10 Things to Do in Las Vegas With Kids!
Full disclosure: I do not care for Las Vegas. I mean, I used to, when I was younger and childless and had lots of disposable income. But now, it’s too crowded and bright and loud and ON for me. Ironically, we got to Vegas every summer for my oldest’s dance competition. And as some sort of cosmic retribution, my daughter LOVES Vegas. We were there a few weeks ago, and she actually tried to convince me that we should move there (LOLNO). You might be thinking, what the hell can you even do with kids in Vegas?! Turns out: tons!
Sure, you might get arrested for playing the slots with them. But Las Vegas has really moved toward being a family-friendly destination in the last 10 years or so. And it’s so much fun! If you want to getaway for the weekend, consider a family trip to Vegas, and don’t miss out on these fun kid-centric activities.
Las Vegas is the city that never sleeps. But if you’re traveling with kids, sleep is necessary.
1. Start your trip off on the right foot by booking a family-friendly hotel.
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There are so many hotels in Vegas, but if you’re planning on visiting with your family, you probably have some different criteria for picking the best one. The good thing is, you don’t have to stay off-Strip to find a hotel that works for everyone! The Excalibur, New York New York, and The MGM Grand are all amazing hotels with lots to do with kiddos. From arcades to roller coasters to dining options they’ll love, you can’t miss with one of those properties.
2. Now that you’ve got your lodgings squared away, it’s time to plan some fun! A visit to Adventuredome in the Circus Circus is a must.
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Circus Circus has an entire amusement park under the big pink dome that tops the hotel! There are rides for kids of all ages, games, and a huge arcade.
3. Get out of the sun with a visit to the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay.
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Yep, there’s an entire aquarium inside the Mandalay Bay hotel and casino! Walk through water while sharks swim over head for a fun indoor adventure.
4. Tour the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio.
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The theme changes regularly, but no matter when you visit, the entire tour is breathtaking.
5. Head to beach in Las Vegas. Yes, the beach!
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The Mandalay Bay Beach boasts 2,700 tons of real sand, a wave pool, and rentable private cabanas.
6. Take a ride on the High Roller Wheel and take in all of Vegas from the top of the world.
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The High Roller Wheel at The LINQ is the highest observation wheel in the world! Rides last 30 minutes, the memories of the views will last a lifetime.
7. Take a gondola ride at The Venetian.
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Take in the Grand Canal without having to renew your passport with a leisurely ride on a gondola through The Venetian.
8. Get in on some of the world class entertainment Las Vegas has to offer.
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Vegas has so many family-friendly show options! But a must-see is The Beatles LOVE by Cirque de Soleil at The Mirage. The music, the acrobatics, and the stage sets will blow your kids’ little minds.
9. Get face-to-face with some of the world’s most exotic creatures at Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat.
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Lions and tigers and dolphins, oh my! Get up close and personal with some gorgeous creatures, or spring for the VIP experience to spend some time with them one-on-one.
10. Spend some time in a giant store full of chocolate.
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M&M’s World is every candy lover’s dream destination. Imagine 2 floors of nothing but your favorite candy-coated chocolate, and then multiply that by 1092848, because everything is bigger and better in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas may have a reputation for debauchery (well-earned, I might add), but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a memorable family-friendly vacation in the city that never sleeps. What happens in Vegas is supposed to stay in Vegas, but I bet your kids will talk about their time there for years to come.
(Image: iStock / f11photo)
