Las Vegas: 5 Family Favorites
March 17th, 2009 | by Sharlene Earnshaw 24 comments
I just spent two nights in Vegas and didn’t have a sip of alcohol or gamble a penny, yet still managed to have a great time. So what’s the reason for my lack of debauchery in Sin City? My kids! Sure Vegas is a wonderful place for some adult fun, but sometimes ditching the kids is not an option. Here are 5 ways to have a great time in Las Vegas with kids.
1. Check out some free attractions on the Strip
Where else can your kids see a volcano explode, watch water put on a spectacular show to music, stroll shop lined canals, watch statues come to life, and gaze at lions sleeping on the plexiglass above them? Only in Vegas baby. My little ones oohed and ahhed plenty just walking through the massive themed hotels in Vegas. Checking out all the Strip has to offer is fun at any age.
2. Take your kids to a nice buffet
No I am not talking about Steak and Lobster for $5.99 at Jim’s Roughneck Casino. Take them someplace with food that doesn’t make you gag. I personally love the Paris Buffet because they have a wonderful selection of food from crab legs, to duck, to sushi to desserts that will make you drool. Finally you can see if your kids like seafood without spending a fortune on an entire meal. If they don’t like mussels, let them eat some pasta instead. But this is certainly the place to give new things a try. Bribe them with frozen custard f you have to. They may find a new favorite food! Best of all, kids under 4 eat free!
3. Spend the afternoon exploring the desert
A trip to Las Vegas doesn’t have be all neon lights and crowded casinos. It can also include the great outdoors. There are plenty of great places to explore a short drive away. Try Red Rock Canyon for hiking, Lake Mead for water sports, or Mt Charleston for fun in the snow. Taking a couple hours to let your kids run around in the great outdoors can be a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of The Strip.
4. Hit up an arcade or midway
Yes Circus Circus is dingy, outdated, and can be a madhouse at times, but kids love it! They get to gamble away money on a chance to win stuffed animals that they will probably play with for the duration of the trip and then toss into a dark corner. But think of it this way: that stuffed animal could save you hours of “I’m bored” up in the hotel room. Plus, who doesn’t love skee ball? Channel that inner child and have some fun, midway style.
5. Enjoy the pool
Any hotel worth staying at in Las Vegas should have a pool or three. Most of the year Las Vegas offers prime pool weather so take advantage of it. Let the kids splash and play while you enjoy a margarita. Las Vegas hotels offer anything from private cabanas to lazy rivers to water slides so check out the hotel website before making reservations. And don’t forget the sunscreen!
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Need family friendly accomodations in Las Vegas? Check out Sharlene’s review of the Platinum Hotel and Spa.
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Nicole Brown on March 18th, 2009
As a person who has always wondered “why bring your kids to Vegas”, this provides great tips on how to find enjoyment with your family in Vegas.
Debbie Moore on March 18th, 2009
I have often thought “what would Vegas be like with kids”, you have shown that it can be a lot of fun. Great article.
Kathy D. on March 18th, 2009
Great article! What a great idea about the buffet to have the kids try new things!
Kristy Grigsby on March 18th, 2009
You know, Las Vegas was never even on my radar as far as places to go that the kids might enjoy. Even though I’ve never been to Vegas (but would like to go sometime), I can now see that it might be a very cool place to take the whole family. Our kids LOVE all the hustle and bustle and sights and sounds. Thanks for the perspective, Sharlene!
Meike on March 18th, 2009
What a great article, one would think of VEGAS just as PARTY CITY, but this gives us MOMS hope to travel!!!!
Alisha on March 18th, 2009
I would love to go to Vegas one day! Now I know there are things to do with your kids there. That’s awesome! Great article!
debi b on March 18th, 2009
I too would never have thought Vegas would be so child friendly. As a person who lives near Atlantic City, I guess I always thought it would be the same in Vegas as it is in AC. Thanks for showing me that it is quite different :)
Bre on March 18th, 2009
Vegas + Kids can = Fun????? Who would of thought! But now that you have pointed out all the fabulous fun stuff for the kiddos I’m thinking that Vegas is in our kid’s near future. Thanks for the great info!
Terri O on March 18th, 2009
Vegas! With kids! Would have never thought to try it, but hey, why not? Thanks for shedding some light!
Denise on March 18th, 2009
As the mother twin toddlers I thought Vegas would be out of the question for say 18yrs. Thank for helping me realize that we can still have a great vacation with our boys. Great idea about the buffet, I never thought of that one!
Tamara M on March 18th, 2009
Wow, great article. My husband goes to Vegas once a year on a convention…we’ve always said no to me going because of our two year olds. Thanks for the terrific ideas for a family vacation while my husband is working :-)
Helene on March 18th, 2009
My father and his wife live in Vegas and they’ve been asking us to come out but we continue to hesitate because we have 4 young children (2 sets of twins) and I always thought Vegas really had nothing to offer children. I’ve obviously been wrong!! Great article!
* TONYA * on March 19th, 2009
Great article. Vegas can totally be done with kids. You are so right when you say it doesn’t have to be all about ‘neon lights and crowded casino’s’. There are plenty of child friendly shows and places to go. We took Jay out there a few times before the twins were born and he loved it. So much to see and do.
Shannon on March 19th, 2009
Great ideas for the whole family to enjoy Vegas! Loved these tips!!
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Pepita Ridgeway on March 27th, 2009
I often go to Las Vegas with my kids. I’ve had good and bad experiences, but I still recommend it. I write web sites for a job, so I created my own site called Family Friendly Las Vegas at http://www.familyfriendlylasvegas.com.
Bibiana Bailey on April 2nd, 2009
We go to Vegas every year for our family vacation. My boys are 6 and 12 and they love it. There is so much to do there. My older son absolutely loves the GameWorks arcade inside the Showcase Mall and the little one can spend all day at the Adventuredome inside the Circus-Circus.
I don’t usually like to post links inside the comment, but you might want to check out my Vegas family adventure at http://www.freeguideforbusymoms.com
Ken Fleet on April 5th, 2009
Back in the eighties, my wife and I went to Vegas for a convention in the summer. My body hates high temperatures, but since childhood I had wanted to see the dam. We rented a car and left the ac on max the whole way. It was cool in the dam and all the hotels,shops, etc. in town make it easy to vacation inside. We both loved Circus Circus, the variety of food choices, and the strip. I would suggest Vegas to any family for a choose your pleasure vacation.
online kids store on April 11th, 2009
Nice, i agree with you completely
Sara Doyle on April 17th, 2009
A great blog. You should contact http://www.bizymoms.com/las-vegas/index.php to get your blog featured to their large mom community. I am sure they would love your posts. In their expert page there is a form. http://www.bizymoms.com/las-vegas/experts.php
Michelle Humphrey on April 30th, 2009
Great review! I can see how Vegas could be a great place for kids of all ages:).
mark arrowood on May 27th, 2009
Vegas is not for kids! It is a place for grown ups to go and release frustration. The city is really dirty, porn is on every street corner alcohol and alcoholics are everywhere. Crime, police and everything that goes with it are ever present. Yes, the kids can have fun there but it is not a destination resort for the family. I go there often, I understand what the city is and what it is not and it is not kid friendly! Sure, there are a few things to do and yes the bright lights are great and the few items discussed above are correct however, do not expect it to be family day at the park. Do the kids a favor, leave them home or only plan one or two days do not plan a whole week with the kids in Vegas.
24 Responses to “Las Vegas: 5 Family Favorites”