Mandalay Bay isn’t just for poker players and resort goers—it’s home to one of the best family-friendly attractions in Las Vegas: the Shark Reef Aquarium. Kids can marvel at more than 2,000 sea creatures and walk through a 360-degree tunnel surrounded by swimming sharks. After the aquarium, cool off at Mandalay Bay Beach, a sprawling pool complex featuring a wave pool, lazy river, and a shallow beach entry perfect for little ones to splash and play.

The Discovery Children’s Museum, where kids can climb, create, and explore a kid-size city, is just one of the interactive play spaces with Las Vegas activities for children. Over at the Downtown Container Park, a giant treehouse and slides make for the perfect play break. For something truly out-of-this-world, AREA15 offers augmented reality games and the mind-bending Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, where secret portals lead to a surreal, interactive playground.

From comedy to illusionists, there’s something for everyone—proving that in this city, the show always goes on. Mac King Comedy Magic Show delivers laughs alongside sleight-of-hand, while the Ultimate Variety Show features an ever-changing lineup of kid-approved acts. Or, if your kids are all about the acrobatics, book tickets to a Cirque du Soleil show for a gravity-defying performance that will leave the whole family mesmerized.

Eating out on a family vacation can sometimes feel like a chore, but not in Vegas. Buffets cater to picky eaters and hungry little ones with something for every taste. The buffet at the Bellagio serves up everything from made-to-order crepes to a dessert station that is all ages will enjoy. Stop by Caesars Palace to dig into the Bacchanal Buffet, where kids can snack on everything from pizza to sushi, while the MGM Grand’s buffet offers a mix of options and a fun, lively atmosphere.

Betting it all on red isn’t the only way to get an adrenaline rush in Vegas. The High Roller, North America’s largest observation wheel, lifts you 550 feet (168 meters) into the air for panoramic city views. Older kids can take their thrills up a notch by speeding down the Strip on the Fly LINQ zipline. For younger ones, FlyOver Las Vegas offers a virtual flight experience that’s just as exciting: Think of it as a Las Vegas version of Disneyland’s Soarin’ Around the World.

Topping the list of fun things for kids in Las Vegas is a wildlife-filled break right on the Strip. Visit the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Hotel & Casino. Pop into the tranquil spot to explore four acres (1.5 hectares) of lush gardens where kids can see flamingos, turtles, and koi fish. For even more animal adventures, head about 20 minutes south to the Lion Habitat Ranch, where you can observe majestic lions, giraffes, and other animals.

Las Vegas has plenty of kid-friendly fun that doesn't cost a dime. Watch the Bellagio Fountain Show, where water dances to music every 30 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes at night, and then head inside the Bellagio. Here, you can explore the Conservatory & Botanical Garden wows with colorful, seasonal floral displays. Otherwise, over at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, you can catch The Atlantis Show, a 15-minute animatronic spectacle, complete with music and pyrotechnics.

Built for thrill-seeking families, the Adventuredome at Circus Circus and the Big Apple Coaster & Arcade at New York – New York offer nonstop fun on the Las Vegas Strip. At the Adventuredome, indoor attractions include the El Loco and Canyon Blaster coasters which are perfect for older kids and teens, while little kids will love the Fog Hopper, plus mini golf, bumper cars, and 4D movies.

Las Vegas may be best known for glitz and glamour, but adventure-loving families can find stunning outdoor escapes on a Vegas day trip. Take a scenic tour of Red Rock Canyon, only 30 minutes away, for a look at towering sandstone cliffs. You’ll find easy, family-friendly hikes, such as the Lost Creek Canyon Trail, and plenty of boulders for kids to climb. Watch for desert tortoises, wild burros, and even bighorn sheep.