Is there anything fun for kids to do in Vegas? You might be surprised to learn that there are tons of family things to do in Las Vegas (especially off the strip) to keep you busy for two weeks straight!
From toddlers to teenagers, there’s a myriad of things to do, places to visit, viewpoints to see and fun snacks to try.
Best of all, a lot of kid-friendly activities in Vegas off the strip tend to be free and cheap, or at the very least, keep everyone entertained, happy and tuckered out!
Here are my top recommendations for the best things to do as a family in Las Vegas off the strip.
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Rides and Arcades
Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix
These are the most exciting go karts you can find in Las Vegas, and they’re also the fastest.
Money Saving Tip – the Go City Las Vegas pass includes special perks here: you get go kart racing, arcade tokens, individual pizza and a soft drink.
Game Nest Arcade in Chinatown
Unlimited play of Japanese arcade games for $10 per hour.
If your kids are anime fans, they’ll love this spot. Tons of unique games here that you won’t find anywhere else.
Inside tip: combine this with a visit to Sweet Talk nearby, and try their delicious soufflé pancakes!
Pink Wa Wa
This is an Japanese style arcade that’s completely pink inside.
You’ll find claw machines with adorably cute plushies and a ball pit too!
It’s free to visit but games and claw machines cost tokens.
Most people spend about $20 to $30 here.
Pinball Hall of Fame
Located at the very south end of the Strip, the Pinball Hall of Fame is one of the best cheap things to do with your family in Las Vegas.
It’s a massive warehouse that’s full of hundreds of vintage pinball machines and retro arcade games.
It’s free to visit, but each game costs anywhere from one to several quarters.
Each family could spend $10 and you would be here for a couple hours!
Inside tip: combine this with a visit to the Welcome to Las Vegas sign and take an iconic family photo!
KISS Monster Mini Golf
Inside the Rio Hotel, you’ll find KISS Monster Mini Golf.
Not only will parents and grandparents love that it’s entirely themed off of the band, KISS, kids and teenagers will love the glow in the dark features.
Besides the mini golf, it’s a great spot for unique photos, and they also have arcade games and a mini KISS museum and gift shop.
Velocity ESports Lounge
For the gamers in your family, Velocity ESports Lounge opened in Las Vegas in October 2022.
The entertainment here is suitable for all ages, with game consoles and retro arcade games to keep everyone busy.
There’s also a restaurant, bar and lounge onsite.
Area 15
Area 15 is an immersive arts and entertainment district, housed in a warehouse.
Inside you’ll find a multitude of different pay as you go experiences.
Omega Mart and Illuminarium are the most worthwhile experiences, but there is also an arcade and bowling alley too.
Not sure if it’s worth it? Watch my full video tour about Omega Mart.
Animals and Wildlife
Silverton Aquarium and Mermaid Show (free)
Only about 10 to 15 minutes off the strip is the Silverton Hotel, where you can watch real mermaids swim in a giant aquarium!
In my opinion, this is one of the best things to do in Vegas with toddlers.
The mermaids are beautiful and will blow bubble kisses and take photos with you – all for free!
In addition to mermaids, the aquarium is FULL of different kinds of fish, stingrays and other marine life. Visit the hotel’s website for the full mermaid show schedule.
Inside tip: everyday there’s an interactive stingray feeding at 1:30 and 4:30pm!
Lion Habitat Ranch
The Lion Habitat Ranch is located about 20 minutes south of the Strip in Henderson.
Here you can visit rescued lions and other animals, including a giraffe that paints pictures!
The staff and volunteers are very knowledgeable and provide interactive experiences for guests.
SeaQuest Las Vegas
SeaQuest is one of the best hidden gem activities in Las Vegas for families.
Explore the 20,000 square foot aquarium facility with some of the best hands on and interactive experiences in the entire country.
Pet a stingray, feed the fish, play with sea otters, get foot fish kisses and feed baby wallabies.
Inside tip: if you’re visiting with a group, check Groupon for a discount on admission.
Outdoors
Red Rock Canyon
Get some fresh air and exercise and visit Red Rock Canyon which has a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels and ages.
You can find many trails that are easy and walkable and some more difficult if your family is up for a challenge.
Since it’s about 45 minutes from the Strip, it’s best to plan Red Rock Canyon as a day trip or a half day family outing.
Enjoy the prehistoric looking landscape (some spots look like you’re on Mars) as well as unique looking cacti.
Check out for more options for exploring the Red Rock Canyon with a family below.
Red Rock Canyon Tours. Top Picks
- Enjoy desert landscapes during this Award Winning Red Rock Canyon Tour with a personal guide
- Discover the natural beauty of Red Rock Canyon, Spring Mountain Ranch and Blue Diamond mining town: Small-Group Red Rock Canyon Tour
- Explore Red Rock Canyon on a scooter car: Scooter Car Tour of Red Rock Canyon with Transport from Las Vegas
Horseback Riding
Book a tour with Wild West Horseback Adventures!
