The idea of vacationing in Las Vegas with kids in tow might not sound like the ultimate family vacation and honestly, it didn’t to me either. When my brother and his fiancée decided on a destination wedding in Las Vegas, I had immediate reservations about bringing our family of five. Vegas is famously branded as an adult playground, and I worried my boys might see more than they bargained for.
That said, missing my brother’s wedding was not an option.
I’d been to Vegas enough times to know that, with the right planning, there is a lot of family-friendly fun to be had. So we booked a five-day, four-night trip with our 3, 6, and 13-year-old, along with my husband and me, and surprisingly, it turned into a trip we all enjoyed.
Where to Stay in Las Vegas With Kids
While we love the energy of the Las Vegas Strip, we chose to venture downtown for a quieter, more manageable experience with kids. We stayed at the Grand Hotel (newly renovated at the time), which had a smaller casino floor, felt cleaner, and didn’t smell like stale cigarettes a huge win when traveling with children.
Staying downtown also put us right near one of our favorite kid-friendly areas…
Fremont Street Experience: Is It Kid-Friendly?
If you’re considering Las Vegas as a family destination, you’ve probably already accepted that there’s a small chance your child may see something, nighttime especially brings out a rowdier crowd.
That said, the Fremont Street Experience is one of the most surprisingly family-friendly spots we visited in Las Vegas especially during the daytime and early evening.
This five-block pedestrian-only area is lined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and street performers. It’s an eclectic mix of locals and tourists and can be semi-kid-friendly if you time it right.
Why kids love Fremont Street:
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The free Viva Vision light show overhead
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The SlotZilla zipline (Zipline: 50–300 lbs, Zoomline: 80–300 lbs)
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Constant movement, music, and entertainment
Transportation in Las Vegas With Kids
We tried public transportation in Las Vegas and quickly realized it wasn’t for us. With kids, strollers, and car seats, it felt inconvenient and inefficient.
Here are your best options:
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Uber The most cost-effective and convenient option
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Rental car About $400/week for a 7-passenger van
If you need car seats, a rental may be best. If your kids can ride without them, Uber works beautifully. We used UberXL for our family of six and an infant car seat that snapped into a stroller carrier. The stroller folded easily into the trunk, and with a good tip, drivers were patient and accommodating.
Pro tip:
For kids weighing 40–100 lbs, the bumblebum booster it is a game changer. It meets federal safety standards, rolls up small, and is perfect for travel.
And yes bring a stroller carseat carrier , even for older kids. My six-year-old needed breaks, and my three-year-old lived in that stroller. If it reclines, even better.
Navigating Casinos With Kids
If you’re traveling with kids, it helps to have extra adults. We often travel with grandparents and plan time so my husband and I can step onto the casino floor while the kids are with them.
Important to know:
Children are not allowed to linger near casino games. Even if you’re pushing a stroller, you may be asked to move along. Thankfully, most hotels offer food courts, arcades, and attractions that make it easy to redirect kids.
Best Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Las Vegas
Some of our favorite family-friendly Las Vegas attractions include:
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Container Park – Treehouse & play area
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Circus Circus – Midway games
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Fremont Street Zipline
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Paris Las Vegas – Eiffel Tower viewing deck
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The Venetian – Gondola rides
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Bellagio – Fountain show
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Caesars Palace – Atlantis animatronic show
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Planet Hollywood – Shopping mall
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Golden Nugget – Shark Tank slide
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Stratosphere – Observation deck & thrill rides
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New York-New York – Roller coaster
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The Mirage – Secret Garden
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Welcome to Las Vegas Sign – A must-stop photo op
The $20 Trick: Does It Really Work?
I’d heard about the $20 trick for years but didn’t try it until recently. If you book the least expensive room try at check-in to mention if there are any complimentary upgrades available. When giving your ID include a $20 bill. I mentioned traveling with children and it being our first time navigating Las Vegas with them. I also asked if a portable crib was availablr. We were upgraded to a suite. This turned out to be a lifesaver when juggling a stroller, car seat, and the portable crib.
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The $20 trick doesn’t always work
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You can’t ask for it back, so expect your first loss
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Think of it as a tip that might pay off
For us? Totally worth it.
Final Thoughts: Is Las Vegas With Kids Worth It?
Las Vegas isn’t a traditional family destination, but with thoughtful planning, it can be a memorable, fun, and surprisingly kid-friendly vacation. If you know what to expect and plan your days wisely, Vegas with kids can absolutely work.
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