Las Vegas with Kids
Tips for Family Friendly Fun in Las Vegas
“I can’t believe I got to see the REAL Eiffel Tower!”
Sophie and Rachel taking in the view of the famous Las Vegas Strip
Kevin and I have been to Las Vegas several times together. It’s our favorite couple’s getaway destination, but we’d never thought of going as a family. When planning our route to San Diego for our “Big Trip,” Kevin thought it might be fun to stop there for a couple of days. It would be new for us to experience this adult playground as a family. We are so glad we made the stop! So many fun memories were made, and we realized that there were a lot of wonderful things we could see and experience with them!
First Impressions
When traveling to Las Vegas in the past, we had always flown. This time, we had stayed at the Grand Canyon the previous night and were approaching the city by car for the first time. Out of nowhere, a fighter jet approached from the driver’s side of the car and, when it was directly in front of us, it shot straight up in the air. A few seconds later, the sound hit us like a giant BOOM! It was shocking and we were still recovering when another jet performed the same maneuver and began chasing after the first. We’re not sure what kind of military drill was going on, but it was certainly a thrilling and memorable way to be welcomed to Las Vegas!
One of the fighter jets that gave us an unforgettable welcome to Vegas (hard to capture as it was so fast)
We exited the highway onto Las Vegas Boulevard and made our way to Bally’s (now Horseshoe Hotel & Casino), which is connected to the Paris Hotel and Casino. As we passed the replica of the Eiffel Tower, Sophie gasped and exclaimed “I can’t believe I got to see the REAL Eiffel Tower!” Kevin and I laughed and talked about all the money we would save not having to take her to Paris. Looking back, it was probably the first seed planted for our 3 month trip to France years later!
First Night in Vegas
After checking into our hotel, we stopped at a restaurant for brick oven pizzas before heading out to explore. We never expected to be in Sin City with all three of our underage girls (Ellie was 20 at the time). It was fun watching Kevin walk, hand in hand, with the Littles down the Las Vegas Strip. By now, it was dark outside so the girls were getting the full-on Las Vegas Strip experience with lights everywhere. The Eiffel Tower and the hot air balloon were both lit up brilliantly to the delight of the Littles. They stopped and pointed at lots of brightly lit buildings and attractions. Soon, they were exhausted, so we took them back to the room and got them settled for the night. We left Ellie in charge while Kevin and I grabbed a drink and played some video poker in the casino.
Click on photo to enlarge and see descriptions.
Vegas Through the Eyes of Children
I awoke the next morning and realized that Rachel was no longer in her bed. I checked the bathroom and all around the room. I even checked the door to make sure the deadbolt was still secured. At this point, panic was really starting to set in when I suddenly noticed the tiniest movement of the curtains. I found her behind the curtain, pressed up against the glass, looking at the amazing view of the Strip outside our window. She was awestruck by the buildings, flashing signs, and billboards. She was anxious to go out and see it all!
The restaurant we’d planned to visit for breakfast was closed so we ended up at La Creperie where the girls shared a cinnamon bun crepe and the adults split two crepes: a Monte Cristo and a ham & cheese. They were absolutely delicious and our bill was much cheaper than it would have been if we’d had our first choice. With our bellies now full, we set out for a full day of Vegas fun!
Sophie quickly noticed all of the sounds and blinking lights coming from the casinos that we passed in each hotel. She was drawn to all the excitement and wanted to know when we could go to one of the “carnivals.” We had to explain to her that those were “adults-only carnivals” and that, unfortunately, she would have to wait until she was 21 to explore them. Disappointed, but placated, we moved on to the lobby of the Bellagio Hotel. They loved seeing all the hand blown glass pieces that adorn the ceiling, and they enjoyed exploring the seasonal lemon and fresh flowers display.
As former residents of Louisville, KY, we loved seeing this tribute to Muhammad Ali at the Bellagio Hotel.
