Casinos, bars, clubs…it’s the nightlife that defines Vegas, or is it? Las Vegas has an entirely different side that is family-friendly, kid-friendly, and filled with adventure for all ages. The next time you come to Vegas, don’t leave the kids at home. Here are 24 things to do with the kids in Las Vegas, even during a pandemic.
Glittering Lights at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway

This is the season for sparkling, twinkling lights (when isn’t it this season in Vegas?). While the lights of the Strip are always a sight, you can head to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for a family-friendly display of literally millions of lights.
The Glittering Lights display at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway runs until January 10, 2021, and is a 2.5-mile tour of more than 4 million glittering lights in 500+ displays that will leave both kids and adults in awe. Proceeds from the Glittering Lights display benefit children’s charities.
GameWorks

You’re not going to want to miss the opportunity to indulge your young gaming enthusiast to an afternoon at GameWorks in Las Vegas. GameWorks is a gaming lounge gone to the extreme. They feature both new and classic games, with well over 100 popular gaming titles to choose from – including your favorite console and arcade-style games.
During non-Covid times, GameWorks also hosts tournaments and special events – something to keep in mind if you’re planning a special trip with the family in the future.
ATV Tours

The bright lights of the Strip in Vegas are mesmerizing for sure, but there are times you’ll want to step away and experience Vegas away from the bars and casinos, especially if you have younger ones in tow. Local ATV tours are a fun, family-friendly way to experience another side of Vegas.
The best Vegas ATV tours will pick you up, drop you off, and lead you through an adventure of sun, sand, and thrills in the Las Vegas landscape. Many companies offer tours for all skill levels and ages, just call ahead and ask them if there are any age or height limits for their standard tours.
Archery

Step away from the lights and the crowds, and there are plenty of outdoor adventure style opportunities to explore in Las Vegas – archery being one of them. Consider taking the kids to an archery session to sharpen their skills.
Impact Archery is one place you’ll want to check out with kids that are ages 7 or older. They offer over 3,300 square feet of archery range for beginners and experts and have all the equipment you need for an afternoon of archery fun. $25 per hour provides you with both equipment and professional instruction.
Ice Rink at the Cosmopolitan

When in Vegas, take the family to what has been officially named as one of the best ice skating rinks in all of North America. During the winter months, the top of the Cosmopolitan transforms into 4,200 feet of pure, real ice for you and the kids to skate for hours on end.
There’s more than just skating at the ice rink at the Cosmopolitan. You won’t want to miss out on roasting smores by the fire, sipping hot chocolate, or reserving a private fire pit for up to six guests, safely socially distanced from other groups. The ice rink is only open into early January, so make this one a priority on your list.
All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and parents or guardians will need to sign a safety waiver on behalf of minor children.
Paintball

What better way to work off a little extra energy than running around, seeing who can claim the title of paintball champion? Paintball is a sport that can be enjoyed by almost all ages, and there are plenty of options for paintball fields in Vegas.
Whether you’re looking to let off a little steam, celebrate a special event, or just want a way to have fun in a safe, socially distanced environment, paintball is ideal for anyone aged 7 or older. Look for a range that offers low impact equipment if you have younger players in your group.
Go-Karts

Do you have a young one that dreams of racing their way around the track? Go-karts might not be the Indy 500 but they’re a great way to play and maybe even get a little competitive while behind the wheel.
Bring the whole family to one of the many spots in Vegas where you can take to the track, like Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix or Vegas SuperKarts, both offering kiddie/junior cart options for younger guests.
Climb Vegas

Adrenaline junkies of all ages will enjoy a trip to Climb Vegas, an extreme high ropes course in Las Vegas. Here, you’ll find a challenging but fun indoor rope course that features 17 different elements to conquer.
All rope courses are safe for adults and children, and a great way to practice balance, strength, strategy, and endurance. Guests must be at least 48 inches tall to climb unattended but guests that are at least 42 inches tall ( about the average height for a 5-6-year-old) can climb with parental supervision.
As a bonus, there’s no time limit for the course, so you can spend an entire afternoon conquering their three separate levels of rope challenges.
Indoor Rock Climbing

