Vacation Ideas

17 Funniest Family Things To Do In Las Vegas Off The Strip

The famous Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign
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Funniest Family things to do in Las Vegas off the strip include visits to the museums, art district, and more. Families can experience nature, adventure, and art all at once in Vegas.

Las Vegas is also known as the "Sin City" and is a city that is rarely visited with your family and kids. But there are some of the places located in Vegas off the strip that are suitable for a family vacation.

Staying off the strip during a vacation in Las Vegas is a better option since it is closer to other attractions (non-casino) and less polluted and noisy.

As you plan your Vegas trip you can also add the nearby states including California and Arizona to your list. There are several affordable family vacation spots in California

1. Las Vegas Natural History Museum

Las Vegas Natural History Museum is situated in Downtown, Las Vegas. The museum exhibits marine life, treasures of Egypt, prehistoric mammals, and more.

The prehistoric life gallery exhibits 35-foot-long Tyrannosaurus rex, Ankylosaur, Triceratops, and raptors. The gallery also features a gigantic marine reptile known as Ichthyosaur.

The Treasures of Egypt section of the museum showcases the tomb of Tutankhamun. It also features the realistic entrance of the tomb and recreation of the artifacts such as the Golden Shrine, Golden Throne, chariots, and outer sarcophagus.

The Treasures of Egypt exhibits a mummy that can be explored by using state-of-the-art technology as the visitors can scan the replica in real time and view the actual medical imaging of the real mummy.

Exhibits at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum
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Marine Life Gallery features live sharks, stingrays, and other marine creatures. It also exhibits the lifesize recreation of different species.

African Savanna Gallery showcases the predator and prey relationships and watering hole scene. Wild Nevada Gallery exhibits the beauty of the Mojave Desert with computer animations and interactive displays.

Prehistoric Mammals Gallery displays the real fossils of mammoths and prehistoric camels. It also showcases the giant ground sloth and Smilodon. The Geology Gallery includes fluorescent minerals and geological natural resources.

The museum displays the 23-foot-long dinosaur mummy from the Cretaceous period.

RELATED: Things To Do With Kids During Spring Break In Five Different Cities USA

2. Cowabunga Bay Water Park

Cowabunga Bay Water Parks are located in Henderson and Summerlin in Las Vegas. You can visit the two parks with only one pass.

Cowabunga Bay Henderson features 16 water attractions such as Beach Blanket Banzai, Boardwalk Bay, Breaker 1-9, Downhill Doggers, Point Panic, Wild Surf, and more.

After fun water activities enjoy delicious meals and drinks at the park restaurants including Rocky's Cafe, Slush Factory, Duke's Surfside Snacks, and Bullwinkle's Boardwalk Girlie.

Cowabunga Canyon Summerlin has 12 water attractions including Boomer Wrangler, Buckaroo Bay, Cactus Creek, Piñata Falls, The Lone Ranger, Dust Bowl, and more. The waterpark has three restaurants such as Dippin' Dots, Lea Lana's Bananas, and Chowabunga! Vittles, Fivins' & Grub.

Water attractions at Cowabunga Bay Waterparks
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3. Discovery Children's Museum

Things to do in Las Vegas with kids must include a visit to Discovery Children's Museum.

The museum provides kids with STEAM educational experiences.

Discovery Children's Museum has three floors filled with heart-pumping, fun, and adventurous discovery. The Summit is a 70-foot tower with 12 levels that ascend all three floors of the museum. 

Each level has different climbing structures and science exhibits. The bottom level of the summit features an actual car that can be lifted up with the help of a giant lever. The car can reach the Summit's top from which a beautiful view of Downtown, Las Vegas can be seen.

The Discovery Lab is an innovative space where children can imagine, create, take risks, and learn STEAM theme workshops. The lab has cutting-edge technology. 

Attractions of the Discovery Children's Museum
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The Eco City of the museum helps the children to learn about green living and the choices they will make as contributing members of society. It features well-known businesses like The Las Vegas Airport, Wells Fargo, Smiths, and more.

Parents Pending is where the kids take on design and engineering challenges. The Toddler Town area is built for curious minds below the age of five. The Water World area exhibits the power and movement of water.

It also features interactive exhibits such as Hoover Dam, the New Bypass Bridge, and Lake Mead. The Young at Art section of the museum teaches the little ones the language of art with the help of line, shape, color, and texture.

The Fantasy Festival area includes stage sets, costumes, and other interactive displays.

4. SeaQuest Las Vegas

SeaQuest offers numerous activities such as safaris and animal interactions. The species at SeaQuest range from rainforests and deserts to exotic marine.

The place has five different types of safaris. The Amazing Mammals Safari gets you to meet three types of mammals and lets you spend five minutes with each species.

Feathered Friends Safari is interesting as you meet the colorful toucan, parrots, and parakeets. How To Be A Zookeeper Safari lets you work alongside SeaQuest's animal crew as they teach you three different areas of professional zookeeping.

