Las Vegas is a city full of mystery, like New York City and Los Angeles. It’s known for its unique culture and many things to do. But there’s more to Vegas than just gambling. This guide shows you the best family-friendly spots off the strip.
Key Takeaways
- Discover free and affordable family-friendly activities off the Las Vegas Strip
- Explore interactive museums, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences
- Find kid-friendly entertainment like circus acts, water shows, and animal encounters
- Enjoy educational and recreational activities for the whole family
- Uncover the hidden gems of Las Vegas beyond the iconic casinos and hotels
Outdoor Adventures for Families in Las Vegas
Beyond the glitz and glamor of the Las Vegas Strip, there’s a lot to do outside for families. Two great places for nature lovers are the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and the Valley of Fire State Park.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Red Rock Canyon is just 30 minutes from the Strip. It has 19 hiking trails for families to enjoy. You can hike, rock climb, or just enjoy the views on a 13-mile scenic drive. Guided tours are also available for a deeper experience.
Valley of Fire State Park
About an hour northeast of Las Vegas, the Valley of Fire State Park is amazing. Families can see the famous Fire Wave, Beehives, and Mouse Tank Road. These spots have beautiful sandstone formations and ancient rock art. There are trails for families, like the 1.1-mile White Domes Loop Trail and the 1.5-mile Fire Wave Trail.
These places, along with others in Las Vegas, offer many ways for families to enjoy nature. You can go on scenic drives, hikes, rock climbing, or water sports. Whether you want a calm day or an exciting one, there’s something for everyone in Las Vegas.
Historic Attractions Off the Strip
Explore the hidden treasures of Las Vegas away from the Strip’s bright lights. A short drive takes you to historic sites Las Vegas. Here, you’ll see the past come alive. Floyd Lamb State Park and Tule Springs Ranch are perfect spots to learn about the early Las Vegas lifestyle.
Floyd Lamb State Park and Tule Springs Ranch
Floyd Lamb State Park at Tule Springs is a peaceful place with greenery, calm lakes, and beautiful mountains. It’s a chance to see how people lived in the old days at the Tule Springs Ranch. But the real magic is the Tule Springs Fossil Beds. They show us life from 200,000 to 3,000 years ago with fossils of mammoths, horses, and more.
- Walk the quiet trails and see the wildlife at Floyd Lamb State Park
- Learn about the history of the Tule Springs Ranch
- See the fossilized remains of ancient animals at the Tule Springs Fossil Beds
If you love history or just want to get away, Floyd Lamb State Park and Tule Springs Ranch are great choices. They show you the historic sites Las Vegas has, away from the Strip.
Hoover Dam: An Engineering Marvel
Just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip, the Hoover Dam is a huge achievement in engineering. It’s a place where families can learn about nature and history. It’s a must-see for those wanting to see the hidden gems of Las Vegas.
On a guided tour, you’ll learn about the Hoover Dam’s history. You’ll see how it uses the Colorado River to make electricity for homes and businesses. The dam stands tall at 726 feet above the river, showing its massive size.
- See interactive exhibits and educational programs for all ages. They make the dam’s engineering and building come alive.
- Go inside the power plant to see how turbines turn river power into hydroelectric power for Las Vegas and more.
- Walk on the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for stunning views of the dam and the Colorado River.
Choosing a standard tour or a VIP helicopter ride, the Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel that will amaze your family. It has a rich history, big size, and educational parts. This famous Las Vegas spot is perfect for those wanting to see the area’s natural and cultural beauty.
Family Things to do in Las Vegas off the Strip
Beyond the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip, there are many family-friendly spots to explore. You can find interactive museums and unique animal encounters. These places offer fun and learning off the strip.
Begin your journey at the Discovery Children’s Museum. It’s full of interactive exhibits on culture, science, and art. Or, visit the Nevada State Museum Las Vegas. Here, you can pan for gold and learn about Nevada’s history.
For a closer look at local wildlife, go to the Lion Habitat Ranch or the Silverton Hotel Aquarium. These places offer tours and let you see lions, tropical fish, and other creatures up close.
There are also outdoor adventures for families. Check out the Valley of Fire State Park for its stunning rock formations. Or visit Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area for amazing views. Don’t forget to pack a picnic for a full day out.
Looking for affordable fun? Try the Pinball Hall of Fame. It has a huge collection of pinball machines and lets you play for free. Or go to the Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix for go-karts, arcade games, and small roller coasters.
With so many attractions and experiences off the Las Vegas strip, you’ll find lots of ways to keep your family happy and busy.
Trampoline Parks and Indoor Fun
In Las Vegas, trampoline parks off the Strip are perfect for an exciting indoor adventure. Gravady DEFY, Xplozone, Sky Zone, Uptown Jungle Fun Park, and Flip N Out Extreme have fun things like foam pits and obstacle courses. They are great family fun centers Las Vegas for kids to have fun and get active.
Bowling is a fun indoor activity Las Vegas for the whole family. You can go to the Sam’s Town Bowling Center or try the cool Brooklyn Bowl at the Linq Promenade. There’s also the modern Palazzo Bowling Center for a unique bowling time.
