I was wondering out loud on social media the other day – should you take your kids to Vegas? Bam – my Instagram feed blew up! So… is it worth taking the kids to Vegas? Let’s find out.
I had no idea how polarizing this topic would be. I’ve only been to Vegas once, with Charles, no kids. We are not big partiers or gamblers (I spent a whopping $20 gambling over three days) and I filled our days and nights with pool time, a show (which I fell asleep during lol) and discovering some incredible restaurants. It was a good time.
It’s been 10 years since we went to Vegas, and from my research, a lot has changed. On the one hand, there are now a lot more activities for kids (keep reading, I made a list). On the other hand, it’s not called Sin City for nothing.
Should you really take your kids to Vegas?
I looked through hundreds of comments in my Instagram DMs about this topic and thought this was the easiest way to share them with you. Since we haven’t actually taken our kids to Vegas, I thought I’d share my thoughts from our Instagram family weighing in. There was no gray in the responses: people either gave glowing reviews or thought it was the worst idea ever!
Yes, you can take the kids to Vegas!
“The performances. The food. The sounds. Lights. So much! I can’t wait to get her back!”
“My friend took her when she was just 10 years old and had an amazing time. Her daughter loved it”
“Super fun, lots for the kids to see! M&M Store, all free shows: a lot of walking!”
“I brought my kids the best trip to see and do”
Don’t do Vegas with kids
“No way!! Disneyland is for kids… Vegas is for adults… leave them at home!”
“Not in a million years”
“We went with kids and definitely wouldn’t go again, it wasn’t a good experience”
The results were completely split when I asked our audience. Half the people said yes, it’s great for kids and the other half said it’s not a good idea. Ancillary? Not really, huh?
Then there were comments like this that resonated with me, more of a yes, but be smart about it:
“Lots of drunk people, just research where to stay and things to do and where to stay away”
“Nice pools, amazing food. But don’t walk the lane at night with the kids”
Top 26 Things to Do with Kids in Vegas
While I’m still on the fence, I think you could probably do Vegas with kids if you plan carefully and pay close attention to your surroundings. There are many colorful things happening in Vegas and you can’t see a thing. I thought it would be helpful to create a list of the top 25 things, based on hundreds of reviews from people who have been there, to guide you if you decide to go to Vegas with kids.
- MGM Grand: the pool is obviously amazing
- Team Blue Man
- Shark Reef Aquarium
- Circus Circus arcade
- M&M’s store
- See a concert
- Big ferris wheel
- Cirque de Soleil show (Ka or O recommended)
- Zipline on Bourbon Street
- The world’s largest chocolate fountain at Bellagio
- Postcard from Earth
- Fake beach in Mandalay
- Indoor amusement park
- Magic performance: Matt Franco
- Roller Coaster in New York, New York
- Escape room
- Racing cars
- Top Golf (for Golf Enthusiasts)
- Hockey game
- Tahitian village
- Mirage Volcano
- Take photos at the iconic Las Vegas sign
- Fountain show outside the Bellagio
- Freemont street light show (6-8 minutes, over every evening hour)
- Dinner at the revolving restaurant in the Stratosphere
- JABBAWOCKEEZ dance performance
Where to stay with kids in Vegas
Many hotels allow smoking inside, so be sure to choose a non-smoking hotel for small children. Many people also asked to avoid casino hotels to avoid walking the stage with children. Here were the hotels most often recommended to stay with children:
- Park MGM
- The Luxor
- Mandalay Bay
- Tahitian village
Side trips from Vegas
There are some really cool side trips from Vegas. Many recommended 2-3 nights in Vegas and then rent a car and check out these other places for a change of pace and amazing scenery. Be sure to book in advance.
- Hoover Dam (46-minute drive): Considered one of the U.S the greatest feats of engineering and is the most visited dam in the world!
- Red Rock Canyon (25 minute drive): Great place for a spectacular hike to see the rock formations. There is one amphitheater where concerts are often held under the stars (wouldn’t that be magical!?).
- Grand Canyon (5 hour drive): take a helicopter tour or stay on the South Rim which has the most to do.
Top tips for taking kids to Vegas
- Call ahead and make sure the hotel pool is open: not many in winter (October – March)
- Don’t stay out late and above all, avoid the strip at night at all costs
- It’s a lot of walking: plan accordingly. Consider renting or bringing a stroller if your children are younger
- You can do it… but you have to plan!
- Flights are cheap, but everything is so expensive once you get there!
- Costco has a Go City card for attractions if you want to save money
What do you think; Have your kids been to Vegas? Would you take your kids to Vegas? Comment below, including any additional tips for things I missed!
