Fun Things to Do in Las Vegas with Kids

Children Playing on Playground in Las Vegas

To an outsider, Las Vegas might seem like an “adults only” playground. What we see from movies and TV doesn’t really give off a sense of family living. However, Vegas has no shortage of entertainment, and that goes for the kiddos too! The Valley is actually chock-full of activities for families with children.

With farm animals and mermaids and everything in between, this list of kid-friendly fun guarantees a good time without hurting your budget!

 

Las Vegas Activities for Kids

 

Play Inside

When temperatures are at their peak here in Vegas, it’s not much fun going to a park where playground surfaces are too hot to touch, let alone slide down or swing on. Fortunately, some desert geniuses developed indoor playgrounds and there are several to choose from! A local favorite is Adventure Indoor Playground because it has everything! Giant spinning octopus to climb on? Check! Interactive light-up floor games? Check! Slides, jungle gyms, swings, and face painters? Check, check, check, check! The staff is always friendly, they offer space for birthday parties, and it’s only $10 per child! You can even leave and come back later that same day. Just make sure you and your kids have socks and prepare yourself for hours of air-conditioned entertainment.

 

Kids Looking at Aquarium in Las Vegas

 

How about taking your kids somewhere that almost no other place in the nation offers? Imagine seeing their faces light up when they look in a huge tank full of beautiful fish and stingrays and see … a mermaid! As unbelievable as it sounds, it’s totally true and you can find it at The Silverton Hotel and Casino. Start your under-the-sea adventure by walking through the Bass Pro Shop that is attached to the casino. They have several water features and fish tanks to check out. When you reach the casino, you can’t miss the huge 117,000-gallon reef aquarium tank and all its glory. It houses more than 4,000 tropical fish and several different species of stingrays and sharks. To catch the mermaid show, head to the aquarium during these times:

  • Thursday: 12:00 – 1:15 pm; 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm; 5:00 pm – 8:15 pm
  • Friday: 12:00 – 1:15 pm; 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm; 5:00 pm – 8:15 pm
  • Saturday: 12:00 – 1:15 pm; 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm; 5:00 pm – 8:15 pm
  • Sunday: 10:30 am – 12:45 pm; 2:00 pm – 3:45 pm; 5:00 pm – 6:45 pm

Your kids will be in awe as they watch a beautiful, real-life mermaid wave at them, blow bubble kisses, and interact with their sea friends!

 

Explore Outside

The heat is still on right now but with fall right around the corner, there are some great outdoor options for you and your family to consider. What about a trip to a fruit-filled orchard without having to sit in the car for too long? Vegas has it! The Gilcrease Orchard is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday from 7:00 am until 12:00 pm. Grab some comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty and get to pickin’! The available produce depends on the time of year, but there is always a good variety to choose from. You can’t beat the memories you’ll make with your kids as you lift them up to pick fresh apples from a tree or watch them giggle as they pull carrots right out of the ground. Be sure to visit Gilcrease during the Halloween season, too! You can bring your own wagon or use one of the wheelbarrows provided to try to fit as many pumpkins, in all sorts of fun shapes, sizes, and colors, as you can inside. Afterwards, grab a jug of their famous hot apple cider and homemade donuts. This is a tradition you’ll be taking your family to again and again, and it’s right in our backyard!

 

Child Enjoying Time of Farm Near Las Vegas

 

If you enjoy getting outdoors and discovering the surprises the Valley has to offer, you’ll be happy to know that you can also take your kids to a local ranch! The McKee Ranch Foundation has a little bit of everything, including two playgrounds, a teepee, hayrides, a hay pyramid for climbing, tons of antique decorations to look at and, of course, farm animals! You and your kiddos can walk along and pet the free-roaming goats, chickens and rabbits or bring a bag of carrots and leafy greens to feed the horses and Duncan the Donkey! If there isn’t a special event happening, it’s free to get in, but they do accept donations that go directly toward the care of the animals. The McKee Ranch is an amazing opportunity to be around animals and show your children how you can help your local community.

Don’t let the media fool you. Vegas may be known for its adult nightlife, but locals will tell you that our amazing city is perfect for families! A little creativity goes a long way for children, but remember that no matter what you’re doing as a family, your kids will appreciate the memories you make together for years to come.