Meow Wolf’s Family-Friendly Guide: Las Vegas

You know, it used to be that whatever salacious thing happened here in Las Vegas, the whole group agreed: It stayed here. And if you are looking for a wild Vegas weekend with friends, we’ve got recommendations for you, starting with Omega Mart. Or...if you’re looking for an artsy, off-the-beaten-path Vegas experience, we’ve got you covered on that end, too.

But, if you’ve suddenly found yourself trading in your “Vegas, Baby” chant for a packed car of wet wipes, fully charged iPads and a Disney Spotify playlist already downloaded...this one’s for you! 

The below recommendations have been family-tested and kid-approved for vacation in Las Vegas! ‍

*Disclaimer: Every child is different (and also kids are wild), so Meow Wolf is not responsible for any tantrums that may come as a result of our recommendations. Thank you for understanding. ‍

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‍You Have No Idea What’s In-Store for You(r family)! ‍

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Around here, we like to say that “You have no idea what’s in-store for you!” It sums up the experience perfectly but we’re not the only surprising thing in town! 

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‍Indoor Skydiving‍

If you’ve always wanted to skydive but were terrified of skydiving, here’s your chance and you can bring the whole family along! Guests can enjoy the experience of skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel, surrounded by a trampoline floor and foam-padded walls. Guests also must attend a brief training course. 

‍A local’s note: Due to aerodynamics, the weight and height restrictions can be a bit limiting. We recommend checking those out before mentioning this option to the kids! 

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‍New York VR Rollercoaster‍

The Big Apple rollercoaster has been a big staple in Las Vegas for over 25 years and their new VR addition adds an extra thrill to the experience! With breathtaking twists and a 203 foot drop, the kids will say thank you for this one! 

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‍Las Vegas Drive-In‍

Little known fact about Vegas? When you journey off The Strip, you find the most fun. The West Wind Drive-In is fun that’s worth the trip. Playing new feature films and old classics alike, there’s something for everyone and you can save a little money by bringing your own snacks and dinner! 

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‍Blue Man Group ‍

Blue Man Group promises to “rock your world, blow your mind and unleash your spirit.” To say our minds were blown would be an understatement. The things 3 bald blue men can do with paint! 😳‍

A local’s note: The show is full of non-stop color, sound, and excitement– which can be a lot for some guests. Blue Man Group does offer Sensory Friendly shows but you’ll need to plan your trip in advance to make sure you’ll be visiting during one of their select sensory friendly shows. 

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‍DISCOVERY Children’s Museum‍

If you’re looking for hours of family fun, then the children’s museum  in Downtown Las Vegas is a must. Three stories, 8 exhibits, and endless activities to keep the whole family entertained and learning while you play! Kids can learn about science, technology, engineering and art all through hands-on play! 

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‍Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart‍

Then, of course, there’s everything right here at AREA15, including Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart. ‍

One of our most frequently asked questions is, “Is Omega Mart okay for kids?”, and the answer is YES! Our experiences are for everyone, but sometimes it’s the kids who end up enjoying them most, and understandably so! At 55,000 square feet, Omega Mart is an extra large playground with plenty of crawl space and new things to see around every corner. And for once, they don’t have to keep their hands to themselves because there are plenty of surprises in store if you dare to try every door and every button. 

As a heads-up, while they’re not intended to be frightening, some children might find parts of our experiences dark, scary, or overwhelming. To help, Omega Mart offers sensory bags that are free to check out and use while you experience the exhibition. They’re great for adults and children alike who may find the experience to be a sensory overload! 

You’ll find strange and colorful products that your kids can pick up all over the store. They can grab a bag of chips and realize it’s actually a pillow. If they’re old enough, they might even enjoy the playful descriptions on every product. Are you holding peanut butter, or is that actually our famous Peanut Goo? And of course, don’t forget to grab that iconic freezer photo. 

Just before it’s time to head out, (or if you need a break in the middle of all the fun) stop by Omega Mart’s hidden Datamosh Bar to enjoy an Orange Dream (OJ + Vanilla + Coco Dream Whip + Ginger Ale).

