17 Family Day Activities That’ll Have Everyone Laughing, Bonding, and Making Epic Memories
Finding new ideas to spend time together as family members over food and fun activities can be tough. Sometimes it feels like we’ve already tried it all.
We get it—making memories doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or picture-perfect; it can also be so much fun .
We’ve rounded up fun, simple family day activities that make it easy for all of us to get involved, put our phones down, reconnect, and enjoy some quality time together, mess and all.
Whether we want to stay in pajamas all day or head out for new adventures, let’s make the most of our time together with family members and soak up those little moments that really count.
1) Visit DISCOVERY Children’s Museum for hands-on fun
Let’s be real—sometimes we just need a break from the living room chaos when we have guests . That’s where the DISCOVERY Children’s Museum in Las Vegas comes in strong!
Three floors of interactive exhibits? Yes, please. We can let the kids run wild experimenting, learning, and best of all, touching everything in sight.
No “hands-off” zone here. Honestly, it’s our kind of day out—fun and just a little bit messy!
2) Splash around at Springs Preserve splash pad
Let’s be honest, sometimes we just need to let the kids run wild with friends hile we secretly dream of iced coffee. The Springs Preserve splash pad totally has our backs.
It’s got cool shade, so we aren’t melting, and our little ones can play while we chill in the background. Bonus: it’s right by the Butterfly Habitat—hello, impromptu science lesson!
3) Rent bikes and cruise the River Mountains Loop Trail
Let’s grab some bikes and take a walk on the River Mountains Loop Trail together! This paved loop is super family-friendly, and it’s just a quick drive from Las Vegas.
We can pack plenty of snacks, chat as we ride, and maybe even plan a fun game for family game night where the winner gets bragging rights. Rentals make it easy for everyone to join in.
No one gets left behind! Plus, the desert views are honestly kind of awesome.
4) Explore the Las Vegas Natural History Museum
Okay, let’s get nerdy together—who’s up for dinosaurs and creepy crawlies, parents ? The Las Vegas Natural History Museum is our go-to for a fun learning adventure.
We can all dig for fossils, check out massive animal displays, and maybe even spot a few real-life bugs (sorry, not sorry!). It’s hands-on and perfect for curious minds.
Plus, there’s air conditioning that doesn’t require spending a lot of money . Total parenting win!
5) Catch a family movie at Dive-In Movies event
Dive-In Movies are such an excited fun twist on regular movie nights! We can toss on our swimsuits, grab floaties, and watch a flick while chilling in the pool.
It’s all ages, so everyone gets to jump in—literally. Don’t forget snacks, towels, and lots of giggles!
These events make family time feel like a mini-vacation. Check out the next Dive-In Movies for The Family to see what’s playing.
6) Visit the Adventuredome Theme Park rides
Okay, squad—let’s wrangle the kids and check out the Adventuredome at Circus Circus! This place is a five-acre indoor park packed with fun for every vibe—tiny tots, wild teens, and yes, even grown-ups who just want a snack break.
From spinning on the new NebulaZ to classic bumper cars or the arcade, there’s nonstop action. Catch some Adventuredome thrills without breaking a sweat.
No sunscreen drama needed—just good old family chaos and fun.
7) Discover spooky fun at Ethel M Chocolate Factory
Let’s be real—what’s a family adventure without a little sugar rush from treats of our country ? At Ethel M Chocolate Factory, we get to watch chocolate being made, then indulge in the sweet stuff together.
During Halloween season, they kick things up a notch with themed decorations and fun for the kids. Plus, there’s a cactus garden to explore, which has major “spooky, but make it cute” vibes.
Get ready for both treats and giggles at this family-friendly chocolate hotspot.
8) Go for a scenic train ride at Springs Preserve
We all know how wild it can be trying to keep the kids entertained. So why not hop on the Springs Preserve train and just enjoy the trip for once?
There’s something magical about breezing through 3.5 miles of trails and catching those desert views together. The train drops us off at Boomtown 1905, which honestly feels like a mini time machine.
Even toddlers love it! If you need to burn off some energy, there are paths to explore and plenty of space for everyone to run wild.
More details can be found on the Springs Preserve Trails & train rides page.
9) Chill and play at Town Square’s outdoor playgrounds
We all know our kids have energy to burn, and let’s be honest—we need a spot to chill! Town Square’s outdoor playgrounds are perfect for this.
There’s comfy benches for us and slides, swings, and climbing stuff for the littles. We get to sip coffee, chat, and just watch our kiddos make new friends.
Outdoor playgrounds like these help kids stay active and happy, according to this article on playground usage and physical activity. It’s a win for everyone!
10) Catch a live family-friendly show at Allegiant Stadium
We all need a break from cartoons, right? Allegiant Stadium isn’t just for football—there are family-friendly shows in Las Vegas that pop up here, too.
Let’s grab our crew, some super-size snacks, and watch a live performance together. It’s big, it’s loud, and, honestly, it makes for the best family selfie spot ever!
11) Roam around AREA15’s creative immersive art spaces
Let’s pile in the car and hit up AREA15 in Las Vegas for some wild art vibes. This place is not just another boring art museum—it’s an immersive playground full of quirky exhibits, glowing lights, and seriously cool installations.
