Las Vegas may not be the first destination that springs to mind for a family vacation, but as the Hambrick family—popular on Instagram as @thetravelingchild—recently experienced, the city offers surprising kid-friendly attractions. It's also a perfect starting point for a Southwestern road trip adventure.

Follow three generations of Hambricks on their memorable week-long journey through Nevada's deserts. Use this itinerary to plan your own unforgettable Silver State getaway.

DAY ONE: LAS VEGAS

Experienced travelers, the adults arrived early to rent an RV, stock it with groceries, and prepare for the kids' arrival. "It streamlines setup and keeps everyone happy," shares mom Monet Hambrick. Choosing an RV provided ample space for kids and grandparents to relax, nap, and enjoy activities tailored to all ages.

DAY TWO: VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK

Though tempted to linger in Vegas, the call of the open road prevailed.

First stop: Valley of Fire State Park, spanning 40,000 acres of stunning red Aztec sandstone formations amid gray and white limestone, plus ancient petroglyphs over 2,000 years old. "It's unbelievable this natural wonder is just an hour from the Las Vegas Strip," says Monet. Family-friendly 1.5-mile hikes, like Rainbow Vista Trail, offered breathtaking views—and bighorn sheep sightings.

Pro tip: Arrive early for first-come, first-served campsites—no reservations. Have a backup plan, as cell service can be spotty. Overnight stays capture magical sunsets and sunrises, allowing unhurried hikes.

DAY THREE: HOOVER DAM, LAKE MEAD, AND BOULDER CITY

These stops featured divide-and-conquer activities suited to different group members. In Boulder City's Bootleg Canyon—named for Prohibition-era smuggling—dad James and grandpa thrilled on high-speed ziplines (up to 40 mph) over scenic canyons teeming with red-tailed hawks, chuckwallas, and bighorn sheep, with distant Vegas views.

Younger kids preferred the interactive Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum, staying nearly two hours. Nearby, Grandma Daisy's Ice Cream + Candy Parlor delighted with nostalgic treats.

The whole family raved about Hoover Dam tours from ground and air. Monet notes the helicopter ride, though premium-priced, reveals the dam's scale and Lake Mead's vastness.

Top lodging: Lake Mead RV Village in Boulder City, boasting stunning lake views from your site.

DAY FOUR: ELDORADO CANYON MINE TOUR, NEVADA SOUTHERN RAILROAD, AND RAIL EXPLORERS BIKE TOUR

The historic Techatticup Mine, a major southern Nevada gold operation from 1861 to 1942, offers engaging 1-hour tours through quartz veins rich in gold and silver. Kids love the scattered movie props like old cars and airplanes, evoking 19th- and early 20th-century life. (A dad favorite too.) Bonus: Rent kayaks or canoes on the Colorado River.

At the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Boulder City, explore luxurious vintage trains with butler's quarters. The train ride thrilled all—opt for back cars for best views (peek at the engine upfront).

A family highlight: Rail Explorers bike tour on tracks at sunset—pedal quads or doubles three miles, then towed back.

DAY FIVE: NEVADA STATE MUSEUM AND DISCOVERY CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

Museums elevate any Vegas trip, especially for families, as the Hambricks found.

The Nevada State Museum impresses with diverse exhibits, from mammoth skeletons to the world's largest cabaret costume collection on mannequins.

Kids adored the DISCOVERY Children's Museum, especially the career zone simulating mechanics to pilots, plus a play grocery store for "earnings." Highlights included costume-filled theater play and a conga line exit.

DAY SIX: LAS VEGAS HIGHLIGHTS

Final Vegas day packed fun: Downtown Container Park featured container restaurants, giant blocks, slides, a treehouse, and piano play.

On Fremont Street, admire murals, then visit Bellagio's free Botanical Gardens and iconic water show.

One child pleaded, "I don't want to leave—can we stay longer?"

Ready to hit the road? Plan your Neon to Nature Nevada adventure today.