The MGM Grand has one of the largest pool complexes and is one of only a few with a lazy river on Las Vegas Boulevard or Las Vegas in general. Most of the MGM pool complex is family-friendly, though they have an adults-only pool and day club.
Here is everything you need to know about the MGM grand lazy river, plus an overview of what else you can expect from the entire MGM Grand pool complex.
MGM Grand Lazy River Experience
Surprisingly enough, Las Vegas, NV, doesn’t have many lazy rivers. However, one of the best on Las Vegas Blvd. is the one at MGM Grand Hotel.
The lazy river is 1,000 feet long, 3.5 feet deep, and flows gently throughout the pool complex. You’ll pass cascading waterfalls, the backlot lazy river pool, bridges, lounge chairs galore, and beautiful palm trees.
There are several places to enter and exit the lazy river, making it a way to get around the 6.5-acre pool complex if you want to save some steps. The entrances and exits are steps with rails so you can get out safely.
Lazy River Popularity
The lazy river is usually quite busy as it is one of the most popular attractions in the MGM Grand pool area, but don’t let that sway you. You can relax and be left alone as you float if you want or chat with other hotel guests, whichever is more your style.
Who Can Use the MGM Lazy River?
The lazy river and all of the pool areas at the MGM Grand are only open to registered guests of the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. Though previously anyone could get a day pass for a fee, the day pass is no longer available for non-guests like other resorts offer in order to keep it from being overcrowded.
The only exception is for the Wet Republic Ultra Pool. Anyone over the age of 21 can buy tickets for the Wet Republic Ultra Pool.
MGM Signature Guests
Though MGM Signature is on the same property as the MGM Grand, each of the MGM Signature towers has its own private heated pool complete with poolside cocktail service and private cabanas. MGM Grand guests are not allowed to use the MGM Signature private pools.
Tube Rentals
There are no tube rentals at MGM Grand for the lazy river. However, there are two options to be able to float your troubles away. You can purchase them for between $20-$25 at the Swim Shop, or if you want to save money, you can bring your own tube from home.
If you choose to bring your own tube, keep in mind that only circular tubes are allowed. Additionally, though we have never tried it ourselves, word on the street is that they will blow up your tube at the Swim Shop.
Cabanas, which we will dive into more below, come with complimentary pool floats for the lazy river.
Cost
MGM Grand hotel guests get free access to the entire pool complex, including the lazy river. It isn’t technically one of the amenities included in the resort fee, which is $39 per day that you’ll pay during check-in.
The only thing that costs extra for the lazy river is if you were to buy a float, cabana, food, or drink. You cannot bring in any outside food or drink except for a water bottle, so prepare to pay if you get hungry.
Lazy River Hours
The lazy river has different operating hours than the standard MGM Grand pool hours. The lazy river is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, while the rest of the pool complex is open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Food is only served from 10 am to 5 pm as well.
Also, most other Las Vegas pools close for the winter, but the MGM Grand pool complex and the lazy river are open year-round.
Lazy River Location
The lazy river is within the MGM Grand pool complex and weaves along the Wet Republic side and under walking bridges. The location of the pool complex itself is at the far end of The District past Television City, Morimoto, and International Smoke.
You’ll find the lazy river to the left after you come down the escalators with plenty of nearby lounge chairs to set up shop for the day.
Other Activities at the MGM Grand Pool Complex
The Las Vegas MGM Grand pool complex is more than just the lazy river and a singular pool. It is 6.5 acres of aquatic fun and amenities. Here are some of the other activities located in the complex.
Pools
The pool complex features four refreshing swimming pools spread throughout, all of which kids and adults alike can splash around.
In addition to the four swimming pools, which are heated, there are also three whirlpools if you want to enjoy the jets.
Cabanas
There are lounge chairs in and out of the water across the pool deck, but if you want more room, rent one of the private cabanas.
They come with a personalized bottle and food service, towel service, a flat-screen TV, a mini fridge, personal safes, wifi access, a ceiling fan, and a complete furniture set including a couch, coffee table, and side table, lounge chairs, and an umbrella.
Also, as we mentioned before, every cabana also comes with pool floats. However, we do have to mention that the cabanas can be quite expensive and have to be reserved in advance. The price depends on the type, size, location, and day.
