According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, nearly 42 million people visited Las Vegas in 2024. And if you’re looking to go this year with your family, you’re probably wondering about the best things to do with kids in Las Vegas!
Beyond the bright lights and casinos, the city offers a variety of enriching activities for young minds.
Today, we’re taking a closer look at six must-see educational attractions that provide fun for kids in Vegas.
- Las Vegas Child-friendly Spots: The Discovery Children’s Museum
Las Vegas has more to offer families than just entertainment. The Discovery Children’s Museum is a perfect example.
One of the museum’s highlights is its focus on STEM education. Kids can build structures, test physics concepts, and use real tools to complete engineering challenges.
The Water World exhibit teaches about water cycles and movement through interactive play. There’s also an area where children can explore forces like gravity and motion through engaging activities. These exhibits encourage critical thinking and hands-on problem-solving.
There are also areas designed for imaginative play, such as the Eco-City exhibit, where children can take on roles as business owners, emergency workers, or city planners.
- Family Activities Las Vegas: The Atomic Museum
Las Vegas has a rich history beyond its famous casinos and entertainment venues. The Atomic Museum gives visitors a look at the city’s role in nuclear testing and the harnessing of nuclear energy.
The Atomic Museum is an excellent stop for families with older kids who have an interest in history and science.
There are three main reasons to visit the Atomic Museum:
- Hands-on science and history exhibits
- Immersive simulations and multimedia presentations
- Authentic artifacts from the atomic era
Hands-on Science and History Exhibits
The museum covers the history of nuclear testing in Nevada and the science behind it. Visitors can learn how atomic bombs were developed and tested, with displays that break down the science and technology in a way that is easy to understand.
Exhibits explain the impact of these tests on the environment and the people who lived nearby. There are interactive sections where kids can experiment with scientific concepts and learn about radiation in a safe, controlled setting.
Immersive Simulations and Multimedia Presentations
One of the most exciting parts of the museum is the simulation of an atomic test. A recreated observation bunker lets visitors experience what it was like to witness a nuclear explosion.
The museum also features video interviews with Nevada Test Site workers and Nevada residents who lived through the testing period.
Authentic Artifacts from the Atomic Era
The museum houses a collection of artifacts from the Cold War and nuclear testing era. Items include the casings of weapons, Geiger counters, and objects from the Manhattan Project. There is even a section dedicated to the cultural impact of nuclear energy, showing how it influenced movies, advertisements, and public perception.
- Fun for Kids Vegas: Springs Preserve
Springs Preserve features miles of walking trails that take visitors through desert landscapes filled with native plants and wildlife. The botanical gardens showcase the unique plants that thrive in the Mojave Desert, offering a chance to see rare species up close.
Families can learn about desert ecosystems and the ways plants and animals have adapted to survive in extreme conditions. The trails provide an opportunity to enjoy fresh air and outdoor exploration without leaving the city.
The Origen Museum, located within Springs Preserve, focuses on the history of Las Vegas and the role of natural springs in the city’s development. Exhibits cover topics like Native American culture, early settlers, and how water shaped the growth of the region.
There are hands-on activities that allow kids to experiment with water conservation methods and learn about renewable energy sources.
- Nevada State Railroad Museum
The museum features a collection of well-preserved locomotives and passenger cars from different eras. Visitors can step inside old train cars to see how passengers traveled in the past.
It also has steam and diesel engines on display, showing how railroad technology evolved over time. Many of the trains have been restored to their original condition, giving families a rare look at these historic machines.
Interactive Exhibits on Railroad History
Exhibits explain how railroads played a role in Nevada’s development. Visitors can learn about the workers who built the railroads, the challenges they faced, and how trains changed the way people and goods moved across the country. There are hands-on activities where kids can see how steam engines work and understand the mechanics behind train travel.
- The Planetarium at CSN
The planetarium’s biggest attraction is its full-dome digital theater. Visitors can watch high-quality productions about astronomy, space exploration, and the solar system.
The shows are designed to be both educational and visually stunning, making complex space topics easier for kids to understand. Narrators explain everything from black holes to the surface of Mars in a way that keeps children and adults interested.
In addition to the dome shows, the planetarium features interactive exhibits that explain the science behind space travel and celestial bodies. Kids can learn about gravity, planetary orbits, and the technology used to explore the universe.
- SeaQuest Las Vegas
SeaQuest features a variety of aquatic species, from stingrays to tropical fish. Kids can place their hands in touch pools to feel the smooth skin of rays and see fish swimming up close.
Some tanks have small sharks, allowing children to observe them in a safe environment. These experiences give families a chance to learn about ocean life in a more engaging way than just looking through glass.
One of the biggest highlights at SeaQuest is the opportunity to feed animals. Visitors can hand-feed birds, koi fish, and even tortoises. There’s even a chance to feed caiman crocodiles under the guidance of staff.
Things To Do with Kids in Las Vegas
Whether visiting an aquarium or a planetarium, these places offer exciting things to do with kids in Las Vegas while making lasting memories.
The Atomic Museum shares the history of nuclear testing in America, focusing on its impact on global security and science. Visitors explore rare artifacts, including a nuclear reactor and Cold War-era weapons. Exhibits cover 70 years of atomic advancements, from the Space Age to modern security training for first responders.
Get in touch today to learn how we can help you have an amazing Vegas visit!
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