Las Vegas might be famous for high-rolling gamblers, neon-drenched nightlife and Elvis-themed weddings – but what happens when you swap the roulette wheel for rollercoasters and bring two teenagers along for the ride?
That was the gamble we took in December…and we hit the jackpot.
With five days based just off the Strip in a comfy holiday home, we discovered a whole new side of Las Vegas – one bursting with thrills, world-class food and surprises at every turn.
Here’s how Vegas wowed us – without a slot machine in sight.
Buffets Worth Betting On
Las Vegas doesn’t just do buffets – it elevates them. After considerable research (and plenty of appetite), we chose two of the best.
At Bacchanal Buffet in Caesars Palace, more than 250 dishes from around the globe kept even the fussiest teen happy.
From sushi and tacos to Wagyu sliders and the kind of mac and cheese that inspires sonnets, it was a feast for the ages. And yes, the gelato bar is its own religion.
We also made our way to Wynn Buffet for brunch, where lobster claws sat beside made-to-order crepes and pastries so good they could bring a tear to your eye. It’s the ideal place to sneak a little fine dining into the itinerary without the kids even realising.
Take to the Sky on the High Roller
This enormous observation wheel is the world’s second tallest and offers jaw-dropping, 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Strip.
The 30-minute ride was smooth and surprisingly relaxing – a great break from walking – and a perfect photo-op, especially as the sun sets and the Strip begins to glow.
The slow-moving, air-conditioned pods give you time to take in the glittering Strip, the Sphere’s animated dome and a vast desert horizon.
The Sphere from the High Roller
Strip Walks & Street Surprises
While under-21s can’t hit the casinos, there’s still magic in the air on the Strip – literally.
We watched the fountains dance at The Bellagio, fire shoot from The Mirage volcano and stumbled into a live pop-up piano concert and a troupe of Elvis impersonators in one night. It’s chaotic, colourful and completely captivating.
See a Show (or two)
Las Vegas shows are legendary – and many are perfect for teens.
We saw Criss Angel MINDFREAK, a fast-paced, high-energy spectacle packed with magic, lights and jaw-dropping illusions. It had us all glued to our seats and left the whole family buzzing with “how did he do that?” questions for hours.
Over at The Sphere – Las Vegas’ newest immersive entertainment venue – we were treated to an incredible visual experience, complete with surround sound and 360-degree projections. We watched Postcards from Earth and, while the storyline didn’t leave a lasting impression, the amazing visuals certainly did.
The venue is massive, with seating for more than 18,000 people, so expect a crowded foyer before the show. This makes it tricky to spend much time with Aura, the humanoid spokesbot. Also worth noting – the seating is incredibly steep, so it may be a bit daunting if you’re not a fan of heights.
Zip Line down Fremont Street
My daughter had her heart set on bungee jumping off The Strat (yes, that’s really a thing), but we realised that for the same price as one jump, all four of us could ride the SlotZilla Zip Line instead. It turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip.
Flying Superman-style through the heart of Fremont Street – the original Las Vegas Strip – under a canopy of dazzling LED lights and above the bustling crowds was pure exhilaration.
Bonus tip: if you weigh more than the rest of your group, you’ll fly faster – something I discovered the dramatic way!
Fremont’s retro charm, with its vintage neon signs and live street music, offered a lively, nostalgic contrast to the sleek, modern Strip.
It’s also where you’ll find the infamous Heart Attack Grill, known for its hospital-themed dining experience and free meals for anyone weighing over 150 kilos.
Rollercoaster Rush
For thrill-seekers, Las Vegas still delivers some serious adrenaline.
The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York Hotel offers heart-pounding drops and loops with incredible views of the Strip – it’s fast, bumpy and had our teens racing back for a second go.
Over at the Adventuredome inside Circus Circus, you’ll find two more scream-worthy rides: El Loco, a compact coaster with beyond-vertical drops and tight twists, and the Canyon Blaster, a double-loop, double-corkscrew indoor coaster that’s perfect for those looking to test their nerve.
These rides prove you don’t need to hit the high rollers to feel the rush in Vegas.
Off the Strip Gems
For a break from the dazzle of the Strip, we headed to Main Street, where a more chilled-out vibe awaits: think craft breweries, quirky shops and low-key eateries.
We also just wandered. In true Vegas style, that meant stumbling into a real-life wedding, complete with Elvis, and the famous Pawn Stars pawn shop from the reality TV show.
Atomic Museum – Mind-Blowing History
For something completely different, the Atomic Museum (formerly the National Atomic Testing Museum) offers a deep dive into Nevada’s role in Cold War history.
The exhibits are engaging and interactive, and include everything from Geiger counters to videos of nuclear tests conducted just an hour north of the city. Educational, eerie and unforgettable. It was an unexpected favourite, sparking conversations long after we left.
Grand Canyon West & Hoover Dam
The drive to Grand Canyon West is a scenic adventure in itself. Just two hours from Las Vegas, the route takes you through stark desert landscapes and a striking Joshua tree forest, with plenty of spots to stop and soak in the vast, rugged beauty of Nevada and Arizona.
While the West Rim isn’t quite as dramatic as the more famous South Rim, it’s still an impressive sight – and for many visitors, the only practical option when based in Vegas.
Although the zipline was closed during our visit, we saw plenty of people taking scenic helicopter rides, which looked impressive.
On the way back from the Hoover Dam we listened to a self-guided audio tour that brought the region’s colourful past to life.
From the origins of Las Vegas as a dusty railroad stop in 1905 to the legalisation of gambling in 1931 and the rise of its famous landmarks like The Flamingo and the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, the story of the city unfolded as the desert landscape rolled by. It was the perfect mix of sightseeing and storytelling to round out the day.
Las Vegas turned out to be one of the most exciting family destinations we’ve visited. Sure, it’s known for gambling and late-night shows – but beneath the neon lies a world of entertainment for every age.
If you’re travelling with teens and wondering if Vegas is a good fit, don’t worry – they’ll be the ones dragging you out the door every morning, ready for more.
