I took my 5 year old twins out of Kindergarten for a few days for a vacation (gasp!) to Las Vegas (GASP!). Ok, it would not have been my first choice for a destination with children, but my husband was going for a conference, and I like to eat well, so we decided to tag along, and we had a wonderful time! I’ll be honest, the creepy Mickey Mouse, overweight Spider-Man, and the nearly naked showgirls on the sidewalks looking to take pictures for tips is something I could do without, but there is actually a lot to see and do with kids in Sin City!
Let me start by saying how wonderfully kind and patient the taxi drivers can be! I carried an inflatable booster seat, Bubble Bum, with me to use in the taxi. It is super light weight and easy to move around with while hooked to my backpack. We tried to walk as much as we could but with temperatures in the 100s, extended periods of time outdoors was not doing to happen. The taxi drivers were patient while I got both of my girls buckled, and then they even got out of the taxi to block any car and pedestrian traffic while we all exited the backseat at our destination. Getting around from hotel to hotel on one end of the strip to the other via taxi was really easy and saved tiny feet from hurting and causing any unwanted fatigue during our days exploring.
It will come as no surprise that the food in Las Vegas is amazing! Just about every celebrity chef has a restaurant there so whatever cuisine you have a taste for, or budget that you are looking to stick with, Las Vegas has a place for you! Many high-end restaurants even have a hidden kids menu that they can tell you about in case your little one is a bit too picky to order from the adult menu. Just ask your server! Many of the hotels have quick service areas or even a buffet if you are looking to get in and out quickly. The buffets are incredible and you are sure to find something that everyone will enjoy, but be sure to get there early to avoid waiting in long lines for a table. When traveling with kiddos, you are likely looking to sit down early so getting a table at a specific restaurant may not be a big problem, but try to make a reservation ahead time in order guarantee your spot.
Things to do…
Cirque de Soleil is fantastic! Any show, anywhere! You can buy tickets ahead of time or try to snag a few day-of discounted seats once you are in town. Keep in mind that some shows may be loud, bring along noise cancelling headphones so your kids can enjoy the show.
Minus 5 Ice Experience is a bar where everything is made of ice. Kids 7 and older are welcome inside before 7pm. With locations at both the Venetian and Mandalay Bay, you can stop in, get bundled up, and enjoy a mocktail before heading back out into the desert heat.
New York New York hotel has an arcade full of fun games for all ages as well as a roller coaster with multiple twists and turns outside.
High Roller Observation Wheel is the tallest in world, standing at 550 feet above the strip. Take in the beautiful views of Las Vegas during a 30 minute revolution.
The Venetian offers gondola rides both inside and outside in their canals. While it is quite expensive for a 10-12 minute ride, it is fun for everyone!
AdventureDome in Circus Circus is complete with arcade, rock climbing, mini golf, rides and much more all geared towards kids of all ages.
Excalibur is a castle! Need I say more? Inside there is Arcade-like Dungeon and Tournament of Kings dinner theatre show.
Sigfried & Roy’s Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat is the perfect escape from the loud crowds of the Las Vegas strip. Located outside the Mirage hotel, get up close with dolphins in various pool, kids 8 and older can even experience them one on one, or see some of the large cats that call this place home. Animals are rotated in and out of the exhibit during the day so you never know what you may see.
The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay is another escape from the bustling strip. Here you can view lizards, snakes and fish before stepping into a sunken ship to see Sharks swimming all around.
Create you own candy and stock up on all things chocolate at M&M’s World.
Pools, pools, and more pools! Relax and cool off at one of the many pools located at each hotel. Our favorites are at the Bellagio, Caesars Palace or the Venetian where families are welcome specifically at one of the pools. They offer a more quiet location and have toys available for kids. During the week, you can even snag a deal on a cabana where you can really rest while food and drinks are brought right to you in your own private space poolside.
Let’s talk FREE! The fountains at the Bellagio are mesmerizing…I could watch them all day and night! Get there a little early to have a prime viewing spot and stick around at night to see the Eiffel Tower light show too. Caesars Palace has a Fall of Atlantis show inside the Forum shops if you are looking for an inside activity with less crowds. The shopping is wonderful but be aware that there is little to no kids stores along the strip unless you are at the gift shop of one of the places mentioned above. Be sure to tour the hotels, there is a lot to see inside each hotel both in and out of the casino.
Looking to get away from the strip? Check out a tour of Hoover Dam, go for a hike in Red Rock Canyon, or visit the Discovery Children’s Museum. You really can have a great family vacation with something for everyone in Las Vegas.