The guides will bring you to a gorgeous ranch setting in the Nevada desert where you’ll ride horses among the red rocks, Joshua trees and canyons.
They even have a dog who rides horseback!
After the ride, you’ll be treated to a hot cowboy breakfast or country-style dinner.
Rail Explorers
Rail Explorers is a unique off the beaten path activity for the whole family. You get to ride pedal carts on the railroad through the scenic desert landscape.
There are several tour types to choose from, including a sunset ride, evening neon lights ride or one with a train ride!
Cowabunga Bay Water Park
This water park has the best features: tons of waterslides, a wave pool, splash pads, a lazy river and lots of shade areas to chill, including cabanas!
You can find discounts on admission through Groupon or the POGO Pass.
Tip: if you rent a Cabana, you get access to the private pool area.
Lake Las Vegas Aqua Park
Located 30 minutes from the Strip in Henderson, Lake Las Vegas is an oasis in the middle of the desert.
There’s great shops and eateries, and on the lake there’s an inflatable waterpark for the kids to play on.
Candy & Drinks
Ethel M Chocolates Factory & Cactus Garden
Visit Las Vegas’ most famous chocolate making company, Ethel M.
Not only can you tour a chocolate factory but you can also visit the botanical cactus garden onsite, which is completely free.
Creamberry
If you want to treat your kids to a special sweet treat, try a cotton candy burrito from Creamberry!
But if you’re more of an ice cream fan, they’ve got you covered.
Creamberry has some of the most unique ice cream dessert concoctions we’ve ever seen.
Museums and Exhibits
National Atomic Testing Museum
Offer your kids a fascinating lesson about the history of nuclear testing in Nevada.
There’s several exhibits and displays to keep kids engaged, especially the atomic blast simulation where you get to experience what it would feel like.
Inside tip: this museum is included in the Go City Las Vegas pass!
Nostalgia Street Rods
If you have classic car fanatics in your family, take them to Nostalgia Street Rods.
In addition to the pristine vintage vehicles, there’s tons of memorabilia and history about the early days of Las Vegas.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children and free for kids 5 and under.
Hollywood Car Museum
See the cars from Batman, James Bond and other favorites from over 100 movies and TV shows!
Not only do they have cars, but boats, motorcycles, props and license plates used in movies.
Tickets are $20 per adult and kids under 16 get in free with a paid adult admission.
Inside tip: this museum is included in the Go City Las Vegas pass and you’ll get a free drink!
The Movie Prop Experience
The Movie Prop Experience is a relatively new museum in Las Vegas. You can find it downtown in the Neonopolis Mall on Fremont Street.
Everything you see in the museum are real props and costumes used in movies and TV shows.
You’ll find items from Harry Potter, the Hunger Games, Alien, Terminator, Star Wars and many other classics.
Inside tip: look for tickets on Groupon for a discount!
Amusement Parks & Playgrounds
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Wall to wall trampolines with dodgeball, a foam pit, sky ladders, a slam dunk area and climbing walls.
There’s a cafe and restaurant on site, and the food is pretty tasty and reasonably priced.
Tip – this attraction is included in the Go City Las Vegas pass.
Downtown Container Park
In downtown Las Vegas, this is a shopping, dining and entertainment district is built entirely out of old shipping containers.
In the middle of it all there’s a courtyard and playground area with a treehouse jungle gym – which is free!
There’s also lego-style blocks for the kids to play with and access to public washrooms.
Tip: try and stay until dark, when there’s a fire-breathing praying mantis show!
Free Family Things to Do in Las Vegas Off the Strip
Welcome to Las Vegas Sign
Take the most memorable family pictures!
Anderson Dairy Farm Tour
Show the kids how dairy products are made on the dairy farm.
Sunset Stampede at Sam’s Town
A free light, laser and fountain show.
Springs Preserve
Red Rock Canyon
Beautiful hiking spot with a variety of trails for all skill levels.
Gold and Silver Pawn Shop
Visit the famous location of the hit TV show.
Go Mural Hunting in the Arts District
There are so many colorful murals and different kids of street art throughout the Arts District. Grab your camera and find your favorites.
Read more about the best things to do in the Arts District here.
The District at Green Valley Ranch
There’s a free splash pad for kids to cool down on a hot day, or enjoy the entire shopping and dining district as a family (dog friendly too).
Shark Tank at Golden Nugget
The coolest waterslide in Las Vegas goes through a live shark tank at the pool at the Golden Nugget Hotel in downtown Las Vegas.
Read next: Full list of pools open year round in Las Vegas.
More Las Vegas Posts:
32 Little-Known Money Saving Tips for Vegas (so simple)
What to Pack for Vegas – 15 Things to Bring (beyond the obvious)
30 Unique Things to Do Off the Strip in Vegas (non-touristy hidden gems)
38 Better Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gamble in 2024
Things Not to Miss in Vegas: Must Dos for Easy Trip Planning
These are the 8 Best Vegas Hotels for First Timers
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