Historically, Las Vegas has been recognized worldwide as the capital of gambling, sex and drinking. There was a period of time when Las Vegas was actively seeking families, but that was abandoned in favor of luring fraternities, bachelor and bridal parties and nude sunbathers. Still, there are lots of activities for kids to enjoy in and around Las Vegas and a family can have a successful vacation in which all members of the family get to do things they enjoy.
Las Vegas Kid-Friendly Hotels
Las Vegas has a number of child-friendly hotels. These include The Monte Carlo, the Circus Circus Hotel & Casino, Luxor Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, Stratosphere Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas, New York, New York and the Paris. Whether it’s the free goodies or the over-sized pool with slides, the game and arcade room or the ongoing show in the lobby, each of these hotels will provide something special to engage and excite young travelers.
Kid-Friendly off the Strip
If you don’t want your kids exposed to all that they’ll experience walking up and down the strip, the relatively new Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa may be the answer to concerned parents dreams. Just 10 miles to the west, with huge rooms even by Las Vegas standards, the Red Rock is so self-contained that the kids may never want to leave. It offers a huge pool area, a bowling alley, a specially-designed floor-to-ceiling climbing maze and play structure, child care, and a 16-screen movie theater.
Arcades and Game Rooms
While Circus Circus is crazy busy and has little appeal for adults, kids love it. Another “must see” and do for kids is the arcade at New York, New York. You’ll find the New York, New York roller coaster there also. The New York, New York arcade has more than 200 games, laser tag and several simulators. At the MGM Grand there’s an 11,400-foot game center and arcade with skill games and virtual reality games. Each of the arcades have signs posted reminding parents that children must be supervised at all times.
Tme Out for Nature
The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay is an extraordinary aquarium. It is a sensory experience where you come face to face with some unusual sharks and fish. There are over 2,000 animals at the aquarium. At the Mirage, you can see dolphins in an environment that is both healthy and nurturing for the species. Sometimes the dolphins will even play ball with the kids. The Lion Habitat at MGM Grand is a 5,000-square-foot simulated jungle enclosed in glass. Kids can watch the handlers join the lions for feedings or play.
Shopping
Whether the kids are looking for skateboards, cupcakes, chocolate, books, clothes, M&Ms at M&M World “retail entertainment” center, toys at FAO Schwarz at the Forum Shops, or anything else they can find it in the shopping mecca that is Las Vegas. When everyone is tired from shopping, check out which shows are family friendly and relax in the comfort of air conditioning as you enjoy the show as a family.
