Toting children along to Las Vegas almost seems like it would be worthy of a visit from child protective services (it is called Sin City for a reason, after all!) But, despite its adult-themed moniker, Vegas is a deceptively fabulous spot for a family vacation! Kids will be in awe of the magnificent hotels, the bright lights and the fun activities. If you’re on the fence about vacationing there, we’re sure to win you over with these top five Vegas family experiences you’re sure to love!
Get an Adrenaline Rush
Vegas is home to the world’s largest indoor theme park, the AdventureDome located inside of Circus Circus. You can ride a coaster, catch a clown show or release some pent up aggression with bumper cars. Or try the Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York if you prefer some sunshine. If you are looking for bigger thrills, head to the Stratosphere to get your blood pumping on their crazy high coaster, get blasted at high speed on their ‘Big Shot’ ride or you could even pee your pants on X-Scream as you plummet off the side of the building!
Catch a Show or Sightsee
You could spend days just exploring all of the hotels with their unique architecture, artwork and shops. But, if you’d like some more memorable experiences, check out the beautiful fountain at the Bellagio at night and then head indoors to explore their Botanical Gardens. Or take a unique, indoor gondola ride at the Venetian and enjoy being serenaded. Afterwards, take a stroll to the Grand Canal Shops where live performers are often putting on shows. Animal lovers will adore Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden at the Mirage where you can see childhood favorites like tigers and dolphins. You also can’t beat the FREE ‘Fall of Atlantis’ show at Caesar’s Palace, and the Mandalay Bay Aquarium just can’t be skipped.
Enjoy Memorable Meals
For an exciting dinner, check out the Tournament of Kings at Excalibur hotel for a Medieval Times theme complete with jousting and fireworks. Or get the ‘best mom ever’ award and treat the kids to a tour (and sugar high) at M&M World, Hershey’s Chocolate World or the Ethel M Chocolate Factory. For a fun meal you won’t forget, try Dick’s Last Resort in Excalibur Hotel; you’ll leave the place giggling!
Learn Something New
Although not known for being an educational place, Vegas has quite a few activities for those looking to broaden their horizons. Kids will love Madame Tussaud’s lifelike wax sculptures, or you could beat the heat while expanding your gray matter at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. And if you have any future scientists in your family, the Bodies Exhibition at the Luxor Hotel is sure to fascinate (and gross out) young explorers, and the CSI exhibit at the MGM Grand will delight budding criminologists.
Cool Off in Style
When you factor in the high temps of Nevada, you’ll want to consider spending some family time poolside. The pools, like everything else in Las Vegas, are over-the-top-awesome. Your kids will never want to leave Mandalay Bay with its lazy river and sandy make-believe beach. Or pretend your family is on a tropical getaway at the Grand Pool at MGM with its tall palm trees, lazy river and waterfalls. If you don’t mind venturing off the strip, the pool at the Golden Nugget is an experience in of itself. It sits amidst a 200,000 gallon shark tank! Take the slide through the shark tank to earn some major bragging rights when you get back home.
If you’re a fan of Las Vegas family trips, please let us know of any must-go stops we may have missed on our list!
