Nevada Family Travel Guide
Nevada is probably best known for Las Vegas, Area 51 and its desert landscapes, which being honest, doesn’t sound all that family-friendly at first. However, forget what you see in the movies because Nevada and family travel go hand in hand. From the bright lights of Las Vegas to the serene beauty of Lake Tahoe, Nevada offers a huge range of activities that cater to all ages. Surprisingly, even Las Vegas has plenty to do for families!
When is the best time to visit Nevada?
The best months to visit Nevada largely depend on what activities you’re interested in, but generally, the most pleasant times to visit are April, May, September and October, offering comfortable weather for both outdoor adventures and city exploration.
March to May (spring in the USA)
Spring offers mild and comfortable temperatures, especially in southern Nevada. Las Vegas, for example, sees daytime temperatures of 21-27°C (70s to 80s °F), making it a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking at Red Rock Canyon, exploring the desert, or visiting the Great Basin National Park.
September to November (fall/autumn in the USA)
Fall is fairly mild as well, with less extreme heat compared to summer. It’s a great time for outdoor activities, scenic drives and visiting Las Vegas before the cooler winter temperatures set in.
December to February (winter in the USA)
Winter in Nevada can vary. In the southern part of the state, including Las Vegas, winter is mild, with daytime temperatures of 10-16°C ( 50s to 60s °F). However, Northern Nevada, particularly around the beautiful Lake Tahoe, experiences colder temperatures and snow. This is the best time for skiing and snowboarding in the Lake Taho region and to experience fewer crowds in Las Vegas.
June to August (summer in the USA)
Summers in Nevada, particularly in the south, are extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 38°C (100°F ). Northern Nevada is a little milder. Despite the heat, summer is a popular time to visit Lake Tahoe for water activities and outdoor recreation. And although the heat is intense in Las Vegas, the city offers plenty of indoor entertainment in air-conditioned comfort.
Getting to Nevada and getting around
Nevada is well-connected by air, with major airports in Las Vegas and Reno.
- Flights: Flights are available from most major cities in the USA.
- Driving: Renting a car or RV is recommended for exploring Nevada, especially for visiting natural attractions.
- Public Transit: Las Vegas has a robust public transportation system, including buses and the Monorail but outside of Las Vegas, it’s simply easier to DIY with a hired car.
Things to do in Nevada with kids
Nevada is a playground for families, offering everything from adventure parks and historical sites to alpine lakes with snow skiing and hot springs.
- Las Vegas: Visit family-friendly attractions like the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, The Paradox Experience and The Sphere.
- Lake Tahoe: Enjoy swimming, boating, and hiking in the summer; skiing in the winter. Don’t miss a cruise along the lake on the MS Dixie II Paddlewheeler.
- Road Trips: Nevada is built for RV travel and the RVs in the USA are built for comfort, making it an ideal destination to experience on a good old-fashioned family road trip.
Inspiration for Nevada family travel
Family-friendly accommodation in Nevada
Nevada offers a variety of family-friendly accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels through to well-equipped RV parks for those on a road trip.
- Las Vegas: Las Vegas can be a little seedy around the edges in the RV parks but splurging on a luxury hotel is a winner here, especially The Venetian, with once-in-a-lifetime views of The Sphere.
- Lake Tahoe: Family cabins, resorts and well-equipped RV parks offer a cozy stay with easy access to outdoor activities.
- Elsewhere: There’s an RV park in nearly every town as well as motel/hotel options. Make sure you read the reviews online before you book.
Inspiration for family-friendly accommodation in Nevada
Dining with kids
Nevada has an array of dining options suitable for families, as well as many family-favourite food chains. There is nearly always a kid’s menu, but even if there isn’t, you’ll usually be able to find something on the menu for fussy eaters.
Road trips and day trips
To help you make the most of your time with your family in Nevada, here are some suggested itineraries:
- The Extraterrestrial Highway: Crashed UFOs, Area 51 and a fortune-telling Alien Trump – it doesn’t get much cheesier than this – or better.
- America’s Loneliest Highway: Spoiler alert – it’s not that lonely and it’s utterly fascinating.
- The Free Range Art Highway: From Las Vegas to Reno with a detour into Lake Tahoe, explore the quirky side of Nevada.
Budgeting for your trip
Nevada can be as affordable or as luxurious as you make it, but often, how affordable things are in Nevada boils down to the USD against your own dollar.
- Cost-saving tips: Visit free attractions like the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas or take a scenic drive around Lake Tahoe. If you’re on an RV trip, you’ll be able to cook just like you do at home and avoid paying to eat out for every meal.
- Affordable attractions: There are a number of free and low-cost places to visit in Nevada, including its many natural areas, historical places, and even some attractions, such as the Nevada Discovery Museum in Reno.
- Best value dining: Casual dining spots offer good value for families and self-catering if you’re travelling in an RV.
Additional resources
Nevada is a fantastic destination for families, particularly ones that love the outdoors. Offering a mix of natural beauty, exciting attractions, and both historical and cultural experiences, this is one destination to add to your USA family travel bucket list.
Useful websites and apps:
