5 Things to Do in Vegas With Kids
When considering a family trip, you might not immediately think of Vegas, but what surprised me the most was the abundance of things to do in Vegas with kids (especially off the strip). I don’t think the strip is an ideal place for small children, especially my toddler and preschooler. One of the reasons is that the casino areas are quite smoky, and I refuse to expose my little ones to secondhand smoke.
Even though we spend summers in Las Vegas, my kids have never been to the strip. However, we do like to keep them entertained and try to schedule one new activity per week while we’re here.
In this post, I will share our favorite things to do in Vegas with kids.
And guess what? Some of these spots even made appearances on Blippi’s YouTube episodes!
So let’s get to it!
5 Things to Do in Vegas With Kids
1. Discovery Children’s Museum
The Discovery Children’s Museum was the first activity that came to mind when I was putting together my list of the best things to do in Vegas with kids. It’s an ideal indoor activity for toddlers and kids of every age! Our family spent half a day here, and my toddlers didn’t want to leave.
The Discovery Children’s Museum stands out as the top museum in town, packed with hands-on learning areas and three floors of engaging and interactive exhibits that spark children’s curiosity. Additionally, children can explore “The Summit”, which is 12 levels full of science fun and different structures that they can climb.
Kai and Zyra really liked “Eco-City,” a cool little town where kids could pretend to be grown-ups, running businesses like Smiths, Wells Fargo, and even the Las Vegas Airport.
Toddler Town and the Water World also kept my toddlers busy and entertained. The best part is that they switch out their exhibits frequently, so you can experience new and exciting adventures regardless of when you visit.
The Discovery Children’s Museum is a 10/10 experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone who’s looking for the best things to do in Vegas with kids.
2. Springs Preserve
Enjoy a day at the Springs Preserve, one of the top things to do in Vegas with kids! Springs Preserve spans over 180 acres and features museums, exhibits, and botanical gardens. For those who prefer a break from the heat, they have indoor activities such as story time and arts and crafts. Kai and Zyra played here for over 2 hours, it was so much fun and super affordable.
Make sure not to miss the train ride to BoomTown, a historical exhibit that shows what life was like in 1905 during the city’s development.
Ready to take a little break from the heat and unwind? Check out Springs Cafe and grab a latte and avocado toast while you enjoy the view. They also have a cute area where you can take some selfies!
Finish off your day at Springs Preserve with a visit to the Mariposa Playground and cool down at the Splash Pad, which is available for children ages 2 to 5. Kai and Zyra absolutely LOVED the splash pad. I mean, who wouldn’t?
Important to Note
Keep in mind that Springs Preserve is an extremely popular area and they don’t accept cash. On their website, they suggest you purchase tickets for the whole family three days in advance. You can do so here and skip the long line outdoors. For a memorable experience among the best things to do in Vegas with kids, Springs Preserve is a top pick.
Springs Preserve Tips
From experience
1. Pack a change of clothes, a sunhat, and sunblock for kiddos, especially if you plan on taking them to the Splash Pad.
2. If you’re bringing a baby, a carrier or stroller is a good idea as you will be doing lots of walking.
We used a wagon stroller and my friend packed her cooler full of refreshing cold drinks for all of us.
According to the policy: “Guests are allowed to bring outside food and nonalcoholic beverage items into the Springs Preserve for self-consumption, provided they do not require heating, reheating, processing, refrigeration, or temperature control. Coolers and bags can be no larger than 24″ x 15″ x 18″”. Check out all the rules and regulations on their website.
If you’re planning to take the train, you can park your stroller or wagon in the designated area nearby.
Related: Flying With a Toddler Car Seat: 3 Things You Need to Know
3. Dig This Las Vegas
The third thing on my list of best things to do in Vegas with kids is “Dig This”. When you hear the song “ I’m an Excavator” by Blippi, this is the place he sings about!
In short, Dig This is a life-sized sandbox where individuals ages 14 and up can live out their childhood dreams of operating an excavator and other construction machinery in a safe environment. They also have a separate section available for littles ages two and up called Kids Digs. The only thing is you have to be on the machine with them!
Among the best family things to do in Las Vegas off the strip, this activity by “Dig This” is a nostalgic experience for dads and a new adventure for kids.
4. Seaquest Aquarium
SeaQuest is a part of the unique “things to do in Vegas with kids as it offers a fun and interactive aquarium experience for adults and kids of all ages. SeaQuest features over 1200 animals such as snakes, birds, and sharks so there was plenty to do and see during our visit. We spent about 2-3 hours here, and it was fun to watch Kai and Zyra interact with and feed various animals!
Halfway through, we took a break and decided to take pictures in the photo booth, enjoy ice cream, and do some coloring. Even though we had to pay for those separately, it was worth it.
Overall, we enjoyed SeaQuest as a family! It’s a fun way to see different creatures, making it one of our most memorable “things to do in Vegas with kids”.
5. Lion Habitat Ranch
The Lion Habitat Ranch in Las Vegas offers a unique opportunity to see majestic lions up close, yet in a safe environment, making it one of my favorite things to do in Vegas with kids off the strip. The former lions of MGM hotel are now housed here, and it’s a great destination to check out with or without kids.
The Lion Habitat ranch offers guided tours, allows you to feed giraffes, and even watch behind-the-scenes lion training sessions. The staff, who clearly love their animals, provide lots of information, making the experience that much more enjoyable. The ranch also houses exclusive birds, ostriches and emus so there’s plenty to see for everyone.
One of the best parts? They have a giraffe named Ozzie, who is the world’s only brush-painting giraffe. Stop by and watch Ozzie do a painting, but make sure to check the times this is available and buy your tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. They are closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so make sure to plan ahead.
If you’re looking for a fun excursion for the whole family that’s not crowded or rushed AND you want to see lions within 5 feet then you have to add “Lion Habitat Ranch” to your “things to do in Vegas with kids” list.
In Conclusion
Experiencing Vegas with kids can be such a great and memorable time. There are so many fun and exciting things to do in Vegas with kids regardless of what time of the year you choose to visit!
It’s a chance to escape the crowds and discover a different side of the city, and the best part is that most of these activities are affordable and you can spend as much or as little time there.
Top 5 Experiences
I hope that you and your family have an amazing time exploring the family-friendly side of Las Vegas!
FAQ
My Top Resources for Traveling Like a Pro
As an experienced traveler with over 6 years of booking and planning trips for my family and over 10 years of exploring the world solo, I have curated a list of the most reliable and efficient websites for travel planning.
1. Best deals for Flights, Hotels, and Rental Cars: Expedia.
2. Excursions and Activities: Viator.
3. Free Airport Lounge Access: Priority Pass through Chase Sapphire Reserve gives you access to over 1400 airport lounges around the world.
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