Family-friendly Las Vegas?
Las Vegas is someplace that is not often thought of as the best for families. But, it can be a lot of fun for kids if you stay at one of the top hotels for families. Kid-oriented attractions can be found right in the hotels throughout Vegas. Each hotel is themed and they are all amazing to stroll through and experience. With the city’s over-the-top attitude, it’s no surprise that Las Vegas offers plenty of unique activities on and off the strip.
If you and your family are feeling adventurous, try one of these experiences – from interacting with animals to riding a roller coaster – the next time you travel to Las Vegas.
The Adventuredome at Circus Circus is an indoor, 5-acre amusement park with a roller coaster, rock-climbing wall, mini-golf, clown shows, and so many other kid-friendly attractions. They also have games for young children and amazing kids’ menus. You can buy tickets per ride or an all-day pass if the kids want to stay for a long period of time.
If you are traveling with toddlers or young kids, Disney’s The Lion King show is a must. It is an amazing live performance musical based on the animated film. Children of all ages will enjoy this and so will mom and dad.
The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay is a wonderful, kid-oriented attraction that features large aquariums with a walk-through tunnel. Babies will enjoy the sights and sounds from under the sea. There are also hands-on aquariums with rays and small sharks for the kids to interact with.
Las Vegas is a wonderland for families. It has tons of kid-friendly options, family-friendly hotels, and sights that even your teens will be wowed by.
Paint with dolphins
Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, located at the Mirage, provides families with a fun way to view their favorite animals like lions, tigers, and dolphins. Is your family in the mood to splurge? For $199, visitors who are age 8 and older can create art with the help of a dolphin. The Painting with the Dolphins program consists of a poolside session in which a dolphin participates in the artistic fun. Advance reservations are highly recommended.
Swim with sharks
Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef Aquarium provides dive-certified visitors who are over the age of 18 the chance to engage in a rather unusual experience. Take a dip in the aquarium’s 1.3-million gallon shark tank and get an up-close look at over 30 sharks. Along with the chance to scuba dive, you’ll also receive admission to the aquarium for yourself and up to four guests. Just imagine your kids explaining to their classmates that Mom went swimming with sharks during your recent trip! Advance reservations are highly recommended. Swim with the Sharks is $650 for one diver and $1000 for two if booked together.
Zipline at the Rio
VooDoo Zip Line allows you to fly through the air between the two Rio Hotel towers. Fly 450 feet above the ground at 33 mph. Riders can go solo or can ride with a friend, making this a unique mother/daughter or father/son experience. Riders must be at least 48 inches tall to participate. Tickets are $27.49 each. The zip line is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., although only those 21 and over are allowed after 8 p.m
Ride the world’s largest observation wheel
The High Roller, one of the newest additions to the Las Vegas skyline, is currently the world’s largest observation wheel. Needless to say, the views of the Strip and the surrounding desert are incredible. You’ll travel in style as you make the 30-minute trip around the Ferris wheel. Don’t forget to bring your camera. Tickets are $24.95 for daytime rides and $34.95 after 7 p.m. Youth pricing and locals discounts are available.
Check Out Some Art
Bellagio Fine Art Gallery
Find creative inspiration and learn about the history of art at the Bellagio Fine Art Gallery. The current exhibition, Painting Women: Works From the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, features the work of women artists like Mary Cassatt and Georgia O’Keeffe. You’ll find a variety of artistic styles, from the pleasant peacefulness of Impressionism to the bold colors of Modern Abstraction. The exhibition is scheduled to run through October 17. Admission is $16 for adults and $11 for students, teachers, and military. Children ages 12 and under are free, although this attraction is best for pre-teens, teens, and parents. Admission includes an audio tour.
Explore Nevada History
Clark County Museum
Soak up the history of Southern Nevada at the Clark County Museum. Located in Henderson, this museum features indoor exhibits as well as the chance to walk down Heritage Street, a portion of the museum grounds that features several historic buildings. Be sure to check out the iconic Candlelight Wedding Chapel, which was originally built in 1966 and served as the site of many celebrity weddings over the years. Visitors will also find a train depot, ghost town, and an old air raid siren. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children.
Town Square
Foster a love of reading at Town Square’s “Storytime in the Square.” Located just south of the Strip, this outdoor shopping area hosts its lively storytime every Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. in the complex’s central park. This interactive hour-long program, which often includes music, magic tricks, and the occasional costumed character, is ideal for preschoolers. Bring a blanket, snacks, and sunscreen, and arrive early to claim your spot. Afterward, visit the playground or ride the small Town Square train, the Cactus Coaster. Check the Town Square event schedule before your visit. Storytime admission is free of charge. Train tickets are $3 each.
