Best known for its casinos, nightlife, and clubs, “Sin City” is often assumed to be a no-go for those under 21, but it doesn’t have to be! There are lots of fun, teen-friendly activities that can provide the “Vegas” experience without the alcohol and gambling.
Cirque du Soleil Shows
Any Vegas show is sure to be a thrill, but Cirque du Soleil has some of the best. Jam-packed with acrobatics, music, eye-catching costumes, and astounding theatrics, they are well worth the high price tag. Teens will likely enjoy these shows:
- The Beatles Love at the Mirage
- Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay
- Mystere at Treasure Island
- O at the Bellagio
- Ka at the MGM Grand
High Roller at the LINQ
Beat the summer heat with a half hour ride on the world’s tallest observation wheel. At a whopping 550 feet above ground, this wheel gives you a sweeping birds-eye view of the entire Strip. Each of its 28 cabins can hold up to 40 people, making them great for groups.
Adventuredome at the Circus Circus
Spanning across 5 acres, the Adventuredome is America’s largest indoor amusement park. You’ll find tons of rides packed inside the massive pink dome–roller coasters, bumper cars, spinning disks, and even a giant swinging pirate ship. You may also want to check out Circus Circus’ Carnival Midway, which has a variety of carnival and arcade games and is located just outside the Adventuredome.
Buffets
If you like to eat, you’ve come to the right place. Vegas is home to boatloads of top-tier restaurants, including delicious buffets that may have you ditching the rest of your itinerary to stay for another meal. They tend to be pricey, so you may be better off coming in for lunch or breakfast, as those prices are usually lower. Many also offer discounts for children and locals.
Fountains of Bellagio
A lot of activities on the Strip cost money, but there are some free attractions you can enjoy without breaking the bank. The Bellagio is home to one of them, an iconic fountain show featuring 1,214 carefully choreographed water jets shooting water up to 460 feet into the air. The display is set to music and uses lighting effects for an even more magical sight. The show plays every half hour, starting at 3 pm on weekdays and 11 or 12 pm on weekends. If you’re looking for more inexpensive sights, you may also want to check out the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens just inside the casino.
Bonnie Springs
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of modern city life and catch a glimpse of the Wild West at Bonnie Springs, located in Red Rock Canyon. With petting zoos, train rides, and a replica of an authentic 1880s mining town, there’s a lot to do. Be sure to stay for the melodrama and hanging outside the saloon. The $10.00/person fee includes entrance to the Old Town and petting zoo.
Big Apple Roller Coaster at the New York, New York
The Big Apple Coaster soars through a 180-degree spiral, two loops, and a 144-foot drop, all while racing through recreations of New York icons. If that’s not enough, the new Virtual Reality Experience allows riders to strap on headsets and take a virtual journey to find an extraterrestrial who has escaped from Area 51, creating a completely new riding experience that is certain to be a hit with teens. All the 3D graphics line up with actual motion, making the environment feel entirely real. Traditional rides cost $15, and the Virtual Reality experience is $20.
Fremont Street Experience
Freemont Street has been at the heart of Vegas since the city’s founding in 1905. In its early days, it was home to many Las Vegas firsts–the first casinos, the first phone number, and even the first stoplight. Today, this historic street has been somewhat eclipsed by the Strip, although it remains a must-see for anybody coming to Vegas. Walking down the street, you’ll encounter shops, lights, and street performers. Overhead, you’ll see people flying through the sky on the SlotZilla Zip Line. Not to mention the light shows on the Viva Vision screen, which stretches 90 feet wide by 1,500 feet long and is the world’s largest LED screen.
Red Rock Canyon
Its gorgeous red sandstone mountains and location just 17 miles from the Strip make Red Rock Canyon an ideal place for a day trip. Take a scenic drive through peaks and canyons, hike on one of 26 different trails, go horseback riding, stop for a photoshoot, or just admire the desert landscape. No matter what you want to do, there’s something for everybody.
Gondola Rides at the Venetian
Float through the canals in an authentic wooden gondola as you travel under bridges and past replica Venetian architecture. You can choose to ride indoors or outdoors, but both canals offer great views.
