6 Family Things to Do in Las Vegas off the Strip: Vacation Time!

You may be asking if there are family things to do in Las Vegas off the Strip considering the city is commonly known for the nightclubs and lavish casinos. Well, there is a lot more than you think. Las Vegas has many kid-friendly and adult activities. 

Let’s dive into the 6 finest off-Strip activities for families touring Las Vegas!

Read Also: Things to Do in Downtown Las Vegas for Maximum Kitsch & Cheeky Fun

1. Thrill Rides and Arcade Games

You may take a break from the casinos and have a good time with the entire family at one of Las Vegas’s many thrill rides and arcades. Let me walk you through some family-friendly rides and arcades in Las Vegas that might interest you. 

The Famous Pinball Hall of Fame

One of the top affordable, family-friendly activities in Las Vegas is the Pinball Hall of Fame. It is situated at the extreme southern end of the Strip.

Hundreds of classic arcade games and antique pinball machines are packed into this enormous warehouse. Going there won’t cost you a dime, but most games require a quarter or more. To keep you entertained for a few hours, each family must pay $10. 

Chinatown’s Game Nest Arcade

Japanese arcade games are available for perpetual play at $10 per hour. Your children will have a great time here if they enjoy anime. There are numerous original games available that you cannot find elsewhere. 

The New Area 15

Regarding new attractions in Las Vegas, AREA15 has to rank among the best. AREA15 is a vast and colorful playground that provides a genuinely immersive experience. Everything inventive and artistic is happening in this 200,000-square-foot art community.

What makes Area 15 family-friendly? Well, you can enjoy the following.

• Play some games at the Emporium arcade bar. 
• Explore a ‘supermarket’ that will make you question reality.
• Compete in an ax-throwing tournament.
• Dash down a zip line.
• Marvel at high-tech and brightly colored art pieces.
• Dive headfirst into one of the many virtual reality activities.

AREA15 has something for everyone, whether they’re looking for something nostalgic, modern, kid-friendly, or adrenaline-pumping.

Underage Driving at Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix

Indeed, Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix features everything a child might want for a birthday party. The park has:

• A Super Fun Slide.
• A mini-roller coaster.
• Three different types of tiny race cars.
• Affordable food. 
• There are picnic tables. 

There are Go carts and Sprint Karts. Despite the warnings posted on the rear of every vehicle that read “No Bumping,” don’t be shocked if a youngster tries to block you off on a turn or crashes into the back of your vehicle. 

The Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix is an absolute paradise for kids. Never before has driving while underage seemed so fun!

Read Also: Things to Do in Downtown Las Vegas for Maximum Kitsch & Cheeky Fun

Pole Position Raceway’s Go-Karting

Want to take the kids to Las Vegas for some thrilling excitement? Then you should visit Pole Position Raceway just off the Las Vegas Strip. It is an excellent place for an adrenaline rush.

• Pole Position Raceway caters to all ages with its junior track and two indoor courses.
• The trained personnel will assist you in wearing the necessary protective gear before you head to the track.

Spending time at Pole Position Raceway is a fantastic family outing and bonding idea. And you never know; maybe you’ll end up being the one who wins the race.

Video Games at Velocity Esports Lounge

In October 2022, Las Vegas welcomed the Velocity ESports Lounge, designed with the gamers in your family in mind. Various video gaming consoles and classic arcade games ensure that visitors of all ages are entertained.

In addition, a lounge, bar, and New York hotel are available to guests within the premises. 

Japanese Pink WA WA

This arcade is decorated entirely in pink and has a Japanese theme. There are also ball pits and claw machines stocked with cuddly stuffed animals. Let’s check its admissions:

• Although admission is free, tokens are required to play any of the arcade’s games or use the claw machines.
• Visitors typically spend between $20 and $30.

As mentioned above, those are the most popular rides and arcade games. Now let us look at the amusement parks that are a must-visit during your family trip to las vegas.  

2. Playgrounds and Parks

Las Vegas has evolved from an adult-only playground to a luxurious vacation spot for the entire family. While the city is known for its sparkle, elegance, and gambling, there is more to Sin City. 

It is like a bright oasis in the middle of a desert; the action never stops, and numerous outstanding amusement parks and playgrounds enhance its appeal. Let us explore the parks!

Trampoline Park: Sky Zone

They Raise the Bar on the Local Party Spot for Children’s Birthdays. The park handles all the details for your child’s birthday party so you can relax and enjoy the celebration.

