We had to take the trip to Vegas, but we're a family, so what happened in Vegas didn't stay in vegas. It was all PG family fun for us though. Las Vegas might be renowned for its casinos and nightlife, but to me it's also a fantastic destination for families, so hubby and I packed some bags with the kids and flew from LaGuardia Airport to Harry Reid International Airport to experience the fun G-rated version of sin city. The city offers a wide array of attractions that cater to children and parents alike, making it an excellent choice for a family vacation. Here are twelve must-visit spots in Las Vegas that both moms and kids will love.
1. Discovery Children’s Museum
First stop for us was the Discovery Children’s Museum. It's a haven for curious minds. Located in the Symphony Park area, this interactive museum offers nine themed exhibit halls filled with hands-on activities. From the Eco City, where kids can learn about sustainability, to the Fantasy Festival, which sparks imaginative play, the museum provides a perfect blend of education and entertainment. Moms will appreciate the educational value, while kids will love the opportunity to explore and play.
2. Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
Next up we trekked over to Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. We particularly loved this spot because our whole family are beach and sea people. We love the ocean and sea life. This area offers a mesmerizing underwater experience. Home to over 2,000 animals, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles, this aquarium provides a unique opportunity to get up close with marine life. The interactive touch pools allow kids to gently touch various sea creatures, making it a memorable experience for the whole family. Moms will enjoy the educational exhibits and the serene environment, while kids will be thrilled by the underwater tunnel that offers 360-degree views of the aquatic life.
3. Adventuredome Theme Park
Located at Circus Circus, the Adventuredome Theme Park is an indoor amusement park that spans five acres. We've traveled to a few indoor amusements parks back home, so we know the experience can be quite enjoyable. We wanted to see if the Vegas version was any good, and low and behold it was. Since this s Vegas, anytime we weren't outside in the baking desert heat was a great cooldown break for us. This area has rides and attractions for all ages, from thrilling roller coasters to gentle kiddie rides, there’s something for everyone, and we took full advantage of this letting loose for a quick thrill and adrenaline rush. The climate-controlled environment ensures fun regardless of the weather outside. I really appreciated the variety of family-friendly rides, and my kids loved the carnival games, bumper cars, and 4D theater experiences.
4. The Mirage Volcano
So this is almost entirely a visual attraction, and we made sure to enjoy the view and took some cool videos and pics. The Mirage Volcano is a free attraction. So it combines fire, water, and music to create an unforgettable spectacle. It's right in front of The Mirage hotel and erupts nightly, shooting fireballs and water jets into the air, synchronized with music by The Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart and Indian tabla musician Zakir Hussain. It’s a captivating show that’s perfect for families to enjoy together. Moms will appreciate the beauty and creativity of the display, while kids will be awed by the dramatic eruptions.
5. High Roller Observation Wheel
Crazy heights are nothing new for our family, so the High Roller at The LINQ was a breeze to handle. It's the world’s tallest observation wheel, standing at 550 feet (that's still high ya'll). The ride on the High Roller gave us stunning views of the Las Vegas Strip and the surrounding desert landscape. Each cabin is spacious and air-conditioned, providing a comfortable experience for all ages. Moms will love the panoramic views and photo opportunities, while kids will enjoy the thrilling ride and the chance to see the city from a new perspective.
6. Springs Preserve
Springs Preserve is a 180-acre cultural institution dedicated to the history and ecology of Las Vegas. The preserve has botanical gardens (remind me of New York Botanical Garden back in NYC), interactive museums, walking trails, and live animal exhibits. The Origen Museum and the Nevada State Museum are both located on-site and offer engaging exhibits about the region’s natural history and cultural heritage. Moms will appreciate the educational aspect and the beautiful natural surroundings, while kids will enjoy the hands-on activities and the chance to explore the outdoors.
7. Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Garden
The Ethel M Chocolate Factory offered a sweet treat for my whole family. OK so my husband and I had to seriously curb our kids enthusiasm here. Yeah we weren't traveling with toddlers anymore but there's something about candy, especially chocolate thay bring out the raging little kid in all of us. The factory sure did. We got free self-guided tours so we could watch the chocolate-making process. After the tour, we explored the Botanical Cactus Garden, which features hundreds of species of cacti (cactuses maybe??) and other desert plants. Moms? I guarantee you'll love the combination of chocolate and beautiful gardens, while your kids will enjoy the chocolate samples and the unique plants, mine sure did, LOL.
8. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
It seems when the developers upgraded Vegas, they went all out on setting up nice botanical gardens everywhere. Here we ran into another one. The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is another must-see for families. The gardens change with the seasons, offering stunning floral displays that are meticulously designed and maintained. Each display features thousands of plants and flowers, creating a magical atmosphere. My family's eyes lit up looking at this spot. The visuals and tranquility of the gardens were very nice, my kids wwere fascinated by the vibrant colors and themes.
9. The Big Apple Coaster and Arcade
My family being native New Yorkers, we got curious about this next place. This is a taste of Time Square and more of New York City in Las Vegas, so we headed to the New York-New York Hotel & Casino. The Big Apple Coaster gave us a thrilling ride that includes twists, loops, and drops, all while providing a view of the Las Vegas Strip. After the ride, spend some time at the Big Apple Arcade, which features a variety of games and attractions. Moms will enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of the arcade, while kids will love the excitement of the coaster and the fun games.
10. Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.
Located at Treasure Island, Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. is an interactive exhibit that put visitors in the world of the Avengers. This is where my sons fanboyed out a little. The attraction has authentic props and costumes from the Marvel films, as well as interactive displays and training simulations, and boy did my guys jump right in. As a mom I liked the high-quality exhibits and the chance for me and my husband to learn more about the Marvel universe, though we hear so much about it in our house everyday. So I suggest you take your big kids here moms and dads, they'll thank you for it.
11. Las Vegas Natural History Museum
Museums aren't like when I grew up as a Gen-Xer. They're way more engaging and interactive now. The Las Vegas Natural History Museum offers a wide range of exhibits that explore the natural world. Highlights include a dinosaur exhibit, a marine life gallery, and an international wildlife room. The museum also features interactive displays and hands-on activities that were perfect for my kids. I enjoyed the educational exhibits and the chance to explore the natural history of this desert region. If your kids are small, they'll for sure be captivated by the life-sized dinosaur models and the interactive displays.
12. Fremont Street Experience
The Fremont Street Experience is a lively pedestrian mall located in downtown Las Vegas. The area features a canopy of LED lights that create spectacular light shows, as well as live entertainment, street performers, and a variety of shops and restaurants. Moms will appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the variety of dining options, while kids will be entertained by the light shows, live music, and street performers.
My Tips for Traveling Moms:
- Plan Ahead: Research attractions and make a rough itinerary to ensure you hit all the highlights.
- Stay Hydrated: Las Vegas can be really hot at days during most of the year, so keep water bottles handy for you and the kids.
- Use Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential, especially for outdoor activities.
- Take Breaks: Pace yourselves to avoid exhaustion. Las Vegas can be overwhelming, and kids may need downtime.
- Snack Smart: Carry healthy snacks to keep energy levels up without relying solely on fast food. Trust me there's a lot of fast food around.
- Budget Wisely: Some attractions can be pricey. Look for discounts or combo tickets to save money.
- Stay Close at all times: My husband and I NEVER once lost site of our family memebers. Stay on the Strip or in central locations for safety, and to shorten travel time to attractions.
- Include the kids in the planning: Involve kids in planning to ensure they’re excited about the itinerary. I did this to make sure my kids weren't just forced into what I wanted them to do. What if they ended up hating it? Thankfully that wasn't the case with us.
Hey guys from me to you, simply aim to enjoy the Vegas surprises and adventures. If you and your kids are down for a good family road trip, you won't be disappointed.
