From desert neon to misty evergreens, this family-friendly 7-day itinerary blends show-stopping sights with hands-on experiences. You’ll spend four days in Las Vegas exploring the Strip, day-tripping to the Grand Canyon West Rim, and paddling the Emerald Cave, then fly north to Seattle for markets, skyline icons, and optional national park scenery.

Las Vegas rose from a 1905 railroad stop to an entertainment capital, framed by the 1930s-era Hoover Dam and red-rock desert. Today, it’s far more than casinos: think open-top bus tours, immersive art, aquariums, and world-class dining at every price point—great for families when planned thoughtfully.

Seattle, on Duwamish and Coast Salish land, evolved from a timber port to a tech and arts hub ringed by mountains and water. Expect fresh seafood, independent coffee roasters, the Space Needle, and ferries cutting across Puget Sound. Pack layers for changeable weather and comfortable walking shoes.

Las Vegas

Vegas is spectacle with substance: the dancing Bellagio Fountains, the shark-filled aquarium at Mandalay Bay, the nostalgic Neon Museum, and easy day trips to natural wonders. Family travelers will appreciate walkable promenades (LINQ, Park MGM), kid-friendly shows, and plentiful affordable eats.

• Top sights: Bellagio Conservatory & Fountains, Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, Fremont Street, High Roller at The LINQ, Springs Preserve, Shark Reef Aquarium.
• Unique activities: Open-top night bus through the Strip, Emerald Cave kayaking on the Colorado River, day trip to Grand Canyon West Rim and the Skywalk.
• Dining highlights: Everything from over-the-top pancakes at Hash House A Go Go to world-class Thai at Lotus of Siam and classic treats at Ghirardelli on the LINQ Promenade.

Where to stay (family-friendly picks):

• Suites and space: Browse VRBO homes and condos in Las Vegas for kitchens and multiple bedrooms.
• Compare hotels: See Las Vegas stays on Hotels.com.
• Mid-range central: The LINQ Hotel + Experience (steps to the High Roller and promenade; great for teens).
• Budget with a big pool complex: Circus Circus Hotel & Casino (kids love the circus acts and Adventuredome).
• Resort with a beach: Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino (wave pool + lazy river).
• All-suite splurge: The Venetian Resort (spacious rooms, canal ambiance).

Getting to Las Vegas: Find competitive fares via Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. McCarran/Harry Reid (LAS) is minutes from the Strip; rideshares are abundant.

Day 1: Arrive in Las Vegas, First Look at the Strip

Afternoon: Land and check in. Shake off the flight with a stroll through the Bellagio Conservatory (rotating floral displays) and catch the Bellagio Fountains—music-and-water shows every 15–30 minutes evenings.

Evening: Kick off with the open-top Big Bus Las Vegas: Sightseeing Night Tour by Open-Top Bus—a family hit for epic photos and zero walking fatigue.

Grab dinner beforehand at Yardbird (Southern comfort; great fried chicken) in The Venetian or Black Tap (burgers and CrazyShakes) near the canal shops.

Day 2: Grand Canyon West Rim & Hoover Dam (Full-Day)

Take a bucket-list day trip on the Grand Canyon West, Hoover Dam Stop, Breakfast, Lunch & Skywalk.

Expect early pickup, lake-and-desert vistas en route, multiple canyon viewpoints, and optional glass Skywalk thrills. It’s long but well-paced, with onboard commentary that keeps kids engaged. Pack a hat, sunscreen, and layers.

Day 3: Kayak the Emerald Cave, Old Vegas at Night

Morning: Paddle calm Colorado River water on the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour (about 3 hours; shuttle available).

It’s suitable for beginners, with crystal-green grotto light that kids love. Bring water shoes and a change of clothes.

Afternoon: Cool off at Springs Preserve—interactive desert exhibits, botanical gardens, and outdoor trails—or visit Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay (touch pool, shipwreck tunnel). Lunch ideas: Tacos El Gordo (hand-carved adobada), Eataly (mix-and-match Italian bites), or Secret Pizza (New York slices at The Cosmopolitan, no sign—ask for the back corridor).

Evening: Head to Fremont Street for the Viva Vision canopy show, buskers, and old-Vegas neon. Eat at Pizza Rock (award-winning pies) or Le Thai (downtown staple). For dessert, try Sloan’s Ice Cream at Grand Canal Shoppes or Ghirardelli sundaes on the LINQ Promenade.

Day 4: See-It-All Day on the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Morning: Use the Big Bus Las Vegas: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour to connect the dots—stop for photos at the Welcome Sign, browse the Arts District (local murals, coffee at Vesta), and explore the LINQ Promenade.

Grab breakfast at Hash House A Go Go (farm-sized pancakes) or Bouchon Bakery (kouign-amann, anyone?).

