If you were ever in Las Vegas at the same time that I was and you had your children with you, I owe you an apology. Ten Things To Do With Kids In Las Vegas Without Leaving The Strip.
Over the years I have been to Las Vegas countless times. And with each visit I would see families with children in casinos and on the strip. Often I would look at those little kids with a sympathetic eye while wondering what it was that all of those kids were doing in Vegas. Admittedly, I also wondered why their parents would take them to Sin City.
All of that changed this past summer.
Two weeks before Garth Brooks played his World Tour at T-Mobile arena my husband surprised me with tickets to the concert along with details of the weekend getaway that he had planned for the two of us. However, at the last minute we decided to take our five year old to Las Vegas with us.
Yep. I went to Vegas with my ‘little kid’ in tow.
The bonus to having two children born 16 years apart is having an older child who will babysit, especially when babysitting includes traveling. We added a day, a hotel room and our two boys to our concert getaway and we had the best time. In the above picture our five year old is searching for his big brother’s hotel room window from inside our hotel room.
To the parents that I may have quietly questioned during my previous visits to Las Vegas – I am sorry. To all those little kids from my past trips to Sin City – I exchange my sympathetic smile for a warmer more excited smile. And to those of you considering a trip to Las Vegas with children in tow – I offer you…
Ten Things To Do With Kids In Las Vegas
Without Leaving The Strip
- Bellagio Fountains
By far one of my favorite things to do in Vegas is watch the fountain show at the Bellagio. The fountain show repeats every half hour or every 15 minutes depending on the time of the day. Shows begin at 3pm on weekdays, 12pm on Saturdays and 11am on Sundays.
*Disclaimer: the fountains are even more beautiful at night than they are during the day, the strip is also very different at night and less appropriate.
- ARIA Express Tram and CityCenter Tram
The ARIA is a free tram with three stops along the Strip, perfect for those times when little feet (and big feet) need a rest.
The CityCenter Tram is also a free ride with three stops. The furthest southern stop is the Mandalay Bay.
- Shark Reef Aquarium, Mandalay Bay
With open tanks and two walk-thru tunnels the Shark Reef Aquarium is definitely a must do for families. Ticket prices and hours can be found on the aquarium website.
- M&Ms World Store, Showcase Mall north of MGM Grand
A four-level store filled with all things M&Ms. You will be surprised to see just how many things inside are M&M. There is even a free 3D movie and full sized 18NASCAR®.
- Gondola Ride, The Venetian
A Venetian gondola ride down canals and under bridges either indoor or outdoor. Hours and prices for this smooth sail with a singing gondolier can be found on their website.
- Volcano, The Mirage
The exploding volcano can be found at the north end of the strip. Depending on the day there are either two or three shows, all of which come with heat.
- Arcades
There are arcades in several strip hotels. Our kiddo highly recommends The Big Apple Arcade inside New York New York. (Which is also where bigger kids can board the Big Apple Roller Coaster!)
- Play Pools & Splash Pads
A few of the strip hotels have play pools and splash pads designed just for kids. A favorite is at The Polo Towers.
- Hershey Chocolate World, New York New York
Two floors of all things chocolate, including the Statue of Liberty. There is also a red Twizzlers Statue of Liberty. The chocolate details of the store are fascinating. Be sure to check out the light fixtures.
- The Wildlife Habitat, Flamingo
A free exhibit filled with Pink Chilean Flamingos, Turtles, a couple Pelicans, Ducks and Koi Fish. There is also a Parrot available for photo ops (there is a fee for pictures).
There is plenty more to do with kids off of the Las Vegas strip including museums and water parks but for those who would prefer to stay close to the casino lights this list of Ten Things To Do With Kids In Las Vegas Without Leaving The Strip is for you.
