A Family Vacation Guide to Las Vegas

Where to Stay


On the Strip? Off the Strip? What side of the Strip? Which hotel has the best features for both parents and kids? When traveling, the most important thing to consider is where to stay. Luckily, we've got you covered.

M&M's World


M&M’s World is every kid’s dream -- and perhaps for chocolate-loving parents, too. Four floors of chocolate heaven, the space features a wall of colorful M&M’s (and a chance to personalize your candy), a gift shop, and even a 3-D movie. 


Wet 'n' Wild Las Vegas


Temperatures can surpass 100 degrees in the summer, so families may want to cool off at Wet 'n' Wild Las Vegas. Like any other water park, there’s a wave pool and lazy river, but it covers over 20 acres and comes equipped with 25 slides. Thrill-seekers may want to check it out for the Rattler, the first slide in the U.S. to shake riders back and forth through a series of twists and turns while descending. 


Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat


Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage Hotel & Casino is for animal-loving families. Folks can walk through a lush garden filled with some of nature’s largest cats, including white tigers, lions, and leopards. From there, they can move on to the Dolphin Habitat, a research facility with an underwater viewing area where visitors can see playful dolphins zipping to and fro. Plus, there are additional options to get up close and personal with the underwater mammals, from feeding the dolphins to even creating an art piece with one.


Grand Canal Shoppes


There are a few reasons why families should visit the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino. For one, it's an oasis of upscale shops like Burberry and Barneys. While browsing, families will be met by at least 30 different entertainers, including singers, street performers, artists, and living statues. The mall also offers indoor canals and gondola rides with serenading gondoliers. After you’ve had your fill, head to the wax museum, Madame Tussauds, in the Venetian to see your favorite celebrities brought to life.


CSI: The Experience


Parents can indulge in their guilty television pleasure and involve their family too. CSI: The Experience at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino allows visitors to solve a fictional murder as crime scene investigators. This fun hands-on attraction lets families bond over CSI-like testing in state-of-the-art forensic crime labs. And who knows -- perhaps your kids will even be inspired to become a detective or scientist, thanks to this cool and unique experience. 


Fall of Atlantis at Caesars Palace


After some shopping in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino, families might want to stop and check out the free Fall of Atlantis show. During the performance, animatronic robots act out the fall of the mythical kingdom, Atlantis. And though the robotics may seem a bit old-school, kids will be thoroughly entertained, giving parents the chance to sit back and relax (and perhaps even grab a drink!). 


High Roller Ferris Wheel


Standing at 550 feet, the High Roller is the tallest observation wheel in the world. The ride, which takes about 30 minutes, is sure to keep the whole family entertained with great views. It doesn’t hurt that folks can book pods with bars, too. The pods hold up to 40 people, so keep in mind you won't be alone. Tip: it’s cheaper to go during the day than at night.


Roller Coaster at New York New York Hotel & Casino


Thrill-seeking families should check out the roller coaster at this hotel. It features a 144-foot drop, great views of the Strip, twists, turns, and hills all at 67 miles per hour. You must be at least four-and-a-half feet tall to brave this ride, so it's best for families with older kids.


Volcano at The Mirage


With two volcano systems that shoot fire 12 feet into the air, lagoons, smoke effects, and waterfalls, families are sure to be amazed by the spectacular volcano at The Mirage.

Serendipity 3


Following the Fall of Atlantis show at Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino, parents can take their kids to Serendipity 3 for out-of-this-world ice cream sundaes with deep fried Oreos and frozen hot chocolate. It's just the sugar rush you'll need after a day filled with non-stop family activities. 


Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge


There’s nothing more classically Vegas than Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge. It has been around since the 1970s and hosted stars such as Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, and Criss Angel. Plus, it features funky decor (think neon lights and a flaming reflection pool) that will impress both parents and kids. Tip: Portions are huge and can be shared among the family. For breakfast, kids will go gaga over the huge pancake-shaped bears with a bacon mouth and orange eyes. And with extravagant cocktails for the adults, it’s a win-win for all. 


Capo's Restaurant & Speakeasy


Head to Capo's for a flashback to Las Vegas' mob days. Grab one of the red leather booths and order a delicious plate of pasta that's supposedly topped with Al Capone’s family’s secret sauce. There's even live entertainment each night and a cool front door with a trick entrance. Don’t forget to try the gigantic meatballs. 


Le Village Buffet


If you can’t afford to take the family to Paris, but love French food, Le Village Buffet at the Paris Las Vegas hotel is the place for you. Not only does it serve buffet-style food from five different French provinces, it also provides a quaint French village feel thanks to brick paths and antique lighting. Lines can be long, so be sure to make a reservation beforehand. And if you're still itching for more, take the family to the observation deck of the Eiffel Tower Experience for lovely views, great photo ops, and the feeling of being on vacation even farther from home.


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