Being under 21 in Las Vegas may seem sucky and limiting, but honestly, it’s not bad AT ALL.
When you take away all the activities that involve gambling and drinking, there’s still a ton of fun things to do left.
Maybe you’re partially an adult, sitting sweetly in the 18-20 year old age range. Not quite a “teen” but not quite considered an “adult” yet either. Maybe you are 21, but just have a few younger people in your group that you’re looking to keep entertained.
Either way, Vegas has plenty to offer. For starters, you could go on a dusty-but-thrilling ATV tour through the desert, explore the activity-packed LINQ Promenade, visit all the quirky museums unique to Vegas, or catch some of the best magic shows the country can offer.
Discover these and tons more below in our list of the top things to do in Vegas for under 21-year-olds.
Get competitive at Play Playground
Luxor’s newest attraction, Play Playground, offers a 15,000-square-foot play experience featuring over 20 larger-than-life nostalgic games.
The activities inside this massive venue are made for friendly competition and social media sharing, boast physical, memory, puzzle, and team games — all of which will surely lead to a day (or night) of good ol’ fashioned fun with your friends!
From Perfect Popper, a game reminiscent of the board game “Perfection,” to Ringer Run, where players navigate a wand through a hanging maze, and Biggle Ball, a collaborative effort to guide a ball through a massive maze—the variety of team games promises an interactive experience full of laughs.
NOTE: All ages are welcome until 5:00 PM and must be accompanied by an adult. Games are most enjoyable for guests aged 10 and up. After 5:00 PM, Playground access is 21+.
Do a themed escape room
I don’t know about you, but I am OBSESSED with escape rooms. Especially ones that actually TRY to make you feel like you’re in another world (and not just a room).
Good news… Vegas has got some next-level escape rooms. If you’re into a slight horror mix, try the IT-themed (yes, the scary clown) or SAW-themed escape rooms for an extra fun experience — especially if someone in your group gets scared super easily!
There’s also another highly-rated horror-themed escape room called The Basement, with unbelievable realism and live performers. Once you master this one, try out their sequel room called The Study!
For less scary options, check out Number 1 Escape Room and Escapology, which often offer pretty steep discounts on Groupon. Both have amazing reviews and have really immersive rooms!
Zipline on Fly LINQ
Fly LINQ is all about speed, heights, and the unbeatable views of the famous Las Vegas Strip. See, what did we tell you about The LINQ being home to some really cool attractions???
Developed by the same brilliant minds behind The High Roller Observation Wheel, Fly LINQ boasts not one, not two, but a whopping TEN side-by-side ziplines, so you and your pals can launch into the Vegas skyline at the same time!
To sum it up: 10 ziplines, each 1,121 feet long, launching from a height of 114 feet, and cruising at an average speed of 35 MPH. Your actual flight time? A heart-pounding 35 to 45 seconds of pure Vegas thrill.
PRO TIP: This attraction is included with Go City’s digital passes! It’s available on both the All-Inclusive Pass and the Explorer Pass.
Walk the LINQ Promenade
The LINQ was practically made for young people who like to do things. Honestly, I don’t think there’s any resort on the Strip that’s home to as many fun activities and shows as The LINQ is.
While the hotel is cool to walk through, The LINQ Promenade is where it’s at. Positioned between The LINQ Hotel and Flamingo Las Vegas, the Promenade is a pedestrian-friendly district featuring over 30 unique retail, dining, nightlife, and entertainment venues.
You’ll find the famous High Roller Observation Wheel here, Gordon Ramsay’s yummy fish & chips shop, the beloved Hash House A Go Go (a brunch time fave), and so much more.
Discover the kooky world of Omega Mart
Described as the weirdest and most psychedelic grocery store, Omega Mart (by the ultra-creative minds at Meow Wolf) is an art installation where everything, including the quirky items on display, is available for purchase.
This other-worldly art exhibit invites participants of all ages to step into new and surreal worlds, where storytelling takes on a trippy and playful form! Within the whimsical aisles of Omega Mart, you’ll find a ton of hilarious products that exist just to confuse you.
Even though this exhibit is on the pricier side compared to other attractions at AREA15, it’s still the best bang for your buck if you consider its size and how long on average people take to get through the experience.
Your experience will be equal parts glitchy, campy, colorful, and very Instagrammable!
