Where to stay in Las Vegas with kids: What you need to know
Is Las Vegas a good place for families?
While it’s true that Las Vegas generally caters to an adult audience (especially at night and in areas like Fremont Street), it’s much more than just casinos and parties. Its themed hotels, shows, pools, attractions, museums, and nature excursions in the surrounding area make Las Vegas a fun family destination that will delight both adults and children alike.
Best areas to stay with kids in Las Vegas
Without a doubt, the Strip is the best area to stay with your family, since it’s where all the themed hotels are located and where the vast majority of things to do in Las Vegas with kids take place. If you stay in the central part of the Strip, while it’s the most convenient for getting around, it’s also where the nightlife is most lively. However, the ends of the Strip—both the South Strip and the North Strip—are quieter, with the southern end having the most family-friendly atmosphere.
Although there are several places in Downtown that are suitable for children, such as the Fremont Street Experience, it’s true that the area isn’t very practical for families. In addition, the hotels along this street are generally very noisy, and the atmosphere at night isn’t ideal for young children.
How do I choose a family-friendly hotel in Las Vegas?
In our opinion, the perfect hotel for families in Las Vegas should have all of the following (but we should warn you that it’s not easy to find one that has it all):
- 🥳On-site entertainment: attractions, shows, or areas where children can have fun.
- 👙Pools designed for children: ones with lazy rivers, artificial beaches, and shallow areas. Plus, they should have a family-friendly atmosphere, not a pool party vibe.
- 🚬Non-smoking areas: the vast majority of hotels in Las Vegas allow smoking on their premises, so it’s best to choose a non-smoking hotel or one that has specific non-smoking floors.
- 🛏️Spacious and comfortable rooms: hotels that offer suites or large rooms with plenty of space and a sense of openness.
- 📌Good location: one that allows you to get around without having to rely on a car all the time, since the distances are long.
- 🍔Easy and varied dining options: with food courts, casual restaurants, and fast-food options on-site to keep things simple.
- 🏨The right size: some resorts are so large that you can easily get lost trying to get from one place to another. Sometimes, just getting from the parking lot to your room feels like running a marathon. Keep this in mind if you have children who aren’t big on walking or are too young.
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Where NOT to stay in Las Vegas with kids
In Las Vegas, the key isn't just choosing a good hotel, but also avoiding areas that, while they may seem close to the Strip, aren't really designed for tourists or for getting around comfortably with children, especially at night. Here are the mistakes you should avoid when choosing a hotel for kids in Las Vegas:
- Staying near the Strip (on side streets) to save money: it’s true that there are cheaper hotels just two blocks from the Strip, but these areas have no tourist vibe, are a bit dreary, poorly lit, and sometimes have an industrial feel. Plus, even though they look close on the map, it can take 30 minutes to walk there, and in the end, that’s extra time you’ll have to spend walking back and forth several times a day.
- Staying in Downtown: the best place to stay in Downtown is on Fremont Street, but there’s too much partying and noise at night. Away from this street, the atmosphere isn't touristy.
- Staying at an adult-oriented hotel: hotels that host pool parties or have a lively nightlife scene are geared more toward adults and aren't ideal for families.
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Best family hotels in Las Vegas: Top 9
1. Mandalay Bay
- ⭐Rating: 8.1/10
- 💰Price per night: $110 to $1,300
- 👌🏼Perfect if: you want to enjoy the best pools in Las Vegas.
- ✅Pros: pools, a wide variety of dining options, and a free tram.
- ❌Cons: you have to be careful with the minibar sensors to avoid extra charges, and parking is paid.
Mandalay Bay is one of the closest hotels to the Las Vegas airport; it is a 4-star resort located at the southern end of the Strip and near Allegiant Stadium, where football games are played.
It’s a massive resort with a very family-friendly atmosphere that has everything you could possibly need. The highlight for kids is the pool area, which features an artificial beach, a lazy river, and a wave pool. Plus, there’s a wide variety of dining options, with over 20 restaurants, as well as shops, a casino, and other entertainment venues.
The rooms are spacious, with king-size beds, and some offer views of the Strip. It also offers a free tram service connecting to the Excalibur and Luxor hotels—one of the best transportations in Las Vegas —which runs daily from 10:00 a.m. to midnight.