Here you can find the following:

• A foam pit,
• Wall-to-wall trampolines,
• A slam dunk court,
• Sky ladders,
• Climbing walls.

There is a restaurant and cafe on the premises, with excellent and affordable food. 

Downtown Container Park

You can visit Downtown Container Park, an outdoor shopping and entertainment complex in the heart of Las Vegas which offers the following: 

• Unique stores,
• A wide range of dining options,
• A lively entertainment schedule. 

The architecture here is one of a kind, as it was constructed from repurposed cargo containers. The Treehouse is the centerpiece of an interactive playground where children of all ages can play while their parents or guardians enjoy free concerts and films.

At the playground, you can find fun things like:

• Slides,
• A dome for light shows,
• Shade for hot days,
• Giant, soft building blocks,
• A treehouse,
• A splash pad to cool off.

Nighttime visitors can also see a gigantic praying mantis that emits flames from its mouth as they enter the building.

Adventuredome Theme Park

There’s a theme park called Adventuredome right inside Circus Circus. There are more than 25 rides and attractions, including laser tag and mini golf, at this indoor theme park. 

Children of varying ages can enjoy the rides. If you’re looking for some reprieve from the heat, you can get it at the theme park, which is entirely indoors.

Trampoline Park: Xplozone

When touring Las Vegas, take the kids to Xplozone Trampoline Park for healthy family fun.

The park features:

• A foam pit,
• Numerous trampolines, 
• A rock climbing wall,
• An arcade,
• Snack bar.

If you and your loved ones are in the mood to exercise, your family will have a blast at Xplozone Trampoline Park. Since I am discussing parks, I think it’s only fair to talk about animals and wildlife next, right?

3. Animals and Other Wildlife

Despite its busy urban environment, Las Vegas is home to many wild creatures. The region’s natural environments provide a habitat for many animals. You can find the animals at the following places. 

Visit the Lion Habitat Ranch to View Lions

The Lion Habitat Ranch is among the most exciting places in Las Vegas for families to visit. Over 40 lions call this ranch home, including the original MGM.

At the Lion Habitat Ranch, you can find:

• A petting zoo,
• A playground,
• Hayrides. 

In addition to seeing the animals up close, guests may also help feed them. A trip to Lion Habitat Ranch is a wonderful way to introduce the kids to these magnificent animals.

The Aquarium at the Silverton Hotel

You can see genuine mermaids swimming in a massive aquarium at the Silverton Hotel, just about ten to fifteen minutes off the Strip. If you ask me, this is one of the best Las Vegas activities for young children.

The mermaids are stunning, and they offer complimentary photo opportunities as well as bubble kisses. Here you can find the following:

• All sorts of fish,
• Stingrays,
• Other marine life,
• Mermaids.

You can find the hotel’s whole mermaid performance schedule on its website. 

Las Vegas SeaQuest

When visiting Las Vegas with kids, don’t miss SeaQuest, one of the city’s most hidden attractions. The aquarium’s 20,000 square feet house some of the country’s best practical and engaging displays.

SeaQuest’s activities include:

• Feeding newborn wallabies,
• Playing with sea otters,
• Petting a stingray,
• Experience foot fish kisses.

Visit Las Vegas Farm

Check out this functioning farm for a relaxing day. The Las Vegas Farm has welcomed visitors to the Las Vegas Valley since 1968.

Children can visit with and learn about various farm animals, including:

• Rabbits,
• Peacocks,
• Pigs,
• Chickens,
• Cows,
• Goats,
• Llamas,
• Horses.

They can try their hand at animal feeding if they so choose! Attractions at the farm include:

• Wagon rides pulled by tractors,
• Hayrides,
• A petting zoo. 

There is a picnic spot, perfect for a family lunch. Now that I am talking about picnics, let us look at other outdoor activities you can enjoy in Las Vegas with kids.

4. Outdoor Activities

Most visitors to Las Vegas never leave the iconic 4-mile Strip, yet there are many fantastic opportunities for outdoor recreation in the surrounding area. Here are some great outdoor activities that can be found only a short drive from the Strip.

Day Trip to the Red Rock Canyon

Explore Red Rock Canyon for a dose of nature and fitness. It’s home to routes suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities.

There are many trails, from flat and simple to more challenging for those who want to bring the whole family along, such as:

• Calico Tanks Trail (2.2 miles roundtrip),
• Ice Box Canyon Trail (2.3 miles roundtrip),
• Turtlehead Peak Trail (4.6 miles roundtrip).