Explore the rest of AREA15
AREA15 has got to be one of the coolest additions to Las Vegas, like ever! And it’s way more than just Omega Mart!
This 200,000-square-foot immersive art collective is buzzing with all things creative and imaginative. Throw an axe or two, play games at an arcade bar, take in high-tech / colorful art installations, or explore one of the many virtual reality experiences.
Expect everything from retro to futuristic to totally trippy. Engage with the exhibits, dive into virtual reality experiences, or simply wander through and take in the lively environment while enjoying some food. The AREA15 world is your oyster!
If special events and concerts are what you’re after, check out their events calendar to see what’s happening during the dates of your trip to Vegas. A good amount of these events are 18+ (but must be 21+ to consume alcohol).
Museum of Selfies
The Museum of Selfies is an interactive exhibit perfect for teenagers, photo enthusiasts, and the social media obsessed. Nestled in the entertainment hub of the LINQ Promenade, this “museum” offers a ton of playful and quirky backdrops for what will end up being your most memorable pics.
Dive into a shimmering gold bathtub, make waves in an emoji-filled pool, jet-set in a private plane, or flip the world upside down in a gravity-defying room. You’ll definitely want to bring a camera!
The Museum of Selfies originally made its mark in Southern California — we’re glad it’s here in Vegas so that younger visitors have more to do on the Strip now.
VR Adventures at The LINQ Promenade
VR Adventures is one of those attractions that’ll get teens, games, and tech lovers excited. Unlike other video games, VR Adventures requires gamers to use hand movement, walk, sidestep, or jump to explore or fly through the virtual world. And they have six different experiences to choose from!
Feel the rush as you brave the rapids of the Jungle River Raft, or explore spine-tingling encounters in the Haunted Elevator. Strap in for a wild roller coaster ride, take a virtual trip around the world, or satisfy your need for speed with the Racecar Simulator. And if you’re up for a challenge, test your survival skills in the heart-pounding Zombieland adventure.
PRO TIP: You can buy the experience for full price, OR you can get yourself a Las Vegas attraction pass if you plan on doing other activities in Las Vegas. The Go City attraction can really save you some money here! With the Go City Las Vegas Explorer Pass, you get access to 1 VR Experience.
Watch one of the many shows in Las Vegas
Las Vegas has a world-class theater scene. From burlesque to magic, Cirque de Soleil to comedy, there is a show for every type of person and every sort of budget. And the best part is, there’s a show happening every single night in Vegas.
A few shows that we think are exciting (even for young adults!) are:
Awakening – The Wynn’s brand-new spectacular production features fantasy costumes, rave-like visuals, a compelling storyline, and a touch of lighthearted comedy. The show has been called the most technically advanced show on the planet– they spent $120 million to create a massive 360-degree theater just for this show! (For audiences 5 years and older)
WOW – The Vegas Spectacular – This internationally acclaimed production has been seen by over 2.5 million viewers worldwide. Experience a world of water, wonder, and fantasy as 30 artists take the stage in a display of talent and creativity. (For audiences 4 years and older)
Penn & Teller – As the longest-running headliners in Vegas history, the legendary magical duo redefines the rules of magic in their multi-award-winning show at the Rio Hotel & Casino. Expect punchy acts with a unique blend of comedy and magic. (For audiences 5 years and older)
See the retro side of Vegas at The Neon Museum
Since 1996, the Neon Museum has collected, preserved, and exhibited Las Vegas signs from the 1930’s onward. The most popular attraction here is the Neon Boneyard of signs!
You can check out the visitor’s center, view the collection within the museum, partake in one of the many special tours taking place throughout the day, or stroll through the boneyard on your own.
During our latest visit, we saw the Brilliant! Jackpot light show created by artist Craig Winslow. This immersive experience reanimates 40 monumental examples of The Neon Museum’s iconic vintage signs and will take you through the history of Las Vegas through music and lights. You’ll hear a lot of songs from the 80s and 90s, but it’s still so much fun for all ages!
The Neon Museum is mostly outdoors and is extremely photogenic, so don’t forget your sunscreen and your camera.
Visit the Pinball Hall of Fame
The Pinball Hall of Fame is down by the “Welcome To Las Vegas” sign, so if you have plans to take a few photos with the sign, definitely don’t miss this unique place. In a nutshell, it’s full of old pinball games.