Next up, we wandered through Caesar’s Palace and the girls became acutely aware of all the “boobies” (naked lady statues) throughout the hotel. They were giggling about them as we approached The David (a replica of the famous Michelangelo statue) on the way to the Forum Shops. Right there in front of us was David’s naked rear end in all its glory. Nine year old Rachel started laughing and then it dawned on her that this was a three dimensional art piece so she began creeping around to get a view of the front of the statue. She came back around to us with her hands over her face exclaiming, “I’m going to have to wash my eyes!” Meanwhile, five year old Sophie was trailing behind her saying, “What the heck!” Kevin and I wondered how long we would need to wait before we could expose them to the actual works of art we would find on a European vacation. Figuring that we had “damaged” them enough for one day, we made our way out of Caesar’s but not before seeing more statues and hearing Sophie ask Kevin, “Daddy! Why did you even bring us here?”
Realizing that they’d had their fill of art appreciation, we walked across the street to the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino where we wandered through the flamingo habitat and stopped at Johnny Rockets for a delicious milkshake. Actually, each of us ended up with a full glass plus the metal container to refill it about halfway again. Despite the sugar rush, Sophie was fading and we were all in need of a nap so we returned to our room and all of us dozed off for several hours.
By the time we all woke up, it was 6:30pm and we were hungry, so we headed out to find dinner. On our way, we stopped outside the Mirage to watch the volcano erupt. The show started on time and was really getting good when a malfunction occurred, and everything stopped. We waited several more minutes in the hopes it would start back up again, but they didn’t continue the show. Slightly disappointed, we made our way to Treasure Island and spent some time looking at the pirate ships all lit up. However, at this point we were all getting a bit hangry (some of us more than others) so we walked into the casino and found a place to get a quick meal.
Full from dinner, and no longer feeling hangry, we ended our evening by taking a leisurely walk back to our hotel. We thoroughly enjoyed the cooler evening weather and the sights and sounds of Vegas at night. We got the Littles settled into bed and they were soon sound asleep. Kevin, Ellie, and I decided to enjoy a movie together to complete our time in Vegas.
Our Tips for Enjoying Vegas with Kids
Book a hotel right in the heart of Las Vegas Boulevard – When you’re bringing kids along, you want to be where fun is always just steps away. If you’ve already planned your activities, find a hotel within walking distance to avoid having to catch a ride. Otherwise, the Deuce on The Strip bus service, operated by RTC Travel, is a good option if walking is too much for your kiddos. It runs the length of the Strip, stopping at each major hotel along the way. There are several options for passes on the bus: from a two hour pass to a 3 day pass, each with unlimited rides.
Know when and where to refuel – Knowing how much your kids can handle is essential! It can take a long time to walk from one casino to another and kids can get worn out quickly. Plan your must-see items first and leave time to just stop and enjoy street performers and the many amazing things that you can only see in Vegas. Also, be sure to drink a lot of water (we use Larq water bottles) and refuel with quality food. You want to avoid getting dehydrated and hangry in the desert heat. If you don’t want to carry a water bottle with you, make sure you stop periodically to hydrate. (You might even want an ice cream treat.) There are so many delicious restaurants in Las Vegas, many of them owned by famous chefs. They range from casual and family friendly to high end culinary experiences. Here are some kid-friendly dining options:
The Rainforest Cafe, located just outside Planet Hollywood, provides an entertaining dining experience with animatronics that will thrill younger kids. There’s also a menu of kid-friendly foods for picky eaters, including Rainforest Rascals (mini-burgers), Jurassic Chicken Tidbits (dinosaur-shaped nuggets), and Gorilla Grilled Cheese Delight (grilled cheese on Texas toast).
Carmine’s Restaurant, located in the Forum Shops at Caesars, is a great option for a family style meal. There’s a wide selection of classic Italian pastas, chicken, seafood, and decadent dessert items that can feed a hungry teenager or be shared with a younger child.
Hash House a Go Go Restaurant serves Midwest-inspired dishes and is located inside the Linq. With beautiful and delicious options like Sage Fried Chicken Benedict, “Twisted” Flapjacks, and Farmhouse Egg Scrambles, you are sure to get your day started on the right foot. While they specialize in breakfast foods, they have hearty sandwiches, salads, and entrees on offer as well. They are only open until 3pm most days but do stay open until 9pm on the weekend.
The Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace is the largest buffet in Las Vegas! While it’s definitely NOT the cheapest dining option, it is SURE to satisfy your hungry teenager! With over 250 items, it’s also guaranteed to have something that your picky-eater will love. The buffet offers several serving times each day so check their website at the link above to find the offer that meets your needs.
Johnny Rockets has always been a family favorite of ours for a delicious burger, fries, and a generously-sized milkshake! They have several locations in Las Vegas; you’ll find them located in Excalibur, Flamingo, Venetian, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, and several other sites around town.
Enjoying Vegas with kids means knowing where to find the best experiences around town – Here are a few of the popular ones that are sure to entertain your kids:
Fun Dungeon at Excalibur is a family-friendly arcade that is open daily from noon until 11pm. There are over 200 games that include sports, virtual reality, traditional arcade, and even some retro games that will make mom and dad feel like a kid again. You won’t even have to go far to quench your thirst or satisfy your sweet tooth, because Dairy Queen and Orange Julius are located right in the Fun Dungeon!
The Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is open daily from 10am to 8pm. The aquarium is home to over 2,000 animals in various tanks. Committed to conservation, this aquarium is sustainably operated in partnership with organizations that educate the public and rescue endangered aquatic animals. Ticket prices start at $29 for adults and there are several add-on experiences available that allow families to feed sharks, turtles, or stingrays.
Discovery Children’s Museum is located in downtown Las Vegas and is the top interactive museum in Southern Nevada! It is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from noon until 5pm. This non-profit museum has been operating for over 30 years and offers permanent and temporary immersive exhibits. Kids can solve mysteries, get creative with art projects, or transform into an inventor or archaeologist. There’s even a special desert-themed area for toddlers to play. General admission is $17 for guests over 1 year of age and parking is free with paid admission.
Hershey’s Chocolate World Las Vegas is located in the New York Hotel & Casino. This 13,000 square-foot store offers some exclusive Hershey’s products and gifts. The store features a sculpture of the Statue of Liberty, made of almost 800 pounds of Hershey’s milk chocolate! You can even customize your own chocolate bar for a one-of-a-kind experience! While it’s free to visit the store, we’re sure you’ll spend a bit of money on treats before you leave.
The High Roller is an observation wheel that can be found at the Linq. This enormous ferris wheel is the largest in North America! It soars 550 feet into the sky, offering a panoramic view of the Las Vegas Strip that lasts about 30 minutes. The ride features 28 cabins, holding up to 40 people each. It costs a little less before 5pm, but a night ride over the Strip is a truly memorable experience. The Linq even offers a S.T.E.M. self-guided curriculum sheet that will help give you and your kids a bonus educational experience. The PDF (that can be printed from their website link above) guides you through a series of facts about the ride and questions that will help your child think about how they would design and build their own ride.
Adventuredome at Circus Circus is a 5 acre indoor amusement park that features 25 rides and attractions! There’s so much fun for families here, from a laser maze to rock climbing and bungee jumping, arcade and midway games, and even miniature golf. For riders over 48” tall, the Adventuredome has several fun rides. The Canyon Blaster is the world’s only indoor double-loop, double-corkscrew roller coaster! It tops out at 55mph as it speeds through the dome. While there are lots of fun things for little ones here, we really think your teens, in particular, will love the Adventuredome.
The Big Apple Coaster is found on the roof of the New York-New York Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. Riders must be 54” to ride (without footwear - so no cheating). Featuring a 180 degree “heartline” twist and dive maneuver and a 203ft drop, this roller coaster is made for thrill ride enthusiasts! You must reserve a time and date in advance of your arrival and ride operation is subject to weather conditions. While at New York-New York, you can also spend some time in the Big Apple Arcade where you can play classic games as a family.
The Springs Preserve, known as the “birthplace of Las Vegas,” is a great source for learning and family fun. As a home-schooling family, we are always looking for interesting educational opportunities to enjoy together. This 180 acre site serves just that purpose as it teaches the history of Las Vegas and is committed to providing a sustainable future. The site served as the original source of water for Native Americans who lived on these lands thousands of years ago. The Springs Preserve includes museums, galleries, educational films, an animal habitat, a botanical garden, and even hosts outdoor events. Explore a butterfly habitat, visit the Nevada State Museum, take a train ride, and play on the playground or Splash Pad. There are a lot of ways to learn and have fun as a family here!
