When your family has a special occasion on the horizon, make sure you pick the right host. The destination you choose can make or break your event. From birthday parties and kindergarten graduation to Grandpa’s retirement ceremony, use our guide to find the perfect family-friendly party venue near North Las Vegas, Nevada.

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay

Image via Flickr by kennejima Licensed CC BY 2.0

The Shark Reef Aquarium offers an unforgettable experience for your child’s next birthday. This 1.3 million gallon aquarium inside the Mandalay Bay Hotel is home to more than 2,000 animals. This unique exhibit gives your birthday girl or boy the chance to dive with exotic sharks, feed endangered green sea turtles, and experience marine life, like giant rays and piranha.

Remember to stop by the virtual reality theater. With this 36-seat motion platform, your kids and their guests can embark on a live-action undersea adventure like never before. Children 5 and up can pretend to swim next to a baby humpback whale while learning the secrets of their complex songs.

Nevada residents get $3 off daily admission, and your annual pass will save you 10% off party rental packages. The staff at the Shark Reef Aquarium are committed to natural resource conservation and offer a comprehensive educational program to school-aged children.

J.R. Pony Parties

J.R. Pony Parties sits on a beautiful farm, and the owner, Kathleen, is exceptional. She’s pleasant, knowledgeable, kind, and, most importantly, patient. Not only will she answer all your children’s questions, but she also does a great job of informing the group about every animal.

J.R. Pony Parties offers a great Western-themed event for family and friends. Your party goers will get to hang out for a couple of hours, feeding and petting the farm’s many residents, such as llamas, miniature donkeys, and goats. Kathleen goes above and beyond to make your little guest of honor feel special, and the prices are quite reasonable. Make your private reservation in January and get a $100 discount.

The farm also provides educational tours, summer day camps, and pony rides. J.R. Pony Parties is licensed and insured, so parents can feel confident letting their kids run wild at this awesome outdoor destination. Make sure to put the dress code on your invitations. Guests must wear long pants and closed-toed shoes.

AquaMermaid

What child hasn’t dreamed of exploring the ocean depths as an enchanting mermaid? Make their fairy “tail” wishes come true at AquaMermaid. With only six locations across the country, we’re lucky to have our own center here in Las Vegas. With this terrific service, you can bring the magic of the sea to the desert.

Five children ages 7 and up can join the party with a one-hour private swim at the municipal pool on East Bonanza Road or any pool of your choice, including your own! Your little ones will get dressed in their costumes and tails and spend about 20 minutes learning how to swim in the outfit. There are games and challenges, plus loads of enchanting photo opportunities.

The Adventuredome Indoor Theme Park

The Adventuredome is a 5-acre indoor amusement center inside the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino. This climate-controlled park is the perfect place to host a summer party. Get out of Nevada’s heat and party down with carnival rides, a video arcade, midway games, and miniature golf.

You’ll have a decorated spot set aside just for your group where you can meet up with your party area hostess. Then, hit the floor grinning. Unique attractions like a laser maze, rock-climbing wall, and a virtual reality room will mesmerize your child and their guests. The thorough ride attendants will also set parents at ease. They check every rider’s safety belt and ensure everyone exits the attraction safely.

Parents can download invitations and thank-you cards on the Adventuredome’s website, and there are several available packages from which to pick. You’ll get pizza, ice cream, and beverages, plus plates, napkins, and utensils. There’s even a bar if you want to sip an adult beverage while the kiddos play.

Aliante Nature Discovery Park

You don’t have to rent a room at a fancy destination to host a terrific party. Instead, let your guests know they can meet you at the Aliante Nature Discovery Park on Nature Park Drive. This 20-acre urban oasis is a budget-friendly place to celebrate, and it’s the perfect place to burn off those cupcakes. It features a lake with waterfalls, picnic tables, and a fenced-in dinosaur-themed playground.

Consider hiring a caterer to bring the goodies. Some local companies may be willing to travel wherever you host your child’s party, including Aliante Nature Discovery Park. Let someone else do the hard work and save the kitchen clean-up for whatever pastry chef you choose to bring the desserts.

Mansion 54 Las Vegas

Plan a premier party at Mansion 54 Las Vegas. Grammy award-winning singer Toni Hart owns this exquisite mansion. It provides an outstanding backdrop for a birthday party, retirement celebration, promotion gala, or an elegant wedding.

You’ll find this unique venue on South 6th Street in the heart of the city’s art district. With indoor and outdoor event spaces that are both stunning and spacious, Mansion 54 is the ideal setting for your occasion. This 25,000 square-foot facility accommodates up to 1,000 of your friends and family members.

Mansion 54’s experienced design team and talented culinary professionals will help you realize your vision. So sit back and start celebrating. Everything will come together flawlessly. Its full-service staff provides everything from set up to valet service, including:

• Event security.
• Lighting.
• A dance floor.
• A live band or DJ.
• Audio and visual equipment rentals.
• Chairs and tables.

So, there you have it. Crème de la Crème of Las Vegas informed you of the city’s best family-friendly venues for any occasion. Did you like our suggestions? Did we miss your family’s favorite party spot — one Nevada locals love? If we did, let us know! Drop us a line so we can add your suggestions to our list.