Considering visiting Las Vegas for the family vacation next year? With a nickname like “Sin City,” and a reputation for “What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas,” it may not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a family getaway. However, considering the amenities, attractions, endless food buffets, and beautiful lights, you may want to reevaluate and add this spot to your shortlist. After all, they have dolphins! There are some amazing things to see and do in Las Vegas for the family, so get packing, because you need to check these out for yourself.
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Accommodations in Las Vegas for the Family
For those who have visited the “Las Vegas Strip,” this stretch of road includes some of the largest hotels in the world, but is also known for its loud and crazy atmosphere. For a calmer and more relaxed atmosphere, consider going about ten miles west of the Las Vegas Strip to Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa. It is about a 20-minute drive from McCarran International Airport.
The Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa in Las Vegas is a luxury hotel, offering a large swimming pool, 19 private cabanas, and a waterfall island. Ten restaurants, room service, and of course, an award-winning Las Vegas-style buffet are also within the hotel. The resort includes Red Rock’s movie theater, bowling center, and Kids Quest indoor playground, too. Massage and spa packages are also available at the Resort Spa and wellness center. With all these amenities, this could be a great location in Las Vegas for the family.
If that is not enough, within walking distance, is Downtown Summerlin, an outdoor shopping mall and dining hub, that also includes a Dave and Busters, Apple store, Build-a-Bear Workshop, and several department stores. Now, it’s time to expand it a bit and explore the entire city. You will see how Las Vegas for the family can meet the vacation needs of everyone in your group, appropriateness included.
READ MORE: 8 Apps For Booking Hotels Last Minute
Las Vegas for the Family Foodies
Hershey’s Chocolate World
For the foodie, if the Las Vegas hotel buffets are not enough to satisfy their foodie palette, try some specialty shops to acquiesce those taste buds, like Hershey’s Chocolate World, for instance. This is a store dedicated to Reese’s cups, Hershey’s candy bars, Twizzlers in assorted varieties, and a wall of Jolly Ranchers, as well as merchandise associated with each candy. In addition, you can fill your own candy bag with multiple flavors of Hershey’s kisses, even those rare ones just for holiday seasons. The shop also sells S’mores, brownies, and cupcake desserts. Yum!
As a perk to being located inside the New York, New York Hotel, they also have an amazing Statue of Liberty in the middle of the shop that was carved out of chocolate. Lastly, don’t forget to look up. The ceiling lights are large Reese’s peanut butter cup replicas. This attraction in Las Vegas for the family is a must-see.
READ MORE: 6 Girl Trip Approved Dining Digs in Vegas
M&M World
Need even more? M&M World is your next stop after Hershey’s Chocolate World. Keep everyone’s sweet tooth satisfied with a stop at this magnificent M&M store, located next to the MGM Grand Hotel. The four-story shop has chocolates, souvenirs, and great places to grab selfies with your favorite M&M characters. There is a life-sized M&M display to take pictures and a photo booth with the M&M logo. If you have a special occasion coming up, you can personalize your own M&Ms with the color of your choice. Part of the fun is watching them being made in front of you. Lastly, if you need a rest, visit the 4th floor for the M&M 3D movie, a free 10-minute show.
The Coca-Cola Store
Next to the M&M shop is the Coca-Cola Store, just north of the MGM Grand. This store has Coca-Cola brand apparel with current and previous logo designers, accessories, and other souvenirs from around the world. The second floor has a 16 international flavor tasting menu, called Coca-Cola Tastes of the World. On the menu, you will try Stoney Tangawizi from Tanzania, Inca Kola from Peru, and Beverly from Italy, just to name a few. You will also have selfie opportunities with the adorable Coca-Cola Polar Bear.
Food and specialty items alone are a great reason to book Las Vegas for the family.
READ MORE: Your Essential Packing List for Travel
Las Vegas for the Family Nature Enthusiasts
The Bellagio Conservatory
For the nature lover who wants an active vacation, with up-close animals and outdoor scenery, Las Vegas for the family offers a lot of spots to visit. Start your trip with the Bellagio Hotel Conservatory Garden and Fountain. The Bellagio Conservatory displays a 14,000-square foot flora arrangement arranged by theme, changing five times a year. Themes include winter, Chinese New Year, spring, summer, and fall.
Walking through the hotel to view the displays is free. Continue outside the hotel to see the Fountains of the Bellagio, a man-made lake that has over 1,000 fountains, that dance to choreographed lights and music. The free show runs every 30 minutes from 3 pm to 8 pm Monday through Friday, and every 15 minutes from 8 pm to midnight, and on weekends and holidays.
Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat
Located inside the Mirage Hotel and Casino is a large animal sanctuary, called The Dolphin Habitat. The 2.5-million-gallon tank is the home to bottlenose dolphins and has an underwater viewing area to observe the dolphins swimming and playing. The hotel also has a Secret Garden, where you will see White Tigers, White Lions, and Leopards. The admission cost for both exhibits is $22 for adults, $17 for children (ages 4-12), and free for children under three. This excursion takes about 30 minutes to an hour to walk through, depending on your pace.