Miniature golf is a great activity to enjoy while you’re in Las Vegas with kids. Twilight Zone Mini Golf, located at the Horseshoe Hotel & Casino (this used to be Bally’s), is a 10,000 square-foot themed course with a unique glow-in-the-dark 18 hole mini golf experience. With custom props, artwork, and an on-site live DJ, you’ll have your most memorable round yet! Also available are arcade games, bowling, and a Sci-Fi wedding chapel!
Book a family-friendly show – There are actually quite a few shows that will make your Vegas with kids trip fun and memorable for all of you. Be sure to talk to your hotel concierge who can help you identify appropriate shows and book tickets. Here are just a few:
Tournament of Kings at Excalibur Hotel & Casino is definitely kid-friendly. Kids can eat with their hands and marvel at the live action show that blends pyrotechnics with knights and horses acting out an adapted tale of King Arthur. The theater is a 900 seat arena, giving diners the feel of a Roman colosseum.
Mat Franco Magic Reinvented Nightly plays at the Linq. As a former winner of America’s Got Talent, Mat Franco’s show is a perfect Vegas with kids option! His show promises to reinvent old favorite tricks and introduce never before seen surprises. He uses some close-up magic to make the crowd feel like part of the show and even improvises moments with his audience to keep everyone on the edge of their seats. (Please note that kids need to be 5 years or older to attend this show.)
Mystère by Cirque du Soleil is a family-friendly show hosted at Treasure Island. This show features an international cast with over 65 performers that is sure to entertain and amaze your family! You’ll be treated to a presentation with high-flying acrobats, creative and colorful costumes, and moments that will make you laugh. There are even interactive moments that keep the audience involved throughout the show.
Jabbawockeez at MGM Grand Las Vegas offers a family-friendly show that has been named “Best Family Show” and “Best All Ages Show” for three years! This show pairs high tech production with eye-catching visual effects to create a music and dance performance that will have you dancing in your seat.
Take advantage of free entertainment and displays – Even if you’re visiting Vegas without plans to gamble, it’s easy for costs to add up quickly! Here are just some of the things you can do with your kids that don’t cost a thing:
Watch the Bellagio Fountains dance to the music. The fountain shows run about every 30 minutes after noon on weekends and after 3pm on weekdays. After 8pm, you can see the show at 15 minute intervals all the way until midnight. The sight is entrancing and it will captivate your children.
Many hotels on the Strip have seasonal art displays in their lobbies. You can count on Bellagio, Aria, MGM Grand, and Caesars to have displays that are worth taking time to appreciate. Depending on the time of year, you may even find the artists setting them up or refreshing some of the flowers in one of the displays.
Visit the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat behind the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino where you’ll find waterfalls, streams, and 15 acres of exotic birds, fish, and flamingos.
Watch the Fall of Atlantis Show located at the Forum Shops in Caesars Palace. It’s an 11 minute show, featuring animatronics, that tells the story of King Atlas. Shows run every hour, on the hour.
Enjoy time at your hotel’s pool. Many of the hotels on the Strip boast some pretty amazing pools with cabanas and food service. This is a great way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and to cool off from the hot desert sun. Several hotels in town feature some really fun experiences for kids. The Tank Pool at the Golden Nugget in Downtown Las Vegas has a tunnel slide that passes through an aquarium filled with five different species of sharks! The Splash Zone & Pool at Circus Circus Hotel features over 1 acre of fun and a 50ft slide tower with 3 different slides. There’s even a playground with waterfalls and buckets that spill over at intervals which is great for younger kids.
View of Bally’s & Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
We were pleasantly surprised by how much our Littles loved Las Vegas. It had never occurred to us to take them until it became a convenient stop on our “Big Trip.” We enjoyed seeing the city through their eyes. Years later, they still talk about their first trip to Las Vegas! Have you ever been surprised by how much your children have enjoyed a place you didn’t expect would appeal to them? Would you ever try visiting Las Vegas with kids? We hope we’ve inspired you to bring your kids along on all of your adventures and find ways to enjoy them together!
