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Since we got back from our trip, a few people have asked exactly what do you do in Vegas with kids anyway? And trust me, years ago, I used to think it was nuts to take your kids to Vegas. Nuts. But my scene was also a bit different back then ;). Allright, so Vegas with kids. Here goes:
Tips:
~Bring someone else along! When we go to Vegas with the kids (B and I will sometimes go alone as well), we are with my parents and brother and SIL. Which basically means that B and I have people to help watch the kids so we can get some grown-up Vegas time in! There is no way that B and I would ever just take the kids alone. The kids would LOVE it, but B and I? Not so much.
~Go during the week. We went Sunday – Wednesday this time and it was perfect. Vegas during the week is much less crazy than Vegas on the weekends. It’s not as much of a scene at the pool on a Tuesday morning as it is on say, a Friday or Saturday afternoon if you know what I mean ;).
~Don’t go out late! This may seem obvious, but I’ve seen quite a few little kids on the strip late at night in Vegas. That just seems like a recipe for disaster. However, if you are up early enough, you may see some folks strolling in from the night before. We happened to run into a few guys in an elevator at 7:30am this trip who were shocked there was a BABY and they all agreed they should be in bed. I was dying to know what they had been up that night seeing as how they were all in their swim trunks and sperrys, but I didn’t ask ;).
Things to Do:
~The Pool! If you go when it’s warm out, the pool is where it’s at. WB is crazy for the water and the lazy river at MGM is perfect for him. And L, omg, L must have went around a zillion times.
~The Arcade. L calls it “kiddie gambling” and it’s kid chance to play all those fun games that light up and make noise. He sees the slot machines in the casino and I know he wants to get his hands on them (#notallowed #sorry), so this is the next best thing. We go to the one in the basement of the Excalibur (because we usually stay at MGM), but I hear that the one at Circus Circus is even better!
~Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef: We didn’t make it there this trip (we had no time), but it was a big hit when we went before. L was fascinated both times he went!
~Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat (The Mirage): Another totally friendly kid activity. They always seem to have baby tigers there too, which totally suck me in.
~The Monorail: L has been obsessed with trains for YEARS and if we are in a city with any type of train, we must ride! L and my dad bought an all-day pass and L loved it. I’m kind of annoyed though because L wanted a little replica tram and they didn’t sell them anywhere. I went in 8 million gift shops. NOTHING!
~The Eiffel Tower at Paris. Another L favorite! I think he’s been up there more than I have. That isn’t saying much since I’ve only been there once ;).
~Take a Walk! There is so much to see and do in Las Vegas without even stepping foot in a casino. You could spend hours walking down the strip and catching all the free shows outside the hotels. The fountains at the Bellagio, the Volacano at the Mirage, so much to see! The gardens at the Bellagio are worth a trip inside though!
~See a Show. We’ve been to the Tournament of Kings with L and I hear that older kids enjoy Blue Man Group!
This last trip was L’s third (and WB’s first) and we have never once sat there and thought, wow, this is so boring, there’s nothing to do. The real problem is that there is way too much to do and too little time! We always talk about going to Fremont Street, visiting Circus Circus, etc but we run out of time! I *think* the next trip we are going to have to stay a 4th night!
If you’ve never been to Las Vegas with kids, but have been wanting to do, I would totally recommend it. Again, if you are a gambler or want to partake in some of Vegas’ adult-activities, bring someone else along! It totally wouldn’t be my 1st pick for kid-friendly family vacation, but it’s the one city that every single person in my (extended) family can agree on!!!
Have you been to Las Vegas with kids? Or are there any kid friendly activities you would recommend? I’d love to hear because we’re already planning our next trip!