Red Rock Canyon is best seen as a day excursion or half-day family adventure due to its proximity to the Strip (approximately 45 minutes).

Take the Martian-like scenery and strange cactus and imagine yourself in the prehistoric era. Next time you go on a Las Vegas vacation, visit Red Rock Canyon. 

Enjoy the Sunset While Horseback Riding

This is one activity that you can enjoy in Las Vegas with kids. In my opinion, there is no better way to spend a family evening than horseback riding in Red Rock Canyon as the sun sets.

On any organized tour, you may take your significant other on a romantic horseback ride across the Nevada desert’s stark, open elegance. As the sun sets over the Las Vegas Valley desert, you’ll enjoy a steak barbecue and s’mores around a cowboy campfire.

You won’t have to worry about transportation because many trips offer round-trip transfers from specific Las Vegas hotels.

Ride at Rail Explorers

The whole family will like Rail Explorers because it’s something different and out of the ordinary. The train rides you in pedal carts across a beautiful desert landscape.

You can choose from a variety of tours, such as:

• A sunset tour,
• A tour of the city’s neon lights at night,
• A tour aboard a train.

Water Park in Cowabunga Bay

If you’re looking for a fun way to spend time with the family this summer, consider Cowabunga Bay Water Park. It is a safe activity to participate in Las Vegas with kids. So the whole family can have a good time, there are:

• Slides for adults only,
• Kid-only slides,
• A shallow portion of the main pool that’s perfect for infants and toddlers.

Riders must be at least 42″ or 48″ tall for safety reasons to enjoy the most thrilling attractions. If your child is too little to experience the thrill attractions, don’t worry; the park has a wave pool and a lazy river with a few surprises:

• The kiddie area is a pool with a few separate slides.
• children can enjoy it with an adult or older sibling as an introduction to the water and thrills.
• People of all ages can cool off and have a good time at the Pinata Falls water park, which features exciting water slides and other attractions.
• The wave pool is an excellent option if you’re not interested in rides but still want to have a good time.

Hit the Fremont Street Zipline!

One of the most enjoyable (though touristic) activities in Sin City is SlotZilla, a zip line themed by gambling machines that span 11 stories. Two SlotZilla flight paths that allow participants to choose how to fly are: 

• The Zip-Zilla (Zipline) – is relatively lower.
• The Superhero Zoom (Zoomline) – is higher compared to Zipline.

Choose the Zoomline if you want the highest possible adrenaline rush. Fremont Street is a great and perfect place for young people of all ages to have a good time.

Visit the Grand Canyon for a Day

Is the term Grand Canyon familiar? You must have heard of it at some point. Seeing the Grand Canyon’s West Rim is worth the three-hour journey from Las Vegas. All you need is a guided tour (especially if you don’t want to waste your vacation time behind the wheel).

Visit one of Arizona’s most famous attractions, the Grand Canyon, from the comfort of a luxury bus for the day:

• Your expert bus driver will know enough about the native plants and animals and will happily share their knowledge with you.
• The Grand Canyon Caverns is a must-see along the way to the canyon and may be found along the famous Route 66.
• These natural tunnels have been around for a hundred years and still look beautiful.
• When you get to the South Rim, you may enjoy the sights like Bright Angel Lodge and Mather Point.

Trip highlights at Grand Canyon National Park include Bright Angel Trail, Hopi House, El Tovar, and Kolb Photo Studio.

Have Fun at Lake Mead

Around 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, Lake Mead offers a peaceful getaway from the city’s nonstop action. Being the earliest and largest national recreation area in the United States, it is a major attraction in this area.

It’s the ultimate desert paradise, with:

• More than 700 miles of beachfront,
• Breathtaking sunsets,
• A profusion of Joshua trees,
• Plenty of water.

You can go:

• Tubing,
• Fishing,
• Sunbathing and swimming,
• Boating,
• Biking and hiking,
• just enjoying the beautiful weather and scenery,
• Or, take a picnic and enjoy your meal while taking in the breathtaking desert scenery.

Lake Mead excursions are a great way to spend time on the water without worrying about operating a boat. 

Adventure to the Antelope Canyon

You can visit both Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon on the same day! Day trips from Las Vegas make seeing both Horseshoe Bend and Lower Antelope Canyon possible.

With Coexist West Coast, you may visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend with a small group and avoid the hassle of a large-group bus tour. Hike through this breathtaking slot canyon and witness the breathtaking scenery for yourself. It includes:

• Transportation from and to your accommodation,
• Lunch,
• Refreshments.

