I was born in Las Vegas and although I am not much of a gambler, I still love visiting this amazing city. Surprisingly, I’ve found tons of great activities and spots to visit for families with kids. Here is a list of my favorite (and potentially favorite) locations in Las Vegas, I hope to continually add to this list…
Note: If anyone has suggested locations to add to this trip plan, please make a comment at the bottom… thanks!
Update: added six more items 10/26/2006
Duplicate: Las Vegas for Friends and Family
Month: January, 2006
Total (per person): 540 USD
Desert Passage is one of the best shopping areas on the Strip. Home to over 130 unique retail stores and over a dozen top-of-the-line restaurants, this shopping area boasts an impressive 500,000 square feet. The market is designed to replicate the ancient trade routes across North Africa. Location highlights include Henna Designs (tattoos), Addi Gallery, Beluga Bar and, The Blue Note Jazz Club. No admission required.
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Las Vegas, NV 89109-1969
Aladdin Hotel Casino
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A must see for any Vegas visitor, the Bellagio Fountains can shoot water as high as 240 feet in the air, but more notable is the uncanny ability of the fountains being able to dance to the music. The numerous foutains synchronize their shoots and spouts to the romantic classical tune heard over the loudspeakers. Take some pictures as the fountains praise your glory in the background. Definitely fun for everyone. No Admission.
Las Vegas, NV 89109-4303
Website: http://www.bellagio.c...
Hours: 3p-8p (evert half hour) & 8p-midnight (every fifteen minutes) M-F, noon-8p (every half hour) & 8p-mi
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Walk around the Caesar’s Palace main market area, which contains over 240,000 square feet of shopping and dining fun. The experience is sure to be enjoyable with the beautiful designs and artwork on the walls. Highlights include Versace, Armani and numerous gourmet restaurants.
Las Vegas, NV 89109-8924
Website: http://www.caesars.co...
Hours: 10a-11p Su-Th, 10a-midnight F-Sa
Caesar’s Palace
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Grand Slam Canyon at Circus Circus is an extremely unique dome-ecompassed theme park that has rides comparable to many major amusement parks, including an extreme rollercoaster with loops and corkscrews, as well as a log ride and laser tag to name a few.
Individual tickets can be purchased for each ride, or $22.95 for an all-day pass
Las Vegas, NV 89109-1138
Circus Circus Hotel Casino
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Okay, I know Circus Circus is a hotel, but we went for the carnival-esque circus games….a little jaunt down memory lane. It turned out to be a sad, sad jaunt. Circus Circus is nothing like the hubbub of excitement I remember it being when I was a kid. Now run down to the extreme (there was a pool of water(?) covering 75% of the floor of a parking lot elevator – we opted for the stairs), rumor has it that the place might be sold. Take my advice and play games at the Excalibur – either that, or rescue as many stuffed animals as you can. No Admission.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Circus Circus Hotel Casino
Circus Circus Midway arcade and games area has over 200 different electronic and carnival style games. The center of the area holds a circus stage where onlookers watch in awe as performers do high-wire acts, flying trapezes, and numerous other stunts. It is true that the place is run-down and does not carry the same aura as it used to.
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Have a one-of-a-kind, only in Las Vegas, type dinner at the Excalibur Hotel where you feast upon a three course dinner and have a blast from the past as King Arthur and his knights battle against the mightiest of foes, a fire breathing dragon! Hollywood style special effects, jousting knights mounted upon fearless horses, pyrotechnics everywhere… truly a site to be seen. Extra charge for drinks from the bar.
Las Vegas, NV 89109-4324
Excalibur Hotel Casino
tickets available in advance, cost around $55
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I would choose this magic show over the Cirque stuff that’s also popular in Vegas, in my opinion the magic show is more entertaining.
The “World’s Greatest Magic Show” offers something for everyone, combining multiple performers into one amazing magical show. The variety-style show features eight to ten different magicians performing their best tricks or illusions. $61.50 (GA seating), $72.50 (VIP seating)
Las Vegas, NV
Greek Isles Hotel Casino
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Yes folks, it’s time to ENGAGE! Step onto the bridge of the infamous USS Enterprise and sit in the Captain’s chair. Enjoy a 22-minute show of a journey to the stars, and see all the Trekke memorabillia. Have a drink or bite to eat at Quark’s Bar, or even make reservations to be married on the bridge!! $34 for both rides.