Looking for a thrill or a chill day out? Las Vegas has many indoor activities Las Vegas for entertainment for kids Las Vegas. With so many options, trampoline parks Las Vegas and other places will make your visit memorable.
Bowling and Laser Tag Adventures
Las Vegas is full of fun things to do, like bowling and laser tag. These are great for family fun off the Strip. You can have a blast bowling or playing laser tag in Sin City.
For bowling fans, Las Vegas has great places like Sam’s Town Bowling Center. It has 56 lanes and is easy on the wallet. The Brooklyn Bowl at the Linq Promenade is another hit, mixing bowling with live music. And for a fancy time, the Palazzo’s lanes add elegance to your game.
Laser tag lovers will find lots of cool places in Las Vegas. The Rex Center is dinosaur-themed, Lost Worlds Myth and Magic is medieval-themed, and Battle Blast Laser Tag has a huge arena. Get ready for fun battles and improve your laser skills at these great places.
Looking for a bowling night or laser tag fun? Las Vegas has many options for your family. With lots of venues and activities, everyone will have a great time.
- Sam’s Town Bowling Center: 56 well-maintained lanes, affordable rates, and Xtreme bowling at night.
- Brooklyn Bowl at the Linq Promenade: Offering a unique blend of bowling and live music in a retro-chic setting.
- Palazzo Luxury Lanes: Providing a touch of elegance to your bowling experience.
- Rex Center: Immersive dinosaur-themed laser tag adventure.
- Lost Worlds Myth and Magic: Engaging medieval-themed laser tag experience.
- Battle Blast Laser Tag: Expansive 5,800-square-foot arena for thrilling laser tag battles.
Themed Mini Golf Courses
Leave the busy Las Vegas Strip behind and find fun at the city’s themed mini golf courses. These places are full of imagination and adventure. They offer a break from the bright casinos, taking families to magical worlds where mini golf is more than just a game.
KISS World Mini Golf is a great example. It’s an indoor course that glows in the dark and celebrates the famous rock band KISS. With over 3,000 5-star reviews, it’s known as the “best indoor golf experience in Las Vegas.” Players go through rock-themed holes, surrounded by KISS memorabilia and videos.
Alien Invader Mini Golf offers an adventure in space. The course is set in space and has glowing obstacles. It’s a fun way for families to test their golf skills in a space-themed setting.
Dragon’s Den Mini Golf takes you to a medieval castle. You’ll face dragons and unique challenges on this themed course. It’s a special take on mini golf with amazing sets and effects.
Las Vegas has many themed mini golf courses to choose from. You can play a KISS-themed course, try an alien golf challenge, or go medieval. These courses offer fun and memorable experiences for families looking for something different off the Strip.
Unique Animal Encounters
For a special experience off the Las Vegas Strip, families should visit the Lion Habitat Ranch. This amazing ranch has a pride of beautiful lions. You can get close to these amazing animals. Tours and feeding the lions by hand are unforgettable.
The Silverton Hotel Aquarium is another place animal lovers must see. It has a huge 117,000-gallon aquarium full of tropical fish and sea creatures. You can see stingray feedings and even meet mermaids, making it magical for everyone.
- The Lion Habitat Ranch in Henderson, Nevada has been open since 1989 and offers a 90-minute Behind the Scenes Tour.
- SeaQuest Las Vegas boasts a collection of 1,200 animals from 300 species for visitors to interact with.
- SeaQuest Las Vegas provides interactive experiences including feeding otters, interacting with coatimundis, fishy kisses, meeting a crested porcupine, snorkeling with stingrays, and a wallaby encounter.
These unique animal encounters in Las Vegas let families meet amazing creatures. You can feed lions at the Lion Habitat Ranch or watch stingray feedings at the Silverton Hotel Aquarium. These up-close animal experiences Las Vegas will make lasting memories for all.
Water Park Fun in Las Vegas
In the desert heart, Las Vegas has a cool spot – Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas water park. It’s perfect for families wanting to cool off and have fun in the water.
Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas covers 41 acres and has 25 exciting slides and attractions. If you love speed, try the Rattler or the Hoover Dam slide. Or, just float on the lazy river or play in the wave pool. There are also areas just for kids.
Looking for a break from the Las Vegas Strip or a fun day with family? Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas is ideal for family water activities Las Vegas. It’s a cool place for both locals and visitors to enjoy.
Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas has exciting slides, a calm lazy river, and areas just for kids. It’s the best water parks Las Vegas spot for families wanting to make lasting memories in the city that never sleeps.
Conclusion
Las Vegas is more than just the bright lights of the Strip. It has many family-friendly spots off the main path. Here, you can find outdoor fun, historic sites, museums, and animal encounters for everyone.
Looking for fun, learning, or a break from the usual? Las Vegas has it all off the Strip. Places like the Pinball Hall of Fame and the AREA15 art community offer fun for kids and adults alike.
There are so many fun things to do just off the Strip. Families can make memories that last a lifetime. With everything from thrilling rides to animal encounters, Las Vegas is a place where all ages can have a great time.
