By Sari Hardyal
Family Things to Do in Las Vegas
is known as the adult's playground, or Sin City, but there are plenty of places to go that will ensure fun for the entire family. While children are not allowed on the casino gambling floor, there are places inside the giant hotels lining the strip that are great to take the whole family. There are also many places around the greater Las Vegas area that cater to family
vacations.
Las Vegas Outings for the Active Family
The strip is the most popular place for vacationers in Las Vegas. Families vacationing here may find it hard to figure out appropriate places to go with the kids, but there are plenty of family opportunities.
Located on the Strip near the MGM Grand, the M&M Store has everything imaginable decorated with the M&M logos and the M&M characters. It is a suitable stop for adults and children.
M&M's World
3785 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 736-7611
Located inside the MGM Grand, the Lion Habitat is free for visitors and treats viewers to an up-close look at lions. Visitors are welcome to stop in and see the lions anytime between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m.
MGM Grand Lion Habitat
3799 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 891-1111
(800) 646-7787
Located inside Circus Circus, the Adventuredome is 5.5 acres of indoor fun for the entire family. There are a variety of rides, arcades, mini golf, laser tag and other amusements to keep you busy all day long.
Adventuredome at Circus Circus
2880 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 794-3939
(800) 444-2472
Located inside the Venetian, gondola rides start at one end of the hotel and go through the indoor faux-streets of Italy. The gondolas are manned by trained singing gondoliers. It's a relaxing mini-vacation for the entire family.
Gondola Ride at the Venetian
3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 607-3982
Located at the Venetian, Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum allows guests to get up close and personal with the top celebrities--all of whom are made of wax. You can pose and take pictures with the likenesses of Oprah, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and even Elvis.
Madame Tussauds Interactive Wax Attraction
3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 492-3960
(866) 80-SHOWS
Adventurous family will get thrills from the extreme rides on top of the Stratosphere. There are three rides, all of which provide an amazing view of the strip, including Big Shot, X Scream, and Insanity.
Big Shot at the Stratosphere
2000 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89104
(702) 380-7777
(800) 99-TOWER
Located in Planet Hollywood, the Hoop Hall Experience is a must for NBA fans. Here, visitors can see memorabilia, try their hand and a variety of basketball-related activities in the interactive zone, and watch a showcase of basketball tricks and highlights.
The Hoop Hall Experience
Planet Hollywood
3667 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 785-5555
Located in the Rio, Show in the Sky is the thing to do if you've ever wanted to be in a music video. The show is free to watch, or about $13 if you want to get in costume and ride on the float with the performers. The shows start at 7 p.m. and there are five shows nightly (on the hour starting at 7 p.m.).
Show in the Sky
3700 W. Flamingo Rd.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89103
(702) 777-7777
(800) 752-9746
Located in the Mandalay Bay, the Shark Reef displays more than 1,200 species of underwater life and is set up to look like a sinking temple. The shark tunnel allows viewers a chance to see the creatures in their natural habitat from a view that would otherwise require a real ocean and a lot of diving gear.
Mandalay Bay Shark Reef
3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89119
(702) 632-7777
(877) 632-7000
Located at Paris, the Eiffel Tower is 50 stories above the ground and the observation deck is located 460 feet off the ground. It allows visitors a fantastic view of the strip and the entire surrounding valley. This Eiffel Tower is about half the size of the original in Paris, France.
The Eiffel Tower Experience
3645 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 946-7000
(888) 266-5687
Attractions for the Less Adventurous Family
Some families may not want to have such an adventurous Las Vegas experience. However, Las Vegas has plenty of shows and other sight-seeing adventures for the less adventurous.
Located out front of the Bellagio, right in the middle of The Strip, the Bellagio Fountains put on a water show every day starting at 3 p.m. on weekdays and noon on weekends. The shows run every half hour until 7 p.m., and every 15 minutes thereafter until midnight. The water show is choreographed to music and is free to any passers-by.
Lied Discovery Children's Museum
833 N. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89101
(702) 382-3445
Located in a variety of hotels along the strip, Cirque du Soleil has many shows set up, each with their own theme to draw a certain audience. It is not recommended for very young children with a short attention span, and the shows generally last about an hour and a half, but tickets can be pricey. It is suitable for families with older children.
Cirque du Soleil
O Theatre
Bellagio
3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
Located on the north end of the strip, Lied Discovery Children's Museum is one of the largest children's museums in the country and has more than 100 interactive exhibits. There are a variety of areas within the museum for children and adults of all ages, so there will be something every member of the family can enjoy.
Fountains at Bellagio
3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 693-7111
(888) 488-7111
Family Attractions off the Strip
Some families may be interested in seeing what else the Las Vegas area has to offer away from the strip. Couples who don't like to gamble or just want to venture away from the neon lights may enjoy some of these sights as well.
Located in Henderson, Nevada, the Ethel M. Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Gardens is free to tour and is located just 15 minutes from the strip. Visitors can see chocolate being made and are also invited to sample a variety of treats in the lounge. Afterward, guests can visit the cactus gardens, which are decorated with lights during the holiday season.
Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Gardens
Two Cactus Garden Drive
Henderson, Nevada 89015
(702) 435-2655
Located in Grand Canyon, Arizona, the Grand Canyon is about 300 miles away from Las Vegas. The Grand Canyon is considered one of the world's natural wonders and is about a mile deep at its deepest point, and 18 miles wide at the widest point. While this is a day- or two-day long excursion, it's well worth it for the experience of seeing such a grand sight.
Grand Canyon
Located 278 miles from Las Vegas
Grand Canyon, Arizona
(928) 638-7888
Located in Boulder City, Nevada, Lake Mead was created by the Hoover Dam along the Colorado River and is at the point where the Mojave, the Great Basin and the Sonoran deserts all come together. There are many plant and animal species that are only present in the Lake Mead area and the lake provides many nice picnic areas and boating adventures for the entire family.
Lake Mead
601 National Highway
Boulder City, Nevada
(702) 293-8907
About the Author:
Based in Dayton, Ohio, Sari Hardyal has been writing fitness, sports, entertainment and health-related articles for more than five years. Hardyal holds a Bachelor of Science in mass communication from Miami University and is pursuing her master's degree in occupational therapy and her doctorate in physical therapy. She is a certified personal trainer with the National Federation of Professional Trainers.
Photo Credits:
http://www.sxc.hu/photo/545561
