Vegas tried the whole family attraction thing a couple of decades ago, but realized there already was one of those, Disneyland or something I think it’s called. Since then Sin City has gone back to its roots as the adult playground. However there is still quite a bit to do in Vegas for the family. We’ll help you figure out what to do on your family vacation.
Any hotel on the Strip or Downtown will be fun for the family – though you may want to keep in mind if you have small
children that Downtown is surrounded on all sides by some of the seedier elements of Vegas. The top ten choices for a family with children are:
Circus Circus – It’s “the world’s largest permanent indoor circus” they claim, and it is full of various rides, games, and other attractions the whole family can appreciate.
New York-New York – You can’t miss the roller coaster from the Strip, and on the upper floor is a descent arcade.
Plus it’s within walking distance of GameWorks, which is the largest arcade in Vegas and full of other great attractions for both kids and adults.
Excalibur – This is where you will find the Tournament of Kings. They also have a large arcade and it is connected to New York-New York via a walkway.
The Sahara – They have a roller coaster as well, and downstairs follows a NASCAR theme for any race fans in the family.
Stratosphere – If you or the kids crave an adrenalin rush, this is the place for you. Check the height requirements on the rides upstairs though.
MGM Grand – They have an awesome lion exhibit, and it is the biggest hotel on the Strip. It is also very close to GameWorks and the M&M Factory. If your kids are old enough you may want to check out CSI: The Experience.
Mirage – Not typically a family destination per se, however the Secret Garden and Dolphin habitat are the closest thing to a zoo on the Strip, and everyone loves the Volcano which goes off every half hour starting at dusk in front of the Mirage.
Mandalay Bay – Mandalay’s Shark Reef is amazing, with 5 types of sharks and many other sea creatures. It is also the only accredited aquarium by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association in Nevada.
Monte Carlo – They have a great pool for kids (all the casinos have pools, but many are more adult in nature) and their favorite fast food is located right next to the elevators. It is also straight across from GameWorks and Showcase Mall.
Luxor – They have a great IMAX theatre, and it is located right in between the Excalibur and Mandalay Bay – both great destinations for the family.
If you and the wife want to get away for some adult fun, many of the casinos, like the MGM Grand, offer child day care. As with any city, never leave underage children unattended.
As long as you stay on the Strip, then Vegas is fairly safe but if you are worried, then Measurement Systems sells personal trackers so you can know where you children are at any time.
For a full list of great activities in Vegas for the whole family, take a look at the Las Vegas for Kids section.