Remember in the 1990s when Las Vegas was billing itself as a family-friendly destination?
It didn’t go all that well, so in the early 2000s, the city doubled down on its “What happens here” campaigns and Vegas again focused on being the world’s adult entertainment hub.
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But Las Vegas has never been shy about reinventing itself. Over the past few years, Sin City has shifted from a gambler’s paradise to leaning heavily into immersive virtual reality experiences to attract younger and more diverse audiences, including families.
From art-filled “experiums” like Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart to tech-forward residencies at The Sphere, the city is investing big in attractions beyond traditional shows, many of which are not appropriate for all ages.
These experiences blur the line between theater, cinema, and theme park — tapping into a growing appetite for Instagram-worthy, sensory-driven escapism.
The latest bet? A reimagining of one of the most iconic films of all time — delivered with 360-degree visuals, vibrating floors, and wind effects.
The Sphere is adding family-friendly entertainment to its lineup.
Image source: Las Vegas Review-Journal/Getty Images
Inside the newest Sphere spectacle
On August 28, The Sphere (SPHR) will debut its first family-friendly immersive show: “The Wizard of Oz.” The 75-minute experience takes audiences on a multi-sensory journey down the Yellow Brick Road, utilizing the venue’s massive LED screen and 4D environmental effects to bring the 1939 classic into the modern era.
This isn’t a remake or a play. It’s a fully immersive cinematic experience designed exclusively for The Sphere’s unique format.
To create this experience, Sphere Studios used a team of over a thousand artists, technologists, and researchers to leverage Sphere’s technologies.
Using the film and key pieces of source material, including schematics, set plans, and scores, the team employed artificial intelligence to “upscale” resolution and extend backgrounds to fit The Sphere’s screen, according to an investor announcement.
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Guests won’t just watch Dorothy meet the Scarecrow — they’ll feel the tornado shake their seats, brush away swirling leaves, see the Emerald City wrap around their peripheral vision, and smell the poppies as they fill the air, as shown on CBS Sunday Morning.
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The show marks a major shift for the Sphere, which until now has been known mostly for its residencies starring bands like U2, Dead & Company, and The Eagles, and its surreal “Postcard From Earth” film. Now the venue is expanding by offering family programming, daytime scheduling, and content that appeals across generations.
Whether you’re 18 or 85, there’s a good chance you’ve seen “The Wizard of Oz,” so The Sphere is betting on nostalgic appeal.
Why Las Vegas is going all-in on immersion
Younger visitors are less interested in lounge acts and blackjack tables — and more interested in experiences. Venues like The Sphere, AREA15, and FlyOver have taken note, building events and installations that are interactive and tech-enabled.
Tourism officials say these attractions are helping to extend visitor stays and pull in travelers who might otherwise skip Vegas entirely. A Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority report noted that “entertainment diversity” is now a major driver for out-of-state travel, especially among Gen Z and millennial visitors.
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The appeal is clear for families: immersive experiences offer a middle ground between shows that are too adult and attractions that are too kid-centric. “The Wizard of Oz at Sphere” aims squarely at that sweet spot.
What to know before you go
Tickets for “The Wizard of Oz at Sphere” start around $104 for standard seating, though resale prices may be higher depending on the date and seat location. Premium packages — the VIP Good Witch and Bad Witch experiences — offer expedited entry, merchandise credits, collectible posters, and access to premium lounge areas.
The show will run through March 2026, with multiple performances daily. Unlike concerts or residencies, the producers say “Oz” is built for repeat viewings, with plenty of hidden visual details and moments that play out differently depending on where you’re sitting.
The show is shorter than most Vegas events, making it a manageable outing for kids — and an appealing break for adults who want something air-conditioned and visually stunning without committing to a three-hour show.
The future of Las Vegas entertainment
The Sphere’s foray into family programming reflects a broader reality: The Las Vegas Strip is no longer just for adults. As the city pivots toward high-tech immersion, expect more branded spectacles, more daytime options, and more experiences that aim to make visitors feel the magic.