Different species exhibited at SeaQuest
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Reptiles of Extraordinary Sizes Safari includes sea and land reptiles from around the globe. Explore and learn about marine life with the help of Underwater Adventure Safari. The safari includes a first-hand look at the thousands of fish species.

SeaQuest allows you to interact with animals such as Asian otters, coatimundi, crested porcupines, opossums, and wallaby. 

The EpicQuest is the ultimate adventure where you get to enjoy the journey of five continents, animal feeding, working as a zookeeper, and more.

5. Arts District

The Arts District features the best local creative artworks. Apart from the artwork, the area is also known for its nightlife and entertainment.

The must-visit places to get inspired and appreciate the creative works include Art Square, Art Factory, and Graffiti Alley. The Art Square gallery is not your regular gallery as it features multiple galleries with diverse cultures and a local theatre and bars under one roof.

The Art Factory is the place if you want to look at the blended artworks created by mixed media artists, photographers, and art-centric businesses. The Graffiti Alley is one of the most aesthetic places in the area.

Try out delicious cuisines at the restaurants 18Bin, Cornish Pastry Co., and Makers & Finders. Experience the Arts District nightlife as you visit Artifice, Millenium Fandom Bar, Hop Nuts Brewing, and more.

Don't miss out on the First Friday and Preview Thursday, a massive street fair that features good music, delicious meals, and more.

First Friday Festival in Arts District Las Vegas
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6. Area15

Area15 is a futuristic entertainment center that is located one mile west of the Las Vegas Strip. The center features numerous enchanting rides, dining, virtual reality, and more.

Experience the bird-eye view of the beautiful landscapes with Birdly. The virtual reality includes three wonderful flights such as New York, Jurassic Flight, and Wingsuit.

Attractions at Area 15 Las Vegas
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Enjoy the hang gliding and free falling down the spine experience as you ride Haley's Comet. Haley's Comet is the world's first duel track roller glider.

The Meow Wolf's Omega Mart is one of the attractions of Area15 that is suitable for all ages. The mart showcases an immersive art exhibit that is themed after a grocery store. The place features the work of 325 artists.

Experience the extraordinary cinematic immersion at Illuminarium and enjoy the creative American cuisines at Lumin Cafe & Kitchen. Other attractions of Area15 include Wink World, Museum Fiasco, Oz Ride, Particle Quest, and more.

7. Wow - The Vegas Spectacular

Family friendly shows in Las Vegas off the strip include Wow - The Vegas Spectacular. The show is presented at the Rio Showroom.

The show is created by director Hanoch Rosenn and it is performed by 30 artists with holograms, water walls, and 3D multi-media projections. The production has won numerous Las Vegas accolades in the categories such as Best Value Show, Best New Show, Best Family Friendly Show, and Best Production Show.

Enjoy the dazzling choreography, jazzy music, and breathtaking acrobatics. You must be four years or older to attend the show.

Artists performs an aerial dance during Wow - The Vegas Spectacular
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8. Ethel M's Chocolate Factory

Get the best chocolate experience as you visit Ethel M's Chocolate Factory. The place also features a cactus garden and gift shops.

When you visit the chocolate factory make sure to walk through the exclusive free and self-guided viewing aisle where you can spot the chocolate tiers and machines making the delicious chocolates.

After viewing the aisles, if you are right on time you'll be able to watch the chefs creating delicious pecan brittle in Ethel's kitchen. As you complete your factory tour, visit the largest botanical cactus garden in Nevada.

Ethel's cactus garden features 300 species of plants and most of them are cacti and succulents that are native to American Southwest. Stroll through the garden as you enjoy the delicious Ethel chocolates with your loved ones.

Visitors peek into the Ethel M's Chocolate Factory
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9. Zak Bagan's Haunted Museum

Things to do in Las Vegas with teens include a spooky day at Zak Bagan's Haunted Museum. It is the best scariest attraction in America.

The museum is personally designed and curated by Zak Bagan himself. The place has an eerie atmosphere as it features the collections of decade-old malevolent hauntings and rituals that took place in the Wengert mansion.

It also features 30-themed rooms and objects from well-known Hollywood horror films such as Charles Manson’s bone fragments, Dr. Jack Kevorkian’s “Death Van,” The Conjuring 3 movie’s real-life, “Devil’s Rocking Chair,” and more.

The museum allows visitors for the late-night flashlight ghost tour.

Spooky attraction displayed at Zak Bagan's Haunted Museum
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10. Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon is situated 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip. The area covers geologic interests and beauty.

Take a rest from the city life and enjoy the gorgeous beauty of the canyon with a 13-mile scenic drive. The visitors get the chance to visit the highs and lows of the area from their car or bike.

Recently, climbing has become one of the top activities among visitors. The climbing routes interest both beginner and advanced climbers.

Biking at the canyon helps you to enjoy the beautiful local flora and fauna. The area also has the best campgrounds for families who want to connect with nature with an overnight stay.