Afternoon: Choose a museum: the Neon Museum (restored signs tell the city’s story) or the Mob Museum (interactive Prohibition exhibits—teens especially love the forensic activities). Lunch at Mon Ami Gabi (patio views across from the Bellagio Fountains) or Shake Shack (quick and kid-friendly).

Evening: Cap Vegas with a family-friendly show: Mystère by Cirque du Soleil (acrobatic classic), Jabbawockeez (dance and humor), or Blue Man Group (percussion spectacle). Early dinner at Lotus of Siam (Northern Thai—reserve ahead) or Jaleo (Spanish tapas; order the pan con tomate and paella).

Seattle

Welcome to the Emerald City—glittering skyline, ferry horns, and markets overflowing with flowers and fruit. Kids can meet flying fish at Pike Place, ride the Great Wheel, and sprint through the Artists at Play playground beneath the Space Needle.

• Top sights: Pike Place Market, Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle Center, waterfront piers, ferries to Bainbridge.
• Unique activities: Chef-led market tastings, harbor or locks cruise, hands-on science at the Pacific Science Center, day trip to Mt. Rainier (in season).
• Food scene: Salmon and oysters, chowder, artisan bakeries, and serious coffee culture—easy wins for adventurous and picky eaters alike.

Where to stay:

• Space and kitchens: Browse Seattle VRBOs (Ballard, Queen Anne, and South Lake Union are great family bases).
• Compare hotels: See Seattle stays on Hotels.com.
• Mid-range with breakfast: Hyatt Place Seattle/Downtown (near Space Needle, family rooms).
• Suite-style with kitchenettes: Residence Inn by Marriott Seattle Downtown/Lake Union (streetcar to downtown).
• Budget social vibe: Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle (across from Pike Place; family/private rooms available).
• Waterfront luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Seattle (rooftop pool, Elliott Bay views).

Las Vegas to Seattle (Day 5 morning flight): Nonstop LAS→SEA takes ~2h30m; typical one-way fares range ~$70–$180 per person outside peak holidays. Search and compare on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Plan a morning departure so you can enjoy the afternoon in Seattle.

Day 5: Fly to Seattle, Pike Place Market & Waterfront Evening

Morning: Fly LAS→SEA. Light rail or rideshare gets you downtown in ~30–40 minutes. Drop bags and fuel up with coffee and pastries at Le Panier (butter-forward classics) or Storyville Coffee (cozy views over the market).

Afternoon: Taste your way through the iconic market on the Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market—nine+ artisan stops, insider history, and kid-friendly bites.

Between samples, watch fishmongers toss salmon, then visit Beecher’s for mac & cheese and cheese-making in the window.

Evening: Stroll the piers and ride the Seattle Great Wheel for twinkling bay views. Dinner ideas: Elliott’s Oyster House (salmon, chowder, kids menu), Ivar’s Acres of Clams (classic waterfront), or Serious Pie (wood-fired pizzas). Finish with scoops at Molly Moon’s (seasonal flavors).

Day 6: Mt. Rainier National Park (Full-Day)

Swap city streets for glaciers and waterfalls on the Mt. Rainier National Park Highlights Tour.

Guides tailor stops to weather, with chances to see old-growth forest, Reflection Lakes, and Paradise meadows (summer) or snow-draped vistas (winter). It’s a long but memorable day—pack layers, snacks, and a power bank.

Day 7: Space Needle, Chihuly, and Farewell Lunch

Morning: Start early at the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Combination Ticket for clear views and crowd-free glass art immersion.

Kids adore the outdoor glass sculptures and the spinning glass ceiling in the galleries.

Late morning: Let the kids climb and zip around the Artists at Play playground at Seattle Center, or pop into the Pacific Science Center for hands-on exhibits if time allows.

Afternoon (departure): Enjoy a last bite in Lower Queen Anne—try Toulouse Petit (Cajun-Creole, broad menu) or Macrina Bakery (sandwiches, pastries)—then head to SEA for your flight home.

Optional Seattle add-on (time/weather permitting): Swap in a boat day with the Seattle Locks Cruise—watch boats “ride the elevator” between salt and fresh water and keep an eye out for sea lions. Seattle Locks Cruise

Good-to-know tips: Vegas summer sun is intense—carry water and take indoor breaks. In Seattle, layer up and expect light rain any month. Reserve popular restaurants and tours in advance, especially on weekends and school breaks.

Breakfast & coffee favorites: Vegas: The Henry (all-day comfort at The Cosmopolitan), PublicUs (Fremont East), Sambalatte (roastery vibes). Seattle: Le Panier (croissants), Top Pot Doughnuts, La Marzocco Café (espresso flights, KEXP radio studio next door).

This two-city itinerary balances big-sky nature with city icons and tasty, budget-conscious eats—ideal for families. Expect wow-moments on the canyon rim and atop the Space Needle, with plenty of kid-approved stops between.