You have no idea how surprised I was when my research of Las Vegas for family friendly activities revealed a highly rated children’s museum! We were there last year for a little less than a week and I wanted to pack in as many activities as possible with my girls during that time. Children’s museums are always a hit with our kids so I was sure we’d have a good time.
The Discover Children’s Museum is located a couple miles off the frenzied main Vegas strip. It is convenient to access from the main strip and is also just a block or two from the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets!
Some people might say if you’ve been to one children’s museum you’ve been to them all. I wouldn’t agree with that statement at all… The Discovery is one of the best children’s museums we have ever been to for the following reasons:
Wide variety of activities for a large range of ages
The exhibits at this museum were just plain awesome. Yes, there were some of the standard exhibits like a water play room and a dedicated toddler play space, but even these features were well designed. The main entrance features a 70 foot tower and play space that spans all the floors of the museum. Even within this space my two kids at different ages could play together and enjoy themselves. There are traveling exhibits that are featured throughout the year and several stationary exhibits of great quality.
Cleanliness
One of the things I dislike about child centered play ares is that they can be a breeding ground for germs and general grossness. I am not a clean freak at all but I always watch my girls while they’re playing and make sure they follow general rules to keep germs at bay. I really appreciated seeing staff all over the museum, cleaning surfaces, sweeping floors and offering kids hand sanitizer upon entry to certain spaces! The bathrooms were also quite clean and smelled good, which not always an easy feat when it comes to kids bathrooms.
Location
I love it when a museum is easily accessible with the kids. Even though my kids are older and I don’t have to deal with stroller woes, I still appreciate it when the location is easy to access without too much trouble. The Discovery has an attached parking garage with FREE PARKING. Even the surrounding area (at the time of our visit) was not too busy, with views of the lovely outdoor shopping complex close by and the mountains in the distance.
With the bounty of activities to keep you entertained in Vegas, I was more than pleased to find this restaurant not too far from the hustle and bustle of the main strip. It took us just about 15 minutes (during midday) to reach the museum from the Venetian Resort which is near the Southern end of the strip.
I would highly recommend the Discovery Children’s Museum to families visiting Las Vegas.
Precious Details
Admission: $14.50 for everyone over age 1, discounts available for Military and Nevada residents
Hours: Closed most major holidays and on Mondays during the Winter and Fall. Open daily in the Summer. See website for exact hours of operation
Parking: there is FREE parking located in a garage connected to the museum (hooray!!)
11 Comments
Ok, I’ve been to Vegas many (perhaps too many) times before I became a Mom… It’s awesome to see some family friendly options now too!
Great story, I love that they have a Cleaniness exhibit!
I wish I could visit there. My kids would love that! Heck, I would love that, especially the FREE parking!
Sounds a fun place to go with kids. Will keep in mine in my next trip to Vegas.
Looks like there is so much to do there! Children’s museums are so much fun and that one looks huge!
I’ve wanted to go to Vegas I live so close it’d be a somewhat easy trip. I’ll have to remember to visit here when we do get the chance.
Wow this is really interesting to learn as someone from outside the US. Our perception of Vegas is all gambling and excess, very much an over 18/21 city. So it’s great to read that there are actually some good family activities as well. It makes me rethink the destination as a family vacation spot.
I am glad to read your post. I went to Las Vegas last year with my older one for her 21st birthday. I am glad to know that I can bring my younger one next time.
This looks great! I love that you found it clean and it definitely looks like there are so many activities to make it fun and interesting!
I’ve never even heard of this place. I’m considering going to Vegas this spring. Looks like the kids may be taking this trip.
Free parking is definitely a plus. The museums in chicago cost a ton to get into and we have to pay about $25 to park.