Family Fun: 8 Interactive Museums & Immersive Art Exhibits In Las Vegas
Las Vegas is known for incredible immersive and interactive experiences, fit for the entire family. Whether you’re a local or you’re visiting Las Vegas, you can be sure that you will get to explore many exciting, unique exhibits, ranging from artistic opportunities to digitally enhanced movement activities, and everywhere in between. We’ve compiled a few of these intriguing experiences for you to consider taking your family to during your time in Vegas.
Meow Wolf
The Meow Wolf Omega Mart exhibit has been declared the “greatest supermarket experience in the world.” Meow Wolf combines art and storytelling to provide unique experiences for guests at this immersive art installation. It’s an abstract grocery store where everything is for sale. When you walk in, it appears you’re just in a grocery store at first glance. However, as you begin to explore, you will realize everything is not what it initially seems. You can encounter an opening to a whole new realm simply by lifting an item off the shelf. The possibilities are endless!
At Meow Wolf Las Vegas, you will encounter many optical illusions and secret passageways. Make sure to interact with everything you see; you never know where it may lead you! Meow Wolf is kid-friendly and meant for people of all ages. (Children under the age of 18 have to be accompanied by an adult at all times.) Pricing varies based on the day, availability, or even time of day, but typically ranges from $54 to $64 for ages 13 and up. Ages 3 and under have free admission, while ages 4 to 12 years old are approximately $5 cheaper (for example: $54 on a day when GA is $59.)
The Datamosh Bar on site serves snacks like popcorn, nuts, meat, cheese, and more. There are alcoholic and nonalcoholic drink options, and children are allowed in the seating area of the bar. Meow Wolf Omega Mart is a Certified Autism Center and offers low-sensory areas as well as a sensory guide.
Fantasy Lab
Experience the vast and vibrant culture of Mexico at Fantasy Lab’s current exhibit, Colors of Mexico! You will experience extravagant visuals, handcrafted Mexican items for purchase, and authentic Mexican fare that all highlight the rich traditions, folklore, and history of Mexico. Located within Fashion Show Las Vegas, this family-friendly exhibit exudes a colorful atmosphere and vibrant ambiance that celebrates the beauty of Mexican traditions and culture. Every room tells a story and there are 20,000 square feet of excitement to navigate.
Colors of Mexico is complete with a restaurant and bar, Mexican art market, many different exhibits such as Firefly Forest Experience, Colors Experience, Kaleidoscope, “The Kiss Alley,” and so much more. (You will definitely want a map!) Admission to Fantasy Lab’s Colors of Mexico is completely FREE. There’s an authentic Mexican restaurant on property, complete with a kids menu. Milkshakes for the kids, margaritas for the parents…everyone wins. The menu features many dishes from different regions of Mexico: Southern Mexico, Central Mexico, and Northern Mexico.
Arte Museum
This nature-inspired, family friendly art installation is open to people of all ages. The Arte Museum’s installation titled “Eternal Nature” combines nature and the digital world to showcase nature inspired themes in a hyper-realistic, immersive way. You will get to experience continually blooming flowers, beautiful soundscapes, and aromas tied into each exhibit. Some of the exhibits featured include “Waterfall Infinite,” “Flower Rose,” “Whale,” “Star Raindrops,” “Live Sketchbook Night Safari,” “Starry Beach,” and more.
Admission pricing for adults (ages 13 to 64) are $55 Monday through Thursday and $65 on weekends and holidays. Ages 4 to 12 are $45 Monday through Thursday and $55 on weekends and holidays. Ages 0 to 3 are always free! The Arte Tea Bar on site is a gorgeous, interactive teahouse infused with media art. The live sketchbook exhibit entitled “Night Safari” is a favorite for kids. They can sketch their own contribution to the display and it will be brought to life on the huge screen!
Paradox & Museum of Illusions
The Paradox Museum and the Museum of Illusions are similar concepts but with different specific features. At the Paradox Museum, guests are encouraged to “expect the unexpected.” Paradox is filled with reality-defying attractions that test the mind, make you think outside the box, and question everything you’re experiencing. With over 90 interactive exhibits, this venue is popular for group outings, and is appropriate and exciting for people of all ages. Admission prices for children ages 4-11 start at $25, while adult tickets (ages 12 and up) start at $30. Food and drink are not permitted in the museum.
