Las Vegas isn’t Just for Adults – Check Out These Family-Friendly Attractions!
We haven’t even lived in Las Vegas for a year yet but I am constantly getting asked by my friends and acquaintances what to do in the area. I love getting this question because there are so many fun things to share. We’re an active family who enjoys getting out to explore just as much as catching a new show. Gone are the days of coming to Vegas just to gamble; now you can come and spend your time and money doing so many other things. Here is a list of things that we have experienced first-hand and would recommend for 2022.
#10 – Downtown Container Park
This unusual gathering place, about a 10-minute drive from the strip, is made up of old shipping containers, and it’s turned into a playground and courtyard for locals who love to eat and relax. There are all sorts of interesting cafes and shops here, and it’s a great place to hang out while the kids play. Bring your own padlock to add to the LoveLocket at the entrance. There is a stage and lawn area located in the back for entertainment and some lounge seating for when there is nothing on stage. This is probably best for young families unless you are coming for a specific event or store. The play area is loads of fun and designed after a treehouse, but I wouldn’t think that it would appeal to kids over 12.
707 E Fremont Street, Las Vegas NV (702) 359-9982
#9 – Hershey Store
The Hershey store in the New York, New York hotel is a must-see for any chocolate lover. This two-story sugar palace features over 800 Hershey chocolates and candies, including many exclusive items that can’t be found anywhere else. Be sure to check out the nearly 800-pound chocolate Statue of Liberty, then you can create your own candy bars and event start in your own Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup commercial! The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and they are always happy to help you find the perfect sweet treat. Whether you’re looking for a classic Hershey bar or something more exotic, the Hershey store has something for everyone.
3790 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas NV (702) 437-7439
#8 – M&M Store
If you are looking for some great M&M gear, then you need to head over to the M&M store at the Showcase Mall. It is located right on the strip and it has 4 floors of goodies for you to explore. You can find everything from clothes and accessories to toys and games. The kids will love browsing through all the collectible items, plus you can design your own M&Ms with custom text, pictures, and colors. There are various special in-store colors only available here, so be sure to stop by the next time you are in Las Vegas.
3785 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas NV (702) 740-2504
#7 – Bellagio Conservatory, Botanical Gardens, and Fountain
Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a 12,000-square-foot indoor garden that changes every three months with different floral displays. The theme of the garden is always integrated with the corresponding season, making for an ever-changing and beautiful display. The conservatory is located in the main lobby of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas and is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Bellagio fountain show has been one of the most popular Las Vegas tourist attractions of the past 25 years. Come and grab space on the sidewalk in front of the Bellagio and witness the fun water show that takes place every 30 minutes or less. Choreographed with lights and music that change to fit the season, the fountain show is a must-see for any visitor to Las Vegas.
3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas NV
#6 – Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat
Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat is a fun place for animal lovers to visit. The facility is home to many different types of sea life, including bottle-nosed dolphins. You can take a private behind-the-scenes tour to learn all about how the sea life is cared for, then come up close and touch a dolphin! The gardens are small but beautifully cared for, and the chance to have such a close encounter with their white tigers and lions is an experience you won’t soon forget. This is a great place for people of all ages to visit but act fast because I don’t know how much longer this attraction will be around due to the Mirage recently being sold. Open 10 am to 5 pm daily. Tickets run about $20 per kid and $25 per adult, although discounts are available for Nevada residents. Expect additional fees for special packages.
3400 Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas NV (702) 791-7188
#5 – Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
If you’re looking for an underwater adventure, Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is the place to be. One of the largest aquariums of its kind, it’s home to more than 2,000 species of marine life, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles. You can stroll through the aquarium while sharks swim all around you, or get up close and personal with them in the touch pool. There are 14 different exhibits to view, not only sharks (there are over 100 sharks) but endangered sea turtles, giant rays, Komodo dragon and so many more. The aquarium is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm, and there are a variety of packages available, including annual passes, animal encounters, and even an Under Sea Explorer VR Theater!
3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas NV (702) 632-4555
#4 – The Adventuredome Indoor Theme Park
The Adventuredome indoor theme park is the perfect place to go for a day of fun-filled amusement. With 5 1/2 acres of activities, there is something for everyone in the family. Kids will love the many kid-friendly rides, while daredevils can take on the El Loco and Canyon Blaster rollercoasters. There is also a variety of food and drinks available, as well as arcade games and surprise performances. We highly recommend purchasing the all-day ride pass for $40, assuming you’re over 48″ tall. Don’t forget to check out the FX 4D theater, play Lazer Blast, and enjoy fair-style food while your kids live their best lives. This place is fun for kids big and small and provides hours of entertainment for all thrill-seeking levels. Open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, but weekday hours will vary.
2880 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas NV (702) 794-3939
#3 – Omega Mart
Omega Mart is an interactive art installation created by American arts company Meow Wolf and located in the Area15 complex in Las Vegas. The installation is a futuristic grocery store, complete with a checkout line, shelves stocked with products, and a working cash register. Visitors are encouraged to touch, explore, and interact with the objects and displays in the store. A fake supermarket at first glance but find one of the many secret passageways and you will find yourself in a real-life Alice in Wonderland scenario. An immersive art experience that will take you down any number of rabbit holes and likely leave you speechless.
3215 S Rancho Drive #100, Las Vegas NV (725) 241-6300
#2 – Pinball Hall Of Fame
If you’re a fan of pinball, then the Pinball Hall of Fame is a must-see attraction while in Las Vegas. Located on the Strip across from the iconic “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign, it’s home to the world’s largest pinball collection, with games dating from the 1950s to the 1990s. There are 25,000 square feet of floor space featuring a variety of games beyond pinball, including arcade games, air hockey, claw grabbers, and more. Most of the machines only cost $.25 or $.50 to play, making it a great place for budget-minded travelers. Our kids especially love the old claw machines, which are far easier to win with compared to the ones you see in modern arcades and Walmart entrances.
4925 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas NV (702) 597-2627
#1 – Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located in the Mojave Desert of southern Nevada. At only 17 miles west of The Strip, it’s a convenient destination to escape the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas. The 13-mile loop offers a scenic drive with great views of the red sandstone cliffs, or you can get out and go for a hike, rock climb, or bike ride. It’s close to all the action and yet feels like a different world. Once you get out there it’s easy to see why more than 2 million people come to experience this breathtaking natural beauty each year.
1000 Scenic Loop Drive Las Vegas NV
Bonus – The Las Vegas Sightseeing Pass
Visitors to Las Vegas often want to see and do as much as possible during their stay. With so many attractions to choose from, it can be difficult to decide what to do and where to start. Luckily, there’s now a solution that makes visiting top attractions easier and more affordable – the Las Vegas Sightseeing Pass. The Las Vegas Sightseeing Pass is the perfect way to see all of the top attractions in Las Vegas. With 20 different attraction choices, you’re sure to find something for everyone in your group. Plus, there are two great pass options to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your budget. And best of all, there’s no need to wait in line to buy tickets – just scan your digital pass and you’re in!
Las Vegas Shows
Want to learn more about Las Vegas shows? Trying to find the best Las Vegas shows for your family? Check out these links!
