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Las Vegas off the strip for families | 35 Fun Activities
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Outdoor Adventures- Las Vegas off the strip for families
1- Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas off the strip for families. Hike through stunning red rock formations on various trails like Lost Creek and Calico Tanks, explore the scenic drive or you can even take a guided tour.
You can also do different activities like rock climbing, horseback riding or just simply take in the amazing views. Red Rock Canyon is a must visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
2- Valley of Fire State Park
Another epic outdoor adventure you can’t miss in Las Vegas that is off the strip for families is Valley of Fire State Park. This State park is so popular and for good reason. There’s so much to do and see including petroglyphs that tell stories of the past.
Explore different scenic areas like White Dome hike- which features stunning sandstone formations. Witness the breathtaking Fire Wave, a swirling pattern of red and orange rock. Marvel at the unique Beehives, a cluster of sandstone domes and the venture along the popular Mouse Tank Road- named for its ancient petroglyphs. You can book a tour to Valley of Fire State park here.
3- Floyd Lamb State Park
Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs is a hidden gem off the strip in Las Vegas for families. It is a desert oasis with a 680-acre park with wildlife, lush vegetation, lakes and views of the nearby Mountain Ranges. The historic Tule Springs Ranch is also inside the park and provides opportunities for visitors to learn about the traditional working ranch and early Las Vegas lifestyle.
This place is quite the contrast to the Strip and is definitely worth the visit for a unique experience off the strip in Las Vegas for families. There are 4 beautiful ponds to explore as well stocked with rainbow trout. There are also picnic areas, BBQ pits, scenic walking paths.
4- Tule Springs Ranch
Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs Las Vegas, NV is also home to the historic Tule Springs Ranch. This provides a very unique opportunity for families to learn about early ranch life in the region. There are fossilized remains of animals including the extinct mammoth, horses, giant sloths, camels and bison.
Tule Springs Fossil Beds represents a period of time that ranges from 200,000 to 3,000 years ago. The area had so many mammoths that it has actually been referred to as “mammoth central.” These remains now help to fuel research about paleontology, geology, and prehistoric climate change! Tule Springs Fossil Beds is also actually the first National Park Service monument to be specifically dedicated to the preservation, public education, and scientific study of Ice Age fossils.
5- Hoover Dam
Visiting the Hoover Dam is an unforgettable experience for families off the strip in Las Vegas! Take a guided tour of the dam and learn about its rich history and engineering marvels.
Explore the power plant and see how hydroelectricity is generated. Walk across the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for breathtaking views of the Colorado River and the dam.
Don’t miss the interactive exhibits and educational programs designed specifically for kids. And, be sure to take a photo in front of the iconic dam, a National Historic Landmark. Whether your family is interested in history, science, or engineering, the Hoover Dam is an awe-inspiring destination that will leave a lasting impression.
6- Palm Creek Ranch
Palm Creek Ranch, otherwise known as Palm Creek RV Park is a highly rated camping spot in Las Vegas off the strip for families. It is about a 45 minute drive away and feels like an entirely different world. It includes full hook ups and a warm water stream for swimming and playing. It is a great spot for families looking for a relaxing getaway.
7- Lake Las Vegas
Lake Las Vegas is just 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, but it feels like a whole other city. Lake Las Vegas is actually a master-planned resort community offering many amenities, including restaurants, stores, two golf courses, nearby trails, and more.
There are also water activities like paddle boarding, kayaking and boating. There’s 10 miles of shoreline and beaches and its an oasis outside of the Las Vegas strip. There’s also many hiking and biking opportunities.
Museums
8- DISCOVERY Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum of Southern Nevada is a great place to take families off the strip in Las Vegas. This interactive playground is designed for kids of all ages with hands on exhibits and learning activities. Explore the mini-city where kids can shop, cook and build.
You can venture into an outdoor exhibit and let your imagination run wild and definitely check out the STEAM-powered experiences that introduce your little ones to the wonders of science and technology. There is always something new to explore with every visit so this is a must-visit for families.
