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M&Ms World, Vegas
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The 18 best things to do with kids in Las Vegas

Think Sin City is just for adults? Think again. From boat rides to rollercoasters, Vegas has fun for all the family

Written by
Gerrish Lopez
&
Krista Diamond
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Vegas is a lot of fun n’ all, but don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s just for adults. Vegas is a full-blown, jam-packed holiday for all ages, and there is absolutely zero chance of the kids ever getting bored. After all, what’s more fun for a kid than a gondola ride on a fake Venetian river? Hide and seek in a botanical garden? A four-story M&M World? 

Nothing, that's what. From 3D film screenings to a real-life chocolate factory, this city was built for kids. After all, Vegas is pretty much a huge, buzzing adventure playground anyway. If you and the family are looking to get out into nature, head to a show or try out a tropical aquarium, you’re guaranteed to love it here. Read on for the best things to do in Vegas right now. 

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Things to do for kids in Las Vegas

  • Attractions
  • The Strip

The first US incarnation of London's all-conquering attraction contains more than 100 wax celebs in various settings, all fun. Here it tones down the British history in favor of celebrity and pop culture “encounters”: an opportunity to join the “wolf pack” from The Hangover, for example, or a chance to pose with Miley Cyrus and her wrecking ball. There’s now lots of impressive supplementary fun too, including a superb Marvel 4D film experience, and the Carnival Carnage 7D experience... quite what the seven dimensions are, we're not sure. Recommended, though.

  • Attractions
  • Theme parks
  • North Las Vegas
  • price 2 of 4

Circus Circus’s 5-acre indoor theme park offers excitement for all ages. The littlest ones can go around the carousel or watch free clown shows, while speed-seekers will want to check out the extreme vertical drops of El Loco and the world's only indoor double-loop, double-corkscrew roller coaster, Canyon Blaster. There is also laser tag, 4D theater features, roller skating, and classic arcade and midway games.

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  • Attractions
  • Downtown

One of the largest kid-friendly attractions in Las Vegas, the Discovery Children's Museum encourages families to explore three floors (and 58,000 square feet) of art, science, and culture exhibits. Interactive areas encourage kids to solve mysteries, create their own inventions, and dress up in costume, while a rotating exhibit area features shows from other museums. Active kids can also climb, crawl, and slide on various structures. There's a lot here to get their creative juices flowing and burn energy to boot.

  • Things to do

There is, perhaps, no more awe-inspiring attraction in Las Vegas than this centerpiece at the Bellagio. A team of master horticulturalists constructs beautiful scenes with trees, flowers, plants, and structural elements. The display changes seasonally as well as during major holidays. Kids will be impressed, and it's a great backdrop for the perfect family photo.

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  • Attractions
  • Theme parks
  • The Strip

One of the most recognizable attractions in the city can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors as guests are serenaded by authentic gondoliers while lazily floating by faux Italian facades and architecture. It's a romantic option for couples, but the four-person boats are great for families too. 

  • Things to do
  • price 2 of 4

See tropical fish, giant sea turtles, alligators, sting rays, exotic scenery, and sharks up close and personal at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. The vast aquarium is a wonderland for all types of marine life. The walk-through tunnel that cuts through the 1.3-million-gallon shark exhibit and the interactive touch pool are must-sees. Marine-loving kids (and adults) will love this one.

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  • Hotels
  • Spa hotels
  • West of the Strip
  • price 2 of 4

For a unique, eye-popping view of The Strip, head to The High Roller at the Linq Promenade. Kids will feel on top of the world when taking a spin on one of the world's tallest observation wheels. The leisurely 30-minute ride gives you a 360-degree view of the area from 550 feet up. Nighttime offers the most dramatic scenery. 

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  • Things to do

Just a few steps from the blackjack tables and slots, birds of a decidedly pink feather hang out inside the Flamingo’s lush wildlife habitat. While the vibrant Chilean flamingos are the main attraction, you can also spot swans, ducks, turtles, and koi. It is free to explore, and kids will love watching the daily live feedings.

  • Shopping
  • Shopping centers
  • Downtown
  • price 2 of 4

The Fremont East neighborhood keeps getting hipper but also more family-friendly. A shopping center made of shipping containers, the area boasts an interactive playground with a 33-foot-tall slide and giant mechanical praying mantis that shoots fire in rhythm to accompanying music. Regular programming includes yoga, live music, movie nights, and sunset drum circles. 

 

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  • Attractions
  • The Strip

Kids will be mesmerized as more than a thousand spouts of water dance in tune with music and lights. The elegant performance looks slightly different from every angle. By the time the show reaches its crescendo, you'll want to watch it again. Fortunately, the show—located outside the Bellagio in a huge man-made lake—starts every half hour until 8pm and every 15 minutes after that until midnight. 

  • Things to do
  • Las Vegas
  • price 2 of 4

Any thrill-seeker knows that one of the most exciting (and famous) Las Vegas attractions is the Big Apple Coaster in the New York-New York hotel. Riders zoom past a replica of the skyline and Statue of Liberty while looping in a 180-degree “heartline” twist. After riding the rollercoaster, kids can let loose at the adjacent Big Apple Arcade.

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  • Attractions
  • Parks and gardens

In the right light, this park's curving red sandstone looks like flames rising from the dirt. An hour northeast of Vegas, Valley of Fire is great for a day-long nature adventure in the desert. See stunning geology, hike scenic trails, and spot 3,000-year-old petroglyphs made by Native Americans. Highlights include formations such as Rainbow Vista, Atlatl Rock, Elephant Rock, and Gorilla Rock.

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  • Attractions
  • The Strip

What kid can resist four stories of chocolatey M&Ms and M&M swag? They can create personalized M&Ms and fill a bag with 16 different colors of the sweet treat. There are plenty of gifts to choose from too. After filling up on candy, check out the NASCAR display and settle in for a 3D movie.

  • Museums
  • Special interest
  • The Strip

Visitors can catch a glimpse of the factory and learn about the chocolate-making process at this delicious attraction. A lovely cactus botanical garden (one of the largest of its kind) is an added pleasure that turns into a premier holiday destination as it's lit up with colorful lights and decorations.

 

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  • Attractions
  • Historic buildings and sites
  • West Las Vegas

Located just west of Downtown Las Vegas, this is where legendary Old West explorers Kit Carson and John Fremont parked their horses in the mid-1800s. The sprawling site features two museums, botanical gardens, and nature trails. You can rent a bike, ride a train, or visit Boomtown 1905 for a taste of way back when. A visit to the playground will burn off the last bit of the kids' energy on the way out. Keep an eye on the events calendar for kid-friendly programming, including a popular annual ice cream festival.

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