Things to Do in Las Vegas With Kids: A Family Adventure Guide

Las Vegas has a reputation as an adult playground, but families visit in huge numbers, and the region has far more to offer kids than most people expect. Beyond the arcades and buffets, the desert around the city is full of genuine adventure that works for families, including one experience that lets kids ride along through a real Old West canyon. This guide covers the best things to do in Las Vegas with kids, with a focus on getting outside and making memories.

What are the best family activities in Las Vegas?

The best family activities in Las Vegas mix a little bit of the classic Vegas spectacle with the outdoor adventure the surrounding desert is known for. Kids remember the experiences that feel real, and the region delivers, from ghost towns and gold mines to canyons, lakes, and trails. The trick is balancing indoor attractions with time outdoors, especially in the hotter months.

When is the best time to visit Las Vegas with kids?

Spring and fall are the easiest seasons for a family trip, with days generally in the 70s and 80s, open pools, and manageable crowds. Summer is doable but demands planning, since temperatures regularly top 100 degrees. In summer, build the day around the heat: do outdoor activities like an ATV tour or a canyon visit in the early morning, then retreat to pools, museums, and air conditioned attractions during the midday peak. Winter brings cooler, quieter days that are perfect for outdoor sightseeing without the heat. Whatever the season, hydration and sun protection are non-negotiable for kids.

The good news is that our adventures run year-round. Spring and fall are favorites for warm, comfortable weather and exploring the outdoors. During the summer, we recommend our morning or sunset tours, when temperatures are cooler and the desert scenery is at its most spectacular. Our Winter is mild, offering sunny days ideal for riding, along with some of the year’s best hotel deals. No matter the season, there’s never a bad time to experience Las Vegas’ Ultimate Adventure Destination with Awesome Adventures.

Take a family-friendly ATV and RZR tour

One of the most memorable things a family can do near Las Vegas is a guided off-road tour through Eldorado Canyon. Awesome Adventures runs guided ATV and RZR tours on private desert trails about 45 minutes south of the Strip, and the tours are set up to include kids safely.

Here is how it works for families:

• Children ages 5 to 15 who meet the size requirements can ride as passengers in a two seater RZR with a parent or a guide
• Teens 16 and 17 can drive an ATV, no license required, with a parent present
• Multi passenger RZRs and a Ranger crew cab mean the whole family can ride together
• All safety gear is included, with helmets available in all sizes
• Every tour comes with a free photo and video package, so the family photos are handled
• Stops include the private 1861 Ghost Town and the famous Techatticup Gold Mine property, which brings history to life for kids
• Outdoor games back at base, including cornhole and more, keep the fun going

It is the kind of adventure kids talk about for weeks, and because it is fully guided with no experience required, parents can relax and enjoy it too. Do note that for everyone’s safety, there are age, size, and supervision requirements, so it is worth reviewing the details when you book. A morning tour is ideal for families, both to beat the heat and to keep younger kids fresh.

Explore a real ghost town and gold mine

Kids love a good story, and the Eldorado Canyon area has plenty. Nelson Ghost Town grew up around the 1861 Techatticup Mine, and the weathered buildings, vintage vehicles, and a plane prop from the movie 3000 Miles to Graceland make it feel like stepping onto a movie set. On select tours, families can go inside the historic gold mine, where guides share stories of how the miners lived. It is a hands-on history lesson that beats any classroom, and it is genuinely fun for adults too. You can learn more about the area’s history through Travel Nevada.

Visit parks and outdoor spaces

The region has excellent options for families who want to get outside without going far. Red Rock Canyon, about 25 to 30 minutes west of the Strip, offers a scenic drive and easy trails through dramatic red sandstone, with a visitor center where kids can learn about desert wildlife like the desert tortoise. Details are at the Red Rock Canyon site. Valley of Fire State Park, about an hour away, features otherworldly rock formations and ancient petroglyphs that fascinate kids of all ages. For a cooler option in summer, Mount Charleston sits at nearly 12,000 feet and runs 20 to 30 degrees cooler than the valley.

See Hoover Dam

About 45 minutes from the Strip, Hoover Dam is a hit with kids thanks to the sheer scale of the structure and the tunnels inside. Walking across the Memorial Bridge for the view is free, and the guided tours of the powerplant give older kids a real sense of how it was built. Standing with one foot in Nevada and one in Arizona is a reliable kid pleaser. More information is available through the Bureau of Reclamation.

Cool off and beat the heat

When the desert heat peaks, the city has plenty of indoor and water options to keep kids happy. Water parks, splash pads, aquariums, children’s museums, and indoor attractions all make great midday retreats during summer. The smart family strategy is simple: adventure outdoors in the morning, cool down in the afternoon, and head back out as the day cools. Many Strip hotels are also connected by air conditioned walkways, which helps on the hottest days.

Tips for a Las Vegas family trip

A few things make a family Vegas trip smoother:

• Balance indoor and outdoor time, especially in summer when midday heat is intense
• Bring plenty of water and sun protection for any outdoor activity
• Book adventure activities like ATV tours ahead of time and review age and size requirements
• Plan outdoor outings for the morning to beat the heat
• Wear comfortable, closed shoes, since even the Strip involves a lot of walking

The family adventure most visitors miss

Plenty of families do the arcades and the pools and call it a trip. The ones who venture out discover that a real desert canyon, a genuine ghost town, and a beginner friendly off-road ride sit just 45 minutes away. It is the part of the trip kids remember most, and it gives the whole family a shared adventure instead of another day indoors.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Las Vegas with kids

Is Las Vegas good for families with kids?

Yes, more than most people expect. Beyond the casinos, the city and the surrounding desert offer aquariums, museums, water parks, thrill rides, and outdoor adventures like ATV tours, ghost towns, and national landmarks. The key is choosing family-friendly attractions and planning around the heat in summer.

What outdoor activities can kids do near Las Vegas?

Kids can ride along on guided ATV and RZR tours through Eldorado Canyon, explore Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire, visit Hoover Dam, and get out on Lake Mead. Outdoor activities are best in the morning during the warmer months.

What age can kids go on an ATV tour near Las Vegas?

With Awesome Adventures, children ages 5 to 15 who meet the size requirements can ride as passengers in a two seater RZR with a parent or guide, and teens 16 and 17 can drive an ATV with a parent present. Helmets are available in all sizes, and age, size, and supervision requirements apply, so review the details when booking.

How do you handle the summer heat with kids in Las Vegas?

Build the day around the heat. Do outdoor activities early in the morning, spend the hot midday hours at pools, water parks, museums, or other air conditioned attractions, and head back outside as the day cools. Keep kids hydrated and protected from the sun throughout.

Ready to plan a family adventure? Explore Awesome Adventures tours or call 702-257-8509 to check availability and age requirements for your group.

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