Vegas for Kids
May 25th, 2009
It’s often hailed as a playground for grown-ups, but Sin City contains some hidden gems that engage the whole family. From educational museums to dizzying rides, these attractions are the closest Las Vegas comes to Disney without actually replacing Elvis with the Mouse. And everything is conveniently within a vicinity from McCarran International Airport.
The Obvious Choice: Circus Circus
Circus Circus is impossible to miss, what with its neon clown signage and big top design. Inside the structure lie “Five Acres of Indoor Fun,” including a crowd-pleasing Marvin the Martian 3D spectacular. What’s even more enticing is the fact that an all-day pass to the Adventuredome’s rides is only $14.95 for the juniors. While many of the attractions better suit bigger kids with stomachs of steel, little ones can still ride the Merry-Go-Round and Frog Hopper.
Kid-Friendly Restaurant: GameWorks
The result of a partnership between Steven Spielberg and Sega, GameWorks is like a high-tech Chuck E. Cheese for the advanced kid. It’s housed conveniently on the Strip, next to the MGM Grand, and adults can entertain themselves at the chain’s well-stocked bars and pool tables. Really, anywhere that features both House of the Dead 4 and “Xtreme Nachos” is bound to be a big hit with the whole family.
Let Them Eat Sweets: Ethel M.’s Chocolate Factory
The perfect stop on your way from the Strip to the Hoover Dam is Ethel M.’s, a Vegas mainstay that offers free self-guided tours. Kids will enjoy watching all the Wonka-esque factory processes as much as the resultant treats, and parents will appreciate the sculptural chocolate displays and gourmet samplers. To burn off all the sweet stuff, take a walk through Ethel’s adjacent Botanical Gardens.
Weird Science: the Lied Discovery Children’s Museum
This innovative museum promises to school your offspring in the fields of “arts, sciences, nature, music and humanities” while simultaneously entertaining them through interactive and engaging displays. Featuring such diverse holdings as a full-size Clifford the Big Red Dog and a hands-on exploration of the lives of refugee children, Lied promotes fun and cultural awareness in equal measure. It’s the perfect place to pass a particularly hot afternoon and is consistently named one of Vegas’ best attractions.
Family Nightlife: the World’s Greatest Magic Show
Cirque du Soleil may hold a virtual monopoly on compelling casino shows, but its performances might prove a little explicit and strange for the younger crowd. Kids are better off at the Greek Isles Hotel and Casino, where the family-friendly magicians’ showcase takes place every evening at 7 p.m. A rotating cast of magicians assure that no one gets bored. The clincher for parents: admission to the show is free for kids under 12.
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Categories: Family Fun