You can relive the glory days of arcade gaming there. If you can think of a game, they probably have it — and then some! This spot carries the world’s largest collection of pinball machines, ranging from vintage classics to modern faves.
Play your way through decades of pinball history and experience the charm of these old-timey games while you’re there. You’ll find rows and rows of machines, many of which range from $0.25 to $0.50 per play.
(Don’t be surprised if you find that 30-40% of the pinball machines don’t work. They ARE old as heck, after all.)
Catch the best comedians at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club
Comedy shows are a great way to get some live entertainment while spending way less money compared to a typical Las Vegas show.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club is the epitome of laughter and entertainment in Las Vegas! This premier venue (18+) is curated by the comedic genius himself, bringing together the brightest stars in stand-up comedy alongside emerging talents from across the nation.
We’ve been to many comedy shows in Los Angeles, San Francisco, etc., and the one thing we DON’T look forward to is the 2-drink minimum policy. It makes you spend way more than you intend to.
The amazing thing about Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club is that there are NO minimum drink/food requirements. You can just sit down and enjoy the show!
Be wowed at Mat Franco’s magic show
Mat Franco seems like an approachable dude — he just happens to take center stage at The LINQ with a super creative magic show. As the first magician to win America’s Got Talent (he’s also referred to as “the magician who changed the game”), his show has been hailed as the top show in town by Forbes.
While “superstar” magicians like David Copperfield and Criss Angel focus on grand stunts and illusions, Mat Franco’s show features a blend of innovative, close-up magic and comedy, with a strong emphasis on card tricks and audience interaction.
This show is perfect for magic lovers 5 years and older.
Check out the Stranger Things store
The Stranger Things Store at the Showcase Mall is an incredibly fun and fantastic find when it comes to free entertainment. If you are a Stranger Things fan like we are, this is a must-visit!
The Stranger Things Store is technically a merch store, but they have far more entertainment than a normal store would have.
Visitors can do so much here for free! You can explore iconic show locations such as the Palace Arcade, Hawkins High, Starcourt Mall, and Vecna’s attic, and even interact with some of the displays. The store also provides some super cool photo ops (like Will Beyers’ living room)!
True fans can easily spend an hour going through all the different displays, some of which are very Vecna-heavy.
If you want to bring home a memorabilia or two, you can choose from so many products from the show, down to little containers of ice cream from Scoops Ahoy.
Throw axes and smash things at Axehole Vegas
Axehole Vegas is an indoor axe-throwing spot on Fremont Street open seven days a week. They offer sessions by the hour where you can test out all of their weaponry, which includes spears, ninja stars, metal throwing cards, shovels, and of course, the classic axe!
Your 1-hour session will start with a brief safety and technique training with their team of AXEperts, followed by a few swings for practice. From there, your axe throwing coach will get you started on a game that’ll keep you entertained the whole time.
Should you need to let out a little more steam, they even have a rage room where you get 15 minutes to demolish ANYTHING and everything around you.
NOTE: This activity is for ages 7 and up. Ages 17 and under require a parent or guardian to sign liability waivers for them.
Play unlimited arcade games at Chinatown’s Game Nest
Whenever Papu and I are in town, we always make time to spend a few hours at Game Nest Arcade. Game Nest is a pay-by-the-hour arcade. You pay one fixed price and get hours of unlimited gameplay at top arcade games!
If you love overpriced arcade games (like Dance Dance Revolution, Time Crisis, Mario Kart, Air Hockey, Jurassic Park, etc.), then head here to play until you just can’t play anymore. Everything is on free play, so once you’re in, you can play whatever you like.
They also have an area where you can plan Xbox One, PS5, and Nintendo Switch (all of which are also included in the hourly price).
Go on a walking food tour
Can’t decide on just one or two restaurants? We get it, there’s almost TOO much good food in Vegas!
Well, how about a food tour that hits multiple spots instead?
In Vegas, you’ll find a handful of food tours that will take you to hole-in-the-walls, restaurants on the strip, off the strip, and so much more. For an experience that touches on the most sought-after restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip, Secret Food Tours Las Vegas is great.
For hidden gems, hole-in-the-walls, and secret local hangouts, go with the Downtown Vegas Sightseeing and Foodie Tour.
