I think the key is this: use the same strategy as you would when traveling anywhere else. You know the drill…try to maintain regular bed/nap/food times. Balance educational activities or outings that are only interesting to adults with play and other age-appropriate activities geared toward children. Pack some familiar toys or comfort items, some fun new distractions, and lots of patience, etc., etc., etc.
OK, in all fairness I’m no expert. I’ve only done this twice and one time it was because I was stuck in Las Vegas. But I can tell you how I did it and what worked. For the most part I’m happy to preserve Las Vegas as my adults-only paradise but I learned that it can be fun for the whole family, too.
A few tips:
–Consider renting a car. I found renting a car helpful, though we also took advantage of public transportation. This allowed us to do “normal” city things, like check out the free parks with splash pads not far from the Strip. Turns out that children live and thrive in Las Vegas just as they do anyplace else, so don’t forget about the kinds of kiddie entertainment that exist in just about any U.S. city – playgrounds, museums/discovery centers, libraries, and even McDonald’s jungle gyms. (Hey, I’m not afraid to admit that this has gotten me through in a pinch.)
-Keep the kiddos out of the casino! (Obviously.) But if you are indulging in any of Vegas’ many pleasures, indulge your kiddos too. After all, this is a family vacation! Circus Circus and Excalibur offer kid-friendly gaming in their midway and arcades. For older kids, amusement park rides can be found at Circus Circus, Stratosphere, and New York New York. There are lots of ice cream joints and desserts at casual restaurants that make for good kid treats, as well. AND…I’m a big fan of room service.
–Make your base camp interesting. I don’t know about yours, but my kid LOVES a good hotel room. Or a bad one. In his eyes, they are all fabulous. So you can imagine his delight when one came with a view of the Bellagio fountains and a whirlpool tub. Insta-party! This made it easier for one parent to entertain in the room while the other enjoyed some adult time on the casino floor. Also, bring along some of their favorite toys (duh) or even a new one. Or two.
Remember that Vegas involves A LOT of walking. Plan accordingly.
-But make sparing use of strollers. This depends on the age of your children, but strollers can be bulky, invasive, and spell trouble for lightweight packing. If you do use one, consider a lighter, more portable travel option. Even better, check into the backpack carriers if your child is small enough. We used an UPPAbaby G-Lite stroller when my son was younger and now he hitches a ride on our backs when he needs a break.
-Research family-friendly activities. These exist, believe it or not, both on and off the strip. Here’s a list to get you started:
ON-STRIP
- Circus Circus (arcade, midway, free Circus acts, theme park rides)
- Dolphin Habitat & Secret Garden (Tigers) at The Mirage
- Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay
- Tournament of Kings at Excalibur
- Regular Vegas hotel stuff (fountains, malls, pools, conservatories, gondola rides, performers, aquariums, chocolate/candy stores, etc.)
OFF STRIP
- Discovery Children’s Museum
- Kiddie Park at Town Square, Las Vegas (playground, splash pad, maze & more)
- Container Park (Downtown)
- Ethel M. Chocolate Factory
- Regular kid stuff (city parks with splash pads, indoor playgrounds, trampoline park, movie theaters, bowling alleys, mini golf, arcades, etc.)
NATURAL ATTRACTIONS
- Grand Canyon (~2.5 hours drive time)
- Hoover Dam (<1 hour drive time)
- Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (~0.5 hour drive time)
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area (~0.5-1 hour drive time)
- Zion National Park (~2.5 hours drive time)
If you travel with an older toddler/younger preschooler like me, my top three picks are Circus Circus, Discovery Children’s Museum, and the Town Square. (See my video about it here.) But there really is plenty to enjoy in this city. With a little planning and a lot of patience, what could go wrong?….
Traveled to Vegas with kids already? Leave a comment below with your tips and tricks!