Family vacations and Las Vegas… hardly two phrases you’d put together! Believe it or not, Las Vegas is attracting more and more families to the glitz and glamour of the Nevada desert than ever before. The Entertainment Capital of the World is practically bursting with kid-friendly hotels and resorts, family-centric shows and experiences, as well as plenty of sightseeing, iconic landmarks and more photo opportunities you can shake your feather boa at. It’s no wonder families are flocking there.

If you’re thinking about planning a trip to Las Vegas with your family in tow, then there’s quite a lot to think about. Las Vegas, as you know, is full to the brim with things to do, must sees, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, so where to start? In this post, I’ll share Las Vegas travel hacks and how you can plan a family-friendly getaway that everyone will love.

Get Your Accommodation Right

Where you stay can make or break any family vacation. Everyone needs to be comfortable, catered for, feel safe, and have the ability to relax. Well, in Vegas you’ll have no trouble finding hotels that offer all that and so much more. Family-focused hotels mean larger suites, kid-friendly dining, babysitting services, kids' clubs, and so much more.

When booking your room in Las Vegas, make sure to research all the amenities that you and your family will find useful. This includes everything from child toiletries in the bathrooms to kid-friendly pools, waterslides, on-site restaurants, and entertainment complexes. Some of the most popular family-friendly hotels in Vegas include:

Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino: Has its own wave pool, lazy river, and aquarium
The Venetian Resort: A pool complex, large suites, and (would you believe it) gondola rides along the Grand Canal route.
Excalibur: A castle-themed hotel with dungeons and arcades.

Circus, Circus: An indoor theme park with affordable family-sized rooms and a fun carnival atmosphere.

Money-Saving Tips

As you would expect, spending money in Las Vegas is very easy. And when you have children in tow, all those little expenses can quickly add up. To keep spending under control during your trip and to ensure you don’t miss a thing, here are some money saving hacks for families heading to Las Vegas:

Consider traveling off season: For cheaper rates on almost everything, consider planning your trip during the off season. This means avoiding the summer, holidays, and weekends.
Stay off the Strip: Accommodation, dining, and other expenses are much more affordable if you head off the main Strip. There’s still plenty to see and do away from the major resorts and casinos.
Use Free Transportation: In Las Vegas you’ll find free trams, pedestrian bridges over the roads, and free buses that can help get you where you need to be on the Strip. Ideal if you’re traveling with little ones who’ll get tired easily.
Look for Happy Hour Deals: Almost everywhere you go in Las Vegas will have some kind of Happy Hour deal, promotion, or specials where children or families can eat at discounted prices. If you’re thinking about making use of your hotel’s babysitting services, then you might want to look for “reverse happy hour” options, where restaurants offer late night deals instead.
Pack lots of Snacks and Drinks: Kids are always hungry, and when they’re on vacation, it feels like they’re ready for a snack every time you stop! To save little tummies and your bank balance, make sure to bring plenty of snacks and drinks out for the day with you. Or if you’re hoping to try lots of different snacks along the Strip, set a budget and stick to it.
Check Out the Free Activities: Think of Las Vegas and its all glittering shows and world-class performances (with ticket prices to match). However, you’ll find there are plenty of free attractions and activities in Las Vegas if you know where to look. You can watch the Bellagio Fountains and take a look in the Botanical Gardens, take plenty of pictures at some iconic locations, and make the most of the indoor pools and amenities at your chosen accommodation.

How to Juggle Las Vegas and Little Ones

Smaller children will get tired very quickly in Las Vegas, not just because of all the excitement and jam-packed days, but due to the heat and the crowds. Keeping everyone happy and comfortable is key to a great vacation. So, make sure everyone is hydrated and has their own refillable water bottle with them, seek shade especially during the hottest parts of the day, or head indoors and make the most of attractions and venues that have air conditioning.

Remember to pace yourself and don’t try to cram too much into one day. When you plan your itinerary make sure you factor in some downtime, naps, and quiet time, perhaps away from the crowds and hustle and bustle.

Quieter Activities

Las Vegas is full of energy and seemingly never stops – but that doesn’t mean you have to! There are plenty of ways you and your family can still enjoy the buzz and vibe of Las Vegas without running the risk of small children becoming overtired and cranky.

Head into Nature: Did you know Las Vegas is just a short drive away from areas like the Grand Canyon? If you and your family would prefer some time out away from the city, Springs Preserve offers 180 acres of botanical gardens and nature trails!
Enjoy a Pool Afternoon: If you’ve had a busy morning, then why not enjoy an afternoon at one of Las Vegas’s impressive pool complexes? So many of these cater to children and teens alike – offering a tranquil escape from the city.
Make the Most of Kids’ Clubs: If your hotel or resort offers kids’ clubs, then make the most of them! These clubs offer wonderful activities that will keep your children busy but not overstimulated. It’s the perfect chance for kids to have some downtime and parents to enjoy the Strip at their own pace.

Final Thoughts…

With so many wonderful reasons to visit Las Vegas with your family, it’s important to start planning your trip now! What would your children like most about Las Vegas?