10 things to do with your kids in Vegas before summer ends
Ready to fill what’s left of summer with love and laughs? We’ve gathered 10 of the best cost-effective activities you can do with your kids in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas is hot in the summer, and so, too, can your plans be, even if you’re toting children around. Outsiders don’t often realize that Sin City is built on everyday folks and families, not only tourists, and we deserve to enjoy our summers just as much as they do when they stay here on vacation. Some might head on cheap summer trips to Northern Nevada, but we believe there are plenty of family-friendly options that prove to be utterly delightful right here in our backyard.
This summer, we’re taking advantage of the free experiences nature can give us, and we’re cashing in every discount we can to make the most out of our time and money. It’s giving ballin’ on a budget—this economy doesn’t really give us any other option—and the best part is that the kids will never know otherwise. They’ll simply be happy to get out of the house, spend time with their loved ones, and maybe even get their hands dirty. (Don’t worry: We’ve still included a few premier experiences for those who want to splurge.)
With that said, let’s break down 10 things you need to do with your kids in Vegas before summer is over.
1. Rockhounding is a great way for kids to let loose and get their hands dirty
Many might not think of Sin City as having many opportunities to explore nature, but beyond the bright, colorful lights is a whole ‘nother world, including rockhounding. This is just a fancy name for rock collecting, which many of us did as kids. Now, you can take your kids throughout Elko County to search for agate, corals, black shale, petrified wood, and more, creating memories that they’ll remember forever—and potentially recreate with their own kids, too.
The Wild Horse State Recreation Area would be a great place to start. It’s spacious, giving you plenty of room to spend a full day under the summer sun, gleefully shifting through the dirt to find collectible pieces of nature. Just make sure you bring water and sunscreen!
2. If your kid loves Labubu, this is the summer event for you
On Saturday, Aug. 23, the Las Vegas café Mama Chai’s will be hosting an event called Mama Chai’s Presents: A Labubu Tea Party Experience, a six-hour pop-up slated to transport each guest to a world dreamily overrun with Labubu. If you’ve somehow missed the Labubu craze online, you’re missing out on a whimsical subculture built on collectible stuffed figures with adorable, gremlin-like faces.
Mama Chai’s event promises an exclusive drink and donuts, as well as photo opportunities and mingling with fellow Labubu fans. If you’re interested, make sure to grab tickets now, and then head to the café from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug. 23.
3. The Shark Reef Aquarium is the perfect oasis this summer
The Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef Aquarium is a sight to behold for locals and tourists alike, with its tanks transporting you directly to the coast. And luckily for the locals, there’s a steep discount at the aquarium every Tuesday through Aug. 26. On these days, residents can enter for just $10 as long as they have a valid ID. Compare that to the normal $30, and you’ll be seeing money signs as you drift off to sleep tonight, knowing that your kids are going to fall in love with marine life like never before.
4. Beat the Vegas heat with this ice cream event
Ice cream has a rich history, and you and your kids can learn all about it at the Pioneer Ice Cream event on Aug 16. Held at the California Trail Interpretive Center in Elko, this event will focus on how ice cream was made prior to the technological devices that we use to make it today, giving kids a better understanding of the cones and scoops they love so much. Just make sure you register online and arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, as requested by the event organizers.
5. These summer movie deals will keep your kids entranced
Pools, museums, and aquariums are all fun and games, but they can also be exhausting. That’s where summer movie deals come in. Many theater chains have summer savings, but one we can wholeheartedly recommend is Galaxy Summerfest 2025. Each week, a different movie is shown, with tickets costing only $2, excluding service fees.
Galaxy Theaters across Las Vegas, Henderson, and Sparks are participating in the event, and the films range from classic children’s tales like “Trolls” to breathtaking and emotionally complex stories like “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” and “The Wild Robot.” There’s even a discount on concessions, so, really, there’s no reason not to take advantage of this deal.
6. Splurging on a pool day with the young’uns has never sounded better
Speaking of swimming, why not spend a day soaking at the Resort Pool at Green Valley Ranch in Henderson? Resort guests can visit the pool at any time, but locals are also welcome to visit, provided they pay an entrance fee of $20 for adults and $10 for children. If you’re looking for a fun way to make a day special without completely breaking the bank, this might be the way to do it. You get an upscale ambiance, and you can make a full day out of it, helping the kids feel like they’ve escaped on vacation, even if only for a short time. It’s a win-win all around.
7. Turn the farmers market into fun for the full family
The farmers market is a summertime tradition across the country, and you can make a trip to the Las Vegas Farmers Market a family affair by allowing your kids to pick out one treat, like a homemade brownie, or one reasonably priced knick-knack as you waltz through all of the local vendors. This will keep their attention focused on all of the stalls, and it will allow you to peruse and shop without having to entertain them as much. Plus, a little treat just does the soul right. (Don’t forget to get yourself one, too!)
8. Check out one of the Henderson Library’s family events
The Henderson Library has an ever-rotating roster of family events, which are perfect for warm summer days before the kids go back to school. Event activities vary, but fun is always had. For instance, kids can build LEGO contraptions, watch a funny film, create crafts you can cherish forever, and so much more. You do typically need to register for these events, so keep an eye on the library’s website to see when each event’s registration opens.
9. Sign up for a Nerf fight you’ll never forget
The school year is bound to get busy—and quickly. But kids in the 8 to 14 age range can get in one last summer activity before life whisks them away by having their parents sign them up for the Nerf Mania competition on Sep. 5. Held at the Veteran’s Memorial Center, this recurring event sees 50 participants duke it out with Nerf guns, ensuring lots of fun and laughs. Plus, you get to sneak some pictures and watch your kids have a blast. Is there anything better?
10. Bowl like no one’s watching with this amazing discount
Going bowling can rack up quite a bill, but the Gold Coast Bowling Center here in Las Vegas is just one of many facilities that are offering free bowling to kids this summer. The promotion can be redeemed through the Kids Bowl Free website, and then you’ll only need to pay for yourself and any other adults who tag along for an adorably heated knockdown.
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