You’re moving to one of the most lively cities in the United States … with a teenager. Don’t panic! There are a lot of activities in Las Vegas that are appropriate for teens and families. Whether your teen is into the outdoors or the performing arts, there’s a little bit of everything here in the Entertainment Capital of the World.
Stay cool.
The summer in Las Vegas means sweltering desert temperatures. Cool off at one of the many public pools in Clark County. If anyone in your family needs swim lessons or is interested in swimming outdoors, the Summerlin Community Center has several locations, offering daily activities and season passes. If you’re looking for water slides and lazy rivers, check out the Cowabunga Bay Water Park in Henderson.
Explore town centers.
Does your teen enjoy shopping? Catching a movie? Dining out? Las Vegas has several shopping districts, such as Town Square and Downtown Summerlin, with movie theaters, restaurants, arcades, concerts, and events.
Enjoy the outdoors.
Las Vegas’ desert landscape provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventure. Red Rock Canyon is about a 30-minute drive from Las Vegas and boasts several hiking trails. And if hiking around the canyon doesn’t interest you, there is a 13-mile loop you can drive around and still enjoy the scenery. Another option is the Valley of Fire National Park with its acres of vivid red Aztec sandstone, which is about an hour away from Las Vegas. Mt. Charleston in the Spring Mountains offers hiking, biking, camping, climbing, horseback riding, and more.
See some sports, play some sports.
Is your teen interested in sports? For sports fans, Las Vegas is home to three professional sports teams: the National Hockey League’s Vegas Golden Knights, the National Football League’s Las Vegas Raiders, and the Women’s National Basketball Association’s Las Vegas Aces. For active teens, the city’s parks and recreation department offers team sports, activities, and camps.
See a show.
Las Vegas is often referred to as the Entertainment Capital of the World and there are several family-friendly show options, such as Super Summer Theatre, Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil, and Nathan Burton’s Comedy Magic Show.
Cruise the Strip as a family.
Welcome to Las Vegas! Take a walk along the city’s famous 4-mile Strip. From the Bellagio’s famous fountains to the Eiffel Tower, there is a lot to see. If you’re a family of thrill seekers, many of the casinos have roller coasters and rides, including the Big Apple Coaster in the New York New York Hotel and Casino and the Big Shot in the Strat. If your teen is interested in the history of organized crime, the Mob Museum isn’t too far from the Strip.
It’s important to note … Las Vegas has a curfew for children under the age of 18.
Unless your teen is with you (or another parent or guardian) or commuting to or from work, children under the age of 18 have to be off the city’s streets by 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 12:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and need to avoid the Strip after 9:00 p.m. on the weekends.
Getting ready to start high school in Las Vegas?
Whether your teen is starting their freshman year or transferring to a new private high school in Las Vegas, Nevada, there are a few things they can do to make the experience a little less stressful for everyone:
- Visit campus before the first day. Touring the campus will give your teen some familiarity with their surroundings before the first day and instill excitement about what’s to come.
- Check out the course offerings. Is your teen interested in Engineering? Politics? Science? Poetry? Maybe your teen is looking for Honors or AP courses. Find out what’s available and make note of any courses that interest your teen.
- Utilize helpful resources. Parents will likely have access to a Parent Portal or another online platform with helpful information regarding supplies, scheduling, and tuition, if applicable. Your teen will be assigned a faculty advisor and college counselor who will serve as valuable resources and mentors throughout high school, serving as a go-to for questions regarding course scheduling, goal-setting, and college preparation and planning.
Are you considering The Adelson School for your teen?
If you’re thinking about attending Nevada’s only K-12 Jewish community school, we encourage you to reach out to our admissions team or schedule a visit to experience our learning community firsthand.