Insider Tip: You may be able to find a 2 for 1 price through the MyVEGAS app.
Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay
The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay has 14 exhibits with more than 2,000 animals, including crocodiles, piranha, and 15 species of sharks swimming through tunnels and large gallon tanks. A touch pool offers guests the opportunity to touch sharks, rays, or horseshoe crabs. This is your one-stop-venture-shop for up close and personal experiences with nature, while visiting Las Vegas for the family vacation. The kids will love it, you’ll have tons of video experiences to share, and it’s one you all will remember for many years to come.
Las Family for the Family Thrill Seekers
High Roller Observation Wheel
The High Roller, located at the LINQ Hotel, is a 30-minute, leisurely trip around the 550-foot tall observation wheel, with a great and expansive, 360-degree view of Las Vegas. It has been voted among the top five things to do in Las Vegas with kids. You’ll spot the Fountains of Bellagio from the top.
Insider Tip: It is recommended that you go before 6 pm (morning/afternoon) if you want a cheaper rate. You may also find a discount on Groupon, if purchased in advance.
The Eiffel Tower Experience and Gondola Ride at The Venetian
If a tour through France and Italy are on your list, you will have the opportunity to take a glass elevator to the 50th floor of the Paris Las Vegas hotel. The 50th floor offers amazing views of the Bellagio Fountains, Red Rock, and Mandalay Bay.
Insider Tip: Check out the four-pack special, starting at only $50! Children three and under ride free.
After your trip up to Paris Las Vegas and back, make your way to the Venetian Hotel for a 15-minute gondola ride through the Venetian Hotel, indoors or outdoors. Your gondolier may offer to sing you Italian classic songs, such as “That’s Amore.” With so many wonderful attractions to pick from, you may now be seeing why you should make a trip to Las Vegas for the family.
After your trip up to Paris Las Vegas and back, make your way to the Venetian Hotel for a 15-minute gondola ride through the Venetian Hotel, indoors or outdoors. Your gondolier may offer to sing you Italian classic songs, such as “That’s Amore.” With so many wonderful attractions to pick from, you may now be seeing why you should make a trip to Las Vegas for the family.
READ MORE: 5 Spots That Prove Small European Countries Are Full of Hidden Gems
The “Inner-Child” Attractions in Las Vegas for the Family
The Toy Shack
Located in Neonopolis, a large shopping mall in Las Vegas is the Toy Shack, which specializes in vintage toys from the 1980s and 1990s. You will find Transformers, G.I. Joe figures, Hot Wheels, Betty Boop collectibles, Star Wars, Star Trek, pop culture toys from the 80s and 90s, and much more.
READ MORE: 9 Train Traveling Tips for the Family
Marvel Avengers STATION
At the Treasure Island Hotel, you will find the Marvel Avengers STATION, an interactive exhibit, and attraction with authentic props and costumes from the Marvel Avengers movies. You will see Captain America’s shield and motorcycle, Black Widow’s uniform and weapons, Iron Man’s armor suits, Bruce Banner’s laboratory, Thor’s hammer, Ant-Man’s helmet and Hawkeye’s weapons, and much more. Souvenirs of all shapes and sizes are available, making this a take-home excursion visit to Las Vegas for the family.
Insider Tip: You can download a mobile app to guide you through the exhibit and complete missions.
Las Vegas for the Family Instagrammer
Madame Tussauds Las Vegas
Get up close and personal at Madame Tussauds in the Venetian Resort, with over 100 wax figure celebrities, like Britney Spears, Brad Pitt, Will Smith, George Clooney and Angelina Jolie. Some of your favorite celebrities also have props that guests can try, such as a pair of boxing gloves to pose with Muhammad Ali or a microphone to sing with The Rat Pack.
The Welcome to Las Vegas Sign
For the iconic photo opportunity for your group’s Instagrammer, complete your adventures in Las Vegas with a free picture next to the Las Vegas welcome sign. The sign is located south of Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino and has a 12-car parking lot. Because most people spend less than ten minutes snapping a photo, if the lot is full, you only have to wait a few minutes to park. If you’ve come this far, it’s certainly worth it to get the shot you want and make it the cover photo of your vacation to Las Vegas for the family!
Insider Tip: An elevated mound allows you to step higher up for the full sign in your background.
With all of these amazing sights, geared to so many tastes and interests, consider Las Vegas for the family in your future trip planning. It is sure to cross off many items from your family’s vacation wish lists. The city packs a lot of opportunities in one location that is sure to please, delight, and excite every single person.
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If considering a vacation rental, read about the 20 things to consider when choosing a hotel or vacation rental.
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