Las Vegas might not be the first place you think of for a family vacation, but it can be a lot of fun for kids if you know where to go. Finding the right spots can make your holiday great. You might not think “Vegas with kids” is a good idea, but with the right plan, it can be a great destination.
I’ve been to Las Vegas many times alone and found lots of things my 11-year-old daughter would love. So, I made a three-day plan for Vegas and tried it out. Here are my tips for a fun, budget-friendly trip to Vegas with your kids!
Las Vegas With Kids: How To Make It Fun
Vegas might not seem like a typical family spot, but it has plenty of kid-friendly activities.
Las Vegas With Kids: Where To Stay
When I travel alone, I just want a clean, convenient hotel. But with kids, the hotel can make or break your trip. My daughter is happy as long as the hotel has a pool. In Vegas, there are lots of great hotels with pools, but I chose Circus Circus, at the top end of the Strip. Their pool area, called Splash Zone, has three big water slides, a water play area, and two pools. This is included for hotel guests.
Most Vegas Hotels Charge a Resort Fee
Most Vegas hotels charge a resort fee. This can seem like a lot, especially when it covers things like Wi-Fi and gym use, which are often included for free in other places. Hotels may advertise cheap rates, but the resort fee is extra. Some hotels don’t have this fee, but it’s important to do the math before booking. Circus Circus, even with the resort fee, can sometimes be cheaper. We stayed in a West Tower Double Queen room for $38 per night, plus a $39 per night resort fee.
The Splash Zone and More Entertainment for Kids
The Splash Zone was just one fun thing for kids. There are free circus shows at regular times and an in-house carnival called Midway, with video games, fair games, virtual rides, and a merry-go-round. The hotel also has many food options, like Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks, Popeye’s, and Einstein Bagels. However, to save money, it’s better to avoid buying food inside the hotel.
Things To Do in Vegas With Kids by Day
With kids, it’s better to spread out activities and include some rest time in the early afternoon.
Day One – Hotel Hopping
We started each day at Splash Zone. My daughter was scared of the water slides at first but soon loved them. After lunch and some rest in the hotel room, we took The Deuce bus to the Flamingo Hotel. The Deuce runs 24 hours a day and costs $20 for a three-day pass.
Seeing The Sights at The Flamingo Hotel and The Bellagio Hotel
The Flamingo Hotel has a free wildlife habitat with pink flamingos, birds, and big fish like koi and sturgeon. This area is open to everyone. We then crossed the Strip to the Bellagio Hotel to watch the famous water fountains. The show is great during the day and even better with lights at night.
Day Two – Chocolate Factory and Circus Fun
We took an Uber to Ethel M’s Chocolate Factory, where you can see how chocolate is made and get a free sample. We enjoyed a Frozen Hot Chocolate Shake and walked through the beautiful Cactus Garden. Back at the hotel, we explored Midway’s circus acts and carnival area, feeling like we were at a state fair indoors. We also watched talented performers on the tightrope.
Day Three – Kid-Friendly Things To Do on Fremont Street
In the evening, we took The Deuce to Fremont Street and visited Downtown Container Park. This area has transformed shipping containers with shops and eateries and a treehouse-style playground. At night, a giant metal praying mantis puts on a fire show. Walking through Fremont Street, we were amazed by the images on the overhead video screens and watched people zipline above us.
Where To Eat in Vegas With Kids
My daughter is picky with food, so we often ate at Subway and McDonald’s. For something different, the Rainforest Cafe near the MGM Grand offers a rainforest theme with animatronic animals and a kid-friendly menu. We also visited the M&M’s World Cafe for sweet treats, located opposite the MGM Grand.
Las Vegas can be surprising, with showgirls and costumed characters offering photo opportunities. Be aware that some may ask for a lot of money for pictures, so get the price upfront. Despite these quirks, Vegas is a fun experience for both adults and kids, making it worth the trip.
