If you’re wondering whether Las Vegas is a good destination for families, the answer is yes! While the city is known for its casinos and nightlife, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities that make it a fantastic destination for a family getaway. We recently spent four nights exploring the Vegas Strip with kids, plus a few off-Strip adventures, and it was an unforgettable trip. We met up with Dani’s sister, brother-in-law, and 15-year-old niece. Here’s our full itinerary and tips for making the most of Las Vegas with kids.
Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Fremont Street
We arrived in Las Vegas on Thursday and checked into Vdara Hotel – one of the few places on the strip that I could find with a suite with a separate bedroom and kitchenette – both a must for us if we have to stay in a hotel with a 5 and 1 year old. We like the separate space to be able to put the baby to sleep without distraction (and we can stay up in the living area). Also, having a fridge is key especially with jet-lag to self-cater our breakfasts and snacks to save some money. Bonus: it doesn’t have a casino so no weaving through crowds with tired kids at the end of the night.
We kicked off our activities that afternoon with a visit to Fremont Street, a lively, colorful, dive-y part of downtown Las Vegas. While this area is more geared toward adults, during the day it’s a fun place to walk around, check out the giant LED canopy, and see some street performers. The kids were fascinated by the zipliners soaring overhead and dozens of unique street performers.
Dinner ideas for Fremont Street with Kids
We got a few recommendations for dinner, but ended up going back our hotel to a cool food court next door at Aria Hotel. We ate at Hattie B’s, a Nashville hot chicken spot that’s a must-visit for fried chicken lovers. They offer different spice levels, so even the kids could enjoy a milder version while we indulged in the hotter options.
If you are eating on Fremont street, try one of these options:
- Evel Pie – Evel Knievel-themed pizza place with a fun atmosphere
- American Coney Island – old-school classic with hotdogs and burgers
Day 2: Flamingos, Paris, and an Iconic Vegas Show
Morning: Flamingo Wildlife Habitat & Exploring Paris
We started the day with a short walk to the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat, located inside the Flamingo Hotel. This hidden gem is home to beautiful flamingos, koi fish, and other birds, making it a relaxing and free attraction for kids to enjoy.
Afterward, we explored the Paris Las Vegas Hotel, where we admired the Eiffel Tower replica and walked through the beautifully designed Parisian streets inside the casino, with coffees, hot-chocolates, and French pastries in hand.
Afternoon: Pool Time at Aria & Bellagio Fountains
Las Vegas is often warm enough to swim, even in February when a lot of hotels close some of their pools. Vdara did have their pools closed, but luckily there were a few open at their partner property, Aria Hotel. Aria has multiple pools with plenty of lounge chairs, making it a great place for families to relax in the afternoon, with the obligatory overpriced lunch and drinks delivered pool-side.
Before dinner, we stopped by the Bellagio Fountains, one of the best free things to do on the Strip with kids. The water show, synchronized to music, was a hit with everyone!
Evening: Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil
For a special night out, we went to see Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil. The acrobatics, music, and stunning visuals made it an incredible show. The performance we booked was for ages 5+, and Remi enjoyed it before she fell asleep near the end (her little body was still on eastern time!). Our brother-in-law was happy to stay back at the hotel and watch Arlo, letting us have a special girls night out. If you’re looking for a family-friendly Vegas show, this one is highly recommended.
We also enjoyed the nearby Hussong’s Cantina, a sit-down authentic Mexican resaurant with quick service and a mariachi band on Fridays (might be a plus or minus for you!)
Day 3: The Sphere, High Roller, & a Big Game Night
Morning: The Sphere & High Roller Observation Wheel
We started the day with a walk to The Sphere to see it up close. While we didn’t go inside (the show was a bit expensive for something I wasn’t sure the kids would sit through) the massive LED-covered dome is mesmerizing just from the outside. The kids loved watching the animations change in real time.
Next, we headed to the High Roller at The LINQ Promenade, one of the best ways to get a bird’s-eye view of Las Vegas. The 30-minute ride in a glass-enclosed pod gave us panoramic views of the Strip and beyond. The pods are huge and fully sealed, so kids can wander around and see the city from all directions.
Afternoon: Lunch at The LINQ
After the High Roller, we had lunch at The LINQ Promenade, a lively area with plenty of dining options and street entertainment. It’s a great place to stop for a casual and fun meal with kids, and everyone can choose their own meal.
Evening: NRL Game at Allegiant Stadium
One of the highlights of our trip was heading to Allegiant Stadium to watch an NRL (National Rugby League) game. If you’re in Vegas when a big sporting event is happening, it’s worth checking out! We got to see a win for our team, the Canberra Raiders, and the atmosphere in the fan section in the end zone was electric. We even got photos of us on TV in Australia!
Day 4: Outdoor Adventures & Delicious Eats
Morning: Henderson Hike & BBQ Lunch
Las Vegas isn’t just about the Strip—there are amazing outdoor activities nearby! We took a short drive to visit friends in Henderson for a noon hike at River Mountains Park & Loop Trail (that got a bit cut short because of high winds) getting some fresh air and scenic desert views and a cookout with friends before heading back to the city.
Here are some other nearby places that we considered if you’re looking for a break from the Vegas Strip. There are several kid-friendly hikes within a short drive that offer beautiful desert landscapes and easy trails for little legs. Here are four great options:
- Lost Creek Children’s Discovery Trail – A short 0.7-mile loop in Red Rock Canyon with fun educational signs and a seasonal waterfall.
- First Creek Canyon Trail – A flat, easy hike (3.4 miles round-trip) leading to a hidden waterfall outside the Red Rock Canyon fee area.
- Springs Preserve – A kid-friendly nature preserve with short trails, gardens, and interactive exhibits just minutes from downtown.
- Seven Magic Mountains – Not a hike, but a quick stop south of Vegas to see the famous stacked, colorful boulders, perfect for kids who love exploring and taking fun photos.
These outdoor adventures give families a chance to experience the natural side of Las Vegas while keeping things fun and manageable for little ones.
Evening: Dinner at Din Tai Fung
For dinner, we went to Din Tai Fung at Aria, a world-famous Taiwanese restaurant known for its soup dumplings. This was one of our favorite meals of the trip, and it’s a great spot for kids since they can watch the dumpling-making process through the glass kitchen.
Day 5: Farewell Breakfast at Sadelle’s
Before heading to the airport, we had breakfast at Sadelle’s, located inside the Bellagio. With its classic brunch menu and delicious pastries, it was the perfect way to wrap up our family trip to Vegas.
This restaurant is set overlooking Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, which is a great free attraction as well. When we were there, they happened to be removing all of the Lunar New Year installation with heavy machinery – not very peaceful but mesmorizing for little kids!
Final Thoughts on Visiting Vegas with Kids
Las Vegas might not be the first place you think of for a family vacation, but there’s so much to do beyond the casinos. From seeing flamingos up close to watching the Bellagio Fountains, riding the High Roller, and even catching a live show, Vegas with kids is an exciting and memorable experience.
If you’re planning your own Las Vegas Strip with kids itinerary, we highly recommend mixing outdoor adventures, pool time, and some of the city’s incredible attractions to keep things balanced. Let us know if you’ve taken your kids to Vegas—what were your favorite things to do?