Things to Do in Las Vegas with Teenagers: Top Activities and Attractions
Las Vegas might be best known for its casinos and nightlife, but it’s also packed with exciting, teen-friendly activities for families. While the casino floor is off-limits for those under 21, there are still tons of exciting attractions, immersive experiences, and outdoor adventures perfect for teens in Vegas.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a week, there are countless fun and memorable things to do in Las Vegas with teenagers. This guide covers the best things to do in Vegas under 18, from thrilling rides to interactive museums.
Let’s begin.
1. Adrenaline-Pumping Things to Do in Las Vegas with Teenagers
If your teen loves roller coasters and adrenaline rushes, you’ll be surprised at how many high-energy activities Vegas has to offer.
On the Strip
These action-packed attractions are located right along Las Vegas Boulevard, making them easy to access if you’re staying in the heart of the city:
- Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York: A full-sized roller coaster that wraps around the hotel, complete with loops and drops.
- The STRAT Thrill Rides: Including SkyJump (a controlled free fall from 829 feet), and several suspended thrill rides on the rooftop.
- Fly LINQ Zipline (The LINQ Promenade): A quick, exciting ride above the promenade that offers views of the High Roller Observation Wheel.
- Circus Circus Adventuredome: A 5-acre indoor amusement park that includes a double-loop double-corkscrew roller coaster, beyond vertical drops, and other classic thrill rides teens will love.
Off the Strip
Looking for a bigger adventure? Head off the Strip for even more exhilarating activities in and around Las Vegas:
- SlotZilla Zipline (Fremont Street): Soar over Fremont Street under the glow of the Viva Vision light show.
- VooDoo Zipline (Rio Hotel & Casino): Zoom between two towers with an incredible view of the Las Vegas skyline (note: may have age/height restrictions).
- Exotics Racing: Teens under 18 (and over the age of 11) can join their parents or older friends for a ride along in an exotic car on a real race track.
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park: Perfect for burning off energy, with dodgeball courts, obstacle courses, and foam pits.
2. Outdoor Adventures Near Las Vegas for Teenagers
If you’re visiting Las Vegas with teenagers who love adventure, nature, or just need a break from screen time, the surrounding desert landscape offers endless opportunities to explore. These outdoor destinations near Las Vegas are perfect for hiking, sightseeing, and making unforgettable memories together.
Red Rock Canyon
Just a short drive from the Strip, Red Rock Canyon is a desert oasis filled with towering red sandstone formations, scenic hikes, and plenty of wildlife. It’s a great spot for teens who love nature and the outdoors.
What to Do: Hike one of the many trails, including the popular Calico Tanks Trail (moderate) or the Lost Creek Trail (easy). For a more relaxed experience, take the 13-mile scenic drive through the canyon to admire the breathtaking desert landscape.
Why It’s Great for Teens: It offers a chance to disconnect from the city hustle, explore stunning rock formations, and learn about the area’s geology and history.
Learn more about Red Rock Canyon
Valley of Fire State Park
Known for its vibrant red sandstone formations, Valley of Fire is Nevada’s oldest state park. Located about an hour outside of Las Vegas, its surreal landscape makes it one of the most visually striking natural wonders near the city.
What to Do: Hike through the park’s unique formations like The Fire Wave, explore the Beehives and Elephant Rock, or enjoy a picnic at the park’s designated spots. Keep an eye out for ancient petroglyphs along the trails.
Why It’s Great for Teens: Teens who are into photography or just love natural wonders will enjoy capturing the colorful rock formations, while the park’s short hikes are perfect for younger visitors.
Learn more about the Valley of Fire
Hoover Dam
A quick 45-minute drive from the city, the Hoover Dam is an impressive feat of engineering. This historic dam on the Colorado River not only provides power to the region but also offers a unique educational experience.
What to Do: Take a guided tour to explore the inner workings of the dam, learn about its construction, and even walk across the top for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Why It’s Great for Teens: If your teen is interested in engineering, history, or just enjoys cool, large-scale structures, the Hoover Dam will provide both a fascinating and scenic experience.
Visit the Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam & Las Vegas Strip Helicopter Flight
$209.00 – $239.00
Mini Hoover Dam Tour
$70.00
Learn more about the Hoover Dam
Grand Canyon
For an unforgettable adventure, take a day trip to the Grand Canyon. While it’s a bit further from Vegas, it’s worth the journey for anyone looking to witness a jaw-dropping landscape.
What to Do: Depending on which rim you visit, you can hike, take a helicopter tour, or enjoy scenic viewpoints. The South Rim is the most popular and offers the most viewpoints and attractions, but the West Rim is closer to Vegas and offers the thrilling Skywalk, a glass bridge that extends over the canyon for a breathtaking view.
