It’s called Sin City for a reason, but Las Vegas is not just for grown-ups. You don’t have to bet against the house to be a big winner. Away from the casinos and hotel pools there is a jackpot of family fun just waiting to be had.
Seigfried & Roy Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat
There’s so much kid-friendly fun happening right on The Strip. The Mirage is home to the big cat collection of magic act Seigfried & Roy. Walk through at your own pace, admiring the tigers, panthers and other felines and then watch dolphins frolic and play right next door.
Las Vegas Pinball Hall of Fame Museum
What kid doesn’t like to play a video game? Bring them down to E. Tropicana where they can both see some of the greatest pinball machines from the 1950s to 1990s and also play with pieces of history. This 10,000 square foot museum is open daily and is totally non-profit. All quarters you pay to play that don’t go toward upkeep go to various charities, like the Salvation Army.
Circus Circus Adventuredome
Among the hopeful thrills of slots and table games are more certain thrills at the Adventuredome amusement park at Circus Circus. Big kids have a choice of roller coasters and other adventure rides, while little ones can ride more tame rides and experience fun 4D movies. And if you’re looking for more affordable activities, Circus Circus holds free circus acts throughout the day.
Fremont Street Experience
Not all the glitz and glamour in Vegas is reserved for the casinos. The Fremont Street Experience downtown is seven blocks of entertainment, lights and more. Fremont Street had the first hotel in Vegas and the first paved street and now features one of the most popular attractions in the city. Live performances compete for attention with a four-block-long lighted canopy that uses 12.5 million LED lights to create patterns and videos to music once the sun goes down. Plus it’s all free!
Ziplining
If the rest of Fremont Street hasn’t quite delighted all their senses, then perhaps ziplining above the crowd will do the trick. Zip 110 feet from the ground, soaring over the heads of the visitors and right under the lighted canopy of the Fremont Street Experience.
Mob Museum
If you’ve ever wondered how Las Vegas got started and it blossomed into the city it is today, you’ll be surprised to know that it never would have happened without the mob. The Mob Museum is located directly across the street from Fremont Street, spans three floors in a former federal courthouse and U.S. Post Office. Kids will learn the history of the mob while also learning fun facts about how the mob works and how they spread across the country. There are some graphic images here and quite a bit of reading, so this may not be suitable for small children.
Shark Reef Aquarium
Just like the zoo, almost everyone enjoys a trip to the aquarium. The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay has over 2,000 underwater creatures, including 1,000 sharks of 15 different species. Come face-to-face with exotic fish, reptiles and the rare golden crocodile. The aquarium has a touch tank – which all kids think is exciting – and two walk-through underwater tunnels to experience marine life all around you.
All cities can be family-friendly if you look for attractions suitable for the different ages in your travel group. With the addition of endless buffets and pools to choose from, there is something to make everyone happy in Las Vegas. You may also want to check out Bonnie Springs Ranch, the Neon Museum, the Hoover Dam and Springs Preserve (this will be on my agenda for my next trip). Also check into getting an Explorer Pass to do more for less.
Do you have a favorite thing to do in or around Vegas with your kids?
Do you have a favorite thing to do in or around Vegas with your kids?
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