Vegas with Wee Ones: A Survival Guide (Without Losing Your Sanity or Your Dignity)
Las Vegas. The glittering oasis in the desert, a monument to human excess...and apparently, a place you can bring your kids? That's right, folks, Vegas isn't just for bachelorette parties and Elvis impersonators anymore. With a little planning and a whole lot of patience, you can turn Sin City into Sin City Jr., a place where the only thing getting gambled is your dignity during a meltdown in the M&M store.
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| How To Do Las Vegas With Kids |
Glitz and Glamour (Without the Smoke)
Forget the smoky casinos and clinking slot machines. Las Vegas offers a surprising amount of kid-friendly fun that doesn't involve questionable impersonators or questionable decisions at 3 am. Here's a look at some surefire ways to keep your little ones entertained:
- Fountains of Bellagio: Skip the Cirque du Soleil (too many acrobats, not enough tigers for the young crowd) and head to the Bellagio for a free water show that's more impressive than your neighbor's sprinkler system on steroids.
- Shark Reef Aquarium: Ditch the poker table for a walk under the sea (well, a carefully constructed tunnel) at the Mandalay Bay Shark Reef.
- The LINQ High Roller: Take a spin on the High Roller, the tallest Ferris wheel this side of the Mississippi (or at least, the closest Ferris wheel most of us will ever get to the Mississippi). Breathtaking views and minimal risk of encountering bachelorette parties in questionable attire - win-win!
Theme Park Thrills (Minus the Theme Park Lines)
Las Vegas may not be Orlando, but it packs a punch when it comes to theme park fun, minus the soul-crushing lines.
Tip: Reread slowly for better memory.
- Adventuredome at Circus Circus: It's not Disney World, but it has clowns (well, a permanent clown statue) and a roller coaster, so it's basically the same thing, right?
- Stratosphere Hotel Thrill Rides: If your kid is a thrill-seeker in training, the Stratosphere offers a heart-stopping trio of rides 100 stories above the Las Vegas strip. Just be prepared for the possibility of them clinging to you like a koala for the rest of the trip.
Important Note: While these theme parks are smaller than their Orlando counterparts, they also tend to be less crowded. This means shorter lines and more time for your kids to unleash their inner sugar fiend at the inevitable candy store.
Keeping Your Cool (Literally and Figuratively)
Las Vegas is a desert, people. It gets hot. Here's how to avoid meltdowns (both yours and your offspring's):
Reminder: Take a short break if the post feels long.
- Pool Paradise: Most Vegas hotels boast epic pool complexes complete with lazy rivers, wave pools, and enough floaties to keep an army of pool noodles afloat.
- Hydration is Key: Vegas isn't known for its refreshing mountain breezes. Pack water bottles and be sure to re-hydrate often, especially during those long afternoons spent poolside.
- Early Start, Early Finish: The desert heat tends to peak in the afternoon. Plan your outdoor activities for the morning or evening hours, and consider taking a siesta during the hottest part of the day.
Remember: A happy kid equals a happy vacation. Taking breaks and factoring in downtime will save your sanity and ensure everyone has a memorable (and meltdown-free) trip.
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Vegas with Kids: FAQ
**How to Avoid the Casinos? **Easy! Most casinos restrict anyone under 21 from entering the gaming floor. Problem solved!
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
How to Deal with the Heat? Pack light, breathable clothing, hats, and sunscreen. And of course, plenty of water!
How to Find Kid-Friendly Restaurants? Las Vegas buffets are legendary, but not exactly ideal for picky eaters. Most hotels offer a variety of restaurants, and many have kids menus with all the usual crowd-pleasers (chicken fingers, anyone?).
QuickTip: Read with curiosity — ask ‘why’ often.
How to Keep Them Entertained in the Room? Pack some travel games and activities, or take advantage of most hotels' in-room movie options (bonus points if you can find a classic Disney movie they haven't seen a million times already).
How to Explain Why You Can't Gamble? This is a great opportunity to teach your kids about responsible decision-making and the value of delayed gratification. Maybe they can use their saved-up allowance to buy a souvenir instead!
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