Some people are surprised when they hear we take our kids to Las Vegas, but it’s actually one of our favorite family getaways. There’s so much to do for every age, and while it can be pricey, with a few simple tricks, you can keep it affordable while still having an amazing time.
For our family, Las Vegas has surprisingly been one of the more affordable destinations to fly to, especially since Detroit is a hub city. That said, there are still a few ways to make it even more budget-friendly.
Cash: If you’re planning to pay for your flight with cash, you’ll typically find the best deals either when tickets are first released or at the last minute. We usually fly with Delta Air Lines out of Detroit, so I book about 330 days in advance. (Last-minute fares do happen, but they’re very unpredictable.)
Points: Using points is a great way to cut down on one of the biggest travel expenses. While Delta Air Lines offers a solid sign-up bonus that can cover a couple of free trips, I’ve found it takes a while to build up enough points for future flights. I prefer a transferable travel credit card like Chase Sapphire Preferred, which lets me choose from multiple airlines, earn points faster, and often find better redemption rates.
To learn more about traveling free with points and miles, check out my video below.
We’ve stayed at several hotels in Vegas, and while each has something unique to offer, MGM Grand is hands-down our favorite for families. Its location is hard to beat; just a short drive from the airport, right on the Strip, and in the heart of all the action. Even better, the Las Vegas Monorail is accessible from the hotel, making it easy and affordable to get around the Strip. But the real highlight? The pools. The MGM Grand Pool Complex features four pools, three whirlpools, cascading waterfalls, and a 1,000-foot lazy river that my kids would happily spend all day in if we let them.
The best way to save money at MGM Grand is to skip the weekends. Weekday stays are often half the price, and if you’re a bit strategic, you can sometimes even score 2–4 nights for free.
To Learn how to stay at MGM for free, check out my video below.
Walking – Walking the Strip is the most obvious budget-friendly way to get around. Surprisingly, because Las Vegas is so visually exciting, my kids don’t seem to tire as quickly; there’s always something to look at along the way.
Free Hotel Trams – There are three free tram systems that make getting around even easier:
Low-Cost Public Transportation – The Las Vegas Monorail, accessible from MGM Grand, is a convenient and affordable way to travel the Strip. It runs from MGM Grand to SAHARA Las Vegas, with stops at major locations like Horseshoe Las Vegas / Paris Las Vegas, Flamingo Las Vegas / Caesars Palace, Harrah’s Las Vegas / The LINQ Hotel + Experience, and the Convention Center.
The Deuce- Another great option for getting around, the Deuce is a double-decker bus that stops at nearly every major resort along the Strip and is one of the most affordable ways to get around.
Uber/Lyft – When walking or public transportation isn’t practical, especially for trips off the Strip, we compare Uber and Lyft to find the best price.
Tips for Eating Out on a Budget
Pro Tip: You’d be surprised how much you can save by sticking to water at restaurants. With kids, the four of us often split two meals, which helps cut costs and reduces food waste.
Drinks & Snacks – If you’ve been sticking to your budget so far, this is where Las Vegas can really add up. One of the easiest ways to save? Make ABC Stores (and other convenience stores) your first stop. Adult beverages on the Strip can easily run $20–$40 each, so stocking up on your own, along with a few cups, can make a big difference. The best part? You can walk the Strip and even move through many casinos with your own drinks.
While you’re there, grab water, snacks, and a few light groceries to help keep costs down throughout your trip. As an added bonus, rooms at MGM Grand include a small mini refrigerator, making something simple like cereal an easy, budget-friendly breakfast option for our family.
Free Activities – One of my favorite things to do in Las Vegas—and completely free—is simply walking the Strip. No matter how much time you spend there, you’ll never see everything. And if the scenery ever gets old, the people-watching alone will keep you entertained.
Another huge win for kids? Swimming! If you’re staying at MGM Grand, your kids will be beyond excited when they see what’s waiting for them—four pools, three whirlpools, cascading waterfalls, and an incredible lazy river. My kids could easily spend the entire day there if we let them.
Other great free options include the acrobat acts at Circus Circus and the iconic Fountains of Bellagio.
Low-Cost Activities – Tournament of Kings is a fun, budget-friendly dinner show that my kids absolutely loved. The Big Apple Coaster was another big hit—and it’s even possible to score it for free through MyVegas Slots.
Pro Tip: Sign up for MyVegas Slots about 6 months before your trip and play the free slot games to earn points. These can be redeemed for free nights at MGM Grand and other hotels, as well as discounted or free shows and attractions.
Wizard Of Oz at the Sphere
Watching The Wizard of Oz at Sphere was such a fun and immersive experience for our whole family. The visuals are incredible, and the interactive elements keep kids completely engaged from start to finish—it really feels like you’re part of the story.
This was a truly magical experience for our family, and we highly recommend making this your splurge if you’re taking your kids to Vegas. If you’re lucky, you may even catch an apple from the tree!
Tournament Of Champions at Excalibur
The Tournament of Kings at Excalibur Hotel & Casino is a high-energy, medieval-themed dinner show where knights battle it out on horseback while you cheer on your section. It’s fully interactive; no utensils, lots of crowd participation, and keeps kids completely engaged from start to finish.
While the food was just okay, the entertainment more than made up for it. This was an experience our whole family truly loved and one we’d absolutely recommend for anyone visiting Vegas with kids.
Valley of Fire State Park
Nothing makes a trip to Las Vegas complete like a day trip off the Strip. Just about an hour from Vegas, Valley of Fire feels like stepping onto another planet, with vibrant red rock formations, sweeping desert views, and plenty of easy spots for kids to explore. One of our favorite stops was the Fire Wave, with its incredible colors and patterns that look almost unreal. The short walk makes it totally doable for families, especially if you go early before the heat sets in. Other popular daytrips include the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon.
Big Apple Coaster at New York New York
The roller coaster at New York-New York in Las Vegas is one of the most unique rides on the Strip, featuring speeds up to 67 mph, and a dramatic drop that sends you racing around the hotel’s skyline. This is a “must-do” with kids who are thrill seekers.
As an added bonus, my husband and I were each able to use our VIP reward points from the free online game “My VIP Slots” to earn a free all-day coaster ride pass.
Interstellar Arc at Area 15
Interstellar Arc at Area15 in Las Vegas is an immersive, technology-driven experience that blends storytelling, interactive elements, and stunning visuals to create a futuristic adventure. From the moment you enter, you’re surrounded by vibrant digital environments, responsive installations, and hands-on activities that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. The experience is designed to be engaging for all ages, with plenty of opportunities to explore, play, and interact at your own pace.
This was probably the highlight of the kids’ trip. They were completely captivated from start to finish and didn’t want to leave!
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Planning a Nevada getaway? 👉 Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.
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Want to travel but not sure how you can afford it? Learn how to turn your everyday spending into free flights and hotel stays with points and miles.
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