9-Las Vegas Natural History Museum
Discover the natural wonders of the world at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum! Explore exhibits featuring dinosaur fossils, marine life and mammals. There is even a massive 35-foot long T-Rex Skeleton and a 35-foot-long fin whale skeleton.
Your family can get up close and person with live animals, including snakes, lizards and sharks. Learn about the cultures of the Americas and the African continent. With interactive displays, educational program and hands-on activities, this museum is a great destination for all ages.
10- Nevada State Museum Las Vegas
The Nevada State Museum in Las Vegas is a hidden gem for families! With interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, kids can learn about Nevada’s history from ancient fossils to modern day mining! You can pan for gold, discover the secrets of the mysterious lost city and explore a replica of Native American pueblo.
The museum also features exhibits that change constantly so there is always something new to see. There’s also a play area designed just for little ones!
Indoor Attractions
11- Trampoline parks
There are many trampoline parks off the strip in Las Vegas for families. Some of the top choices include Gravady DEFY, Xplozone, Sky Zone, Uptown Jungle Fun Park and Flip N Out Extreme. All of the parks have their own unique features including foam pits, obstacle courses, and olympic size trampolines.
12-Bowling alleys
There are many bowling alleys off the strip in Las Vegas for families. Prepare to strike up some fun at top lanes like the iconic Sam’s Town Bowling Center, the retro Linq Promenade’s Brooklyn Bowl and the high tech luxury lanes at the Palazzo.
Other bowling alleys include Orlean’s Bowlmor Lanes, South Point’s Bowling Center and the family friendly Suncoast Bowling Center. Las Vegas bowling alleys offer a good time for all!
13- Laser tag facilities
There are 5 different places with laser tag off the strip in Las Vegas for families. They all have different themes so you can pick based on your family’s preferences. My toddler would absolutely love the Rex Center- a dinosaur themed laser tag arena with dinosaurs and neon lights.
There is also another fun one called Lost Worlds Myth and Magic which is a unique one taking place in a medieval castle with a dragon. There is also Battle Blast Laser Tag- a 5800 sq. ft arena, Flip N Out Xtreme- an entertainment center that also includes laser tag and The Adventuredome.
14- Themed Mini Golf
Looking for a fun and whimsical activity off the strip in Las Vegas for families? Check out one of the many themed mini golf courses in the area! From pirate-themed adventures to jungle safaris, there’s a course to suit every interest.
Challenge your family and friends to a round of mini golf amidst elaborate sets and special effects. Some popular options include the glow-in-the-dark extraterrestrial adventure at Alien Invader Mini Golf and the medieval castle-themed Dragon’s Den Mini Golf.
With creative obstacles and immersive decor, themed mini golf is a great way to have a laugh and make memories off the strip in Las Vegas.
Animal Encounters
15- Lion Habitat Ranch
Looking for a unique and exciting adventure off the Las Vegas Strip for the whole family? Look no further than Lion Habitat Ranch! This ranch is home to a pride of lions and offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures.
Take a guided tour and learn about the lions’ habits and habitats, and even feed them by hand! The ranch also offers a playground and picnic area, making it a fun and educational experience for kids of all ages.
16- Visit the Aquarium at the Silverton Hotel
Silverton Hotel, a hotel off the strip in Las Vegas for families, actually features a 117,000-gallon tank filled with tropical fish and other sea creatures! The tank is filled with thousands of tropical fish and marine life, including species from the Caribbean, Pacific and Indian Oceans.
A couple don’t miss activities are feeding time for a fun experience, an an interactive touch pool where kids can get up close and personal with sea stars, anemones and other marine creatures and the Mermaid Appearances at Silverton Casino! Enchanting and skilled mermaids will transport you to an underwater world of fantasy and magic. Another huge perk of this attraction? Admission is free and it was actually named the best free attraction in Las Vegas!
Stingray feedings: Daily 1:30PM and 4:30PM
Mermaid swims: (every 30 minutes)
- Monday – Wednesday
- 4PM – 8PM
- Thursday – Saturday
- 12PM – 8PM
- Sunday
- 10:30AM – 6:30PM
Water Parks
17- Wet and Wild Waterpark
Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas is a great spot for cooling off during the hot summer months! It’s a fun water park with 25 different slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river.