On the other hand, parking is not free, there is a charge for using the minibar (you have to make sure the kids don't open it to avoid extra charges), and the amenities are generally expensive.
2. Circus Circus
- ⭐Rating: 6.6/10
- 💰Price per night: $70 to $350
- 👌🏼Perfect if: you want to enjoy the best kids' entertainment on the Strip.
- ✅Pros: price, free parking, free circus shows, indoor play area, amusement park, and water park.
- ❌Cons: somewhat outdated facilities and old-fashioned rooms (though some have been recently renovated).
Circus Circus, despite its somewhat low rating, is one of the best family-friendly hotels in Las Vegas, as its entertainment options for children are unbeatable. It’s true that the facilities are a bit outdated since it’s an older hotel, but they’re currently working on renovations and already have newly renovated rooms.
Here is the Circus Circus Splash Zone, the only water park on the Strip featuring pools, a hot tub, a water play area, and three slides. The best part? You have to be a guest of the hotel to get in! There are also free daily circus shows, the Adventuredome (an indoor amusement park with a roller coaster, Ferris wheel, carousel, etc.), and The Midway (a fair-style game zone).
The rooms are spacious, the beds are large, there is free guest parking, and there are several restaurants on-site, including a buffet.
3. Club Wyndham Grand Desert
- ⭐Rating: 8.7/10
- 💰Price per night: $135 to $410
- 👌🏼Perfect if: you don't want to be right in the middle of the Strip and prefer something a little quieter.
- ✅Pros: non-smoking hotel, free parking, offers apartments with kitchens, and has a playground for children.
- ❌Cons: located 20-minute walk from the Strip.
If you’d like to stay with your kids at a non-gambling hotel where smoking is prohibited and away from the hustle and bustle of the Strip, this is one of the best options. As we mentioned earlier, staying just two blocks from the Strip isn’t ideal because those areas are a bit desolate and lack amenities, plus it’ll take you at least 20 minutes to walk there. However, this hotel offers a free shuttle service to the Strip, which is very convenient.
Another plus is that the rooms here are apartments with private kitchens, which can be very convenient when traveling with children if you want to prepare a meal right in your accommodation. It also features a swimming pool, a hot tub, a playground, a ping-pong table, a game room with a pool table, a gym, a restaurant, and a small supermarket where you can buy snacks.
4. New York-New York
- ⭐Rating: 8.1/10
- 💰Price per night: $90 to $350
- 👌🏼Perfect if: you want to stay at one of the best themed hotels on the Strip.
- ✅Pros: atmosphere, roller coaster, and modern rooms.
- ❌Cons: paid parking.
The iconic New York-New York is one of the most impressive themed hotels in Las Vegas, and kids absolutely love it. Inspired by New York City, its exterior is a faithful recreation of the famous city’s skyline, including the Statue of Liberty, several skyscrapers, and the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. The interior is just as impressive, as it feels like you’re walking through the streets of Manhattan with its signs and classic red-brick buildings.
This hotel is home to one of the most exciting attractions: The Big Apple Coaster. This red steel roller coaster races around the entire facade of the hotel at 108 km/h (67 mph) and features two loops and several drops—perfect for children who are at least 137 cm (54") tall without shoes.
The rooms are spacious and decorated in a Soho style; the hotel features a casino, a pool, 17 restaurants, bars, and shows (including one by Cirque du Soleil).
5. MGM Grand
- ⭐Rating: 7.8/10
- 💰Price per night: $160–$1,200
- 👌🏼Perfect if: you're traveling with children over 6 or teenagers.
- ✅Pros: swimming pools, food court, shows, and a Monorail stop.
- ❌Cons: a minibar with sensors and paid parking.
It's bright green facade and gold accents are one of the hallmarks of this 4-star hotel located south of the Strip, one of the best resorts in Las Vegas for families. It features a casino, several pools, a spa, restaurants, a food court, bars with live music, shops... It's the kind of place where, if you want, you don't even have to leave the hotel!
