Hey there, fellow adventurers and parents! When you think of Las Vegas, what comes to mind? The dazzling lights, bustling casinos, and lively nightlife, right?

While Las Vegas has long been known as the ultimate playground for adults, you might be surprised to learn that it's also an unexpectedly family-friendly destination.

I recently took a trip to Las Vegas with my own family, including kids and teenagers, and I'm excited to share our eye-opening experience with you. So, let's dive into the question of whether Las Vegas is truly family-friendly!

Las Vegas for Families

Here are some great reasons you should take the family to Las Vegas.

A World of Entertainment

First things first, Las Vegas offers a dazzling array of entertainment options that are suitable for families. From magic shows that leave kids spellbound to musical performances and comedy acts that are enjoyed by all ages, there's something for everyone on the Strip.

Adventures Beyond the Strip

Beyond the glittering lights of the Strip, Las Vegas boasts incredible natural wonders just waiting to be explored. Red Rock Canyon offers hiking and rock climbing, while the Grand Canyon is a few hours' drive away. These natural attractions are perfect for family outings and adventure.

Museums and Educational Experiences

Las Vegas has several museums that cater to kids and teens. The Discovery Children's Museum is a fantastic place for interactive learning, and the Mob Museum provides a fascinating look into the history of organized crime. These educational stops can add depth to your family's vacation.

Indoor Amusement for All Ages

Indoor attractions like the Adventuredome Theme Park at Circus Circus and the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay provide hours of family fun. Roller coasters, bumper cars, and underwater wonders are sure to keep the kids entertained. 

Family-Friendly Dining

Believe it or not, Las Vegas is home to a plethora of family-friendly restaurants. Whether your kids are picky eaters or adventurous foodies, you'll find plenty of dining options to suit their tastes. And don't forget family favorites like In-N-out Burger for a quick and easy meal or snack!

Limousine Tours of the Strip

One of the most surprising family-friendly experiences we had in Las Vegas was taking a limousine tour of the Strip. It added a touch of luxury and excitement to our trip, and the kids absolutely loved cruising past the iconic sights in style.

Safety and Accommodations

Las Vegas takes the safety and comfort of families seriously. Hotels and resorts often have family suites or connecting rooms, and many offer kid-friendly amenities like pools and game rooms. The city itself is quite safe for tourists, with a strong police presence on the Strip.

Things to do with Teenagers in Las Vegas

Here are some great activities in Las Vegas that your teenagers will love.

See a Show

Las Vegas has the best shows and entertainment in the world. It has concerts, comedians, theater, and shows that defy explanation. There are tons of great shows in Las Vegas that would appeal to teenagers, some of the most popular ones are:

The Blue Man Group: Performing nightly at The Venetian Hotel, the Blue Man group is a world-renowned show featuring three blue men performing musical, comedic and acrobatic routines for all to enjoy.

Penn and Teller: At the Rio Hotel and Casino, located just off of the Las Vegas strip, Penn and Teller have been performing their own unique brand of comedy and magic for more than 20 years.

Cirque du Soleil has several shows including “O” at the Bellagio, “Mystere” at Treasure Island, and “KA” at MGM Grand. Other popular shows include the Jersey Boys, and Le Reve.

Go swimming

Every major hotel in Las Vegas has a pool. Many of them have several. Mandalay Bay, for instance, has eight. They feature a giant wave pool where they will hold all ages concerts. They also have a “lazy river” that teens love.

Visit the Shark Reef Aquarium

The Shark Reef Aquarium is located at Mandalay Bay and is home to over 2,000 animals including sharks, rays, fish, reptiles, and amphibians.

Off Roading in the Desert

If you are looking for an adventurous activity in Las Vegas, the desert is for you. Most teens love four-wheeling and Las Vegas has some of the best. Rent four-wheelers or dune buggies for a fast and exciting adventure through the rough deserts of Nevada.

Take a Gondola Ride

For a fun experience, take a ride on the Venetian’s gondolas. You’ll feel like you’re floating down a Venice canal without even leaving Las Vegas!

Go Indoor Skydiving

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, try indoor skydiving at one of the two locations in Las Vegas – Flyaway Indoor Skydiving or iFly Indoor Skydiving.

