Get ready to roll the dice on an unforgettable adventure as we unveil the ultimate ‘Las Vegas Trip Planner.’ From neon-lit nights to jaw-dropping shows, Las Vegas is a playground for indulgence and excitement. Buckle up for a whirlwind journey through the city that never sleeps, where every corner holds a new surprise. Whether you’re chasing Lady Luck at the casinos, savouring world-class cuisine, or exploring the mesmerising Strip, our meticulously crafted itinerary promises to make your Vegas experience one for the books. Join us as we dive into the glitz, glamour, and entertainment that define this iconic destination!
A brief history of Las Vegas
The settlement of Las Vegas, Nevada was founded in 1905 after the opening of a railroad that connected Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. The stopover attracted some farmers, mostly from Utah to this region, and fresh water was piped into the settlement. Urbanization of the area began in 1931, but it transformed into the present tourist destination upon the arrival of Howard Hughes in 1966.
Prior to settlement, Native Americans lived in the Las Vegas Valley, approximately 10,000 years ago. Evidence of prehistoric life has also been found in the valley.
The city’s main airport, McCarran International Airport is situated about 9 miles off the strip of Las Vegas. It is one of the busiest international airports in the US, with more than 50 million passengers passing through its gates annually.
At the airport, follow signs to the McCarran Rent-A-Car Shuttle that takes you to the main rental car area that leaves every 5 to 10 minutes. Both Uber and Lyft have designated pick-up areas at McCarran Airport from where you can reach the main city.
English is the most commonly spoken language in Las Vegas, closely followed by Spanish, Asian, and Pacific Island languages. The currency in use is the US Dollar (USD).
If you are thinking of a Las Vegas family vacation, there’s more to the city than its adult-oriented activities. The city offers a wide variety of activities for families, including theme parks, arcades, erupting volcanoes, and many more.
Read this Las Vegas travel guide 2023 for more details on how to enjoy a Las Vegas family vacation. It also includes a Las Vegas family vacation itinerary that includes its top attractions and Las Vegas hacks which will help you plan out your vacation in Las Vegas family vacation
Top Family-Friendly Attractions: Las Vegas Trip Planner
The Strip
Here are some of the top family-friendly attractions on the strip.
The Park
Opened on 21 June 1996, this is one of the newest additions to Las Vegas. This nature-themed hotel area with 2700 rooms, stretches from Las Vegas Boulevard back to T-Mobile Arena. The area consists of a walk-through water feature, open-air restaurants, and many more exciting family-friendly features. There are many concerts and shows featured in this area with ticket prices starting from about 99.5 USD. The Park MGM Las Vegas is a must-visit place when traveling to Sin City with the family.
Public Art at City Center
Las Vegas may not be renowned for arts, but MGM Resorts has invested 40 million USD over the last decade to uplift the public art scene at the 67-acre City Center complex. One of the highlighted pieces of art is Maya Lin’s “Silver River”, which hangs behind the reception. Another one is “Big Edge”, which comprises over 200 kayaks, canoes, and other water vessels.
Bellagio Fountains
This is where you can watch the water that dances like ballerinas, with water cannons shooting hundreds of feet in the air. It is one of the most iconic features of Las Vegas, built-in 1998 by a company named Wet. The Bellagio Fountains go off every 30 minutes all days of the week between 3.00 pm and 8.00 pm and every 15 minutes between 8.00 pm and midnight. On weekends the interval is even shorter. The best time to see the fountains is at night with the surrounding lights reflected from the water.
High Roller
The High Roller is North America’s largest observation wheel soaring 550 feet above the center of the Las Vegas strip. The wheel has 28 spacious cabins and takes 30 minutes to complete one round. The project was developed by Caesars Entertainment and was opened to the public on March 31, 2014.
Ticket prices and opening times are as follows:
Daytime (Monday – Thursday 2.00 pm – 5:59 pm, Friday – Sunday 12.00 pm – 5:59 pm)
Adult 23.50 USD
Youth 8.50 USD
Night/Anytime (6.00 pm – 12.00 am)
Adult 34.75 USD
Youth 17.50 USD
The ideal time to visit the High Roller is either just before or during sunset, or at night, which is when you’ll get the best views, and will be able to click the best pictures!
Adventuredome
The Adventuredome is one the largest indoor amusement parks in America. It is a 5-are indoor amusement park located on the Las Vegas strip. Built on August 23, 1993, the amusement park has a wide range of activities and rides suitable for every age beginning from kids to daredevil rides for daring adults. The park features 25 rides and attractions, restaurants, and various other entertainment facilities.
Opening hours and ticket prices are as follows:
Spring break hours (through 4/17):
Mon – Thu 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Fri – Sat 10:00 am – Midnight
Sun 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Spring hours (4/18 through 5/25):
Mon – Thu 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Fri – Sat 10:00 am – Midnight
Sun 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Regular Wristband Voucher (60 USD) – Ride all day for those who are 48 inches or taller
Junior Wristband Voucher (30 USD) – Ride all day for those who are under 48 inches tall
Shark Reef Aquarium
It is a massive aquarium with 14 exhibits, which is located in Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The aquarium was built on June 20, 2000, and is owned by the Mandalay Bay Resort. It is one of the largest aquariums in North America, with its main tank holding 1,300,000 gallons of water. There are over 2000 sea animals, including sharks, piranhas, giant rays, endangered sea turtles, and more.
Shark Reef Aquarium is open daily from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm. A Timed Entrance ticket costs 29 USD while an Anytime ticket costs 36 USD.
Other family-friendly attractions
The Springs Preserve
Springs Preserve is a 180-acre area in Las Vegas featuring museums, botanical gardens, family events, and many more attractions. The Preserve & Nevada State Museum is open from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm. Below are the ticket prices.
