hotel also has a pool complex with a water slide and splash pad for younger children. Another hotel that offers kid-friendly amenities is the Excalibur Hotel & Casino. The hotel has a medieval theme and features a large arcade, a pool with a water slide, and a dinner show called “Tournament of Kings.”
Will My Kid See Anything Inappropriate In Las Vegas?
I can’t guarantee they won’t. That could be said for any major metropolitan area. But, if you avoid certain areas at certain times of day, you can be fairly confident you won’t run into anything that bad. The Strip during the day is perfectly OK. You might see some scantily dressed showgirls or cops (performers, actual Metro officers don’t wear thigh-high leather boots and bikini tops on duty). Downtown and Freemont Street are fine throughout the day. Anyplace you go there will be homeless people that can act inappropriate at times.
At night, don’t go to Freemont Street. You can travel on the Strip at night, but there are a lot more intoxicated people out at night, be warned. That warning about intoxicated and partying people goes for pretty much the entire Strip. See our other article Is Las Vegas Safe? Yes..If You Don’t Do These Stupid Things for tips on staying safe in Las Vegas.
Off Strip, and out of the Freemont Street and Downtown area, Las Vegas is just like every other city. If you go to Henderson for dinner you won’t run into a group of guys having a bachelor party. If you go to Red Rock for a hike during the day you won’t run into any performers dressed like they wandered out of Magic Mike.
Is Las Vegas A Good Place To Live With A Family?
We’re biased because we live here, but we think Las Vegas is a pretty good place to raise a family. Any major city will have a host of foods, activities, and experiences. Las Vegas, as a vacation destination, has an overabundance of everything. Some of the best, and most varied, restaurants in the world. The best singers, dancers, comedian, musicians, magicians, and other performers from all over the world come here to perform. There are few cities where as much diversity of people, entertainment, and attractions can be found. All for a family to experience.
Are there bad things about Las Vegas? Sure, as with any city. We don’t rate high on lists of the best primary education or health care. However, our economy and infrastructure lead the nation. As with all cities a lot depends on where you live in the city. Some areas have excellent schools.
Conclusion
While Las Vegas may be best known for its vibrant nightlife and world-class entertainment, it also offers a wealth of family-friendly activities and attractions that promise fun and excitement for visitors of all ages. From thrilling amusement parks and interactive museums to outdoor adventures and spectacular shows, Las Vegas truly has something for everyone. So pack your bags, gather the family, and embark on an unforgettable vacation filled with laughter, adventure, and memories that will last a lifetime.