Wet Republic Ultra Pool
The Wet Republic Ultra Pool is an adults-only 54,500-square-foot day club venue known for its pool parties with world-renowned DJs and party cabanas. It is located adjacent to the main pool complex.
This sexy hot spot features two saltwater pools, additional dipping pools, daybeds, oversized chaises, and a popular covered pool lounge with a white marble full bar and amateur go-go booths.
Food and Drink
You can get poolside cocktails and food service from almost anywhere in the MGM Grand pool complex. However, you can also walk up to the Cabana Grill, which is open for breakfast and lunch, or any of the five bars.
Massages
The MGM Grand pool complex is one of the few places in Las Vegas where you can get spa services right at the poolside. Indulge in a massage before or after floating in the lazy river or taking a dip in one of the swimming pools.
FAQs
Do you have to stay at the MGM to use the lazy river?
Yes, only MGM Grand hotel guests are permitted to use the pool area, including the lazy river.
How deep is the lazy river at MGM?
The lazy river at MGM is 3.5 feet deep.
Which MGM property has the lazy river?
The MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay both have a lazy river.
Bottom Line
Ultimately, the lazy river at the MGM Grand pool complex, in our opinion, is the best in Las Vegas, NV. It’s open year-round, has beautiful tropical scenery, and even has a pool attached.
If you are looking for a place to relax, the lazy river at the MGM Grand Las Vegas is the place to be. Just remember you must be a guest of the hotel!
Can I use the lazy river if I’m staying at the signature mgm?
Yes, Signature guests can use the MGM pool complex and lazy river as part of the hotel fee.
If I brink my own floaty can it be a horseshoe type?
No, only circular floaties are allowed.
Are you required to use a tube or can yoh simply float the lazy river.
You’re not required to use a tube, lots of people prefer to be in the water!
What side of the pool is the lazy river? ie: west, east, north.. can you rent a day bead in the lazy river area?
The lazy river is located at the back of the pool complex. It’s large enough you can choose between east river, west river, and island river daybeds.
If you stay at Park MGM can you use MGM Grand pools?
No, only MGM Grand guests can use the pool complex. You can make a daybed or cabana reservation at MGM Grand to get pool access for the day, though!
So will they inflate your.tube for free if you bring your own?
Sometimes. It depends on who is working. I wouldn’t count on it because technically they don’t. I recommend packing one of those little electric air pumps thay you use for air beds and blow up your own inner tubes in your room. It sounds cheap but the adult size tubes are $24 each now so that adds up if you are a couple or family.
Thanks for the tip! A lot of people have had good experiences getting their tubes inflated by the pool, but this is a great backup option.
Do I read right that there are no tubes provided at the lazy pool and you HAVE to buy one?
Yes thats right, I suggest getting a cheap circular pool tube at CVS or walgreens and bring it with you. Otherwise they are sold at the Swim shop
The entire pool complex is not open year-round. The lazy river does not have a specific open and close date but generally opens for the season in April and closes in October. Exact dates depend on the weather, so it is difficult to plan your stay ahead of time during those months if the lazy river is important to you. However, I noticed recently that MGM updated their website and it now says that the pool will open March 6, 2023. I would call first to verify because they have never posted open dates and are typically only open on weekends in the early Spring.
The in-water loungers are not available to just anyone. You must rent the Premium Daybed in order to have access to 4 in-water loungers.
Pods, Daybeds, and Cabana Fees include a food and beverage credit. Half of your fee, you receive in credit to be used there at your rental. For example, if you pay $200 for a daybed, $100 of that can be used towards food and beverage. On top of your rental fee there is required gratuity and tax.
The Private Reserve Pool is also adults-only (in addition to Wet Republic).
Non-hotel guests may rent cabanas and daybeds, although they don’t advertise it.
Hello,
Is your lazy river open during weekdays in November? (Nov 7-10th 2022)
Oh sorry, the lazy river closes on Ocotber 31 and reopens in April usually but is weather dependent. There is one main pool open year-round which is heated open 9-6pm and in November changes to 9-5pm hours
It is advertised in several different places that the mgm grand lazy river and pools are heated and open year round
Unfortunately the lazy river is not open year round. Closes End of October-March depending on weather.