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3 Days in Las Vegas for Families

Curated by Elisa Parhada travel writer and mom of two in Los Angeles.

As a mom in a family who does a lot of camping and road-tripping through Arizona and Utah, I often find myself with a night or two in Las Vegas. Before our family knew where to go or what to do, I wasn't always excited at the prospect. Now, I see the stop as an exciting opportunity to explore one of America's wildest, most daring cities.

Some family favorites include the Neon Museum, Area 15, and Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart. When time allows, seeing a show is a treat. First-timers have a long list of must-sees, including the Valley of Fire State Park, the gondola ride at the Venetian, the free Bellagio fountain show, and the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign.

If you only have time for one thing, make it Area 15, an immersive, imaginative entertainment district anchored by Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart.

Rare is the day you'll be cold or wet in Las Vegas, but it can get hot, so stay hydrated.


Day 1

Start your day exploring Area 15, a wildly imaginative art experience just off the Strip. Then, head a few miles north to the LINQ Promenade. It takes 30 minutes to make a complete revolution on the High Roller Ferris wheel, which reaches 550 feet (167 meters). Nearby is the Bellagio Fountain and gondola rides at the Venetian.

Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel of the American West. Kids and adults find it a fascinating day trip. On your way, consider checking out the colorful public art at Seven Magic Mountains.

Day 2

Las Vegas may be known for its lights and over-the-top hotels, but gorgeous nature experiences surround the city. Start the day at nearby Valley of Fire State Park for epic hiking, red rocks vistas, and wide open spaces.

The great Colorado River, which waters the West, has a beautiful natural attraction you can reach by kayak called Emerald Cave. Like the Valley of Fire, it is a 1-hour drive from the Vegas Strip, so you'll need transportation.

Day 3

Consider visiting the Neon Museum today, followed by whatever piques your interest on the Strip: the Mandalay Bay Shark Reef Aquarium, Bellagio Conservatory and Botanic Gardens, or Mob Museum. A hop-on hop-off bus, together with the monorail, is a great way to get around most areas of interest.

Crown your Vegas stay with a world-class show to elevate your idea of what it means to be entertained. With so many choices, it can be a difficult decision. You cannot go wrong with a variety, magic, or Cirque de Soleil performance, but nearly all Vegas shows are spectacular.

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