Eat your way through Eataly
Eataly is an Italian marketplace and restaurant complex located within Park MGM Las Vegas — it’s a total foodie’s paradise. Really, Eataly’s been called a ‘gastronomic theme park’ for foodies!
At Eataly, you’ll find several different restaurants, including a pizza/pasta bar, a seafood-focused restaurant, a wine bar, a coffee and pastries shop, and authentic gelato! You can even shop for high-quality Italian ingredients and products to take home.
Whenever Papu and I need to book a room on the Strip, Park MGM is top of mind for us… because of Eataly. We love eating here so much!
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
Wanna get up close and personal with your favorite celebs? Madame Tussauds Las Vegas is a two-story attraction nestled within The Venetian Resort filled with over 80 meticulously crafted wax figures representing iconic celebrities from film, television, and music.
All the figures are crafted with such realism that they might just fool your family into believing you partied with Drake and Justin Bieber!
Unlike meeting real celebrities, Madame Tussauds offers a unique advantage – you can touch, pose, and take unlimited selfies with all the lifelike figures. Bad Bunny, Megan Thee Stallion, Beyoncé, RuPaul, Kim K., Post Malone, The Avengers, and Brad Pitt are just a few of the famous faces you can expect to see here.
Watch the free water fountain show at Bellagio
Bellagio’s famous free water fountain show is a must if you’ve never seen it. This free water show features lights and music (genres include classical, opera, Broadway, and even pop songs) to give visitors a quintessentially Vegas experience.
The fountain show runs every half hour during the day and every 15 minutes in the evening. We recommend catching it in the evening for an extra-pretty experience!
From there, head into Bellagio to see the beautiful Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, featuring larger-than-life floral displays that change seasonally.
PRO TIP: From here, you can even spend a few hours walking the Strip from hotel to hotel. Our favorite hotels near Bellagio include Caesars Palace (and the Forum Shops) and The Cosmo (make sure you visit with an empty stomach, there’s so much good food to eat in there). Planet Hollywood has a ton of affordable shows and its own set of shops too — the Miracle Mile Shops — and can be a fun visit too!
Visit Topgolf
If golfing with your guys (or gals!) is your idea of a perfect afternoon out in Vegas, then Topgolf can be a great place to hang out for a few hours in Vegas.
At Topgolf, you basically hit high-tech golf balls at giant targets, all tracked by Toptracer technology for real-time feedback and scoring. This technology automatically records and tabulates different game metrics, so you can focus on just swinging and honing your skills.
It’s a fun way to experience golf, even for those who may not be avid golfers.
Beyond golfing, Topgolf often has live entertainment, music, and other activities perfect for lounging around or socializing. There’s a sports bar and a restaurant here too, so you can spend hours on end here without needing to leave to find food or drinks.
NOTE: Guests under 16 must be supervised by an adult (21+) at all times. Anyone under 18 must be supervised by an adult (21+) after 9:00pm.
Get your heart thumping atop The STRAT
If incorporating regular ol’ views into your Vegas itinerary is just not exciting enough for you, another great option is to head to the observation tower at The STRAT.
Yes, there’s an observation deck, but the SkyPod here is what makes it so much fun. You can ride some really crazy, adrenaline-pumping rides while getting those epic Las Vegas views!
Big Shot shoots you 160 feet into the air at 45 mph, while X-Scream teeter-totters you over the Tower’s edge from a dizzying height of 866 feet.
Ride rollercoasters at the Adventuredome
The Adventuredome at Circus Circus is one of the largest indoor theme parks in the country. Spanning 5 acres, it offers more than 25 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, thrill rides, mini golf, rock climbing, a laser challenge, and more.
If it happens to be raining in Vegas, this indoor theme park is the place to be for unstoppable thrills. I’ve been there plenty of times (many of which I was over 21) but you know what? I see people of all ages there all the time!
Afterward, head to The Midway inside Circus Circus for classic carnival games, state-of-the-art video games, and prizes, prizes, prizes!
Be amazed by the Sphere experience
To quickly sum it up, the Sphere Experience is a two-part multi-sensory experience lasting ~two hours. In all honesty, it’s two hours of immersive amazement, perfect for people of all ages.
It was even voted “2024’s Best Attraction” by Las Vegas Weekly readers! After seeing it for ourselves this summer, we 100% see why it’s the top attraction in town.
