Las Vegas with Teenagers: Cool Things to See and Do Together
Handling life with teenagers isn’t always easy. It was just yesterday that you were sitting together watching their favorite cartoons, and easily pacifying them with a much needed cuddle and a storybook, but these days, things are a little different. Slamming doors, the rolling of eyes, being reminded of how old and out of touch you are, aren’t for the faint of heart! But as parents we know that there’s no manual, we just have to go with the flow and do our best.
Spending time with your teen and planning a weekend away together is a great way for you to spend some much-needed quality time with each other, it’s also an opportunity to reconnect, to encourage them to put down their phones and engage with what’s happening around them — and most importantly, it means you can make some more memories together — ones you’ll always cherish. So, how about a trip to Las Vegas? There’s lots to see and do here, whether you spend a day on the Strip or you plan an entire weekend, there’s an abundance of activities and memorable moments awaiting you. Check out my tips for visiting Las Vegas with your teens.
Where to Stay
Believe it or not, Las Vegas doesn’t only cater to adults who like to gamble. The city is attracting more and more families every single year, with more family-friendly attractions, hotels, restaurants and experiences that appeal to a much younger demographic. This means that you can find the perfect place to stay with your teenager with ease. And you won’t have to worry about them seeing something inappropriate or too adult-themed in the hotel lobby! Here are my top suggestions for where you could stay.
The Venetian Resort
It’s calm, it’s classy and it’s an easy walking distance from other main attractions on the Strip. The Venetian has plenty of spacious en-suite rooms, so you won’t be sharing a bed or cramped in together. There’s plenty of fun to be had on site with The Grand Canal Shoppes for some retail therapy and the world famous indoor gondola rides which offer a great experience and photo opportunity.
New York-New York Hotel & Casino
A hotel with its own rollercoaster? I think most teens would approve! The Big Apple Roller Coaster is great fun for both of you, but if your teen would prefer to keep their feet on the ground, don’t worry — they can still enjoy the arcade games and fast-food favorites like Shake Shack in the resort. It’s a fun, New York City theme that’s pretty lively, but not too raucous, so it’s ideal for families.
MGM Grand
It’s the biggest family-friendly hotel in Vegas with a huge pool complex and a lazy river! Your teen might not want to leave the resort! However, once they see it’s connected to the CSI: The Experience and close to the Hunger Games Exhibition, they might change their minds. There’s a teen-friendly atmosphere here and loads of dining options, including Netflix Bites! A new eating experience where patrons can try the WWE Smash Burger, a Bridgerton Regency Tea for mom, Stranger Wings and the Hellfire Club Sandwich and lots of other Netflix-inspired dishes.
Immersive Experiences
Las Vegas isn’t just about the casinos — there’s plenty of entertainment for the whole family, including teens who want something immersive and unique. From virtual reality to immersive art worlds, here are some cool spots that combine creativity, technology, and a lot of wow-factor.
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This huge entertainment district is a must for those with teens. Here you’ll find mind-bending art, immersive attractions and futuristic vibes. Omega Mart by Meow Wolf is certainly a highlight; it looks like a surreal grocery store but leads to hidden portals, interactive art tunnels, and bizarre storylines teens will love exploring. Other attractions include LIFTOFF, a panoramic ride up a tower with 360° views, and Birdly, a VR flight simulator that lets you soar over cities and landscapes.
Virtual Reality Adventures at The LINQ Promenade
Head to the LINQ Promenade for cutting-edge VR games and motion-based experiences. Teens and parents can choose from high-intensity zombie hunts, escape rooms, or virtual roller coasters that feel surprisingly real! It’s in a central location, so it’s the perfect place to spend a few hours, escaping the heat and making some memories before you move on to the next attraction.
Important Tips
Planning a trip to Las Vegas can feel a little overwhelming, and there are some important tips you should keep in mind when organising your visit.
Understand the Curfews: It’s highly unlikely that you’d let your teen wander around the Strip alone at night, but just so you’re aware, Las Vegas has curfew laws for anyone under 18. Teenagers must be accompanied by a parent or guardian if out in public after 10 pm on weekdays and midnight on weekends.
Casinos Are Strictly off Limits: Teens are not permitted to enter the gambling areas or casino floors, even if they just want to watch you play. They can walk through to get to restaurants or shops, but must keep moving. Keep this in mind if you’re planning a stay at a casino resort, as it can be a little frustrating.
Always Plan for Downtime: Las Vegas can be pretty overwhelming for adults — let alone teens! So make sure you allow for some mucch needed downtime together. This could mean heading to the pool at your hotel for a few hours, scheduling a trip to a quiet museum or heading to a local park. Many hotels have great pool complexes, arcades, or lounge spaces where teens can chill and recharge.
Remember to Prebook: It’s Vegas, so it’s busy and everything is in demand. So, make sure you prebook everything you want to do to avoid disappointment. The last thing you want is to handle a disappointed teen who’s already hot and tired after a busy day.
Final Thoughts…
No matter where you choose to stay or what you choose to do during your visit to Las Vegas, the most important thing is that you and your teen are spending quality time together. As time passes, they may not remember the milkshakes, the rollercoasters, or the souvenirs you bought — but they will remember and cherish having that one-on-one time with you and that is worth more than all the casino chips in the world. Learn some more tips to have a stress free family vacation on our website!
