8.2 Min Read
Las Vegas summer is here, so we’ve got you covered with family-friendly events. These summer events and activities will help you and your family stay cool and keep everyone engaged and off the screens.
Whether you’re looking for interactive shows, hands-on workshops, or fun fitness options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while beating the heat. From educational museum visits and immersive indoor experiences to creative crafting and exciting treasure hunts, the city offers numerous indoor activities to keep your kids entertained and climate-controlled.
Dive into a summer full of fun and exploration in Las Vegas!
Saturdays at the Museum
Both the Natural History Museum and The Neon Museum have STEAM Saturdays for kids (with adults), with a different theme each month. Both museums are open daily, including on most holidays. And a bonus: they open early at 9 a.m.!
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is a great place to explore Nevada’s ecosystem, the mysteries of ancient Egypt, ocean adventures, dinosaurs, and even LOTS of live critters! They have Science Saturday Activities every Saturday to provide children with fun ways to discover and explore the natural world around them.
Neon Museum
Make it a twofer With The Neon Museum next door to the Natural History Museum! Stop by The Neon Museum’s STEAM Saturdays, where kids can participate in fun make-and-take activities or hands-on learning. The best part? Children 6 and under are free; everyone else is only $5.
If you are bent on keeping cool, they offer some activities inside and have a great shaded patio with misters. But if you want to walk around the outdoor museum exhibit, they also provide sun umbrellas.
Interested in more museum-type outings? Explore our list of top museums.
Catch an Indoor Light Show
Many indoor venues offer immersive and interactive experiences that will wow your family with spectacular and imaginative new worlds.
AREA 15
The Illumnarium at AREA 15, just launched their newest exhibit: Lite-Brite, Worlds of Wonder. Lasting 60 minutes, you can watch a 360-degree immersive show with interactive features and even create your own Lite-Brite art. Take advantage of their family package for just $99.
Locals save $10 but MUST purchase tickets in person at the box office and not online. Lite-Brite not your family’s thing? Not to worry–they have two other shows to captivate your audience: Wild, A Safari Experience; and Space, An Experience Beyond Earth.
Discover the top three attractions at AREA 15.
Immersive Disney Animation
Want to sing along with Elsa from Frozen or travel the oceans with Maui from Moana? Catch Immersive Disney Animation, by Lighthouse Immersive, at Crystals. This show pays homage to the decades of Disney movies and characters so well-loved by millions across the globe.
This show is interactive, and you may see flowers growing under your feet at the casita from Encanto or have the chance to interact with magical bubbles in Arendelle.
PREMIER TIP: Stop by the gift shop after the show to ask for your free Disney prints!
Go on a Treasure Hunt
Geocaching
Want to get your kids outside but don’t want to melt immediately? Go geocaching! A geocache is a hidden container that people use GPS coordinates to find. They can be located outside businesses, parks, schools, anywhere!
You often will find trinkets in the cache that you take and replace with one of your own for the next treasure hunter. This is an excellent way for parents to clean out that junk drawer. Just register on their website to find caches near you.
This is a great way to spend a hot Vegas summer afternoon in the comfort of your car’s AC. Take some water, pack some snacks, and don’t forget a pen to sign the geocache log when you find them!
The Mine Experience
Visit The Mine Experience in Henderson on the first Saturday of every month from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You can explore simulated underground gold and the equipment used in mining operations. You might also catch some treasure if you participate in their gold panning activity.
PREMIER TIP: Check their status before driving out. The mine tour will not operate during excessive heat.
Springs Preserve
Trade in your treasures at the Springs Preserve Nature Exchange! Take your kiddos on a treasure hunt in your backyard, at the park, or wherever you may likely find rocks, leaves, shells, or any type of natural treasure. Bring them into the Nature Exchange to trade for points.
With your points, you can “buy” other items such as shells, gemstones, and fossils. This not only encourages kids to discover their own backyards but also to learn about new ones within the Springs Preserve exhibits.
While you’re down there, check out the Nevada State Museum, Butterfly Habitat (dates may vary due to outside temperatures), Boomtown, and so much more.
