Family-Friendly Things to Do in Vegas

Contrary to popular belief, Las Vegas is not only about late-night parties, gambling, and heavy drinking. Las Vegas is home to an abundance of family-friendly attractions, so it’s an ideal destination for the little ones, too. Rather than leaving your kids at a hotel childcare center or with their grandparents during your Vegas vacation, consider taking the kids along and visiting the following attractions, which provide fun for the entire family.

GameWorks

GameWorks, which is located inside of the Showcase Mall on the Strip, is a state-of-the-art, mega-arcade that’s suitable for the entire family. This 55,000-square-foot facility features hundreds of interactive games, including virtual dance stations, racing games, sporting games, shooting games, and old-school games, such as PacMan and Mario Kart. There’s also a 21-and-older section with a view of the arcade area, so parents can relax and sip on a cocktail while keeping an eye on their kids.

Adventuredome

Adventuredome is America’s largest indoor theme park. This five-and-a-half acre theme park is located at the Circus Circus Hotel & Casino. Rides at the park include the Canyon Blaster, a high speed roller coaster; the Sling Shot, which shoots you up towards the ceiling and brings you back down; and the Rim Runner, a water ride that drops down a 60-foot waterfall. Other Adventuredome attractions include an IMAX ride film, laser tag, and a miniature golf course.

CSI: The Experience

CSI: The Experience is recommended for guests ages 12 and up. If you or your kids have ever wanted to experience what it’s like to be a crime scene investigator, this attraction is for you. CSI: The Experience is located at the MGM Grand and is a hands-on exhibit that requires you to solve three murders with 15 suspects using techniques that real crime scene investigators would use. It is a fun, educational attraction that will teach you about everything from forensic anthropology to fingerprint analysis.

Lake Mead

Lake Mead is the 16th largest man-made lake in the world and the largest man-made lake in the Western Hemisphere. Popular family activities at this National Recreation Area include boating, swimming, wildlife viewing, and hiking. The lake is located only 30 miles away from Las Vegas, so it’s the perfect spot to go if you want to escape the bright lights and hustle and bustle of the city.

Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay

Shark Reef is a public aquarium located at Mandalay Bay that is home to more than 1,200 species of marine life. Highlights include a shark tunnel; an exhibit featuring freshwater fish, crocodiles, and piranhas; a Komodo dragon; and a 300-pound sea turtle. Guided tours that take you behind the scenes are offered every half hour from 10am to 5:30pm, but only for guests ages 13 and older. Children ages 4 and under are admitted free into the aquarium.

Disney’s the Lion King

Disney’s the Lion King is a Tony Award-winning performance that was adapted from the animated movie. The performance features lovable characters and songs from the movie, as well as innovative costumes and puppets. It offers entertainment for the entire family.