‍A Local’s Note: If your kids are pretty young, we recommend skipping out on a boop card this time around. Also, Omega Mart doesn’t allow strollers or large bags/backpacks, so if you can, try to bring a baby sling and pack just the essentials in a purse or small bag. If necessary, you can also check a bag for $5. ‍

For more answers to your most pressing Omega Mart questions, check out the 5 things you must know before you arrive! ‍

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Catch a game! ‍

Okay, so initially we in Vegas were a bit hesitant about the whole “sports” thing, but that was before our beloved WNBA 2022 Champions Las Vegas Aces came to town. Now...we’re definitely sports people. 

If you’re bringing a few tiny humans that love to watch a live game, we’ve now got something for everyone! During the summer, the Las Vegas Ballpark is a perfect start to your fun-filled vacation. Watching our minor league baseball team, the Las Vegas Aviators, is major fun for the whole family, and tickets start as low as $13. 

With between-inning games for kids, wandering mascots and the best hat nachos we’ve ever had, we can guarantee this won’t be just a cheap thrill. Select nights even include a fireworks show that’s worth staying for all 9 (nine, right?!) innings! 

‍A local note: The Las Vegas ballpark actually has a pool, but that’s for private rentals only and usually sells out a season in advance, so we recommend shielding their eyes as you walk by it! We learned that one the hard way. ‍

Not a baseball fan? Not a “Vegas in the summer” fan? 

Not to worry! We’ve got sports all year long now! If you’re visiting in fall or spring, the Las Vegas Lights (soccer or football for Ted Lasso fans), Knights (hockey) & Raiders (the other football) are all great options for the family! 

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‍Fun in the Sun! ‍

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‍Wet N Wild 

It used to be that if you wanted to be near the water, it’d have to be Cali. Now, depending on where you’re staying, your hotel may already come with a resort-style pool. If not, or if you’re just looking to switch it up, Vegas has not one but two waterparks, Cowabunga Bay & Cowabunga Canyon! 

‍A local note: These two parks are on opposite sides of town, so you probably won’t want to do both. They are about equidistant from The Strip, but if you’re staying in an AirBNB, choose the park closest to you. You can’t go wrong either way! 

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‍Take a Hike‍

If you can brave the heat (which we cannot), then a family hike is a great way to switch it up while in town! Located about 17 miles west of The Strip, Red Rock Canyon has several shorter, beginner hikes like First Canyon Creek, that are perfect for children of all ages! Valley of Fire also has 7 trails, each less than 3 miles! 

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‍Super Summer Theater 

If you’re looking for something that checks the boxes of “unexpected” and “outdoors”, Super Summer Theater is a perfect mix of both! Perched on the outskirts of the city, Spring Mountain Ranch St. Park is a stage that is hardly large enough to fit all the Broadway-level talent you’ll find. An enjoyable outdoor alternative to the drive-in, you can still bring your own dinner and snacks, or purchase concessions when you arrive! Bring a blanket and prepare to sing the night away under the stars. ‍

This summer’s line up includes Disney's The Little Mermaid and School of Rock, The Musical.

‍A local note: Must. Love. Musicals. 

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Feasts fit for the Whole Family ‍

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Regardless of how you’ve spent your day, you’ve definitely worked up an appetite for dinner! The challenge now becomes deciding where to take the kids for a nice sit-down meal. Back in the day, you would’ve opted for experiential dining like Hell’s Kitchen, or a lavish night out at Lavo, but these days you need something that has a reasonable kids menu and something to keep the littles occupied while you wait for the food to come. 

With those two requirements in mind, we give you...Rainforest Cafe! 

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‍Rainforest Cafe ‍

First, you’ll be greeted by Nile the crocodile and Julius Squeezer, a boa constrictor who hangs from the treetops as you enter. Kids can enjoy the sights and sounds of the rainforest, complete with talking, animatronic animals and periodic “thunderstorms” while they wait for their food to arrive. The best part is that the American fare served up fresh is both delicious and noncontroversial, which is a tough combination to find for kids anywhere!

‍A local’s note: The portion sizes for the kids’ meals are actually pretty big, so if you’ve got more than one kiddo, feel free to have them share! Unless, of course, they’re at the age where sharing is a no-no word. 

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‍Tournament of Kings ‍

Who says you can’t still do dinner & a show once kids come along? 

