Las Vegas began as a desert railroad stop in 1905, bloomed with Hoover Dam’s construction in the 1930s, and reinvented itself after WWII into the Entertainment Capital of the World. Today the city is a playground of spectacular shows, immersive attractions, and day trips to world-class landscapes—all surprisingly family friendly when you know where to look.

Beyond the bright lights, you’ll find free wonders like the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens and the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, plus museums, aquariums, and hands-on science for kids. Outdoorsy families can reach Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, and even the Grand Canyon West Rim within a day.

Expect dry desert weather, powerful sun, and lots of walking—pack water bottles, hats, and comfy shoes. Getting around is easy via rideshare, the Deuce bus, and the Monorail; many resorts connect by pedestrian bridges. Food-wise, plan for generous portions, great global cuisine (from tacos to dim sum), and plenty of budget wins if you mix food halls and local gems with the occasional splurge.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas dazzles with over-the-top spectacles, but it’s also a city of delightful details: seasonal flower art at Bellagio, free flamingos in a tropical habitat, and an LED-lit Fremont Street canopy that kids can’t stop staring at. Shopping is an attraction in its own right—catwalk-worthy at The Forum Shops, power-bargain at the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets, and quirky at Downtown Container Park.

• Top sights for families: Bellagio Fountains and Conservatory, High Roller Observation Wheel, Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, Springs Preserve, Discovery Children’s Museum, Neon Museum, Fremont Street Experience, the Sphere exterior light show, Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive.
• Great eats (kid-approved): Hash House A Go Go (giant pancakes), Black Tap at The Venetian (over-the-top shakes), Secret Pizza at The Cosmopolitan (NY-style by the slice), Tacos El Gordo (handmade tortillas), In-N-Out (LINQ Promenade), Pizza Rock (downtown), Nacho Daddy (Scorpion shot is for the adults—tacos for the kids!), Peppermill Restaurant (retro booths, huge portions).
• Shopping highlights: Fashion Show Mall, The Forum Shops at Caesars, Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, Miracle Mile Shops, Las Vegas North & South Premium Outlets, Downtown Container Park (playground + boutiques).
• Fun facts: The Bellagio Fountains can blast water 460 feet high; the “Welcome” sign dates to 1959; and within an hour you can swap neon for petroglyphs in ancient desert parks.

Where to stay (family and budget-minded picks):

• The LINQ Hotel + Experience (central location, easy on the wallet): Check rates
• Circus Circus Hotel & Casino (budget, kid magnet near the Adventuredome): Check rates
• Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino (lazy river + Shark Reef): Check rates
• The Venetian Resort (spacious suites and family-friendly dining): Check rates
• Browse more hotels on the Strip and beyond: Las Vegas stays on Hotels.com
• Prefer a condo or house? Search family-ready rentals: VRBO Las Vegas

Getting to Las Vegas (LAS): Frequent nonstops from most major U.S. hubs; roundtrips can be excellent value outside holidays. Compare airfares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. Most hotels are 10–20 minutes from the airport by taxi or rideshare.

Day 1: Arrival, LINQ Promenade, and Bellagio Fountains

Morning: Travel day. Pack swimsuits in your carry-on so kids can hit the pool if your room isn’t ready. If you’re still choosing flights, hunt for family-friendly times and fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Afternoon: Check in and stretch your legs at the LINQ Promenade—a pedestrian zone made for families. Grab cones at Ghirardelli or cupcakes at Sprinkles, then ride the High Roller for 360° views; go at off-peak hours to save (kids typically discounted). Window-shop at the Promenade’s candy and toy stores.

Evening: Catch multiple performances of the Bellagio Fountains (free; every 15–30 minutes). Dinner nearby: Black Tap (craft burgers and crazy shakes at The Venetian), Secret Pizza (thin-crust slices at The Cosmopolitan), or Tacos El Gordo (al pastor carved to order on hand-pressed tortillas). Stroll the Bellagio Conservatory—a seasonal floral wonderland that’s a hit with kids and cameras.

Day 2: Hop-On Hop-Off Strip Highlights + Shopping

Morning: See the Strip without tired feet on the Big Bus Las Vegas: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour—perfect for families who want landmarks at an easy pace. Board near the LINQ or Circus Circus and hop off for the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef Aquarium, and more.

Book: Big Bus Las Vegas: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour

Afternoon: Hop off at Eataly (Park MGM) for a casual pizza-pasta lunch or try the Forum Food Hall at Caesars for variety. Shop the Forum Shops (aquarium show and Roman statues) or the Grand Canal Shoppes where the ceiling “sky” changes through the day—gondola rides are a splurge but memorable.

Evening: Family show night—consider Blue Man Group (Luxor) or Jabbawockeez (MGM Grand), both kid favorites. Dinner options: Grand Lux Cafe (big menu, great for picky eaters) or In-N-Out at the LINQ Promenade for a budget win. End with a Sphere exterior light show viewing spot near the Venetian pedestrian bridges.

Day 3: Hoover Dam Mini Tour, Pool Time, and Downtown Fun

Morning: Take the award-winning Hoover Dam Small Group Mini Tour (about 3 hours)—short, sweet, and educational, with views of Lake Mead and the dam’s Art Deco details. It’s ideal for families who don’t want a full day on the road.

Book: Award Winning 3-Hour Hoover Dam Small Group Mini Tour from Vegas

Afternoon: Pool time recharge—Mandalay Bay’s beach and lazy river or the LINQ’s cabanas (check height rules). Alternatively, head to the Springs Preserve for shaded botanical trails and hands-on exhibits; it’s a fantastic way to learn how Las Vegas blooms in the desert.

Evening: Go downtown for the Fremont Street Experience (free music and canopy light shows). Dinner at Pizza Rock (award-winning pies), Triple George Grill (classic American), or Nacho Daddy (great kids’ options). Let the kids climb and explore at Downtown Container Park (playground + boutiques) before bedtime.

Day 4: Grand Canyon West Rim Day Trip (Skywalk!)

Set out on a full-day guided adventure to the Grand Canyon West Rim, with stops at viewpoints like Eagle Point and Guano Point and a photo stop by Hoover Dam. The optional glass-bottom Skywalk thrills both kids and grown-ups; buses offer big windows and onboard comforts, and many departures include breakfast and/or lunch.

Book: Grand Canyon West, Hoover Dam Stop and Optional Lunch and Skywalk

Pack sunscreen, hats, and snacks. It’s a big day with unforgettable views—plan a simple dinner back on the Strip (try Earl of Sandwich at Miracle Mile Shops or Shake Shack at New York-New York) before an early night.

Day 5: Museums, Neon, and Classic Vegas Eats

Morning: Younger kids love the Discovery Children’s Museum (three floors of hands-on play), while older kids may prefer the Mob Museum (engaging history; check age guidance). Coffee for the grown-ups at PublicUs (Fremont East) or Vesta Coffee Roasters (Arts District).

Afternoon: Explore the Neon Museum boneyard of rescued vintage signs—go late afternoon for softer light and vibrant photos. Nearby, the Arts District (18b) has murals and galleries; grab lunch at Good Pie (Detroit and NY slices) or Makers & Finders (Latin comfort plates, kids’ options).

Evening: Back on the Strip, book an early dinner at Peppermill Restaurant (retro Vegas, massive menu) or Din Tai Fung (Aria; soup dumplings are a kid hit). Cap the night with another pass by the Bellagio Fountains or an evening spin on the High Roller.

Day 6: Chocolate Factory, Cactus Garden, and South Strip Shopping

Morning: Drive or rideshare to Ethel M Chocolate Factory in Henderson—peek at the chocolate-making line and stroll the free desert Cactus Garden. Treat the kids, then head back toward the Strip.

Afternoon: Choose between the Las Vegas South Premium Outlets (good for shoes and athletic wear) or Town Square (open-air shopping with a playground and splash pad in warm months). If you skipped it earlier, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is a cool mid-day refuge.

Evening: Casual dinner picks include China Poblano (Chinese–Mexican mashup at The Cosmopolitan), Süchef (sushi burritos), or Gordon Ramsay Burger (Planet Hollywood). Walk the pedestrian bridges between Park MGM, New York-New York, and Aria for fun Strip views and buskers.

Day 7: Valley of Fire Red Rocks + Evening Views

Morning: Swap neon for nature on a small-group Valley of Fire Half Day Tour, famous for fiery sandstone, ancient petroglyphs, and kid-friendly trails. Guides bring the geology to life, and pick-up from major hotels keeps logistics simple.

Book: Small Group: Valley of Fire Half Day Tour from Las Vegas

Afternoon: Nap-and-pool time or a mellow shopping loop at Fashion Show Mall (kids’ stores + quick bites). Grab coffee and pastries at Bouchon Bakery (The Venetian) for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Evening: For a final city panorama, head to The STRAT’s observation decks (indoor/outdoor; minors welcome with adults) or revisit your favorite stretch of the Strip for souvenir photos. Dinner ideas: Yardbird (Southern comfort at The Venetian), Holsteins (gourmet burgers at The Cosmopolitan), or budget-friendly Earl of Sandwich.

Day 8: Brunch, Last-Minute Outlets, and Departure

Morning: Brunch at Hash House A Go Go (the kids will talk about the pancake size forever) or Bouchon (classic French done right). If time allows, make a quick run to the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets for final deals on sneakers, backpacks, and athleisure.

Afternoon: Pack up and head to the airport—most hotels are 10–20 minutes from LAS. If you haven’t booked flights yet, compare fares and family-friendly schedules on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Budget & logistics tips for a family-friendly vibe:

• Mix free hits (Bellagio Conservatory, Fountains, Flamingo Wildlife Habitat, Fremont Street shows) with one paid activity per day.
• Use the Deuce bus or Monorail for long Strip distances; plan indoor breaks in the hottest hours (malls, aquariums, exhibits).
• Share entrées—portions are generous. Food halls (Eataly, Forum Food Hall, Miracle Mile) keep everyone happy without overspending.
• For outdoor days, pack water, snacks, and sun protection; confirm age/height requirements for tours and hotel pools.

Optional swap-ins (if your crew wants more): Emerald Cave Kayak on the Colorado River (gentle paddling and emerald waters), a nighttime open-top bus tour of the Strip, or a splurge helicopter ride over the lights. Keep the mix flexible based on energy levels and the weather.

Eight days in Las Vegas let you savor both sides of the city—neon thrills and natural wonders—without rushing the kids. From the Grand Canyon’s epic vistas to the Bellagio’s dancing waters, you’ll collect memories (and shopping bags) in equal measure. Safe travels and enjoy your family’s desert adventure!