Red Rock Canyon is widely popular for its 26 different hikes and trails as it takes you from the deep canyons to the highest point. Some of the hikes and trails include Calico Hills, Moenkopi Loop, Grand Circle Loops, and more.

Previously, The Family Nation wrote about family friendly hiking trails in the US.

11. Lion Habitat Ranch

Lion Habitat Ranch is located in Henderson, Nevada. The ranch also features other animals such as giraffe, ostrich, emus, and more.

There are several ways you can enjoy your time at the Lion Habitat Ranch. During the Behind the Scenes tour an experienced trainer will guide you and your party around the ranch for about 90 minutes.

The trainer will provide the history of the ranch and information on animals. During the tour, you will get to meet animals such as lions, parrots, tortoises, and Ozzie the giraffe.

Have you ever hosted a get-together surrounded by lions? No, then visit the ranch and book Feast with the Beasts experience for up to 20 people. During this experience, you will be surrounded by two lions.

Rock the lion from the Lion Habitat Ranch
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12. Seven Magic Mountains

Seven Magic Mountains is created by a renowned Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. Recently, the place has experienced higher than normal visitors.

The area features seven 30-35 feet long colorful stacked boulders. The place is open to everyone since it is free and no reservations are required. 

Before visiting the area you need to be aware that the artwork site doesn't offer restroom facilities or other amenities. The nearest toilets are located five miles away from the area at Jean. 

The best time to visit the magic mountains is in the mornings for a more scenic view.

The colorful stacked boulders known as Seven Magic Mountains
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13. Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire State Park is situated 16 miles south of Overton. The park is Nevada's oldest park and was named the National Natural Landmark in 1968.

The park has two campgrounds with 72 units and campsites that are equipped with water, restrooms, showers, grills, and dump stations. It also has Rv sites that have power and water hookups.

You can also enjoy a perfect day out or picnic in the shaded area of the park. Valley of Fire State Park offers hiking trails for adventurous and nature lover visitors. You will also get the best display of petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock.

Other attractions of the park include Elephant Rock, Mouse's Tank, Beehives, Rainbow Vista, Pink Canyon, Fire WaveSeven Wonders Loop, and more.

The beautiful view of the road at Valley of Fire State Park and the image clicked by photographer Daniel Kaufman
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14. Xplozone Trampoline Park

Best Trampoline Park in Las Vegas is Xplozone Trampoline Park. The semi-adventure recreational place features seven attractions for families, especially kids.

The Main Trampoline Court of the park is an open court that allows easy access to other attractions and parents can also keep an eye on their children as they enjoy the trampoline.

Showcase cool stunts as you on five Olympic trampolines on an open tramp wall platform. The trampoline park also features Olympic Trampoline E-wall.

Complete the ninja obstacle course with exciting features that are safe for young kids as well. The place also has a dodgeball court, foam pit, rock climbing wall, and airbag.

Foam pit area at the Xplozone Trampoline Park
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15. Vegas Indoor Skydiving

Get the thrilling and adventurous skydiving experience at the Vegas Indoor Skydiving. The recreational center is located at the Convention Center Drive, Las Vegas.

The indoor skydiving offers Learn To Fly package for beginners as it includes a training class and two flights for one person for just $99. The Indoor Skydiving Experience package offers the same flight time as Learn To Fly package plus additional benefits.

The package also offers a digital video of a wind tunnel adventure and a t-shirt of your choice.

Want to experience skydiving with your whole family? Then, purchase 10 Minute Family Block package that allows 3-5 fliers at once. It also has 20 Minute Party Block package that allows 6-10 fliers.

You must be five years of age or older to experience indoor skydiving.

16. Silverton Aquarium And Mermaid Show

Silverton Aquarium And Mermaid Show is known as the best free attraction in Vegas. The aquarium and show are loved by all ages.

The Mermaid Show will take you to an underwater world of magic and fantasy. The show will be an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones as the magical mermaid show their skills as they interact with the sea creatures.

Take the mermaid experience to a whole new level as the place offers Mermaid School. The aquarium features over a thousand tropical fish and also allows you to feed the stingrays.

A mermaid showcases her skills during the show at Silverton
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17. Springs Preserve Botanical Garden

Get in touch with nature as you visit the Botanical Garden at Springs Preserve. The garden has over a thousand desert adaptive plants.

One of the well-known collections of the botanical garden is the Mojave Cactus and Succulent collection. The vegetable garden features a demonstration of how to grow vegetables in the desert.

The botanical garden also has a herb garden, cactus alley, rose garden, palm garden, enabling garden, and more. It also offers a teaching garden where you learn the ins and outs of successful gardening in the desert.

Apart from the botanical garden, you can also visit Origen Museum, Butterfly Habitat, and Boomtown 1905 at the Springs Preserve.

Roses blooms in the Springs Preserve Botanical Garden
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