PREMIER TIP: Give yourself at least a few hours to explore Springs Preserve. There’s much to see and do. If you forget snacks, they have a gift shop with snacks and drinks for purchase and an on-site casual restaurant.
Get Crafty
Hawaii Fluid Art
Unleash your inner artist at Hawaii Fluid Art in Fashion Show Mall. They have various classes, from pouring paint to making your patch hat. Their gallery space is sure to inspire!
Due to the materials involved, only some of their classes and experiences are offered to children. They provide smocks and gloves, but dress in clothes you don’t mind getting paint on.
They also have party packages, so if you have a kiddo with a summer birthday, this is a great way for them to create and stay cool.
PREMIER TIP: The prices here are quite steep, so it may be only appropriate for older kids. We recommend 6 and up.
Ooza Palooza
Get sticky at Ooza Palooza Slime Craft Studio in Town Square. They offer slime-making experiences that last about 30 minutes and range in price depending on the complexity of your project.
Pour and mix your way into slime heaven with their wide range of colors, smells, and bedazzlements. Store associates will help you make your slime and find fun ways to manipulate it. And yes, you can take your slime home with you!
Dinosaur Outpost
While you’re at Town Square, take some time to visit the playground or the new Dinosaur Outpost.
They have a strict policy against allowing children under 5 to participate in or be near the activities. If you have a younger kiddo you want to bring, make sure there is another parent or friend who can keep them occupied away from the activities.
Color Me Mine
Get your glaze on at Color Me Mine (off Sahara and Rainbow). This pottery studio allows painters to select a ceramic and decorate it however they like. The ceramic is then glazed and fired for you to take home and display!
The price is just $10 for kids and $12 for adults (ceramic purchase not included). They also offer Kids Night Out once a month, from ages 7-12, for a night of pottery and pizza. No parents allowed!
Home Depot
Bring your tool belt (just kidding, you don’t need it) to the FREE in-store kids workshops at The Home Depot near you. On the first Saturday of every month, they offer one free activity to take home or complete in their store.
To complete their project, kids will receive an activity badge, a Home Depot smock, and an enamel pin.
Lastly, wear clothes you don’t mind getting paint on. Many of the activities completed in-store involve some form of painting or decorating. They also will pass out snacks (think goldfish, crackers, etc.), which is a nice added touch.
PREMIER TIP: BOOK ONLINE and then show up early. These events get very busy.
Shake Your Wiggles Out
Ninja Lair
Swing and climb your way to nap time with Ninja Lair in Southwest Las Vegas. This place offers obstacles for all ages and is owned by Las Vegas’s America Ninja Warrior, Mikey P.
They have recognizable challenges like the famous “warp wall,” and even have a separate ninja toddler room. They offer coached classes (ages 0+ up!) and open gym time.
Drop-ins are welcome at only $15 per class. For open gym time, it’s $10-20/hour, depending on age.
PREMIER TIP: Socks and shoes are required! You will be asked to spray your shoes with their special sauce (it’s really just a cleaning spray, so you don’t bring cooties on the mat).
Las Vegas City Pools
Splish splash at any City of Las Vegas pools. Either practice your lap swimming, join for swim lessons, or just enjoy the float of family swim time. Check with your local Las Vegas pool for family pool hours.
Many city pools also have fun events on the weekends like Fun Friday at Aquatic Springs Indoor Pool, which offers fun obstacle courses and “rock wall” climbing. And you can’t beat the price! Kids under 3 are free, and kids 3-17 are only $2 (no hourly max for the day).
YMCA
It’s fun to stay at the YMCA! Kids’ gyms are available at your local YMCA (Durango Hills, Centennial Hills, and Skyview locations) and are free of charge for children 3 months to 7 years old.
You do need to register for YMCA membership. Playing, reading stories, or arts and crafts are just some of the things your kids can do in this safe and encouraging environment, not to mention treating yourself to a workout!
PREMIER TIP: No snacks, toys, or personal items are allowed in the kids’ rooms. You may bring a water bottle for your kiddo, though!
Final Note – we did not include places such as The Mansion at MGM Grand, the Aria Sky Suites, or The Paiza Club at The Palazzo because the suites are largely filled by high-end casino players/whales.