The Tournament of Kings at The Excalibur is an all-thrills dining experience featuring live-action jousting, combat, music, entertainment, and crowd participation. A 75 minute show that includes a full 3 course dinner will have the entire family on the edge of their seats 

‍A local’s note: A lesser known fact is that they do offer admission tickets for the show only so feel free to skip the meal and save a few bucks if you’ve already got dinner plans. 

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‍The Sugar Factory‍

‍The Sugar Factory initially comes off as your typical “look but don’t touch” Vegas restaurant, but that’s all a part of the experience. The space is luxurious and the desserts are decadent, but you’re free to have a good time. This is one of our favorite family spots because there's nothing but good vibes here. They crank up the music for a few minutes when someone is celebrating a birthday so the kids can get up and dance, and that’s good because they’re about to get a sugar rush. 

Will they finish the whole Cookie Monster shake in one sitting? Hopefully not! But the looks on their faces when it arrives will be worth it. The milkshakes are absolutely over the top, and that’s part of the fun! But don’t worry, adults are allowed to have fun here, too! The adult beverages are just as jaw-dropping, and they’re also *chef’s kiss*.

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Family Fun…but Make it Free‍

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Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you need to break the bank! We believe that fun can also be absolutely free and our team threw out some great suggestions to prove it! 

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‍A Word From Our Team on Family Friendly Activities in Las Vegas‍

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‍Brenna C. 

“Honestly, the Clark County Library System is one of the most progressive ones I've ever seen in the country. I have spent entire afternoons visiting the mini art galleries inside several of them.” ‍

Mini art galleries, live readings, art activities and so much more, thanks to our amazing public library system. 

With 20+ libraries in the Valley, free fun is truly just around the corner no matter where you’re staying! 

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‍Sandra K. ‍

“My second favorite thing is going to Aria to try and locate every piece of their public fine art collection. (Maya Lin's piece behind the front desk is one of my favorite things, as well as the James Turrell's piece at the tram!)” ‍

Aria’s art collection includes paintings, sculptures and installations by a wide variety of artists placed around the entire Aria Campus. Using their brochure, you could actually turn this into an hours long scavenger hunt! ‍

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Kelly S. ‍

“City parks will be turning on splash pads May 1st! They are all pretty amazing, just vary in size.” 

While we’re not inherently opposed to breaking open a fire hydrant (juuust kidding, Legal), this option doesn’t require any upper body strength! 

Much like our public libraries, another hidden gem is our parks and splash pads located all throughout the city. And the best part about skipping the water park and heading straight to the splash pad? No lines AND most parks have a barbeque area so you can turn this Vegas vacation into a family cookout. 

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‍Bellagio Fountains‍

Hailed by Mr. Omega on Google as one of the greatest shows in the worlds, the Fountains at Bellagio are more than 1,000 feet wide with water that soars as high as 460 feet into the air. The fountains boast a variety of performances to songs like Cher, Whitney Houston, Bruno Mars, and Lady Gaga. With multiple shows each day, you never know which tune will play so it’s always worth a repeat visit.

Shows take place daily and the best time to score a front row seat is during the day!  

A local’s note: While these bursts of water from the ground do resemble the previously mentioned Splash Pads…we do NOT recommend playing in this water. 

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Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens‍

Just steps away from the fountains, more free fun awaits inside at Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Rotated seasonally, the 14,000 sq. ft. display of flowers is rotated seasonally and is currently displaying “The Garden of Love.” If you’re the type to want a sneak peek, take the 3D tour before you even arrive but make no mistake, the tour doesn’t do it justice. 

What happens to the old plant displays? Don’t worry! The conservatory team does its best to replant or repurpose much of the living plant material. 

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‍Flamingo…Flamingos‍

Roam the peaceful 4 acre garden that features meandering streams, waterfalls, exotic birds, turtles, and fish. The garden is free to roam and open daily in summer from 7am-8pm. Looking to make your visit extra special? Your kids the extra curious type with questions about wildlife that you are definitely not equipped to answer? Then be sure to pop in at 8:30am and 2:00pm for Keeper Talks, where they can learn more about the wildlife habitat and its residents. 

This list really could go on forever, and there are so many great places here that deserve honorable mentions, but the kids are screaming for second breakfast (LOVE that wfh life). If you’ve got questions, or if you’re looking for more specific recommendations, come find us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!