While Las Vegas doesn’t necessarily have the reputation of a family-friendly destination, it actually can be — you just have to know where to go. At first glance, the Strip may seem lined with casinos and bars — which it is — but, if you look a little closer, you’ll find shops and fun attractions for tweens, teens and under 21s.
Located in front of the New York New York Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, the Big Apple Coaster and Arcade is a great way to spend the day with the kids. Ride thrilling coaster rides with the family and get a fun view of the Strip from the top, or head to the arcade to win some family-friendly prizes.
If virtual reality is more your kid’s thing, bring the teens to the Big Apple Coaster Virtual Reality Experience. Situated high above the crowds on the Strip, kids 13 and older can experience the thrills of the ride without physically being strapped in.
The kids can get a little (sugar) buzz at the two-story Hershey’s Chocolate World store. The retail experience is more than just a chocolate shop. Guests enjoy interactive experiences with candy and chocolates while stocking up on gifts for home or just loading up for themselves.
Hershey’s Chocolate World © Ritu Jethani | Dreamstime.com
Over in Mandalay Bay, the Shark Reef Aquarium is a one-stop shop for your mini marine biologists. Visit with more than 2,000 sea creatures, from sharks and sting rays to reptiles and endangered green sea turtles. Check out the new exhibit, “Polar Journey, An Interactive Adventure,” for an inside look at wildlife from the Polar regions or even interact with some animals through the Animal Encounters program.
For your true crime fans, CSI: The Experience is a fun way to dip your toe in the fun of forensic science. The all-new experience, opening Jan. 28, will offer new challenges and experiences for your crime-fighting family.
The Las Vegas location of Circus, Circus may be a well-known destination for family fun, but the Neon Disco roller rink experience is an underrated attraction. Yes, the bumper cars and roller coasters of The Adventuredome of Circus, Circus are exciting, but the roller rink is actually a great way to entertain the kids at night and not worry about wondering around the Strip. The after-dark party during the weekends offers neon face painting, t-shirts and rides for your teens, tweens and even adventurous kids.
Your teens and older children can easily enjoy all the fun and excitement of Las Vegas in an age-appropriate way without feeling like babies. Just let them pick their own adventure and go along for the ride. Literally.
Read This Next
Tips for Taking Teens to ComicCon
Teens
Nov 15, 2024#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / Europe
May 22, 20256 Stroller-Friendly Cities in Europe
Families traveling with young children learn to be creative in getting strollers into seemingly impossible places. Some cities confound even the most determined parents: Innumerable bridges with steps are a challenge in Venice, and Lisbon’s hills seem insurmountable. Narrow or rough stone-paved streets are not stroller-friendly, either. Save those cities for another year and consider these instead.
Cruising
May 22, 2025Special Needs Group Makes Cruising More Accessible
As school comes to an end, family travelers gear up for summer travel. Thanks to endless multigenerational activities on cruises, many families gravitate to a trip on the high seas. That said, families who might need more assistance when traveling might stray from cruises; it may not be easy or ideal to bring all your equipment on your journey. Now, families won’t have to worry thanks to Special Needs Group/Special Needs at Sea.
Slideshow
May 22, 20256 Roman Walls for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these Roman walls with us.
Destinations / North America
May 21, 2025Santa Monica’s New AI Program Makes Visiting a Breeze
Artificial intelligence is everywhere these days, and it really is changing the way we travel. Santa Monica, the vibrant Southern California hot spot where family travelers to Los Angeles go to enjoy the sea, sand and quintessential “beach lifestyle,” joins the AI trend. When it comes to using AI to improve the tourist experience, plenty of destinations have recently gotten with the program, like Lake Tahoe, Aruba and New Zealand. By partnering with GuideGeek to create customized itinerary support to help travelers plan their vacations, Santa Monica is keeping up.
Destinations / North America
May 21, 2025Explore Hawai’i with “Lilo & Stitch” Magic
Ohana travelers might want to take time out of their busy Memorial Day weekend plans to head to the movies for the premiere weekend of Disney’s new live-action Lilo & Stitch. With the movie set in stunning Hawai’i, family travelers might find themselves inspired to plan their own Hawaiian adventure.
Destinations / North America
May 21, 2025The Family Heritage Experience Opens in Boston
There’s an innovative new exhibition for family travelers to Boston. Family Heritage Experience opened to the public on April 25, inviting visitors to ponder questions about their own family, from its origins to its cultural traditions.
ShareThis