18-Cowabunga Vegas Waterpark
Cowabunga Bay Water Park offers a fun-filled experience with 20 water slides, a wave pool, lazy river, and even a water playground for kids. The park features popular fun slides like Mondo and Hang 10.
Additionally, there’s cabana rentals for rent. Cowabunga Bay is a great spot for summer fun!
Day Trips from Las Vegas
There are some really incredible areas to go on really scenic day trips off the strip in Las Vegas for families. Las Vegas is in such a great area and surrounded by so many beautiful landscapes only a few hours away.
19- Grand Canyon Day Trip
A bucket list day trip from Las Vegas for families is definitely visiting The Grand Canyon! This epic Grand Canyon tour includes Hoover Dam, lunch and a visit to The Grand Canyon and the skywalk there!
20- Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend
An epic day trip from Las Vegas would be driving up to Horseshoe Bend or Antelope Canyon. You could take this amazing tour here.
I like this tour because it includes bottled water, a granola bar and lunch and admissions to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon are seriously unreal and a day trip from Las Vegas is very worth it!
21- Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park
Looking for a family-friendly day trip from Las Vegas off the strip? This tour company offers a Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks Small-Group Tour that visits these 2 incredible national parks.
Hotel pickup is available from select hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, and the tour includes two hours at each park, with a boxed picnic lunch and plenty of photo ops!
Other Attractions in Las Vegas off the strip for families
22-Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
The Las Vegas Sign is a must-see for families! Located at the south end of the Las Vegas Strip, it’s free to visit and take photos.
This spot is iconic for photos, but it gets really busy so try to visit early in the morning if possible. If you have little ones with out a lot of patience- maybe skip this one until they are older.
23-Neon Museum
One of the most unique activities in Las Vegas off the strip for families is the Neon Museum. It’s an attraction that showcases signs from Las Vegas’ past.
There’s a Boneyard exhibit outside with over 250 historic signs from Las Vegas dating back to the 1930s
The Neon Museum offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history, art, and culture, making it a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in nostalgia, design, and the evolution of Las Vegas.
The Neon Museum in Las Vegas offers family-friendly activities, including STEAM Saturdays and Museums for All programs. Kids can also enjoy coloring pages and paper craft printables inspired by iconic signs!
24- Fremont Street
Fremont Street in Las Vegas offers a variety of activities for families in Las Vegas off the strip including:
- Watching the Viva Vision light show on the overhead canopy
- Riding the SlotZilla zipline
- Visiting the Fremont Street Experience museum
- Enjoying live street performances and music
- Playing classic arcade games at the Fremont Arcade
- Taking a family-friendly ghost tour
- Grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many family-friendly restaurants
Fremont Street provides a fun and lively atmosphere for families to enjoy together! You could spend a whole day here while on a Las Vegas trip.
25- Seven Magic Mountains
Seven Magic Mountains is a great destination for families! Located about 22 miles south of the Las Vegas Strip, it’s a free public art installation featuring seven colorful stacked boulders.
It was originally planned as a temporary art installation, but it was so popular, they decided to keep them.
This is a perfect spot to visit on a road trip if headed to California from Las Vegas. My toddler loved running all around the colorful boulders.
Things to consider: It gets really busy here so if you are wanting photos with no one in them, plan on coming early in the morning. Bring sunscreen- there’s no sun cover here and don’t forget snacks.
26- Street Art in Downtown Las Vegas
Downtown Las Vegas is a vibrant and colorful destination for families who love street art! The streets are filled with stunning murals and graffiti, creating an outdoor art gallery for all to enjoy.
Take a self-guided tour to explore the eclectic and ever-changing art scene, and snap Insta-worthy photos along the way. Look out for iconic pieces like the “Love” mural and the “DTO” sign. Many street art spots are conveniently located near family-friendly attractions like the Container Park and the Fremont East Entertainment District, making it easy to combine art and playtime in Downtown Las Vegas!
27- Downtown Container Park
Looking for a unique shopping and dining experience in Las Vegas off the strip for families? Head to the Downtown Container Park! This innovative hub is made up of repurposed shipping containers turned into trendy stores and restaurants.