Participate in Some Colorado River Kayaking

Get away from the hectic pace of Las Vegas and spend the day admiring the beautiful beauty by the water. To begin your 4-mile kayaking journey down the Colorado River, you must find your way to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Delight in the breathtaking views as you paddle along. Your tour guide may likely stop the group for:

• A swim,
• Highlight interesting native plants and animals,
• Provide a comprehensive history lesson.

If you are not an outdoor person, you can visit museums and exhibits. Let’s explore this further!

5. Exhibits and Museums Suitable for the Family

Your whole family can find something to do in Las Vegas, as the city is home to countless museums and other attractions. Let’s look at some famous museums and exhibits.

National Museum of Atomic Tests

Visit the National Atomic Testing Museum to study the evolution of the United States’ nuclear weapons research program and the Nevada Test Site. This is one of the few museums or other public venues still displaying artifacts from the nuclear testing era.

At this museum, you will:

• Find out why the Nevada Test Site was founded and how the world has changed. 
• Discover the reasons for and implementation of countdowns. 
• Learn reasons for the transition from surface-level to underground testing.

The museum also features an interactive simulator that allows visitors to experience the effects of an above-ground nuclear explosion.   

Discovery Children’s Museum

The Discovery Children’s Museum is the perfect place to take kids in Las Vegas as it allows creativity to run free.

From Tuesday through Sunday, visitors at The Discovery Children’s Museum can participate in:

• The Fantasy Festival. 
• Construct a building in an Eco-City. 
• See how water is used to power boats and other machines.

Your infant and toddlers can enjoy a special play area in The Discovery Children’s Museum.

Museum of Hollywood Cars

This is another fantastic place to take kids in Las Vegas. They can explore the vehicles featured in over a hundred films and television shows, including those driven by Batman, James Bond, and more!

In addition to automobiles, they also stock:

• Motorcycles,
• Yachts,
• Movie props,
• Registration plates.

Children under 16 are admitted free, while the adults purchase a ticket valued at $20.

Museum of the Movie Prop Experience

The Movie Prop Experience is a new museum that opened up in Las Vegas not too long ago. It’s in the Fremont Street area, specifically the Neonopolis Mall. All of the displays at the museum are authentic items from movies and television shows.

Among the numerous popular franchises represented are:

• Star Wars,
• Harry Potter,
• Alien,
• The Hunger Games,
• Terminator.

Museum of Nostalgia Street Rods

Consider Nostalgia Street Rods Museum if your family is into vintage automobiles. Not only are the classic cars in an impeccable state but there is also a wealth of historical artifacts and information about Las Vegas’s early years.

Adult tickets are $20, and child tickets are $10. Children 5 and under get in free.

Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum

If you enjoy movies, you should visit Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum, a hidden treasure in the broader Las Vegas Strip area.

• Tom Devlin is behind all those terrifying movie monsters in the gallery, and they are all original size!
• The museum features various items, from authentic creature suits and props to unique creations inspired by classic monsters in the film.
• Between the Hoover Dam and Las Vegas, in historic Boulder City, is where you can find Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum.
• Kids under 5 get in free when accompanied by an adult who must pay.

Explore the Neon Boneyard

Meet Las Vegas’s past in a new light by traveling through time via the city’s famous neon signs. This is one of the most unique and entertaining experiences you can have in Las Vegas.

• The Neon Museum was established in 1996 to collect, preserve, and display vintage Las Vegas signs dating back to the 1930s.
• The Neon Boneyard of signage is this place’s top tourist attraction.
• The Neon Boneyard’s bright neon lights and distinctive aesthetic will appeal to visitors of all ages.
• On your own time, explore the museum’s exhibits, wander the boneyard, and learn about the facility’s history at the visitor center.
• There is also a guided tour that lasts about an hour.

Explore Zak Bagan’s Haunted Museum

Do you want to scare the kids but still have a good time as a family in Las Vegas City? The Haunted Museum, by Zak Bagans, is the best place to take kids in Las Vegas. You and your family will get the creeps exploring this museum’s collection of spooky antiques.

The museum allows anybody to go through independently and learn about the displayed objects. You can also pick up some souvenirs at the gift shop to remind you of your time there.

Take a Trip to the Las Vegas Mob Museum

The Mob Museum is a fascinating look into the world of organized crime! Explore the media’s portrayal of numerous gangs and mobs, and gain insight into their roles throughout the Prohibition era. At the Mob Museum, they simplify the process of understanding the past.