We can wander through mind-bending art rooms, try out interactive tech stuff, and even watch the kids lose their minds over the trippy visuals. Sneak in a photo op (or ten) and snack stops, because obviously, snacks are essential to any family adventure.
Check out all the fun at AREA15’s immersive experiences.
12) Hop on the Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York
Who’s up for screaming, laughing, and maybe clutching each other for dear life? The Big Apple Coaster in Vegas isn’t your typical ride.
This thing zooms and twists around a giant hotel that looks like New York City. You get wild city views and that stomach-drop feeling as you fly over a 203-foot drop.
This is a family adrenaline rush that’ll stick with us for a long time.
13) Participate in Family Knitting workshops
Knitting together as a family? Honestly, why not! We get to laugh at our tangled yarn, root for each other, and end up with something cozy—total win.
Some places offer beginner classes where we can pick super easy crafts projects like scarves or dishcloths. Check out programs like the Intro to Knitting for Families that help us get started with zero pressure.
No fancy skills required for these crafts —just grab some yarn and let’s give it a go.
14) Have a picnic and explore the gardens at Springs Preserve
Let’s grab snacks, fill our picnic basket pack up the kids, and totally own family picnic day at Springs Preserve! There are plenty of shady spots, and it’s way less stressful than eating in the car.
Once we’re full, we can wander through the gardens as a large group . So many cool plants to spot and random places for silly photos.
If we’re lucky, we’ll catch a fun event or little show. You can find event info at the Springs Preserve website.
15) Check out the Circus of Bubbles with Kirk Marsh
Let’s be honest—who doesn’t love bubbles? They can also teach kids about fun science. If our kids are obsessed, so are we.
The Circus of Bubbles with Kirk Marsh is a magical show where bubble tricks meet circus skills that remind us of childhood . Expect bubbly laughs, silly moments, and maybe a little soap on your shirt.
Perfect for the whole family—those smiles make it worth it.
16) Play chess together at Family Video Game Hour meetups
Let’s admit it—we’re not all chess masters, but board game night is about laughs, not just checkmates. Chess brings a bit of brainpower and togetherness.
Snacks in hand, we gather around and try to remember what moves the horsey makes. Want a twist? Try Family Chess for Nintendo Switch for extra giggles.
17) Explore the aquarium at Mandalay Bay
Let’s be real—sometimes we adults just need a break from the desert heat. The Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is perfect for a cool afternoon.
We stroll by giant rays, piranhas, sea turtles, sharks, and also enjoy some crafts. Don’t worry—it’s all behind glass, so your snacks are safe!
They even have a touch pool where we can (carefully) feel some sea creatures. It’s stroller-friendly and fun for everyone.
How To Make Family Day Shine
Let’s get real: the magic in any family day isn’t about expensive plans or perfect Instagram moments. It’s about making memories that feel honest, cozy, and a little bit silly—no matter who’s around or what’s on the schedule.
Setting The Vibe For Fun
We don’t need fancy decorations or a super detailed plan to set the mood. Playing music, making everyone comfy, and being willing to get a little goofy usually does the trick.
A themed dinner or events —like taco night or a pajama party—always gets us giggling. We’ve found that having a simple plan (but keeping it flexible) helps, like starting with a backyard obstacle course and moving inside for a dance party if it rains.
Even a playlist of everyone’s favorite songs can boost the energy. Snacks are basically a must!
Lining up easy-to-grab treats makes everyone feel happy and included. If you want even more, set up DIY stations—like build-your-own sundaes or taco bars—and suddenly snacks become an event. Check out this guide for simple ways to make every day shine.
Navigating Different Ages And Interests
It’s no secret every family has a mix of ages and preferences—and yes, that means we’ve had our share of dance-offs, but also protests from the “too cool” crowd. The trick? Blend up activities so everyone has buy-in.
We swap out board games, add video games to the mix, and let the little ones pick a story to act out. Splitting into teams for a scavenger hunt or a backyard sport helps include the whole crew.
We let everyone vote on the final activity so no one feels left out. If you need extra inspo, peek at these family game ideas that work for every age.
Pro tip: Rotate the “event planner” role so each family member gets to set up an activity and feel special. We love seeing what the kids cook up!
Keeping The Memories Alive
We know how fast these moments fly by with our loved ones . Let’s make sure they don’t just fade away like lost socks in the laundry.
With a bit of planning and some sparkly creativity, we can create and keep these precious memories close to our hearts (and our camera rolls).
Creative Ways To Capture The Day
Snapping photos on our phones is a must, but why stop there? Let’s talk about our experiences too! We can make a simple family video diary by recording quick clips of everyone sharing their favorite part of the day, even from the small one .
Later, string those together for a little movie night—popcorn required, obviously. That always feels more special than scrolling through a camera roll.
Or let’s go old school and grab a disposable camera for our dad a fun twist. Waiting to see how the photos turn out? That never gets old; it always gives us a laugh.
Making a scrapbook together during holidays is another way to save ticket stubs, doodles, or even a leaf from that epic park picnic to file our memories . Want bonus points?
Set up a family time capsule. Pick a box, toss in anything that represents our day, and stash it until next year.
If you want even more ideas, check out this list of ways to record family memories that last.
