Sensory-Friendly and Inclusive Activities in Las Vegas (A Guide For Families)
Las Vegas is best known for its vibrant nightlife, bright lights, and extravagant entertainment scene, but the city also offers a variety of sensory-friendly activities for adults and children.
We know that visiting Las Vegas can feel daunting if you’re traveling with someone who has sensory sensitivities. To help reduce your nerves, we’ve compiled a list of activities, shows, and events specifically designed to accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Before we get started, we’ll also help you identify hotels that may be best suited for your needs and give you other useful tips. So whether you’re traveling with a child who has autism or simply seeking calming experiences for yourself, Las Vegas has plenty of inclusive options to make your visit enjoyable and comfortable.
Tips For a Comfortable and Sensory-Friendly Trip To Las Vegas
There are some precautions you can take to make your trip to Las Vegas as comfortable as possible, everything from choosing the right time of year to visit and the hotel you stay at.
Visit at a Quiet Time of Year
Plan your trip during off-peak seasons to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Late winter, especially after New Year’s and Christmas, or early fall are usually quieter times, with shorter lines, fewer people, and better deals.
Choose a Non-Gaming Hotel
For a quieter stay, opt for a non-gaming hotel. These properties often have a more tranquil atmosphere, away from crowds, bright lights, and loud noises found in gaming casinos. Some options include W, Vdara, Waldorf Astoria, and Resorts World.
Make Restaurant Reservations in Advance
Securing reservations ensures you won’t have to wait in noisy, crowded spaces. You can also research the menu ahead of time to ensure the restaurant meets your dietary or sensory preferences. You could also visit restaurants off the Strip. They’ll be less busy, and the food will be just as good, if not better.
Buy Tickets for Activities, Shows, and Things to Do in Advance
Pre-booking tickets reduces the stress of last-minute decisions and waiting in lines. It also allows you to choose seats or times that are best suited for your sensory needs.
Book Early Morning Activities
Early morning activities are typically quieter, with fewer people around. Whether it’s a museum visit or a nature walk, this can provide a calm and sensory-friendly start to your day.
Carry Noise-Canceling Headphones
Bring noise-canceling headphones to manage overstimulation in crowded or noisy environments, such as airports, busy attractions, or even restaurants. They can also help create a calming sensory break.
So now, let’s get to a list of sensory-friendly things you can do in Las Vegas.
Sensory-Friendly Activities in Las Vegas
The Smith Center for Performing Arts
The Smith Center for Performing Arts is dedicated to making theater accessible to everyone, including individuals with sensory sensitivities via their sensory-inclusive programming. They offer specially designed performances that prioritize comfort and inclusivity.
These sensory-friendly shows feature adjusted sound and lighting levels to reduce overstimulation, and house lights remain dimmed rather than completely dark. Guests are welcome to move freely, and the center provides designated quiet areas for those needing a break. Additionally, trained staff and volunteers are on hand to offer support and assistance as needed.
In November, The Smith Center ran a special sensory-inclusive Shrek Musical. The next event is the sensory-inclusive production of Pa’akai. The production is directed by Eric Johnson and Moses Goods, and the story follows the practice of giving and cultivating salt in the Native Hawaiian culture.
You can find a complete list of activities via this link.
The Smith Center is located at 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89106.
Discovery Children’s Museum
The Discovery Children’s Museum in downtown Las Vegas offers a wide range of activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity. For families with sensory-sensitive children, the museum provides a dedicated sensory room.
The museum states that the sensory room is an “oasis of calm and exploration, equipped with experiential learning tools, adaptive computers, integrated music therapy, and projections”. The museum offers a calming environment with soft lighting and interactive elements tailored to help children unwind and self-regulate.
As well as the designated sensory room, quieter exhibit areas are available throughout the museum, ensuring families can explore at their own pace. Interactive displays, such as the Water World and Eco City exhibits, offer hands-on learning opportunities in a structured yet sensory-considerate way. With a focus on inclusivity and engagement, the Discovery Children’s Museum creates a welcoming space where children of all abilities can explore, learn, and play.
The museum is rated 4.7 out of 5 on Google from nearly 4,500 reviews. Local admission tickets are $14.50, and general admission tickets are $20.
You can purchase tickets for the Discovery Children’s Museum here.
The museum is open 10 AM to 5 PM Tuesday to Saturday, and 12 PM to 5 PM on Sunday.
The museum is located at 360 Promenade Pl, Las Vegas, NV, 89106.
Gilcrease Brothers Park
Gilcrease Brothers Park in northwest Las Vegas features an innovative sensory wall. The Hunter Green sensory wall was launched on World Autism Day in 2018 and is designed specifically to engage children with autism and sensory processing needs. This hands-on wall includes various textures, spinning gears, and interactive elements that help children regulate their senses while enjoying a playful experience.
