These Vegas hotels offer water parks, circus shows, animal encounters, and suites for families
Sin City is not as devious as it used to be. Although the pool parties and casinos have their place, Las Vegas offers a wide range of accommodations, activities, and events for every traveler—even the smallest ones. From magical animal encounters to relaxing lazy rivers, Las Vegas has everything you need for a family getaway. These hotels offer kids’ clubs, circus shows, massive suites, and waterfalls. Get ready for your next family vacation to Vegas!
The Mirage | Las Vegas
Located on the south end of the strip, when this hotel opened in 1989, it was one of the first to offer a full-service resort experience as opposed to the familiar casino/hotel combination. Their heated swimming pool is open year-round, surrounded by luscious palm trees, tranquil waterfalls, and inviting hot tubs for lounging. You can also catch the trademark show, Love, a unique Cirque de Soleil show set to the iconic tunes of The Beatles.
What’s cool for kids: Three times a day, fire, smoke, and lava erupt from The Volcano in front of The Mirage, set to the music of Zakir Hussain and The Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart. The best part of The Mirage is Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. Since 1990, the magical pair has housed white lions and tigers, as well as bottlenose dolphins. A visit here is unique, educational, and definitely unforgettable.
Online: mirage.mgmresorts.com
Related: Viva Las Vegas with Kids (Seriously!!)
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino | Las Vegas
Mandalay Bay is at the most southern end of the strip, so it tends to be a bit quieter than other hotels. Some may say that this is the best pool on the strip, with 11 acres of refreshing blue spread over four inviting pools in the middle of the desert. Families can splash in a wave pool, float down a lazy river, or relax on a sun lounger. Later, head to Shark Reef aquarium where you can check out real-life turtles, rays, sharks, and more.
What’s cool for kids: Who doesn’t love building sandcastles and burying their bodies in the sand? With over 2,700 tons of sand, the man-made beach at Mandalay Bay is perfect for little ones (and their parents) looking to expel some energy.
Online: mandalaybay.mgmresorts.com
Circus Circus | Las Vegas
This may be THE family-friendly hotel in Las Vegas. In fact, Circus Circus is built like a circus Big Top, inviting families to enjoy the magnificent shows, exciting rides, and riveting games inside. It is also conveniently located on the strip so other Vegas attractions are never too far away.
What’s cool for kids: Adventuredome, the largest indoor amusement park in the USA, is located right here! Whether you are whacking moles in the arcade, zipping down the water slide, riding a rollercoaster, or winning mega prizes in the Midway, Circus Circus will have your whole crew entertained all day.
Online: circuscircus.com
Related: The Best Museums for Kids in Las Vegas
Wynn or Encore at the Wynn Las Vegas
Here are two luxurious Vegas hotels just waiting to host you and your littles. With families, space is key and rooms at these hotels deliver just that, and more. This 215-acre resort has enough to keep you busy with puppet shows, temperature-controlled pools, and an opulent outdoor garden surrounding the manmade Lake of Dreams.
What’s cool for kids: 5,500 sparkling, LED lights behind a 90-ft waterfall, oversized puppets, and captivating soundscapes will capture your kids’ eyes, ears, and imagination. With a collection of award-winning restaurants, an opulent spa and salon, and some of the world’s biggest stars performing on stage, Wynn always has something modern and exciting.
Online: wynnlasvegas.com
Related: Outside Time: Best Hikes for Kids Near Las Vegas
New York, New York Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
New York, New York brings the energetic bustle of the Big Apple to the desert. You can stroll down a replica 5th Avenue, wave to a miniature lady liberty, and scoot under a small Empire State Building or Brooklyn Bridge. Don’t forget to grab a hotdog or slice of New York’s finest pizza as you stroll through the big city.
What’s cool for kids: Rollercoaster! Need we say more? This hotel and casino hosts the world’s first 180-degree “heartline” twist that will make your head spin! After your thrilling ride, play video games in the hotel arcade.
Online: newyorknewyork.mgmresorts.com
The Venetian Las Vegas
Known for large guest rooms and enchanting gondola rides, The Venetian has lots to offer families. Immerse yourself in the Italian spirit with epic gelato sundaes and indulge in a kid-friendly meal alongside the Grand Canal. The hotel splash pad will excite the smallest travelers and the climbing wall will intrigue the teens.
What’s cool for kids: Kiddos will love posing for a selfie with a waxy Beyonce in Madame Tussauds before chilling in an interactive winter wonderland in minus5. At the end of the day, kids (and parents) can curb their sweet tooth at the over-the-top CrazyShake ice cream parlour.
Online: venetianlasvegas.com
Where to Stay Off the Strip
Green Valley Ranch Resort | Henderson, NV
If relaxation is high on your Las Vegas list and the kids are along for the ride, the Green Valley Ranch Resort is the perfect spot. Located off Strip, GVRR lets you get away from the crowds and all the downtown nightlife that might not be very appropriate for kids. You’ll feel like you are miles away even though you are only a $20 Uber ride from the action.
The Green Valley Ranch Resort offers Vegas draws like a casino with an all-you-can-eat buffet, as well as a killer pool with its own zero-entry sandy beach. You will win the day when you take the kids to the underage version of a casino, the on-site arcade complete with tickets they can redeem for prizes. Need a spot to cool off from the heat? The hotel has its own movie theater and food court.
What’s cool for kids: Parents who want to see a show or take advantage of the hotel’s casino or fancier restaurants without the kids tagging along can drop them off at Kids Quest. Located right on the casino floor, Kids Quest offers drop-off childcare where kids from 30 months through age 12 get to have their own fun while you get some parent time. Kids can play on the climbing wall, work on an art project, check out the iPad station, and more. Meals and snacks are available for an additional charge.
Online: greenvalleyranch.sclv.com