Pack Like a Pro: Vegas Family Vacation essentials
Packing for Vegas isn’t just about sunglasses and swimsuits—it’s about ensuring your family has everything they need for the adventure of a lifetime. Here’s your go-to guide for must-have Vegas family vacation essentials.
Clothing, Shoes & Accessories
You can do virtually anything you want on your Vegas family vacation, but this can make it a bit challenging to pack for your trip. Some of your clothing choices will be based on your specific itinerary, and don’t be surprised if you see a wide range of clothing choices at most restaurants and attractions. Here is a list of things everyone needs for the trip:
Comfortable Walking Shoes – You will be walking a lot! Don’t bring new shoes - Vegas is not the place to break in your latest pair. If possible, make sure these shoes are closed-toed too as some attractions require it.
Flip Flops – You will need these for the pool and in the spa. It’s also nice to have these to walk around your hotel.
Sweater or Lightweight Jacket – Even if it is 110 outside, the casinos are still very chilly. In Vegas, you need to layer your clothes so be sure to plan accordingly.
Swimsuit – Several hotel pools are open year-round. Also, some spas, like Fontainebleau, require you to wear a bathing suit in the spa area. If you want to visit a pool or spa, don’t forget swimsuits for everyone. And if you have smaller kids, pack swim diapers too! They are very expensive on the Strip and at hotel shops, so try not to forget a few in your suitcase.
Hat – A hat can protect your head, hair, and eyes from the sun. The sun can be brutal year-round in Vegas, so a hat for everyone in the family is always a good idea.
Sunglasses – You will need these when you walk outside on the Strip or at the pool. If you forget them you can usually find a cheap pair at Walgreens or CBS, but it’s always nice to have your usual pair with you.
Robe & Slippers – Most hotel rooms no longer provide these to their guests. If this is something you need, check with your hotel, and if necessary, bring them along.
Don’t worry if your itinerary changes or if a suitcase doesn’t make it. There are several discount retailers on the Strip for last minute wardrobe malfunctions.
Personal Care Items
If you can, try to purchase your personal care items before visiting Las Vegas to save you money and time. The TSA is relaxing some of the liquid rules, making it easier for you to carry on these items.
Sunscreen – The UV index in Las Vegas is higher than in other parts of the country. Sunscreen should be worn at all times, even in cloudy weather. Don’t let a burn on the first day ruin the rest of your trip!
Toiletries – Many hotels have done away with the small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and soap and have now moved to larger, multi-use, permanent containers. You may want to bring your preferred brands, particularly if you have kids with sensitive skin.
Body Lotion – There is very little humidity in Las Vegas, so your skin will dry out faster. Consider bringing and frequently applying lotion during your trip.
Chapstick – Just like your body, your lips will dry out from the lack of humidity, too. Also try to keep in mind that dry lips are a sign of dehydration - in addition to using lots of chapstick, be sure to drink lots of water as well.
Hand Sanitizer – Frequent sanitation can help you avoid getting sick. A lot of the public hand sanitizer stations have been removed in the past few years, so make sure you have your own on hand.
First Aid Kit – Things happen, and it’s best to be prepared. Your kit should ideally include ibuprofen, Band-Aids, first-aid cream, Tums, allergy medicine, Benadryl, and tweezers.
If possible, pack all of these items in a plastic bag to avoid any leaks during travel.
electronics
Today, it feels like it’s almost impossible to live without our electronics. And each of those electronic devices also require a lot of their own accessories. The good news is that most hotel rooms today have ports for you to use to charge your devices.
Chargers – make sure you have cords for each of your devices. If possible, bring a plug in case the ports in your room don’t work.
Portable Charger or Extra Battery – As you travel, you may use more of your battery. Have a portable charger or extra back up battery for emergencies.
Earplugs or Headphones – This is important for everyone in the family! Many attractions, shows, and sporting events in Las Vegas are very loud. Headphones can go a long way with keeping kids comfortable in loud environments.
Portable Humidifier – As mentioned, the humidity in Vegas is very low. You may find your skin drying out faster, or find yourself waking up with a dry mouth or even a small cough. Consider purchasing a small portable humidifier for your hotel room to keep everyone comfortable.
Small Coffee Pot – In-room coffee pots seem to have been disappearing from rooms in Las Vegas. If you like your morning coffee, consider purchasing a small portable coffee pot to make coffee in your room. It’s also a long walk from most rooms to the lobby for coffee, so you’ll be happy to be able to make it to your room.
Consider also bringing along a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated - lots of water fountains in Las Vegas also have bottle filling stations attached to them.
kid specific items
If your Vegas family vacation group includes kids, there are a few extra times that you may want to consider bringing along with you.
Night Light: Hotel rooms can get super dark at night, so if you have little ones that are used to a small light at night, be sure to bring one of these along with you.
Stroller: As we’ve mentioned previously, you are going to do a LOT of walking in Vegas. Most areas are stroller and wheelchair friendly, so it may be a good idea to pack a stroller to help little legs throughout your trip.
Wet bags: If you’re planning on swimming, it can be helpful to have a few extra plastic bags or a wet bag to keep swimsuits in. This is particularly helpful if you are planning on spending the morning swimming to tire out the kids before you get on a late afternoon or evening flight back home. And don’t forget goggles if you have them! If you have the kids spending time in the pool, goggles can help keep their eyes safe from the chlorine.
ID Bracelet or Trackers: You’re going to encounter lots of crowds in Vegas. Consider having your kids wear an emergency contact ID bracelet or using these in-shoe Air Tag trackers.
Mess-free Activities for Dining Out: Try to keep a few small activities on hand that you can break out during meal time to keep the kids entertained until the food arrives.
Whether you’re here for a daycation or staycation, making sure you bring the essentials can make or break your trip. But if you plan ahead, you’ll have everything you need for an amazing Vegas family vacation!