21 Family-Friendly Spots in Las Vegas For a Sinfully Good Time
When you're planning a family vacation, chances are Las Vegas isn't high on your list of places to visit, especially if you have young children. Don't let a place known as "Sin City" and home of bachelorette parties, however, scare you off completely. While Vegas is filled with clubs and casinos, the 4.2-mile strip actually has many kid-friendly attractions that parents would approve of. From magic shows and thrill rides to live-animal attractions (all within hotels), Vegas has plenty to offer families who want to make unforgettable memories. Read on to see which spots your little ones should check out, because the real fun begins before they're 21.
Cirque du Soleil
With eight different themed shows scattered in various hotels, Cirque du Soleil dominates the Las Vegas scene with brilliant theatrics and performances. Whether you choose to see O at the Bellagio or Mystère at Treasure Island, the whole family will have an unforgettable night.
Gondola Ride at the Venetian
An indoor gondola ride is the perfect time to wind down with the family. Take in the view of the Venetian while enjoying your gondolier's singing. You'll forget you are actually inside a hotel.
Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat
Located inside the Mirage, Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat lets children see and interact with bottlenose dolphins, white tigers, white lions, and leopards.
Volcano Eruption at the Mirage
For a fiery first night in Las Vegas, take the whole family to the Mirage for its volcano show. Beginning at 7 p.m. and running every half hour until 11 p.m., the eruption features explosions and fireballs. Best of all, the show is free!
Insanity Ride at the Stratosphere
Adventurous kids (and parents) will love the thrill rides at the top of the Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower. For a heart-pumping experience, take a ride on Insanity or X-Scream.
Serendipity 3 at Caesars Palace
Cool off from exploring the Las Vegas strip with a trip to Serendipity 3 at Caesars Palace. Serendipity's famous frozen hot chocolate will satisfy everyone's sweet tooth. And the kid-friendly place even offers paper menus for coloring.
Fountain Show at the Bellagio
The fountain show features streams of water beautifully choreographed to music and lights. Families won't have to worry about missing the free performance because the show runs every half hour from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and then every 15 minutes until midnight.
Bellagio's Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
If there's one spot where you should take beautiful family photos, it's inside Bellagio's Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. You'll find expertly arranged floral displays and water features that match the seasons or holidays. The exhibit is also completely free.
David Copperfield at MGM
A trip to Vegas isn't complete without taking the family to see David Copperfield. Kids who love magic tricks will especially be enchanted by the great illusionist.
Adventuredome at Circus Circus
Spending part of your day indoors may not be a bad idea, especially if you go to Adventuredome. Located in the Circus Circus hotel, the five-acre family-friendly theme park offers rides like a balloon Ferris wheel, carousels, and roller coasters.
Indoor Carnival at Circus Circus
Circus Circus's famous Carnival Midway features circus acts, arcades, games, and prizes. Designed for kids and adults, Midway's entertainment options are endless.
Rainforest Cafe at MGM
If a 10,000-gallon double-archway aquarium doesn't impress your little ones, they'll love the tropical waterfalls inside the Rainforest Cafe at MGM. The family-friendly eatery also has a kids' menu and features rainforest-themed foods such as Rumble in the Jungle turkey wrap and Primal steak.
Circus Acts
Just when you thought you've seen it all, Circus Circus also offers free circus performances at 11 a.m. inside the hotel. Families can watch acts from foot jugglers to quick-change artists.
Kahunaville at Treasure Island
You don't have to travel to Hawaii to experience a luau. Treasure Island's Island Heat LuWow is a dinner show that features Polynesian dancing with a Vegas twist. Catch a performance Thursday to Monday at 6 p.m. or 8 p.m.
Murray the Celebrity Magician
America's Got Talent semifinalist Murray brings his magic show to Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Watch him make a Ferrari appear from thin air or turn a showgirl into a 450-pound tiger.
Mandalay Bay Shark Reef
The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay is home to over 2,000 animals and 1.6 million gallons of water. Families can see all kinds of exotic natural creatures such as giant rays, a rare golden crocodile, and sawfish. Kids can even feed sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays.
Blue Man Group
Catch a performance from the legendary Blue Man Group at Monte Carlo. The show combines instruments, music, video, and lighting for an exciting experience. Ticket prices start at $64.
Hershey's Chocolate World
Treat the whole family to sweets at Hershey's Chocolate World on the Las Vegas Strip. Visitors will be greeted by a sculpture of the Statue of Liberty, made out of 800 pounds of Hershey's milk chocolate, in addition to more than 800 Hershey's chocolates and candies.
The Big Apple Coaster and Arcade
Daring riders will love the Big Apple Coaster at New York New York. The roller coaster is the world's first in featuring a 180-degree twist and dive maneuver that will leave your heads spinning. Once you catch your breath, head to The Big Apple Arcade for more games.
High Roller
Look down on the Vegas strip aboard a 550-foot-tall observation wheel. The High Roller holds up to 40 people in one cabin, giving everyone a chance to catch the Vegas sights either in the morning or at night.
The Lego Store at Fashion Show Mall
Treat your little ones with a visit to The Lego Store if they've been good during the trip. There's also plenty of shopping opportunities for parents in the Fashion Show Mall.