What makes Laughlin such a big win for families? It delivers an easy, walkable day of fun on the Colorado River, where you can mix outdoor adventure with downtime, great food and gorgeous views. This guide maps out an ideal day for you and your crew that also feels effortless, scenic and unique to your time here.
Start the Day with Breakfast & a Stroll
Whether you want to gather around a table for a classic breakfast or grab something to go, everyone will be happily fed before a bit of fresh air, strolling and sightseeing along the river.
Gather for a satisfying sit-down breakfast and select from omelets, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, waffles and more at Bumbleberry Flats inside The New Pioneer. If you don’t want a full breakfast right away, there are options for coffee, tea and quick bites at Duet Coffee & Wine at Aquarius Casino Resort, Bean & Bread at Golden Nugget Laughlin, and Cinnabon and Seattle’s Best Coffee in the North Tower Food Court in Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel and Casino.
Once everyone’s fueled, head to the beautifully maintained, paved Laughlin Riverwalk, which is accessible from most riverfront resorts. It serves as a connector between properties, making it a great way to explore what each has to offer, while soaking up views of aquatic wildlife and boats cruising by.
Get Out on the Water for Thrills or Leisure
One of the destination’s best qualities for families is water fun and accessible for all ages and abilities. You can go full throttle on the water or keep things slow and scenic with beach time.
For families with older kids or teens, jet skis are a terrific way to dial up the fun. There are two popular options: Rocky River Jet Ski Rentals, the kiosk is right on the Riverwalk and the watercraft are ready and waiting in the water; and Laughlin River Jet Ski Rentals, which launches directly from its dock at The New Pioneer and provides safety instructions and tutorials before you head out. Per both businesses’ policies, you must be 18+ with a valid ID to rent and drive, and passengers can be of any age, as life jackets are available in multiple sizes.
For a family beach day, visit Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area, located on the shores of the Colorado River just about eight miles from downtown Laughlin. Here, you can do the laid-back stuff families love, including swimming and wading in the river, enjoying a picnic, tossing a football, and bird-watching along the shore. The park includes about two miles of sandy shoreline, and because it’s downstream from Davis Dam, the water stays clear and cool year-round.
Explore Scenic Trails and Peaceful Detours
With so many easy outdoor options away from the water, you soak up the scenery at whatever pace works for your group.
For an easy, scenic outing, start with Colorado River Heritage Greenway Park and Trails, located along the river corridor, with multiple entry points and Davis Dam as a backdrop. Enjoy a stroll or a longer hike on the park’s interconnected trails, including the wheelchair-accessible Riverfront Trail, all while taking in views of the Colorado River and surrounding desert landscape. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and offers free parking, picnic sites, shade shelters and fishing piers — plus a splash pad, which is a must if you’re traveling with younger kids.
Next, take a quick detour just behind the Laughlin Strip to find the Laughlin Labyrinths. Created by local resident Wes Dufek, this unique outdoor attraction includes nine stone labyrinths clustered within about a quarter-mile radius, ranging roughly 25–55 feet in size. Designed as a peaceful, reflective experience, they’re a quiet, unique stop where kids can wander and adults can enjoy a reset before the next part of the day.
Enjoy a Family-Friendly Lunch with a View
With a wrap on the morning’s activities, shifting into a relaxed lunch is simple, especially with dining options serving up Colorado River views.
Everyone will enjoy the wide array of options at Riverside Buffet. Located at Riverside Resort Hotel and Casino, it’s known for offering a variety of dishes, and it overlooks the Colorado River. It’s casual, budget-friendly and everyone can load up their own plates.
For a fun lunch with a lively setting the kids will love, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company at Golden Nugget is a fantastic option. It comes with breathtaking views of the Colorado River and a playful atmosphere. Grown-ups can enjoy a hand-shaken margarita alongside a shrimp basket, salad or chicken sandwich, while the kids’ menu includes the option to get a drink in a souvenir cup or an ice cream sandwich for dessert.
Recharge at the Pool or Beach
Resort guests are set up for one of the best parts of a family getaway: built-in pool time, and in some cases, private beach access on the Colorado River. The key thing to know when planning is that these pool and beach amenities are generally reserved for registered resort guests, so what you’ll have access to depends on where you decide to stay.
At Harrah’s Laughlin Beach Resort & Casino, families will enjoy the North Pool and private beach access, plus the option to reserve palapas, daybeds and cabanas, with food and beverage service available.
Riverside Resort Hotel and Casino is a favorite with families, with its North Tower kid-friendly pool.
For a nice swim-and-soak break, Edgewater keeps it classic with a pool and oversized spa, while Aquarius’ pool includes private cabanas, two whirlpool spas and scenic river views right along the Riverwalk.
Golden Nugget’s H2O Pool pairs Colorado River views with cabanas and a pool bar, while Tropicana Laughlin delivers a more upbeat, lively pool atmosphere with snacks and frosty drinks nearby and cabanas available for rent. And if riverfront sand is what your family wants most, Laughlin River Lodge Hotel & Casino has a private sandy-beach area.
Explore the Resorts — No Driving Required
One of the best parts about spending a family day here is how you can hop from one activity to the next without the need to drive.
To get around, you can ride the River Passage Water Taxi, an affordable, convenient and relaxing way to travel between resorts while taking in the scenery or continuing your adventure on the Laughlin Riverwalk. Along the way, create your own “family resort crawl” with easy stops.
Check out the Don Laughlin’s Classic Car Museums inside Riverside Resort Hotel and Casino, grab a sweet treat from Pinkbox Doughnuts at Edgewater or let kids blow off steam in the arcades at Harrah’s or Tropicana. For souvenir shopping, swing through the Gift Emporium at Golden Nugget, and round out the afternoon of friendly competition at Strike Bowl at River Lodge.
Sightseeing with a Sunset Dinner Cruise
Combine sightseeing and dinner into one plan by booking a signature on-the-water experience: the Grand Celebration Dinner Cruise with Laughlin River Tours. It’s a memorable way to end the day, combining Colorado River scenery with a freshly prepared meal onboard. This two-hour sunset dinner cruise aboard the Grand Celebration yacht also features a full-service bar, restrooms and an air-conditioned cabin. Keep in mind, children must be age 5+ to join (except on private charters).
If your crew would rather stay on land, you can still get those river views with a delicious meal. Riverview Restaurant at Riverside Resort Hotel and Casino is a casual dining spot right on the banks of the Colorado River, and Claim Jumper at Golden Nugget is a classic, crowd-pleasing option with a big menu for both adults and kids.
This desert gem is made for a family day: Colorado River access, along with a mix of adventure and downtime, kid-friendly activities with grown-up perks, and great food with nonstop views. Ready to plan your own perfect day? Explore the resorts and lodging options and keep the itinerary going with even more things to do with the kids in and around Laughlin.