Does it feel like the kids are climbing the walls? Take them out for an afternoon adventure where they can climb the walls for real in an indoor Vegas climbing venue like Nevada Climbing Center or Refuge Climbing and Fitness.
Both facilities feature climbing walls for a range of ages and skill levels. They also follow current Covid-19 protocols, which means space may be limited. If you have a little climber on your hands, contact them early to reserve your spot.
Kayaking on the Colorado River Guided Tour

Once you step outside the bright lights of the city, Las Vegas and the surrounding areas have incredible natural sights to behold. If you’re looking for a little family-friendly outdoor adventure, that happens to also be incredibly scenic, kayaking on the Colorado River is the way to go.
Bring the family for a guided tour of the Colorado River with the skilled guides of the Las Vegas SUP Kayak Club. Plan on spending the entire day and paddling along more than two miles of the Colorado River. Included in the price of the tour are your kayaks, life vests, snacks, and freshwater to keep you and your crew replenished.
Witches and Warlocks Magic Show

After a day of exploring, what could be better than settling down to a little magic show? Except, the Witches and Warlocks Magic Show isn’t like others you’ve seen. Expect to be surprised, thrilled, and to have all of your senses ignited.
The Las Vegas Magic Theater hosts several different types of magical and mysterious productions, including their popular Witches and Warlocks Magic Show. These shows are “technically” suited for all audiences but the dark, mysterious nature of the shows can be a little unnerving for really young audience members.
ZipLines

When you think of adrenaline-pumping experiences, it really doesn’t get any better than ziplining over Las Vegas Boulevard. At the Fly LINQ, Groups of up to 10 people can zipline together, making this the perfect high-adrenaline, family adventure.
Ziplining through Vegas is an activity most adults and kids can enjoy. The only restrictions are that participants need to weigh at least 60lbs but no more than 300lbs, and be between 3’4” and 6’8” in height.
High Roller Ferris Wheel

Whether it’s the bright lights of the Strip or taking in the mother nature’s scenery, Las Vegas offers sights and experiences you won’t soon forget. If it all looks this amazing from the ground, imagine what it might look like from 550 ft up in the air.
You can find out when you take the family on the High Roller Ferris Wheel. The High Roller has become a “must-see and do” attraction in Vegas, with a spin around providing you with a 360 view of the city.
The High Roller Ferris Wheel runs both day and night, so you can experience an aerial view of Vegas from different perspectives. Plan on one complete rotation taking about 30 minutes.
Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck

Is it possible to experience the essence of Paris while in Las Vegas? Well, you might not be able to find a quiet, quaint little French bistro on the strip, you can view Vegas from a half-sized replica of the Eiffel tower.
The architecture of the Eiffel Tower in Las Vegas closely resembles the real deal. With 46 stories and a 360-degree observation deck, the Eiffel Tower offers up some of the most spectacular views of the strip that the entire family will enjoy.
Starting at sunset and continuing until midnight, the Eiffel Tower lights up in a beautiful, choreographed light show every 30 minutes. You won’t want the kids to miss this spectacular display featuring more than 300 colored light fixtures and over 800 white strobe lights that illuminate one of the nightly must-see attractions on the Strip.
Escape Rooms

Are you looking for an interactive family activity that encourages everyone to use a brain cell or two? Escape rooms are the ultimate in group puzzles, and Las Vegas offers lots of options that are suitable for all ages.
The age of the youngest members of your group will determine what type of escape room challenge you’ll want to sign up for. Themed options are featuring beloved kids characters, to more challenging puzzle rooms that add a bit of mystery and thrill to the mix. It’s always a good idea to contact them ahead of time to make sure the material in the escape challenge is age-appropriate for your group.
The Hunger Games Exhibition

The Hunger Games Exhibition, located in the iconic MGM Grand, is one of the newest, hottest, immersive experiences for all ages in Las Vegas. The Hunger Game movies were huge hits, and Exhibition follows in the same footsteps.
Guests of all ages can get an up-close and personal look into the heroic journey of Katniss Everdeen, and through an immersive journey, experience what it was like to become the Mockingjay. Guests can also visit President Snow’s Office, the Tribute Train, District 13, and more.
Play games, practice archery, try your hand at Ceasar’s Trivia, play with the world’s largest touch screen exhibition display, and more during your visit to Hunger Games Exhibition. Tickets are discounted for ages 4-11 and children 3 and under are free.
Stratosphere Thrill Rides