Tivoli Village
Everyone deserves a hardy lunch and some playtime after a day of learning. Stop by Tivoli Village, located in Las Vegas’ western suburbs, for a variety of dining options from upscale Mexican fare at Cantina Laredo to casual café-style sandwiches and salads at Café Leone. After you finish lunch, stop by the Tivoli Village playground. Here, you’ll find shaded playground equipment and a lawn that is just begging to host a game of tag. If you visit on a Saturday, stick around for Movies in the Park and enjoy a family-friendly film and free popcorn.
Must-Try Family-Friendly Las Vegas Restaurants
Las Vegas is a foodie’s dream come true. From upscale restaurants named after celebrity chefs to casual burger joints, the city’s vast array of eateries makes it difficult for travelers to narrow down their options. If you’re traveling with children, consider these restaurants for food that will make the entire family happy.
Family-Friendly British Restaurant
English’s Quintessentially British restaurant and tea room
Add some European flare to your trip to Las Vegas by visiting this British restaurant for afternoon tea. Ask your server about the special options for kids, which include hot tea and kid-friendly sandwiches, scones, and desserts. The scones are served with house-made strawberry jam and luxurious whipped cream. English’s is located at Town Square, just south of the Strip.
Family-Friendly American Food
Cheffini’s Hot Dogs
Offering beef, turkey, and vegan hot dogs with a variety of creative toppings, Cheffini’s at Container Park is a great place to enjoy a casual, outdoor lunch. Try the crunchy dog, which consists of a grilled frank topped with onions, red peppers, bacon bits, crushed potato chips, and seaweed. Cheffini’s is conveniently located north of the Strip, right next to the Container Park playground. Stop by for lunch and playtime before visiting other attractions in Downtown Las Vegas.
Family-Friendly Buffet
Spice Market Buffet
You can’t get the full Las Vegas experience without eating at one of the city’s legendary buffets. For a plethora of kid-friendly food options, try the Spice Market buffet at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. Kids will particularly enjoy the dessert station, which includes cotton candy, cupcakes, build-your-own crepes, and soft-serve ice cream.
If your Las Vegas travels take you near the UNLV campus, stop by Stephano’s for delicious Greek food. The kids menu diverges from the usual American fare by offering smaller portions of Greek entrees like a filet mignon skewer served with rice or fries. Parents will want to try the crispy falafel, either as an appetizer or as a meal. Reasonable prices and quick, order-at-the-counter service make this a great option for those traveling with children.
Family-Friendly Greek Food
Stephano’s Greek and Mediterranean Grill
If your Las Vegas travels take you near the UNLV campus, stop by Stephano’s for delicious Greek food. The kids menu diverges from the usual American fare by offering smaller portions of Greek entrees like a filet mignon skewer served with rice or fries. Parents will want to try the crispy falafel, either as an appetizer or as a meal. Reasonable prices and quick, order-at-the-counter service make this a great option for those traveling with children.
Family-Friendly Farm-to-Table
Honey Salt
Families will feel right at home in this hip yet welcoming atmosphere. The kids menu includes staples like pizza, pasta, and cheeseburgers, but also offers unique sides like edamame and grilled asparagus. Parents can opt for fresh and unique delights like the burrata and heirloom tomato salad and the caramelized sea scallops. Honey Salt is located in the suburban neighborhood of Summerlin, not far from attractions like Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa.
Family-Friendly Mexican
Leticia’s Mexican Cocina
Leticia’s is the place to go for Mexican fare in a casual, family-friendly environment. Try the QuesaTacos or the build-your-own burrito. With lunch specials and a kids menu, this restaurant is ideal for a hearty midday meal. It’s a popular spot on the weekends.
Family-Friendly Breakfast
Egg Works
Offering generous portions, reasonable prices, and several locations through the valley, this is the perfect place to start a busy day of sightseeing. Try the zesty “works potatoes” or the eggs benedict. The kids’ menu includes a variety of classic, kid-friendly options. Egg Works is open daily until 3 p.m.
Japanese
Ohjah Japanese Steakhouse
Hibachi-style restaurants are ideal when dining out with kids. After all, it’s dinner and a show combined into one fun evening. Watch the chefs create your meal, while they chat with diners and catapult shrimp at eager volunteers. Portion sizes are large, although a kids’ menu is available. Ohjah’s menu also includes sushi, noodle dishes, and Thai specialties. Travelers will find three locations in the Las Vegas valley.
Dessert
Sweet Addiction
A family vacation is a perfect time to splurge on dessert. Stop by Sweet Addiction for custom-made ice cream sandwiches. Choose two varieties of house-made cookies and a flavor of Thrifty ice cream to go in between them. You can also buy cookies by the dozen, if you feel like you might need some snacks for the road.