For the first 45 minutes of the experience, you’ll get to explore The Atrium. There’s a bunch of high-tech stuff here to look at, such as a 50-foot holographic installation, some advanced-looking talking/moving robots, and a few other cool tech features to interact with.
During our visit, the kids we encountered LOVED interacting with the robots. You can ask the robots anything, and they’ll answer based on everything they know!
From there, you head into the theater for an immersive cinematic experience unlike anything you’ve ever seen — Darren Aronofsky’s ‘Postcard from Earth.’ This specially commissioned film is a sci-fi portrait of our planet, transporting you to new worlds without ever leaving your seat.
Ride ATVs through the Mojave Desert
For those of you 18+ who love a little outdoor adventure, we’d recommend doing it big with an ATV ride through the Mojave Desert. With this 3-hour guided tour, you can enjoy a desert ride by ATV with full pickup and drop-off service.
The shuttle will pick you up at Mandalay Bay and take you to their premier riding location in the Mojave Desert. Once there, you’ll put on your safety gear and enjoy a step-by-step orientation on how to ride your ATV.
Then, let the excitement begin! Your guide will lead you on an hour-long journey into the desert where you’ll be able to enjoy rugged trails and sweet desert views. After your ride, you’ll be transported back to reality with a little dust and a lot of memories.
NOTE: This tour is not suitable for people under 18 years old.
See the Seven Magic Mountains
A quick 15-20 minute drive out of The Strip area will bring you to one of the coolest art installations in all of Nevada. Seven Magic Mountains is a public installation of seven towers made up of painted, stacked boulders that stand more than 30 feet high.
These colorful rock totems look so darn cool against the dusty barren desert landscape!
The art installation was created by internationally renowned Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone and commissioned by the Nevada Museum of Art. It was supposed to be taken down years ago, but some way somehow it’s still standing so go enjoy it for yourself while you can!
Recommended: 2-in-1 Combo Day Trip Tour
From Las Vegas: Hoover Dam & Seven Magic Mountains – Explore two of Vegas’ most iconic sites on this jam-packed combo tour. Also includes a stop at the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign! Best for travelers who want to see more of Las Vegas’ surroundings but don’t have their own car.
If a full or half-day away from the city sounds like your idea of fun, here are a handful of other fun day trip ideas from Las Vegas.
Have a medieval dinner and show at Tournament of Kings
The best part? All ages are welcome. HUZZAH!
Visit the Shark Reef Aquarium
If you and your partner are fans of sharks, stingrays, and other marine life, you can see more than 2,000 animals at the Shark Reef Aquarium. Gaze at the friendly creatures from inside the shipwreck or thrill your senses diving alongside the sharks at the Undersea Explorer VR Theater.
Want to take it up a notch? The aquarium offers add-on shark, sea turtle, and stingray feeding experiences.
Catch a rock show (or a dance party) at the Brooklyn Bowl
The Brooklyn Bowl is part restaurant, part bowling alley, and part events venue. Where else can you sink your teeth into legendary fried chicken, catfish bites, and deep-fried pickles while enjoying top-notch acts on stage and playing a game of bowling in the same night?
With rock concerts galore and themed dance nights celebrating everything from emo music, Taylor Swift, K-pop, 2000s, and ’90s hits, there’s always something exciting happening at the venue! Best of all, a lot of these events are 18 & up.
Most of the concerts held here are rock-centric, but not necessarily hard rock. You’ll find punk rock, pop punk, and pop rock mixed in with the occasional hard rock performance. If there’s not an event happening that night, why not take your night to the next level by booking a bowling lane for your group?
THE CLAW Arcade
If you, your friends, or the fam are obsessed with trying to win things from claw machines, you need to bring your whole crew off-Strip to THE CLAW Arcade!
If you’re like us and have a soft spot for all things cute and cuddly, then you will be in your own little heaven when you see this place. You can win so much, from adorable Japanese plushies to Disney things to quirky figurines.
Similar to what you’d experience in Japan, you’ll be surrounded by a sea of color, bright LED lights, and fun vibes that’ll have you feeling as buzzed as those neon lights in the arcade. The setup here is simple: you line up, pay upfront, and snag yourself some tokens to fuel your claw-crane conquests.
Ever dreamt of upgrading your plushie haul for something bigger/better? Well, dream no more because here, you can trade in your winnings for bigger and better prizes, similar to how you’d do it at a carnival.
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