Why It’s Great for Teens: The Grand Canyon provides opportunities for both outdoor adventure (hiking and rafting) and moments of awe that teens will never forget.
Visit the Grand Canyon
Learn more about the Grand Canyon
ATV/UTV Off-Road Adventures
For an action-packed day, consider an ATV or UTV tour in the desert. There are several companies near Las Vegas offering thrilling off-road experiences, where you can explore rugged trails, desert terrain, and canyons.
What to Do: Go off-roading through Eldorado Canyon, cruise through Jeep tours, or navigate mountain paths in an ATV or UTV. There are even nighttime desert tours for an entirely different experience.
Why It’s Great for Teens: Teens who love adventure and high-speed action will enjoy the thrill of off-roading through the Mojave Desert.
Browse ATV/UTV Tours
Eldorado Canyon ATV and Gold Mine Tour
$278.00 – $652.00
Grand Canyon North Rim Airplane & Ground Tour
$469.00 – $594.00
Las Vegas UTV/Jeep Off-Road Experience
$214.00 – $514.003. Interactive Museums & Immersive Exhibits
If your teen is more into art, history, or quirky experiences, check out these fun and educational attractions that offer a break from the typical tourist stops.
Art & Interactive Experiences
- Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart: An artistic, immersive storytelling experience.
- AREA15: Explore and enjoy interactive art installations, cinematic experiences, and arcade and VR games.
Classic Vegas Attractions
- Bellagio Fountains & Conservatory: A must-see on any trip to Vegas, the Bellagio Fountains put on an impressive show throughout the day and night. While you’re there, stop in at the Bellagio Conservatory and see their stunning seasonal floral displays.
- Pinball Hall of Fame: Not only do you get to take in the view of some of the coolest pinball games to have ever existed, but many are also playable. Bring your quarters!
Educational & Historic
- The Mob Museum: Discover the history of organized crime in the U.S. and Las Vegas.
- The Neon Museum: Learn about the history of Vegas through its beautiful and iconic neon signs.
- Las Vegas Natural History Museum: The LVNHM boasts all the classic and beloved exhibits you can find at many Natural History Museums and more. Make sure you stop by the Treasures of Egypt exhibit while you are there—it’s one of two exhibits in existence made up of recreations authorized by the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities!
Photo-Worthy Spots
- Madame Tussauds: Take selfies with your favorite (wax) celebrity figures.
- Seven Magic Mountains by Ugo Rondinone in nearby Sloan, Nevada
4. Fun Shows & Entertainment for Teens in Vegas
Las Vegas is famous for its entertainment, and luckily, there are several shows suitable for younger audiences.
- Cirque du Soleil shows (Mystère, O, KÀ – depending on age restrictions).
- Tournament of Kings (Excalibur) – Medieval dinner show with knights and jousting.
- Carrie Underwood: Reflection at the Theatre at Resorts World (April 2-12)
- U2: V-U2 Immersive Concert Film at the Sphere (April 2-29)
- The Eagles at Sphere (April 4-12)
- Dead & Company: Dead Forever at the Sphere (April 17-26)
For more residencies and later dates, check out Billboard’s Full List of Current Las Vegas Residencies (Updating).
5. Shopping & Unique Retail Experiences
Shopping in Las Vegas is an experience in itself. If your teen loves fashion, gadgets, or just exploring cool shops, Las Vegas has a shopping scene that’s anything but ordinary.
Here are the best shopping spots for teens:
- The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace – Trendy retailers in a Roman-inspired setting.
- Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood – Affordable and fun.
- Fremont Street Experience – An open-air experience with shops, light shows, and live music.
- Downtown Container Park – Eco-friendly boutiques, food, and a fun play area for younger siblings.
Tips for Visiting Las Vegas with Teenagers
- Avoid the casino floor: Teenagers can pass through but can’t linger on gaming floors.
- Plan activities in advance: Many attractions sell out or require reservations.
- Stay at family-friendly resorts: Look for pools, arcades, or kid-friendly dining. Read our guide to discover the best family-friendly hotels in Vegas.
- Use public transportation: The Deuce bus and monorail are safe and easy for teens.
Final Thoughts
Las Vegas for teenagers may not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a family trip, but this city offers a wide range of unforgettable experiences. From thrilling rides and spectacular shows to outdoor adventures and quirky museums, there’s no shortage of things to do in Vegas under 18.
No matter what your teen is into, you’re sure to find something that makes your trip to Las Vegas with teenagers fun for the whole family.
Need more things to do on your Vegas visit?
Written by Ria Borja