The stories of real people are brought to life through interactive displays of innovative technology, rare artifacts, and firsthand accounts from participants on both sides of the ongoing conflict.

With all the walking and participating in the family activities discussed above, you need to reenergize yourself. And what better way than with candy and drinks? Let’s see where you can get them from!

6. Drinks and Candy Shops

Las Vegas appears to have plenty of everything, and candy shops aren’t an exception. The happiness of the family, particularly among the children, is crucial. And everyone enjoys a sweet treat now and then. 

Can you try to picture life without sweets? Honestly, I’d rather not. Here are the two most famous candy shops to take kids in Las Vegas.

Treat the Family at Ethel M Chocolates Factory & Cactus Garden

Stop by Ethel M. Chocolates in Las Vegas with kids. This is the city’s most well-known chocolate factory. Guests can enjoy free admission to both the chocolate factory and the cactus garden at this location.

Try the Creamberry

Creamberry’s cotton candy burritos are the perfect sweet treat for youngsters on the go. However, if ice cream is more your thing, they have a variety of options for you.

I have never seen anything like the ice cream desserts offered at Creamberry; they are indeed one of a kind. Next time you are in Las Vegas with kids, treat them at Creamberry.

Other sweet tooth activities in the Las Vegas Strip include:

• The Coca-Cola store,
• Hershey’s chocolate world,
• Seven magic mountains,
• High roller observation wheel.

Now let us look at the free family activities to partake in in Vegas.

6 Free Family Things to Do in Las Vegas off the Strip

Looking for some Las Vegas entertainment ideas that won’t cost a dime? The Las Vegas Strip is a dazzling string of diamonds, but the real treasures for families are the many free activities available across the city. Looking at the Las Vegas sign is one of the free things to do on the Las Vegas Strip.

Here are some of the best free things to do in Las Vegas with kids, so you can have a memorable family vacation without breaking the bank.

1. Anderson Dairy Farm Tour

Anderson’s Dairy milk, cheese, and other dairy items are the freshest in Las Vegas! The products of Anderson Dairy are subjected to local homogenization, pasteurization, packaging, and distribution here in Las Vegas.

Book a tour to go to Anderson Dairy Farm and see the packaging process. You don’t have to worry about the cost because it is among the free things you can do in Las Vegas. 

2. Visit Sunset Stampede at Sam’s Town

Anyone traveling with kids or who still feels like a kid at heart should check out the Sunset Stampede and Mystic Falls. They succeed admirably in simulating a forest teeming with (inanimate) wildlife. 

The show is fantastic and is free! They feature: 

• Lasers,
• Moving waterfalls,
• Snow,
• Various animatronic animals are decorated for the holidays. 

Get show timings from your accommodation. Daytime and nighttime performances are offered. Night shows feature lasers and snow. Get there early to secure a prime viewing point of the waterfall.  

3. Get Lucky at Gold and Silver Pawn Shop

Fans of the hit reality TV series Pawn Stars travel from all over the world to see the area where the show is filmed and have their goods valued by the pawn shop’s experts. If you visit on a day when they’re filming, you might get picked to be an extra. 

There is an area dedicated to Pawn Stars merchandise and the usual selection of: 

• Antiques,
• Collectibles,
• Jewelry. 

The Gold & Silver Pawn Shop is just one of several Las Vegas attractions that have gained notoriety because of appearances on reality shows.

4. Go Mural Hunting in the Arts District

When Las Vegas is mentioned, not many people think of art. However, las Vegas is full of beautiful street art. Locations where you can go for mural hunting, include:

• The corner of East Carson Avenue and South 7th Street.
• 250 Carson Avenue in Downtown Las Vegas.
• 309 East Carson Avenue in Downtown Las Vegas.

5. The District at Green Valley Ranch

On hot days, there is a free splash area for children to cool down, and families are welcome to explore the whole dining and shopping center together (dogs are welcome, too).

Read also: Street Art in New York City: A Guide to the Best Hotspots

6. Shark Tank at Golden Nugget

Going to the shark tank is among the free things you can do in Las Vegas. The waterslide at the Golden Nugget Hotel in Las Vegas’s downtown area is often considered the city’s most exciting attraction because it passes through a real-life shark tank.

FAQ

Conclusion 

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for completely free activities in Las Vegas or are okay with spending a few dollars. There are many enjoyable and affordable things to do in Las Vegas Strip that won’t blow your budget. Such include:

• The seven magic mountains.
• Coca-cola store
• High roller observation wheel.

So, Las Vegas is packed with exciting attractions that the whole family can enjoy.