Though often referred to as the ultimate “adult playground,” Las Vegas has plenty of fun, affordable, family-friendly activities to offer. Whether your family enjoys roller coasters, wandering through candy stores, or exploring the outdoors, there are plenty of all-ages entertainment options to consider on your next trip.
6. Ice Skating
Location: Multiple locations
Hours: Vary
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas offers a seasonal, outdoor ice skating rink for all ages from 4:00 – 11:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 11:00 p.m. on weekends. Admission to the ice rink is $30 per person – $20 for locals, military, and first responders – and includes skate rentals. Families have free access to the venue surrounding the rink is free.
The Cosmopolitan’s winter wonderland features a reservable fire pit for s’mores, a bar with hot chocolate, views of the surrounding Las Vegas Strip, the occasional snow shower, and special events. The Ice Rink won the award for one of USA Today’s 10 Best Ice Skating Rinks in North America in 2017.
For a more inexpensive, off-Strip alternative, City National Arena in Summerlin offers open skating at $10 per person ($7 with military ID). Skate rentals are $3. Unlike Cosmopolitan, City National Arena is open year-round and also the training home of the Vegas Golden Nights. VGK training sessions are frequently free and open to the public on a first come, first serve basis as well.
5. The AdventureDome
Location: Circus Circus Las Vegas
Hours: 11:00a.m.-6:00p.m. Monday – Thursday, 10:00a.m.-12:00a.m. Friday – Sunday (subject to change, check website for details)
The AdventureDome at Circus Circus is Las Vegas’ only theme park and one of the largest indoor theme parks in the nation. Designed to look like a large circus tent, the AdventureDome boasts three roller coasters, 25 rides, games, and free viewing of daily circus performances.
There is family-friendly fun for kids and adults of any age. If you are under 48 inches, an all-day ride pass is $20. For those over 48 inches, a regular ride pass is $40. There is also the option to buy individual ride tickets.
4. The Big Apple Coaster
Location: New York New York Hotel and Casino
Hours: 11:00a.m.-11:00p.m., Monday – Thursday, 11:00a.m. – Midnight, Friday – Sunday
If you are a fan of roller coasters and the AdventureDome is not adventurous enough, the Las Vegas Strip also features an outdoor roller coaster, “the Big Apple Coaster,” at the New York New York. Everyone over 54 inches can go for a ride through the loops and down the 203-foot drop at 67 miles per hour.
A ride on the coaster is $19 per person during regular hours and $23 per person for night rides on the weekend. You can also re-ride the coaster for another $10 or get an all-day ride pass for $35.
Locals, military, and first responders can ride the coaster for discounted rates.
3. Botanical Gardens
Location: Bellagio Las Vegas
Hours: Open 24 hours
The Bellagio Hotel and Casino is often known for its spectacular fountains. Every 30 minutes from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and every 15 minutes from 7 p.m. to midnight, the Bellagio’s fountains come alive for a free water and light show unlike any other on the Strip.
However, visitors and locals can find another dazzling attraction in the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens inside the building. Regularly redecorated to match the current season or holiday celebration, the Bellagio’s 14,000-square-foot Botanical Gardens are a treat to visit again and again.
The Gardens are always free to all visitors.
2. Candy Stores
Location: Multiple locations
Hours: Various
All within walking distance of each other, Las Vegas Boulevard hosts three major brands’ stores the whole family can enjoy. M&M World is right next door to the Coca-Cola Store and both are across the street from Hershey’s Chocolate World at the New York New York.
Guests can park in one of the two New York New York parking garages for $15 to access these stores.
M&M World features a full wall of M&M colors you can mix and match, the Coca-Cola Store has a Coke bottle-shaped elevator, and Hershey’s has replicas of both the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building constructed entirely out of chocolate.
You may even catch some chocolate mascots at M&M World or Hershey’s Chocolate World while you’re there.
1. The Great Outdoors
Location: Multiple locations
Hours: Open 24 hours
Las Vegas has more than just hotels, believe it or not. Home to several national conservation and recreation areas, Las Vegas has breathtaking nature adventures any age will enjoy, such as Red Rock Canyon and Spring Mountains, better known as Mount Charleston.
Both options feature fantastic views, numerous hiking trails, and picnicking opportunities.
Entry to Red Rock Canyon costs $15 per vehicle, or $5 per bicycle, for the day and gives access to the Scenic Loop and all of the hiking trails within the canyon. Timed reservations are currently required through May 31st for vehicle entry into Red Rock. Annual passes are also available.
Mount Charleston’s Kyle Canyon and Lee Canyon are free to the public and offer a great getaway a quick 30 minutes from Las Vegas. Seasonal campgrounds are available in both canyons for a small fee.