Kids will love exploring the colorful and lively atmosphere, while parents can enjoy browsing local boutiques and artisanal eats. Don’t miss the interactive play area, where little ones can burn off energy while adults relax nearby.
With regular live events and entertainment, Container Park is a great spot for families to spend quality time together in a fun and laid-back setting. Plus, the tree house play area and weekly kid-friendly events make it a must-visit destination for families!
28- Meow Wolf
Meow Wolf is a must-visit destination for families! This immersive art experience in Las Vegas is a dream come true for kids and adults alike. Explore a mind-bending, interactive world filled with mystery and wonder.
Discover secret rooms, climb through portal doors, and uncover hidden surprises. Meow Wolf’s unique blend of art, technology, and imagination will spark creativity and curiosity in visitors of all ages. I personally think this would be best for older kids and teens.
29- Ethel M Chocolate Factory
Step into the sweet world of Ethel M Chocolate Factory, where families can indulge in a delightful adventure off the strip in Las Vegas. Take a self-guided tour through the glass-enclosed observation area, where you can witness chocolatiers crafting delicious treats.
Let the kids gaze wide-eyed at the chocolate-making process, and sample some freshly made goodies together. With a playground and gardens to explore, and a chocolate-themed gift shop to browse, this factory visit is a treat for all ages – and a sweet memory to savor long after your visit!
30-Explore the Springs Preserve
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Springs Preserve. This 180-acre cultural and educational facility features museum exhibits, walking trails, and beautifully restored natural habitats and is a great option for things to do in Las Vegas off the strip for families.
Families can explore the preserve’s interactive exhibits, including hands-on activities and games that teach about water conservation, sustainability, and the environment. Take a ride on the Springs Preserve train, and enjoy the picturesque views of the surrounding wetlands.
Kids can also get up close and personal with desert wildlife at the preserve’s animal habitats, featuring birds, fish, and reptiles. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking and biking trails, and families can pack a picnic to enjoy in the shaded areas. With a variety of programs and events offered throughout the year, the Springs Preserve offers something for everyone in the family to enjoy!
31-Back to the 80s Cafe
Ready to have a nostalgic experience? Head over to the Back to the 80s Cafe for a retro lunch and experience. This vibrant gem will transport you back in time. The cafe’s menu features nostalgic dishes like “Top Gun Turkey Burger” and “Pacman pancakes.” They also even have Ghostbusters Green eggs and ham!
The cafe actually also hosts events like trivia night, movie screenings and live bands singing retro covers. They also have classic arcade games that are fun for the whole family.
32-Speed Vegas
Speed Vegas is a thrilling activity just 10 minutes from Las Vegas off the strip for families. This place is a combination of supercar driving experience, exotics racing, go-karts and superkarts- which is an off-roading experience.
33-Nightmare Cafe
The Nightmare Cafe in Las Vegas is a spooky-fun experience for families with older kids who love a good scare. This horror-themed restaurant has a dark and eerie atmosphere with creepy decor. Themed food and drinks like “bloody fingers” fries and “Sangria of the Damned”.
There are interactive experiences like and occasionally live performances and scare actors adding to the spooky fun.
Note: This might be too scary for little ones. This is better suited for parents with teens or tweens who love to get scared, but use your own discretion.
34- Pinball Hall of Fame
The Pinball Hall of Fame is just off of the strip in Las Vegas and is a great option for families. It is located near the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. It’s 25,000 square feet of pinball machines! It is free to enter and you just pay for your pinball games and some are as cheap as a quarter.
35- Snappy’s Drive Thru
Snappy’s Drive Thru is a must for families while visiting Las Vegas or driving through Las Vegas. This was a perfect pit stop on our drive from Utah to California and it’s off of the Las Vegas strip. It’s a great cheeseburger joint and they also have slushies and popcorn.
But the real draw of this place is their kitschy drive thru that is free to watch! Check out their website each week because they have new movies each week and one in the morning and one in the evening. When we were there- they showed Lego Batman and it was really fun for our family and especially our toddler!
So there you have it!
Have you done any of these activities off the strip in Las Vegas for families?
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