How to Turn Las Vegas into a Kid-Friendly Experience

Editor’s Note: Our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragic events in Las Vegas last week.

Las Vegas may be fun for Mom and Dad, but has never really evoked images of family fun and togetherness. But there is actually plenty for kids to do in Vegas where they won’t even notice Mom or Dad slipped out to hit the casino. Here’s where to go and what to do.

Find the Kid-Friendly Casinos

Believe it or not, Las Vegas actually has kid-friendly casinos. No, they can’t gamble or hit the slots with Mom and Dad, but they can have some fun. Kids may think Circus Circus is a kids’ play palace that happens to have a casino for their parents. It houses its own indoor Adventuredome with five acres of roller coasters, games and a fun choo choo ride for younger kids. And like the name implies, Circus Circus features circus acts, as well as live entertainment and stage shows usually totally appropriate for the whole family.

Photo: Juan Camilo Bernal | Dreamstime

Grab a Treat

Kids have a sixth a sense when it comes to chocolate hanging in the air, so just ask them to direct you to the nearby M&M’s World or Hershey’s Chocolate World. Both are just an opportunity to go crazy in a candy store and load up on a few treats and goodies. But in the case of Hershey’s Chocolate World, it’s a two-story candy store covering 13,000 square feet with the opportunity to customize your own chocolate bar wrappers.

Hit the Museums

Despite its reputation as being Sin City with more than 100 casinos, Las Vegas also has some museums that cater especially to kids like the Discovery Children’s Museum. Its exhibits include a sustainable Eco City and toddler town for the little guys.

Older kids will thrill in the Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas that takes guests on an interactive journey through unbelievable true stories backed up with insights and artifacts. For better or worse, your teenagers may walk away knowing all about how “Made Men” are made.

Photo: Hotshotsworldwide | Dreamstime

See the Great Outdoors

If you don’t have the time to drive all the way out to the Grand Canyon, you can try the nearby Red Rock Canyon instead. You’ll get the family away from the bright lights and over-stimulation of the casinos and burn off some energy outdoors. The canyon features a one-way, 13-mile scenic drive and offers hiking trails, camping and events like fossil walks. It’s as awesome as the name implies where you can talk about new discoveries and ancient life from the Panthalassic Ocean.

Wherever you head in Las Vegas, it’s bound to be full of a lot of lights, noise and fun for the kids. One day you might have to explain to them the real reason most people head to Vegas, and how it has nothing to do with indoor roller coasters and chocolate.