State tickets
Adult: 9.95 USD
Child (3-17 years): 4.95 USD
Child ( 2 years and under): Free
Out-of-state tickets
Adult: 18.95 USD
Child (3-17 years): 10.95 USD
Child ( 2 years and under): Free
Discovery Children’s Museum
It is a museum that is dedicated to the educational enrichment of kids through interactive learning with hands-on activities. It is a non-profit organization that was established about 30 years ago. The museum supports the learning process of kids with discovery programs, camping trips, and field trips. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm and on Sunday from 12.00 pm to 5.00 pm. It is closed on Monday.
Ticket prices are as follows:
Local admission: 13.50 USD
General admission (for non-locals): 16 USD
Best Places to Stay for Families
There are several different options when it comes to accommodation for Las Vegas on a budget for 2023.
Circus Circus Hotel – approx 34 USD/night
Circus Circus Hotel is a family-friendly hotel that has 5 restaurants and 2 outdoor pools. It’s within a 5-minute walking distance from The Dome Theme Park and in close proximity to many other popular attractions. It’s a family-friendly accommodation option with a waterslide, game room, and refrigerator on request.
Excalibur Hotel – approx 39 USD/night
This family-friendly budget hotel is within a 10-minute walking distance from the Las Vegas strip. It has a full-service spa, 13 restaurants, 3 coffee shops, and 2 outdoor pools.
Desert Paradise Resort – approx 81.62 USD/night
Desert Paradise Resort is situated 3 km from the Las Vegas strip, minutes from the excitement of Fremont Street. It offers spacious suites to accommodate families. The resort also consists of a family pool, whirlpool tub, full kitchen, dishwasher, laundry, fitness room, and games room.
Dining in Las Vegas with Kids
Springs Cafe
Springs Cafe is the perfect place to dine out with kids. They have a kid’s menu for breakfast and lunch, including creative menu items like grilled cheese with tomato soup and unicorn pancakes, which your kids will thoroughly enjoy. It is located on Valley View Boulevard in Las Vegas.
Downtown Container Park
This kid-friendly restaurant is located on Fremont Street, Las Vegas. Here you get amazing deals and it has a unique menu that includes Waffelato and Pinches Tacos that anyone of any age can enjoy. Enjoy the sun and have a bite of takeout while the kids have fun in the outdoor space.
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
This restaurant & bar is located at Festival Plaza Dr, Las Vegas. It has an extensive kids’ menu that includes butter noodles and hot dogs, chicken nuggets, and chicken teriyaki with steamed rice. Moreover, kids’ meals come with a drink and a choice of French fries or mashed potatoes.
Planning Tips for a Family Vacation in Las Vegas
The best time to visit Las Vegas with kids is from March to May and September to November. It is the time when the weather is perfect and you get to enjoy every aspect of this fantastic city.
Packing tips for a Las Vegas family vacation: Las Vegas hacks
Here is a list of what you should pack for a Las Vegas family vacation.
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Flip flops
- Bathing suit and bathing suit cover
- A light jacket or sweater
- One or two fine-dining outfits
- Ear plugs and eye mask
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
- Small backpack
- Water bottles
- Favorite toys and books
- Camera and selfie stick
- Cash for tipping
- Mao
- Medications
Transportation options in Las Vegas for families
Here are the ways that you can get around in Las Vegas.
Walking
You can walk the entire Las Vegas strip with kids and it’s a fun and experiential thing to do as a family. Carry a light backpack and lots of water as it could be exhausting.
Monorail
The monorail has 7 stops; MGM Grand, Bally’s | Paris, Harrah’s | The LINQ, Westgate Las Vegas, Flamingo | Caesars Palace, Las Vegas Convention Center, and the SLS Las Vegas. It’s an effective way to get around Las Vegas. You can opt for a single ride pass ($5), one-day pass (13 USD), two-day pass (23 USD), three-day pass (29 USD), four-day pass (36 USD), five-day pass (43 USD), and a one-week pass (56 USD). Kids five and under travel for free.
Shuttle
If you can’t access the monorail from your resort, take the free shuttle. Some of the Las Vegas hotels offer free shuttle service to the nearest monorail stop.
Buses, taxis, Uber, and Lyft are also excellent ways to get around Las Vegas, although prices may vary depending on the mode of transport and destination.
Budgeting tips for a Las Vegas family vacation
Here are some tips to keep in mind – Las Vegas travel guide 2023.
- Stay off the strip as hotels and resorts are expensive here.
- Do activities off the strip as the ones here are more expensive.
- Plan a mid-week trip where you can save 50% more and also avoid the crowds at most of the attractions.
- Avoid planning your vacation at a time when Las Vegas hosts major events like sporting events and conventions.
- Book in advance to get discounts and offers on accommodation and tour packages.
- Bundle activities by using special Las Vegas passes as given below.
- Go Las Vegas Card – Admission to 30+ popular attractions. Choose the number of days or the number of attractions and save up to 60%.
- Las Vegas Pass – Admission to 50+ popular attractions for one set price. Choose 1, 2, 3, or 5 days.
Conclusion
Here is a list of the top family-friendly attractions and accommodations in Las Vegas.
Attractions:
- The Strip: The Park and Public Art at City Center
- Bellagio Fountains
- High Roller
- The Adventuredome
- Shark Reef Aquarium
- The Springs Preserve
- Discovery Children’s Museum
Accommodations:
- Circus Circus Hotel
- Excalibur Hotel
- Desert Paradise Resort
If you are planning a Las Vegas family vacation, the recommendation is to make it a mid-week trip. This way you get your hands on some amazing offers and avoid the crowds at many attractions.
Also Read: