Best Things to do in Nevada with Kids

These best things to do in Nevada with kids cover all the family-friendly attractions and destinations in the hot, desert state.

Nevada is not just about Vegas with its neon lights and adult vibes (although we can’t deny the attraction of Vegas). Luckily, there’s a truckload of stuff beyond the Strip where you can make some amazing memories as a family.

Best Things to do in Nevada with Kids

Go to Las Vegas

Yes, we know; we said Nevada isn’t all about Las Vegas. However, if you or the kids haven’t been to Sin City, it would be a shame to miss it. Las Vegas is a great vacation destination, and there is a lot to do, even if you’re on a family trip.

Here are a few ideas to consider:

• High Roller Observation Wheel – this massive Ferris wheel that towers 550 feet above the Strip. You get a full 30 minutes to spot landmarks, snap photos, and just soak it in.

• Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay – the kids will have the time of their lives as they scope out sharks, rays, and even a Komodo dragon! Plus, the touch pool is super cool for some hands-on learning.

• Circus Circus Adventuredome – a five-acre indoor amusement park filled with kid-friendly rides and fun roller coasters.

• The Discovery Children’s Museum – lots of educational exhibits (disguised as pure fun) over three floors means the kids will be burning energy while growing their brains.

• The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens – located inside the Bellagio Hotel, is an area where you can feel like you’re stepping into a whole different world with each new exhibit.

• Excalibur’s Tournament of Kings – if the kids love knights and stories about medieval kings, you must pay the Excalibur Hotel and Casino a visit. Here, you can have dinner while knights joust it out in medieval style.

• Madame Tussauds Las Vegas – if you want to take selfies with “The Rock” (well, a wax version of him), you must take a trip to The Venetian. Plus, they’ve got this Marvel Super Heroes 4D experience that’s like jumping into a comic book!

The Grand Canyon

The best part about starting your Nevada trip with Vegas is that you can take tons of day trips from Las Vegas to the surrounding natural marvels. 

The Grand Canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is only a 4-hour drive away (but you can also book a bus tour or a helicopter ride). Besides taking in the overwhelming majesty of the place, you can explore the area and enjoy some interesting experiences.

For instance, you can sign the kids up for the Junior Ranger Program at any visitor center. They’ll have a blast and actually learn stuff while they’re “on duty.” Plus, snagging that Junior Ranger badge is pretty sweet.

Another option is to take a car ride along Desert View Drive or Hermit Road. The view will leave everyone speechless for most of the drive. And, if you’re the kind of family that enjoys activity, why not take a hiking trip on the Rim Trail? This is one of the easiest hiking trails in the area that even juniors can handle. 

Red Rock Canyon

This is one of the most impressively visual landscapes in the world! The place is basically an art show of reds, pinks, and oranges – it’s like Mother Nature went all out with her paintbrush. Plus, it’s only about 20 minutes from the Strip.

If you leave from Las Vegas, you can enjoy a 13-mile car ride of jaw-dropping rock formations and desert landscapes. Once at the destination, you can hike, climb rocks, or just sit around in awe of Mother Nature’s creativity.

The Mojave Desert

Known for its atypical environment, this place isn’t your typical sandbox. It’s home to plants and critters that seem out of this world, like the iconic Joshua Trees, bighorn sheep, coyotes, or roadrunners (beep beep!).

If you have the right ride and weather, head to the lava tube near Baker – it’s this crazy natural cave where sunlight beams through holes in the ceiling. Plus, you’ve got abandoned mines and ghost towns kicking around all over the place.

Death Valley National Park

It may sound a bit ominous, but Death Valley National Park can be a fun adventure in the desert for the entire family.

Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, is a must-see! Walking out onto the salt flats feels almost like another planet, but make sure to bring enough sun protection. Also, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, near Stovepipe Wells, is a great location if you want to let the kids burn off some of that energy.

And, if you’re courageous enough to spend the night, you’ll be rewarded with a show orchestrated by the universe itself. Death Valley is one of the few places on Earth where light pollution is low, so you can admire the full splendor of stars and galaxies.

Reno and Carson City

If your trip takes you to Reno, you must visit the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum. The kids can dive into science and art, from the cloud-climbing structure to a mini Truckee River replica. Reno also has the Fleischmann Planetarium, where you can enjoy shows and exhibitions while exploring stars, planets, and far-off galaxies.

In Carson City, you’ll find the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada. This establishment is filled with exhibits that stretch imaginations across themes from space to wild animals. And if you’re a family that loves trains, you can’t miss the Nevada State Railroad Museum – here, you can immerse yourself in railroad history with real trains on display.

Things to know before you go to Nevada

Most parents think twice before announcing they’ll go on a family trip. Kids are tough to monitor and keep in check at home, so just imagining the chaos and craziness of a family trip that takes several days is enough to make you give up.

Luckily, things don’t have to be that way. Yes, kids can be rowdy, and they get bored fast during long road trips, but there are ways to reduce the stress and make sure the adults have fun as well. 

The best way is to start with a positive mindset and plan the trip with fun things to do in mind. 

For instance, a long car ride can be a golden chance for road trip games that crank up the laughter. Try “License Plate Bingo” or “I Spy: Desert Edition.” They’re classic and a fantastic way to keep those peepers peeled on something other than screens.

To make things even more entertaining, you should create a special design for this family trip and print it out on various clothing items, like hats and t-shirts. The design can be anything from a family inside joke or a goofy family motto. 

A custom t-shirt design is easy to make and print online, so it’s not too much of an investment. But the expression on your kids’ faces when you tell them they have to wear a goofy t-shirt will be priceless. Plus, they’re awesome souvenirs that you can keep forever.

Bottom line: kick off your travels with activities soaked in joy and curiosity! Nevada has a lot of fun activities and exciting things to see!

As you can see, Nevada’s got way more cards up its sleeve than just The Strip. Whether you’re eyeing desert escapades, interactive museums, or chill time by alpine lakes, the Silver State has it all. 

Las Vegas might steal the spotlight, but once you venture beyond those neon lights, the Silver State is pure family gold. So pack up the car and let your clan’s adventure begin – Nevada’s wide-open spaces are calling!