Shop Til You Drop

There are plenty of great places to shop in Las Vegas whether you’re looking for high-end designer stores or more affordable options. Some of the best places to shop include the Fashion Show Mall, Miracle Mile Shops, Town Square Las Vegas, the Grand Canal Shoppes and don’t forget the discount Ross store!

Ride the Roller Coasters

Teens love rides. Las Vegas has some very cool ones. At The New York New York Hotel and Casino, teens can climb aboard the private roller coaster and soar among the hotel overlooking the city of Las Vegas.

Another great place to ride some of the scariest rides in the world is at The Stratosphere at the end of the strip. More than 1,000 feet tall, it features a roller coaster and a vertical shot into the heavens at the very top of this immense tower. 

See the Bellagio Fountains

The Bellagio fountains are one of the most popular attractions in Las Vegas – and for good reason! The fountains dance to music and light up in sync with the water spraying hundreds of feet into the air. It’s a must-see when you’re in town!

Play Arcade Games

If you’re looking for some old-school fun, check out Dave & Busters or Gameworks – both locations offer a variety of arcade games as well as food and drinks. Dave & Busters also has bowling lanes if you’re looking for something else to do. Gameworks is located on the strip is the Gameworks arcade.

With over 55,000 square feet of games and an indoor climbing wall, teens have enough to do to be entertained for hours. Also, many of the hotels have their own arcades with all of the latest games.

Explore the strip

Finally, one of the most accessible activities for teens is the strip itself. Each hotel has its own theme and to explore each can provide several hours of entertainment.

At Excalibur, teens are taken back in time to a Medieval-themed environment where they can eat and drink as though they were in the days of yore. At Mandalay Bay, teens can explore a massive indoor aquarium and walk among countless species of marine life. Or hire a limo and cruise down the strip in style!

Our Favorite Las Vegas Activity

When I asked the kids what was the best thing they did in Las Vegas, they all said the Limousine ride. Hopping into a luxurious limousine and touring the dazzling Las Vegas Strip is a fantastic way to see the sights.

This spectacular experience that added a touch of glamour to our Vegas adventure. So, buckle up, and let me share the highlights of our fabulous limo tour!

The Red-Carpet Treatment:

Our limo experience began with the red-carpet treatment right at our hotel. It's not every day you get to step out of your hotel and into a sleek, stretch limousine. The excitement on my teenagers' faces was priceless as they felt like true VIPs.

Neon Extravaganza:

As we cruised down the Strip, the vibrant neon lights of Las Vegas came to life in a whole new way. The teens were snapping photos left and right, capturing the mesmerizing displays of famous casinos and iconic landmarks like the Bellagio fountains and the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas.

Personalized Playlist:

Our limo came equipped with a top-notch sound system, and the driver was more than happy to let us connect our phones. We created a custom playlist with our teenagers' favorite tunes, turning our ride into a moving party. It's amazing how music can elevate an experience!

Stops and Snapshots:

One of the great things about a limo tour is the flexibility to make stops along the way. We made a pit stop at the famous "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign for some must-have photos. Our driver even offered to take family pictures, ensuring we all got to be in the frame.

Champagne and Snacks:

To make our experience even more special, we opted for a limo package that included champagne and snacks. The teenagers had non-alcoholic options, of course! Sipping sparkling apple cider and nibbling on goodies while taking in the sights added an extra layer of sophistication to our adventure.

Knowledgeable Chauffeur:

Our chauffeur was not just a driver but also a knowledgeable guide. He shared interesting facts and stories about the Strip's history, Freemont Street and the various casinos we passed by. It was like having a personal Vegas expert at our service. 

Unforgettable Memories:

Our limo tour of the Las Vegas Strip was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our trip. It offered a unique and glamorous way to experience the city with teenagers. From the dazzling lights to the personalized touches, it's an experience we'll all cherish forever.

So Is Las Vegas Family Friendly?

My trip to Las Vegas opened our eyes to a side of Sin City we never expected. It's a destination where you can enjoy quality time with your loved ones amidst the glitz and glamour. While it's true that Las Vegas has its adult-oriented attractions, it's equally true that the city has evolved to become a place where families can create unforgettable memories together.

So, is Las Vegas family-friendly? The answer is a resounding "yes." With its diverse entertainment options, outdoor adventures, educational experiences, and family-oriented amenities, Las Vegas has truly reinvented itself as a destination that welcomes visitors of all ages.

So, pack your bags, bring the kids, and discover the surprising side of Sin City for yourselves!