Most marketing portrays only the things adults can do in Las Vegas, but
the truth is this city has plenty to do for families. From elaborate amusements
like themed roller coasters to performances by internationally
recognized performers, your family is sure to find something all members will
enjoy.
You’ll find Las Vegas hotels that cater to families
and ones that have minding services for little ones while their parents go out
to enjoy themselves as well.
Casinos for Kids
While no one under the age of 21 is allowed
to gamble for money in Las Vegas, gambling for toys and tickets is not
prohibited. Businesses like the huge carnival-themed Circus Circus casino chain
(there’s one in Reno, Nevada, as well) have been entertaining children, teens
and families for decades. Inside, watch circus acts, play midway games like
ring tosses and dart championships, and come out with a fluffy stuffed animal
or other toy for winners.
Thrill Your Family With Rides
While minors are not allowed to enter the
casino “floor,” where the gambling takes place, it’s perfectly permissible to
enter the casino and explore the elaborate themed halls of shopping,
restaurants and entertainment. Many of the casinos have built attractions to
appeal to the child in us all — like the roller coaster at New York-New York,
which thunders through the roof of the casino. There’s also the Stratosphere,
the iconic tapered tower at the north end of the Strip. Visitors can ride up more
than 1,000 feet to get bird’s-eye views of the city and can take part in a spinning
ride called the “Insanity” or a plunging ride called the “X Scream.”
Circus Circus also has the “Adventuredome,”
where more rollercoasters and other thrill rides can be found.
Make Mealtime Fun at a Themed Restaurant
Las Vegas’s love of themes doesn’t stop at
its glitzy casinos. The city has a huge assortment of themed restaurants for
families to try. The Rainforest Café at the MGM Grand offers a jungle dining
experience with waterfalls and a chance to “meet” jungle creatures. It features
a kid’s menu. There’s also singer Jimmy Buffet’s chain Margaritaville for a
Caribbean feel and the Sugar Factory at Paris Las Vegas.
Have a Wild Time at Animal Exhibits
Learn more about wild animals at some of the
city’s animal-themed businesses and exhibits. The Shark Reef Aquarium at
Mandalay Bay features a host of sharks and other marine animals. Part of the
visitor experience is walking through a clear underwater tunnel and watching
the sharks swim overhead. There’s also the free big cat exhibit at the MGM, as
well as Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage.
Catch a Show
There are many family-oriented performances
happening nightly in Las Vegas, including acrobatics, magic shows, singers, theatre,
dance and comedy skits.
The Cirque du Soleil has on-going permanent
shows at several locations in Las Vegas. Their spellbinding performances are
available every day, so there’s no excuse to miss one. For magic, you can see
international stars such as David Copperfield at the MGM Grand or Criss Angel
at the Luxor Theater. And, if your kids decide they want to try their hands at
some of the illusions presented in the shows, the city has plenty of magic
shops selling tricks and demonstrating how to use their products.
Lake Mead
A fun daytrip from Las Vegas is nearby Lake
Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States. It offers opportunities for
boating and other water sports and can be visited as part of a tour or with
your own vehicle. Rent a car in Las Vegas or sign up for a tour that includes boating
and a dinner cruise on the peaceful lake.
About the Author: Ratna
Malhotra works in hospitality at a hotel in Chennai. She enjoys the challenge
of tailoring city visits for families and believes it’s never too early to
start travelling with your children.
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