Not for the faint of heart (or the scared of heights), the Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower is home to the world’s tallest freestanding observation tower at heart-palpitating 1,149 ft in the air. The observation deck is incredible, but the young, and young at heart, thrill-seekers in your group are going to love the Stratosphere Thrill Rides.
These aren’t your typical, carnival-type rides. Those with no sense of fear can try the 854ft drop with the SkyJump, and there is also the twirling, tilting thrill ride that reaches a speed of up to 3Gs. Who needs an amusement park when you have the Stratosphere.
Please note that the age limit on the SkyJump is 14 or older, and parental consent is needed. There are also safety height restrictions of at least 48” or 52” inches on each of the thrill rides.
Paint Party

Fun in Las Vegas doesn’t have to mean constantly being on the go and seeking the next big thrill, especially if you have young ones in tow. Take a break, relax, and let your young artists express themselves at a paint party hosted by Sparks Art Paint Party.
This is an activity that the entire family can enjoy, or you can let the kids create their masterpieces while you take the opportunity to just sit back and relax for a minute or two. Paint party events for children and families start at $25.
SeaQuest Interactive Petting Zoo

They say you can see anything and everything in Vegas but did you know that this includes five continent’s worth of incredible sea life? At the SeaQuest Interactive Petting Zoo, guests are taken on a journey spanning 5 continents and experience hands-on interaction with hundreds of animals.
You’ll meet a giant octopus, sharks, stingrays, and all sorts of new friends from the sea. The petting zoo also features some furry, soft friends, along with reptiles and so much more incredible wildlife. Unlike your typical zoo, SeaQuest is hands-on and interactive.
Trampoline Parks

Kids are known for bouncing off the walls and taking them to one of the trampoline parks in Las Vegas is a fun, safe way to let them bounce off some of that energy? Never heard of a trampoline park? Prepare to be bounced, entertained, and to feel like a kid again yourself.
Trampoline parks, like Xplozone and Gravady Extreme in Las Vegas, are filled with all sorts of bouncing, high energy activities for you and your family to enjoy. From bouncy obstacle courses to Olympic style trampolines and tramp walls, to special kid zones that are designed specifically for guests 6 and under, there’s something here for everyone in your group.
Wet and Wild Water Park

Las Vegas is known for taking things to the extreme, so why would their water parks be any exception? At the Wet n Wild Water Park, extreme sports meets your typical water ride. Ever wonder what it was like to be inside a tornado? Their zero gravity, weightless Tornado water ride puts you right in the eye of the storm.
Other attractions include the Constrictor that takes you through a twirling tunnel at nearly 18 miles per hour, the Rattler that takes you on a 360 ft descent before you splash into the cool water, and the Canyon Cliffs that features a nearly vertical drop from 6 stories in the air.
Not to worry, the Wet n Wild Water Park has plenty for those who are seeking a mild to moderate thrill level, including kid zone rides that are appropriate for the youngest visitors.
Curling Class

Curling is a sport that the entire family can enjoy together, regardless of skill level or age. Curling is a great activity for young kids, teens, parents, and grandparents alike. A curling center is also something that you don’t see in every town, which makes CurlVegas something special.
Starting as low as $25, you can bring the kids in for a lesson on the ice where everyone learns the basics of curling. From there, you engage in a little competitive gameplay that will help you build up an appetite before going off to explore the culinary playground of Las Vegas.
No special attire is required when you show up for your lesson but do dress appropriately for being on the ice.
Bottom Line
Las Vegas is often thought of as the ultimate in playgrounds for adults. This list reminds us that Vegas is also a family-friendly place that welcomes families and young visitors with open arms. Instead of feeling like you need to leave the kids at home the next time you visit Las Vegas, add a few (or all) of these attractions to your must-see/do list.