By Emily Beach
Vegas Vacations for Kids
Often called "The Entertainment Capital of the World,"
Las Vegas is a mecca for casino gambling, mega hotels, and world class restaurants and nightclubs. As the city continues to grow, many of the hotels and
resorts are adding kid-friendly features, from amusement parks to shows. By adding activities that cater to kids, the Vegas resorts are able to attract more families, who are increasingly turning to Las Vegas as a
family vacation destination. If you're bringing the kids for a Vegas vacation, here are some must-see attractions.
AdventureDome at Circus Circus
The Sign at Circus Circus
Located at the southern end of the Strip, the Circus Circus Hotel offers some of the best activities for kids in Las Vegas. First, there is the 5-acre AdventureDome theme park. Located under a "big top tent" inside the hotel, it offers dozens of rides, games, and shows for kids of all ages. Older children will love the Canyon Blaster Roller Coaster and the water flume rides. Younger children will enjoy the new SpongeBob 4-D simulator as well as swings and mini-coasters. Visitors can pay per ride, or buy an all-day pass that entitles them to unlimited rides. Best of all, guests of all ages can watch the hotel's live circus acts. They take place several times a day and feature animal acts, contortionists, and other thrills. Parents can enjoy the large gaming area while their children play in the park, or they can stay and experience many of the rides with their kids. There's also a laser tag area, mini golf course, and an arcade featuring more than 100 games.
Circus Circus
2880 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, Nevada
(702) 734-0410
Take a Roller Coaster Tour of the City
The Coaster at New York, New York
While the city is known for its many gaming opportunities, there are a surprising number of roller coasters located along the strip. For teens or older children, check out the coaster and other thrill rides at the Stratosphere Hotel. The rides are situated at the top of the tower, more than 1,200 feet above the Strip. If your kids don't like heights, try the coaster at New York, New York. It winds through the casino then out along the Strip, cruising through the New York skyline. Guests can pay for one ride or buy an unlimited pass. Next, try the Speed coaster at the Sahara. It starts inside the hotel then winds its way outside and through the hotel's neon sign before repeating the same route backwards. Again, guests can pay for single rides or unlimited passes. All of these coasters have height restrictions, most starting at 42 inches, so call ahead to make sure your child will be allowed to ride.
The Stratosphere
2000 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, Nevada
(702) 383-4777
New York, New York
3790 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, Nevada
(702) 740-6969
Sahara Hotel
2535 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, Nevada
(702) 737-2111
Take in a Kid-Friendly Show
Blue Man Group at the Venetian
Las Vegas is full of shows, and it's no surprise that many of them cater to kids. One of the most popular shows for families is the Blue Man Group at the Venetian Hotel. Consisting of performers painted blue, the show features dancing, rhythm, elaborate lighting, and special effects. It is kid-friendly, and features a bit of audience participation to keep kids interested. Another popular choice is the Tournament of Kings Dinner Show at the Excalibur Hotel. Kids will enjoy eating their meal while watching performers joust on real horses. Finally, with the exception of the adults-only Zumanity show, kids will enjoy seeing one of the five Cirque du Soleil shows in Vegas. They feature acrobats, contortionists, and amazing physical feats that will astound the entire family.
The Venetian
3355 Las Vegas Boulevard
Las Vegas, Nevada
(702) 414-1000
Excalibur
3850 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, Nevada
(702) 597-7777
Resources
About the Author:
Emily Beach works in the commercial construction industry in Maryland. She received her LEED accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2008 and is in the process of working towards an Architectural Hardware Consultant certification from the Door and Hardware Institute. She received a bachelor's degree in economics and management from Goucher College in Towson, Maryland.
Photo Credits:
Wiki Commons
