Vegas and Kids

Las Vegas is a city of gambling, drinking, and overall sinning. There for awhile they were marketing Las Vegas a kid-friendly vacationing spot. Recently, they have opted to get away from that image and instead go with the "What happens in Vegas...." image insinuating that Las Vegas is no longer a place for kids.

I took my 4 year old to Vegas about a year ago and we didn't have any problems. On the contrary, he loved it and asks all the time when can we go back. There are some things you should be aware of and specific places you can't miss.

A lot of the hotels on the strip have instituted a new policy that strollers are not allowed unless you are a guest of the hotel. If you had plans for shopping at the hotel's mall, you're gonna have to leave the stroller.

Las Vegas is expensive. Thank goodness for the dollar meal menu at McDonalds. You might also want to consider going to the CVS on the strip and getting some snacks and water for the hotel room.

Make a stop over to the Luxor Hotel. It's hard to miss. It's the gigantic pyramid. It has a museum, Imax, and Arcade. If you are a guest, the kids will love the inclinators.

Then go over to the Excalibur hotel. It's also hard to miss. It's the gigantic castle. While you're there go to the store and buy your little knight a sword, or you're little princess a crown.

The MGM Grand is just a skip away from there. It has the huge lion out front. While in there, make sure to stop at the Rainforest Café and then over to see the lions.

Further down the strip you'll run into M&M World and the Coke factory. Both are can't miss stops on the strip.

Across the street is New York New York. It's a huge replica of the New York skyline. If you have older kids, take them over to the roller coaster.

Walk further down and you'll eventually reach the Bellagio Fountains. Breathtaking.

Before you leave Vegas make sure you take a trip to Fremont Street. After dark they have a neat light show.

There are many other places you shouldn't miss such as the shark reef at Mandalay Bay, the volcano and the dolphin habitat at the Mirage, and the roller coasters at the Stratosphere.

On one final note, you probably noticed I left off the Circus Circus Hotel. I wasn't impressed. The "circus" itself was around 10 benches where you had to look directly up to watch the acrobats. My son was extremely disappointed. They do have the adventuredome also. It might be worth your time. Just don't expect much.