At Paradox, you will get to experience the Paradox Sofa, which is an optical illusion that makes it look like someone’s body is broken up into separate pieces. You’ll also get to see the Reversed Room where everything is upside down, and the Paradox Piano where you’ll get to communicate with an instrument. The Paradox Boutique is a unique gift shop, featuring merchandise, games, clothing, and more.
Similar to the Paradox Museum, the Museum of Illusions is chock full of optical illusions and exhibits that really get you to think about what you’re seeing. You will experience perspective-changing rooms and many interactive activities that puzzle the mind. At the Museum of Illusions, children ages 4 and under are free, children ages 5-12 are $33 if purchased online ($38 in person), and adults (ages 13+) are $40 online ($45 in person.)
Illuminarium
At the Illuminarium, you will get to experience interactive and immersive 360 shows. They’re not 3D or 4D shows; they use audio, visual, and projection technology, including 4K laser projection, to display the featured shows and experiences. The Illuminarium provides an all encompassing sensory experience, highlighting sight, sound, scent, and touch. Strobe effects, floor vibration and in-floor haptics make everything feel more realistic, bringing the exhibit’s elements to life. The intensity of the features vary from exhibit to exhibit, and can be intense but it’s not disorienting or scary, making the Illuminarium a family-friendly attraction. The current featured shows include Lite Brite, Immersive Yoga, Space, and The Big Game. Shows change regularly so be sure to check the show calendar before your visit.
Admission is free for children ages 2 and under, and standard admission starts at $35. Ticket prices vary based on which shows and experiences you choose. The Lumin Cafe and Kitchen is a sit down restaurant and cafe on site with dishes that are sure to satisfy everyone. Lumin features burgers, breakfast dishes, fish and chips, a kids menu, dessert menu, and more.
The Illuminarium offers an official Sensory Inclusive Experience, which are special showtimes that feature the shows in a calmer and less crowded way. The Illuminarium provides sensory bags with tools that help manage sensory overload or overstimulation.
Electric Playhouse
The Electric Playhouse merges the digital and physical worlds while providing experiences and games that are motion activated for the whole family to explore. The Electric Playhouse combines physical movement and active play with special effects (lights, sound) for immersive gaming together. This promotes healthy movement and the use of your whole body to engage in games, not using controllers or headsets. Their library of games offered caters to various skill sets and difficulty levels, and there are so many game options for people of any age. These games contain many visual FXs and photo ops. Some of the games include Paint Pong, Power Slide, Light Hockey, and so much more.
Admission prices for children are $25 and $30 for adults. The Electric Playhouse boasts many immersive dining options throughout the year. Currently, they’re featuring a Teatime in Wonderland dining experience, which offers Alice in Wonderland inspired culinary art through a whimsical menu with unique food options.
Museum of Selfies
Many people agree that the Museum of Selfies is a must do while in Las Vegas! This is a family friendly interactive museum featuring a Gold Bath, Emoji Pool, optical illusion bathroom, Upside Down Room, Light Bulbs Infinity Room, and more. There are so many memorable, interactive photo ops at the Museum of Selfies, as there are so many cool props you can use to add to your photos, not just exciting backdrops and scenes. Make sure to take as many photos as you can, and print them for an album after you leave so you can always relive your unique experience at the Museum of Selfies!
Admission is cheaper if you book online. Adult tickets are $30 online ($39 in person), child tickets for ages 3 to 12 are $25 online ($32 in person), and ages 0 to 3 are free. There is no restaurant or on-site food and drink at the Museum of Selfies, but it is a part of the Linq Promenade Shopping Center which has plenty of dining options.
PREPARE TO EXPLORE!
Las Vegas offers many opportunities for your family to experience so many unique attractions, each one differing from the next. You know your family’s needs and interests best, and there is surely an exciting option for every family member to enjoy. We hope this list can serve as a guide for you as you decide which attractions to explore. Remember to think outside the box and, most importantly, have fun together!
