Vacations With Teens in Las Vegas

Robin Raven, Leaf Group Updated March 26, 2018

Often called the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas promises glitz, glamour and excitement for teens. While they may not be permitted to gamble or engage in activities, like drinking, that earned Sin City its nickname, teenagers can easily enjoy a long vacation with an action-packed itinerary in Las Vegas. From record-breaking live shows with some of the most popular artists on the planet to delectable dining around every corner, Las Vegas is chock-full of fun for every member of the family, including teenagers.

Attend Concerts and Other Shows

Young people are sure to enjoy the diverse musical scene in Las Vegas. It’s a place where anything goes. In addition to seasoned artists performing on the Strip, other young performers are just getting their break there. Cirque Du Soleil appeals to many teens with a variety of different shows that always involve acrobatics, stunning visuals and music. It even offers a free behind-the-scenes tour for young people who’d like an insider’s glimpse into show business magic. At the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, the slightly subversive Penn and Teller magic duo perform a magic and comedy show with off-beat humor and slightly ribald jokes often appreciated by young adults. The comedians have been performing since the mid-1980s and are nationally known for their shtick in which the silent Teller plays the straight man for the zany Penn.

Welcome High-Speed Thrills

It's no secret that many teens are drawn to adrenaline rushes. If your teens fall into that category, they’ll enjoy the appropriately named Adventuredome at the Circus Circus complex. The park has 25 rides, including major attractions like Canyon Blaster, a double-loop roller coaster, a free-fall ride from 100 feet up and a spinning disk ride that flips each rider upside down. The tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States, the Stratosphere Tower at the Stratosphere complex is one of the icons of Las Vegas, reaching more than 1,100 feet into the sky and giving visitors a great view of the city’s dazzling lights at night. Thrill rides at the top of the tower include the Big Shot, which is billed as the highest thrill ride in the world, shooting guests up 160 feet into the air. Insanity spins guests in a circle while dangling out over the tower's edge, letting centrifugal force lift them back so they're facing straight down.

Enjoy Outdoor Adventures

The area around Las Vegas is gorgeous in its desert hues and natural open spaces. The Hoover Dam, less than an hour away, is one of the engineering marvels of the world and creates the massive Lake Mead, which provides water for Las Vegas while also generating electricity for the surrounding area. Teens and adults alike will be amazed by the power and beauty of this structure. Take them to get a colorful eyeful at the Valley of Fire State Park. About an hour outside Las Vegas, its red sandstone formations often give off an appearance of being on fire under the glare of the sun, but it goes from hot to totally cool once you tell them that parts of the movie "Transformers" were shot here. Challenge them to use their imagination attempting to guess the meaning of ancient rock carvings found on the park's 40,000 acres.