Nevada Family Travel Guide 2025
Everything families need to know for a successful trip to Nevada with kids.
Nevada is the Silver State, a land of dramatic desert landscapes, glittering entertainment capitals, and surprising natural wonders. From the neon-lit Las Vegas Strip to the serene shores of Lake Tahoe and the ancient wilderness of Great Basin National Park, Nevada offers an extraordinary range of experiences. The state blends frontier heritage with modern luxury, making it a destination unlike any other in the American West.
Top Family Activities
The best experiences for families in Nevada.
Circus Circus Adventuredome
Nevada's largest indoor amusement park covers 5 acres under a pink glass dome with roller coasters, carnival rides, laser tag, miniature golf, and arcade games — completely climate-controlled year-round
Springs Preserve
180-acre preserve on Las Vegas's original artesian springs with interactive nature trails, botanical gardens, butterfly habitat, and the Nevada State Museum Las Vegas — a surprisingly excellent family destination
Hoover Dam Tour
Children are fascinated by the scale of Hoover Dam — the Powerplant Tour descending inside the structure with massive turbines and engineering exhibits captures imaginations of all ages
Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive and Easy Hikes
The 13-mile scenic drive suits all ages from the car windows; the Calico Hills Trail (easy, 2.5 miles) and Children's Discovery Trail are perfectly suited for families with young children
Lehman Caves Tour (Great Basin NP)
Walking through Lehman Caves' stalactites, stalagmites, and rare cave shields captivates children with its otherworldly beauty — the constant 50°F temperature is a welcome break in summer
Lake Mead Swimming at Boulder Beach
Swimming in a desert lake surrounded by red rock hills provides a uniquely Nevada experience; Boulder Beach has sandy shores, gentle entry, and summer lifeguards — great for families
Valley of Fire Easy Hikes
The Mouse's Tank Trail and Elephant Rock formations are accessible to young children and feature ancient petroglyphs and dramatic red rock scenery that captivates all ages
National Automobile Museum (Reno)
200+ vintage cars in street-scene dioramas delight children and adults equally — from horseless carriages to custom hot rods, the museum makes automotive history genuinely engaging
Big Apple Coaster (New York-New York)
The Big Apple Coaster loops around the exterior of New York-New York hotel at highway speeds — one of the most thrilling roller coasters on the Las Vegas Strip and a genuine family adrenaline experience
Nevada State Railroad Museum Steam Train Rides
Authentic 19th-century steam locomotives pull passenger cars through Carson City on summer weekends — a living history experience that thrills children who have never seen a real steam train
Activities by Age Group
Find activities suited to your children's ages.
👶 Toddlers (0-3)
- Parks with shaded play areas
- Short, stroller-friendly walks
- Swimming pools at family hotels
- Animal encounters
🧒 Young Kids (4-7)
- Interactive museums
- Easy outdoor adventures
- Cultural shows and performances
- Market explorations
🧑 Older Kids (8-12)
- Historical site tours
- Adventure activities
- Cooking classes for kids
- Nature excursions
👦 Teens (13+)
- Adventure sports
- Photography walks
- Cultural immersion experiences
- Food tours
Nevada Family Guide
Family itineraries, packing checklists, and activity planning tips.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
Where to stay with kids.
Circus Circus Las Vegas
The most overtly family-focused resort on the Strip with the Adventuredome indoor amusement park, free circus acts daily, and the lowest room rates of any major Strip property
Excalibur Hotel & Casino
Medieval castle theme captures children's imaginations; Tournament of Kings dinner show is a family favorite; affordable rates and southern Strip location near MGM Grand entertainment
Grand Sierra Resort (Reno)
Reno's best family resort with a miniature golf course, bowling alley, indoor amusement area, large outdoor pool, and family dining in multiple restaurants
What to Look For
- Family rooms or connecting rooms
- Swimming pool (supervised)
- Restaurant with kids' menu
- Babysitting/kids' club services
- Safe, enclosed outdoor spaces
- Proximity to attractions
Kid-Friendly Dining
Where to eat with children.
Most Las Vegas restaurants welcome children during lunch and early dinner (before 8PM)
High chairs and booster seats are available at all family-oriented restaurants and most mid-range establishments
Kids menus at Las Vegas restaurants typically offer $10-15 options including burgers, chicken tenders, and pasta
Buffets like Bacchanal are excellent for picky eaters — the enormous variety ensures every family member finds something
In-N-Out Burger is universally loved by children and extremely affordable — multiple Las Vegas locations
Family Travel Tips
Make traveling with kids easier.
The Las Vegas Strip is very long — use the free inter-resort trams and the Las Vegas Monorail to save children's energy for the attractions, not the walking
Children under 18 are not permitted on casino floors at any time — plan routes through hotels that avoid the gaming area
Summer temperatures in Las Vegas exceed 42°C (108°F) — schedule outdoor activities before 9AM or after 6PM and keep afternoons for indoor attractions
Book connecting hotel rooms well in advance — they sell out faster than standard rooms at all Las Vegas properties
Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, and Hoover Dam make the best family day trips — bring extra water and snacks as facilities are limited
The Fremont Street Experience is free entertainment the whole family can enjoy — the LED canopy light shows run hourly from 6PM and are genuinely spectacular
Health & Safety
- Check recommended vaccinations for children
- Pack enough prescription medications
- Bring sun protection and stay hydrated
- Research nearest hospitals/clinics
- Get travel insurance covering the whole family
Plan Your Family Adventure
Get our complete family travel guide with kid-friendly itineraries, packing lists, and activity recommendations.