Some people will tell you Las Vegas isn’t family friendly. In many ways they are correct, but Sin City offers so much to visitors beyond the love of lucre, the lust and the adult themed everything. There is also fun stuff that people of all ages can enjoy.
How do I know this? Our family recently held a family reunion in Las Vegas with four young kids (all five and under). We had lots of fun and could’ve had more with more time and funds. Here are a few of the fun things we did together.
Sam’s Town
Not all of Vegas’ casinos and resorts are on the Strip. One that’s not too far away is Sam’s Town. This hotel casino is built around a large atrium with forest. In one corner is a large waterfall. Scattered around the forest are several animatronic critters including a bear, wolf, eagle and more at the waterfall. Anyway, every hour there is a short, maybe 10-15 minutes, water show. The wolf comes out and howls, the bear stands up and roars, the eagle spreads its wings and calls out as water dances in front of the waterfall. The water shoots up and moves about to a medley of western standards. It is a more intimate, rustic fountain show than Bellagio’s, but it is still fun to watch.
Mermaids
Also off the Strip, Silverton Casino offers what’s been called one of the best free shows in Vegas. Just inside their front door is a large salt water fish tank. Each afternoon in this aquarium is supposed to be a mermaid show for kids. The day we went, the show was cancelled, but they still had mermaids out to meet and greet the kids. My niece loved it. Without a show, the tank is a short visit, but right next to the casino entrance is an entrance to a large Bass Pro Shop. We wandered this large store not to go shopping but to see the amazing collection of taxidermy. It was just as good as some natural history museums I’ve been to.
Mormon Fort
As an LDS family, we had to make a stop at the Old Mormon Fort where the city of Las Vegas got its start. It is a Nevada State Park and only costs $1. This historic site offers an interesting glimpse into Las Vegas’ history that is often overlooked because of all of the glitz and glam from the last 60 years. As interesting as the history is, there isn’t much to see outside of the visitor center. There are some original structures and some reconstructions, but when it is more than 110 degrees outside you don’t want to spend much time out there.
Flamingos
One of the iconic hotels on the Strip is the Flamingo. Outside the hotel there is a lushly planted area with water features and ponds called the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat because there are live flamingos. There are also other beautiful birds, fish and turtles in the habitat. This is a free attraction, and there are two pelican feedings each day.
Circus Circus
One casino that has a little more experience catering to kids is Circus Circus with their midway and Adventuredome. In addition to the games at the midway, there are some great circus acts performed in the center ring. The Adventuredome is an amusement park with rides for all ages.
Ethel M’s Chocolate Factory Tour
This is a Vegas institution, but don’t let the word tour confuse you. It is a great little chocolate factory with an opportunity to look into the kitchens. Along the corridor is information about the factory and M&M Mars. Of course there is also lots of chocolate to try and buy. A bonus is the great cactus garden just outside.
The Bellagio
The Bellagio has the great fountain shows out front, but it also has the atrium inside decked out with some amazing displays.
Suffice it to say there is lots to do in Las Vegas even with kids. We had lots of fun for our reunion. In addition to the kid friendly stuff though, we did get some adult (still PG) adventure in. More about flying over Freemont Street and a visit to the Neon Museum in other posts.
