Las Vegas may be best known for its gambling and "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" ethos, but, believe it or not, Las Vegas can be family-friendly. The truth is, as parents, you can have a great time in Las Vegas with your kids without using up all their college funds. Plan your own trip, or take advantage of a family-friendly vacation package.
Family-Friendly Hotels
Your family-friendly Vegas adventure starts with where you stay. Las Vegas actually has more family-oriented hotels than any city in the country other than Orlando, Florida. Many offer cribs, pools, large rooms to accommodate big families, and - best of all - an atmosphere free of adult drinking and debauchery. The Mirage, in particular, has lots for kids to enjoy from its lion and dolphin shows to its gigantic artificial volcano.
Museums and Attractions
Las Vegas has plenty of museums. The Shark Reef Aquarium of Mandalay Bay, in particular, with its fourteen displays of dangerous ocean predators, is fascinating to little boys and girls. The Nevada State Railroad museum provides working train exhibits and a history lesson about how Nevada developed. The whole family will be intrigued by the Titanic exhibit at the Luxor hotel. These museums are just a few of the many the Las Vegas area has to offer. Others include:
- The Mob Museum
- Madame Tussauds Las Vegas
- Las Vegas Natural History Museum
As far as other fun attractions for children, M & M's World has four floors of fun stuff to do, all pertaining to the famous candy. If you can't get enough sweets there, go to the Serendipity 3 Ice Cream parlor at Caesar's Palace for an authentic New York City style ice cream parlor experience.
Outdoors
You have to get out of the city limits a little bit, but the Las Vegas area is full of outdoor attractions. Book a tour! There are all types: plane, helicopter, ATV, horse bus or even hiking. The Grand Canyon and Hoover damn are popular and famous destinations. Lake Mead and Colorado river tours let you get out on the water and see a unique river ecosystem up close.
Shows
There are plenty of great shows in Las Vegas for the whole family to enjoy together. One of the most famous is Siegfried and Roy's lion shows. Check out Gregory Popovich's Comedy Pet Theater to see some amazing acts with every day looking dogs and cats. Circus Circus has free circus acts straight through the day. If your little boy or girl loves the middle ages, check out the Tournament of Kings show at the Excalibur hotel.