Las Vegas, NV 89109-1287
Website: http://www.startrekex...
Hours: 11a-10p Su-Th, 11a-11p F-Sa
Las Vegas Hilton
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Simply a must see, this 1,000,000 gallon salt water aquarium is a site to never forget. Amazing exhibits of sharks, alligators, stingrays, sea turtles, eels and monitor lizards are just a few of the rare marine life on display. The jellyfish under the black light is awesome. USD15.95 for adults; USD9.95 for children 12 years and above and free for children younger than 4.
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Las Vegas, NV 89119-1005
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Yes folks, it’s mini-New York in Las Vegas! The hotel boasts twelve skyscrapers from the Manhattan skyline, including the Statue of Liberty! The casino area has over 2,000 slot machines and 74 gaming tables spread across 84,000 square-feet. Dining includes Gallagher’s Steakhouse, Chin Chin Cafe for Chinese cuisine, and more.
Las Vegas, NV 89109-4338
On Corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Tropicana
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The Las Vegas version of a town zoo is located here at the Mirage Hotel Casino. Check out some extremely rare and exotic wildlife such as elephants, panthers, leopards not to forget Siegfried and Roy’s renowned white tigers. That’s only half the show, the other half is the one-of-a-kind Dolphin Habitat. Expect to spend a bit of time in awe of the dolphins and their tricks that they love to show off. Many of the exhibits and wildlife shown are on display to make known the need to protect these rare and endangered species.
Las Vegas, NV 89109-8923
Mirage Hotel Casino
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This is a great place to spend an hour or more just gazing at the beautiful lions in this state-of-the-art natural habitat. Be sure to bring a camera and take some memorable pictures of lions almost too close for comfort. Also there is a wonderful gift shop where part of the proceeds guys to preservation of lions organizations. No Admission.
Las Vegas, NV 89109-4319
Website: http://www.mgmgrand.c...
Hours: 11a-10p M-Su
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This 70-lane super bowling center is par with what you would expect from Las Vegas quality, that is fun, bright and craaazy! The place is built for tourists and bowling enthusiasts alike. Highlights include Pro Shop, Video Arcades, 2000 Lockers, Snack Bar, Spacious Meeting Rooms and more.
Las Vegas, NV
$2- $3 per game depending on day of week
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At the top of this 50-story replica of the Eiffel Tower is a drop-jaw view of the Las Vegas Strip. Be sure to take the elevator ride to the top and enjoy the fresh desert air 540 feet up. If fine gourmet dining is your thing, than the Eiffel Tower Restaurant on the 11th floor is the place for you, reservations necessary. USD8 per person, free for children under five years
Las Vegas, NV 89109-4345
Paris Hotel Casino
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The main aquarium is a 117,000 gallon artificial reef which is home to over 4,000 tropical fish from all over the world, 3 species of stingrays and 3 species of sharks. The aquarium is a beautifully designed octagonal aquarium with viewing on all sides. The front viewing window is an impressive convex window that extends 25’ X 12’ and is one of the largest single piece of curved acrylic in the US. There are also underwater feeding shows held three times daily, two fellyfish tanks and a Bass Pro Show featuring three aquariums ranging from 14,000 gallons to 28,000 gallons… yes these are aquariums Las Vegas style!! No Admission!
Las Vegas, NV 89139
Feeding and question and answer shows occur thrice daily at 1:30pm, 4:30pm and 7:30pm.
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America’s highest observation tower at 1,149 feet above street level. Atop the tower are two extreme rides, one of them is “Let It Ride High Roller” coaster, which is fittingly the world’s highest rollercoaster. The second is the “Big Shot” freefall ride, which shoots patrons 160 feet into the air, and then drops them down to a point 800feet above street level. Quick tip: it’s scary. The Stratosphere has free shops at the bottom, however if you want to go to the top for great views of the city, it will cost you $10.