Beyond the sensory wall, the park offers traditional playground equipment, a splash pad, and picnic areas, making it an inclusive space for children of all abilities. This thoughtful design encourages both fun and connection, allowing families to enjoy a welcoming environment where every child can play comfortably.
The park is open from 7 AM to 11 PM daily.
Gilcrease Brothers Park is located at 10011 Gilcrease Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89149.
Mandalay Bay Shark Reef Aquarium
The Mandalay Bay Shark Reef Aquarium can get busy, so we recommend visiting it at a quieter time of the year, however, it does offer a calming and sensory-considerate environment for visitors of all ages.
The aquarium features over 2,000 aquatic creatures, including sharks, sea turtles, and exotic fish. The aquarium’s dim lighting and soothing underwater ambiance create a tranquil setting perfect for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
A reason we have featured the attraction in this article is the touch pool, where guests can gently interact with stingrays and horseshoe crabs—an engaging yet peaceful experience for children and adults alike. The walk-through tunnel and exhibits designed to resemble a sunken shipwreck provide a captivating yet manageable way to explore marine life at your own pace. Trained staff are also on hand to assist, ensuring a supportive and enriching visit for everyone.
Tickets are $29 for adults and $24 for children aged 4 to 12.
As the name suggests, the Aquarium is located in Mandalay Bay.
Chuck E. Cheese Sensory Sensitive Sundays
Chuck E. Cheese is a staple for kids in North America. On designated Sundays, Chuck E. Cheese offers a sensory-sensitive experience tailored to individuals who may find the typical environment overwhelming.
During these special hours, the lights are dimmed, sound effects and arcade noises are reduced, and the overall atmosphere is calmed to create a welcoming space for children with sensory sensitivities. The quieter environment ensures children can engage with the games, attractions, and even Chuck E. himself without feeling overstimulated.
In Las Vegas, not all locations participate. To take advantage of Sensory Sensitive Sundays, you need to visit the following locations:
These locations make it easy for local families and visitors to find an inclusive and fun activity for everyone.
Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart
Omega Mart is a one-of-a-kind immersive art experience designed to intrigue and delight visitors of all ages. To ensure everyone can enjoy their visit, the venue provides sensory bags equipped with noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, and fidget toys for guests who may benefit from sensory support. Friendly, trained staff are stationed throughout the installation, ready to assist and foster an inclusive, welcoming environment.
All Meow Wolf exhibitions are certified autism centers, including the Vegas location within AREA15. This immersive experience combines vibrant visuals with hands-on exploration. While its vivid displays and intricate storytelling engage all ages, the exhibit also caters to individuals with sensory sensitivities.
Quiet zones are accessible throughout AREA15 for those who might need a break, offering a calm retreat during the visit.
General admission tickets start at $54.
You can buy Meow Wolf tickets here.
Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers a serene outdoor escape just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas. Red Rock Canyon can provide a calm and peaceful environment for both adults and children. The natural wonder provides an opportunity to connect with nature.
The 13-mile scenic drive allows visitors to explore beautiful desert landscapes from the comfort of their vehicle, making it ideal for those who might find hiking or crowds overwhelming.
For those ready to explore on foot, trails such as the Willow Springs Loop or Lost Creek are relatively short and feature gentle paths with shaded areas, providing a sensory-friendly hiking experience.
The visitor center also includes accessible facilities and informative exhibits for a more structured experience.
Entrance fees are $20 per vehicle or $5 per individual if arriving on foot or bicycle.
FYI, we’ve also created a guide on outdoor activities in Las Vegas.
Red Rock Canyon is around 30 minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip.
Fountains at the Bellagio
The Fountains of Bellagio are an iconic feature of Las Vegas. Despite being one of the most popular spots to visit in Las Vegas, there are ways for individuals with sensory sensitivities to enjoy this attraction.
The open-air setting allows for flexibility in viewing from a distance, which can help minimize exposure to sudden sounds or movements. You do not have to be up close to the fountains to enjoy the show; there’s less of a rush from the promenade or you could enjoy the show from a nearby restaurant.
As the name suggests, the fountains are located at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino.
There’s More To Vegas Than Bright Lights and Casinos
Las Vegas proves that it’s more than just bright lights and bustling casinos. Yes, there’s still a long way to go for the city to become more inclusive. However, you can see that the city and organizations are trying to become friendlier to those with sensory-specific needs. From the calming exhibits at the Discovery Children’s Museum, the hands-on experiences at Omega Mart, or the serene landscapes of Red Rock Canyon, there’s a variety of different activities for guests to enjoy.
By planning ahead and choosing attractions tailored to sensory needs, families and individuals can create a memorable and comfortable visit. Las Vegas welcomes everyone to experience its unique offerings in a way that suits their preferences and pace.
If you’re looking for more inspiration for your next trip to Las Vegas, you’ll find the following resources useful.
If you’ve decided to book your trip to Vegas, we can also help you get discounted show tickets, cheap tickets to attractions, and the best rate for your hotel.