Here, kids will have a blast at the pool complex—one of the best in the city—which features a total of 4 pools, plus 3 hot tubs, waterfalls, and a lazy river where they can float along on inner tubes. Unique shows are also held here, such as the David Copperfield show (the most famous illusionist in history) or KÂ by Cirque du Soleil (a performance that combines acrobatics and martial arts on a stage that rotates 360 degrees).
Another advantage is that the hotel itself has a Monorail stop, one of the best public transportation options in Las Vegas and ideal for getting around the Strip.
As for the rooms, they are beautiful, modern, and spacious, and some offer stunning views of the city. The only downside is the in-room minibar, which is equipped with sensors and charges extra fees just for opening it, so you have to be careful with children.
6. Vdara
- ⭐Rating: 8.1/10
- 💰Price per night: $205 to $560
- 👌🏼Perfect if: you're traveling with a baby or a large family.
- ✅Pros: peaceful atmosphere, smoke-free, and studios with kitchens.
- ❌Cons: few dining options, and the parking lot is at another hotel.
We think the Vdara is the perfect hotel if you're traveling to Las Vegas with a baby because it's quiet, has no casino, is smoke-free throughout, and is centrally located on the Strip. There isn't any entertainment for children here, but the rooms are studio-style, so they're very spacious and come with a private kitchen. For this reason, it's also an ideal choice for large families.
We wouldn't recommend it if you have young children who are always looking for something to do, but it's a good choice if you're looking for a quiet setting or if you're planning a longer stay in Las Vegas.
On the downside, there are very few dining options inside the hotel—just a small bar and a Starbucks—which means you’ll have to go outside to eat. Also, the parking lot is at the ARIA hotel, located two blocks away, so you’ll have to pay for valet parking if you don’t want to walk.
7. Excalibur
- ⭐Rating: 7.6/10
- 💰Price per night: $95 to $320
- 👌🏼Perfect if: you're looking for a good balance of entertainment, price, and quality.
- ✅Pros: price, game room, pools with water slides, food court, and a very entertaining show.
- ❌Cons: somewhat outdated rooms and paid parking.
Located on the southern end of the Strip, between New York-New York and Luxor, is this fantastic kids-friendly hotel in Las Vegas which reminds a medieval fairytale castle. In addition to its fabulous decor, which is sure to captivate children, it’s one of the most affordable hotels on the Strip, and you can find great deals depending on the time of year.
Here, kids can enjoy the pool with water slides, the Fun Dungeon (a room with over 200 games, fair rides, and a 4D movie theater), and one of Las Vegas’s most popular shows. We're talking about Tournament of Kings, a show with dinner featuring a knights tournament inspired by King Arthur, with battles, sword fights, fireworks, and dancing. Adults love it too!
The rooms are spacious and well-equipped, though they are a bit outdated. If you can get a room on one of the upper floors, you'll enjoy great views! It also has a casino, a gym, several restaurants, and a food court with plenty of fast-food options.
8. The Venetian
- ⭐Rating: 8.9/10
- 💰Price per night: $235 to $1,200
- 👌🏼Perfect if: you're traveling with teenagers.
- ✅Pros: atmosphere, plenty of restaurants and a food court.
- ❌Cons: price and paid parking.
This resort is one of the most unique hotels in Las Vegas; few are as faithfully recreated as this one. Stepping inside feels like taking a trip to the beautiful city of Venice, with replicas of Piazza San Marco, Ponte di Rialto, Palazzo Ducale, and its canals. The interior is also a marvel, with shops and restaurants lining both sides of the canals and a ceiling that resembles the sky and changes throughout the day and night.
If you're staying here with kids, there are plenty of things to do: take a gondola ride along the canals in true Venetian style (the gondoliers even sing!), enjoy the pool complex, visit Madame Tussauds museum to see the wax figures of celebrities, or stroll through the "LOVE" art exhibition.
The rooms are very spacious, well-equiped, and some have been recently renovated. It also has a fairly new food court with international dining options. On the downside, it’s an expensive hotel and parking is not free.
9. Marriott's Grand Chateau
- ⭐Rating: 8.9/10
- 💰Price per night: $180 to $375
- 👌🏼Perfect if: you're traveling with a large family.
- ✅Pros: peaceful atmosphere, smoke-free, and the option of fully equipped suites with a kitchen and multiple bedrooms.
- ❌Cons: limited dining options and paid parking.
This hotel, located just one block from the Strip, is one of the lesser-known options for family stays in Las Vegas. Still, it’s a hidden gem—close enough to the Strip to walk there in five minutes, yet far enough away to enjoy a quieter setting.
We think this is the perfect choice for large families (four or more people), as it offers fully equipped suites with multiple bedrooms and a kitchen. It has two swimming pools (one on the rooftop with great views) and a fitness center.
On the other hand, it only has a small cafe and a supermarket where you can buy some snacks, but there are definitely places to eat nearby.
The best hotels for kids in Las Vegas by family type
- 🍼Best hotels for toddlers (ages 0–5): Excalibur, Circus Circus, and Vdara.
- 🧒🏼Best hotels for older children (ages 6–12): Mandalay Bay, New York-New York, and MGM Grand.
- 🚶🏼Best hotels for teens (ages 13–18): The Venetian and MGM Grand.
- 💰Best budget hotels for families: Excalibur and Circus Circus.
- 👨👩👧👦Best hotel for large families: Marriott's Grand Chateau.
- 💎Best luxury hotels for families: The Venetian, Vdara, and Mandalay Bay.
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Comparison table of family-friendly hotels in Las Vegas
In this table, we've provided a comparison of the key features of each hotel to help you make your choice more easily:
| BEST HOTELS FOR FAMILIES IN LAS VEGAS | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reservation | Rating | Price | Location | Casino | Highlights | |
| Mandalay Bay | Here | 8,1/10 | $110 to $1,300 | South of the Strip | Yes | Best pools in Las Vegas |
| Circus Circus | Here | 6,6/10 | $70 to $350 | North of the Strip | Yes | More entertainment options for children |
| Club Wyndham Grand Desert | Here | 8,7/10 | $135 to $410 | 2 blocks from the Strip | No | Smoke-free and apartments |
| New York-New York | Here | 8,1/10 | $90 to $350 | South of the Strip | Yes | Atmosphere and roller coaster |
| MGM Grand | Here | 7,8/10 | $160–$1,200 | South of the Strip | Yes | Pool complex, amenities and shows |
| Vdara | Here | 8,1/10 | $205 to $560 | Central part of the Strip | No | Smoke-free and apartments |
| Excalibur | Here | 7,6/10 | $95 to $320 | South of the Strip | Yes | Decor and entertainment for children |
| The Venetian | Here | 8,9/10 | $235 to $1,200 | Central part of the Strip | Yes | Ambience and luxury |
| Marriott's Grand Chateau | Here | 8,9/10 | $180 to $375 | 1 block from the Strip | No | Smoke-free and apartments |
Map of family-friendly hotels in Las Vegas
We've also created this map so you can clearly see the location of each of the hotels we've recommended:
FAQs about Where to stay in Las Vegas with kids
What's the best area to stay in Las Vegas with kids?
The best area is on the Strip, as it's home to most of the themed hotels, attractions, and family-friendly options.
What is the best family-friendly hotel in Las Vegas?
Some of the most highly recommended hotels for their entertainment offerings are Excalibur, Circus Circus, and Mandalay Bay.
Is it a good idea to stay on Fremont Street with kids?
It's not usually the best choice, especially at night, since the atmosphere is more adult-oriented. It's a good option for a one-time visit, but not so much for a family stay.
Are hotels in Las Vegas kids-friendly?
Yes, many hotels are family-friendly, with pools, shows, and activities, although the city’s overall atmosphere is geared more toward adults.
What are the most fun hotels for kids?
Circus Circus and Excalibur, in particular, offer plenty of entertainment options for children, and New York-New York is also a good choice.
Is it better to choose a themed hotel?
Yes, because they tend to offer more appealing experiences for children.
What are the best hotels with pools for kids?
The best pools in Las Vegas are at Mandalay Bay, the MGM Grand, and Circus Circus, some of which feature lazy rivers, artificial beaches, wave pools, and water parks.
We hope this article helps you choose your accommodation in Las Vegas!
