Las Vegas has evolved far beyond its adults-only reputation to become a surprisingly family-friendly destination. With an array of attractions designed specifically for all ages, Sin City has reinvented itself as a place where families can create lasting memories together. Here are seven fantastic ideas for a family spring break in Las Vegas, along with some top-rated hotels that cater to families.
Top-Rated Family-Friendly Hotels
Morris Law, a Las Vegas hotel injury lawyer states, “Spring breakers come to Vegas for a wilder time. If your children aren’t of that age, but you still want to take advantage of time off. Carefully choose the most family friendly hotels in the area.” Here’s a large selection of the top-rated family friendly hotels in Vegas area:
- The Mandalay Bay Resort boasts a 1.6-million-gallon wave pool, lazy river, and sandy beach that children adore. The hotel also houses the Shark Reef Aquarium, home to more than 2,000 marine animals.
- The Mirage combines family-friendly accommodations with convenient access to attractions like the Secret Garden and the volcano show that erupts nightly at the hotel’s entrance.
- Circus Circus remains a classic choice for budget-conscious families, offering direct access to the Adventuredome and free circus performances throughout the day.
- The Excalibur embraces a medieval castle theme that delights younger children and houses the Tournament of Kings dinner show, featuring knights on horseback in friendly competition.
- The MGM Grand offers spacious rooms and easy access to the monorail system, making it convenient to explore the Strip without extensive walking that might tire little legs.
Adventure at the Adventuredome
Tucked inside Circus Circus, the Adventuredome is a five-acre indoor amusement park that offers year-round fun regardless of the desert weather outside. The facility houses over 25 rides and attractions, from gentle carousel rides for the little ones to heart-pounding roller coasters for thrill-seeking teens. The Canyon Blaster and El Loco roller coasters provide excitement for older children, while the midway games and clown shows entertain younger visitors. With its climate-controlled environment, the Adventuredome makes for a perfect spring break activity when Las Vegas temperatures can be unpredictable.
Discover the Marvels of the Natural World
The Springs Preserve offers 180 acres of museums, botanical gardens, and interactive exhibits celebrating the desert’s natural environment. Children can explore the Nevada State Museum or enjoy the Origen Museum’s flash flood simulation. The outdoor trails provide opportunities to learn about desert plants and animals in their natural habitat. Meanwhile, the Discovery Children’s Museum near the Smith Center features three stories of interactive exhibits focusing on science, art, and early childhood development, making learning an adventure rather than a chore during your vacation.
Experience Ancient Egypt at the Luxor
The pyramid-shaped Luxor Hotel houses several family-friendly attractions, including “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition” and “Bodies: The Exhibition,” both offering educational value for school-aged children. The hotel’s distinctive architecture provides an excellent opportunity to discuss ancient Egyptian history and architecture with curious young minds. Walking through the massive atrium of the pyramid gives children a sense of scale that textbooks simply cannot convey.
Marvel at the Fountains and Conservatory at Bellagio
The dancing fountains at Bellagio offer a free, mesmerizing show set to music that children of all ages can appreciate. The shows run every 30 minutes in the afternoon and every 15 minutes in the evening. Inside, the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens presents seasonal flower displays that are both beautiful and educational. During spring break, the conservatory is typically adorned with thousands of vibrant flowers arranged in whimsical designs celebrating the season.
Enjoy High-Flying Fun with Ziplines and Rides
For families with adventure-seeking older children, Las Vegas offers several high-flying experiences. The SlotZilla zipline on Fremont Street sends riders soaring above the crowds below, while the High Roller observation wheel at The LINQ provides panoramic views of the city from 550 feet above the ground. For the ultimate thrill, the Stratosphere Tower features rides that dangle passengers over the edge of the 1,149-foot tower, including Insanity, X-Scream, and Big Shot.
Venture Beyond the Strip to Natural Wonders
Spring break is the perfect time to explore the natural wonders surrounding Las Vegas. Red Rock Canyon, just 17 miles west of the Strip, offers hiking trails suitable for families with children of various ages. The 13-mile scenic drive provides stunning views without requiring strenuous hiking. For a longer day trip, the Grand Canyon’s West Rim is approximately a two-hour drive from Las Vegas and features the Skywalk, a glass bridge extending 70 feet over the canyon’s edge.
Las Vegas has successfully transformed itself into a destination where families can enjoy a spring break filled with excitement, education, and entertainment. With thoughtful planning and these family-friendly ideas, your Las Vegas vacation can create memories that will last long after the desert sun sets on your spring break adventure.