Las Vegas, NV 89104-2523
Website: http://www.stratosphe...
Hours: 10a-1a Su-Th, 10a-2a F-Sa and Holidays
Stratosphere Hotel Casino
admissions to tower vary
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Starting at 5:30pm daily, Treasure Island’s traditional show of British officers versus the sea-crazed pirates has been a big hit since Treasure Island’s opening in 1993. The stage is set upon Treasure Island’s theme based exterior design, which includes a moat, hillsides, ships and the full works. Definitely a memorable scene, where everything is free and the best spots of viewing are located right along the sidewalk. Free.
Las Vegas, NV 89109-8916
Website: http://www.treasureis...
Hours: 5:30pm-11:30pm daily (every 90 minutes)
Treasure Island Hotel Casino
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Enjoy this unforgettable personal gondola ride, which takes you around the whole Venetian Hotel Casino. The gondoliers are trained by the once gondola masters of Venice, Italy. The cruise along the watery path of the Venetian is simply the best. Singing godoliers require a reservation to be made beforehand. $12.50 outdoor, $15.00 for indoor rides
Las Vegas, NV 89109-8941
Venetian Hotel Casino
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An extremely unique shopping experience along the watery streets of the Venetian Hotel Casino. The architectural designs and artwork are European and very exquisite, while the mall is home to some of the finest shops in Vegas including Ann Taylor and Venezia. Some of the stores you’ll find here are exclusive to Venice and the Venetian Hotel Casino only. No admission required.
Las Vegas, NV 89109-8941
Website: http://www.venetian.c...
Hours: 10a-11p Su-Th, 10a-midnight F-Sa
The Venetian Hotel Casino
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You will find a great collection of pieces depicting Sin City from various artists, architects, photographers, graphic designers, & galleries all gathered under one roof.
Las Vegas, NV 89104
Website: http://www.theartsfac...
Hours: Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from noon to 5pm.
The Arts Factory is conveniently located on the North side of East Charleston Blvd, nestled in between Main street (to the West) and Casino Center Drive (to the East) just east of Interstate 15.
To access parking from the Charleston/Main St. intersection, go north on Main and turn right on East Boulder St. (behind S2 Group) then turn right into the back parking lot behind the Arts Factory (red brick bldg.) you can’t miss it.
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Locals know this park as Tule Springs and many years ago it was a huge working ranch serving “desert spas” to patrons in the waters. In addition to the Tule Springs Ranch Historic Area, the park offers tree-shaded groves alongside four small fishing lakes. The park is available for day use only. Facilities include picnic areas with tables and grills, restrooms, group areas and a walking/bicycle path that winds through the park. Floyd Lamb State Park is located ten miles north of Las Vegas, via U.S. 95 to Durango and then Tule Springs Road.
Picnicking
Group Picnicking
Nature Study
Historic Sites
Fishing
Las Vegas, NV 89131
Website: http://www.parks.nv.g...
E-mail: ssantee@parks.nv.gov
Hours: Dawn till Dusk
I-95 North; exit at Durango
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In the center of downtown Las Vegas is Fremont Street, where one of the best light and musical shows in the world takes place every night on the hour starting at dusk. The show lasts about 7 minutes, and is free of charge. A permanent giant canopy has been constructed for the show as well as a state-of-the-art audio system. Free.
Las Vegas, NV 89101-5609
Website: http://www.vegasexper...
Hours: "24 hrs, light shows start at dusk and continue every hour on the hour
Fremont Street, in the center of Downtown Las Vegas
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The oldest still-running golf course in Las Vegas (opened in 1967), and one of the most popular due to their affordable rates. The course itself is conducive for beginners. The greens are decent and playable, but far from pristine. Greens fees for the par 72, 6,631-yard course start at USD24.50 for residents, USD69 for nonresidents.
Las Vegas, NV 89107-2000
Hours: Dawn-dusk daily; call for tee times
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If you thought you were good at your local go-kart racing track, it’s time to step it up to the big boys. Known as “the only banked oval Super Stock Car Track in the West,” this seven-acre family fun racing spot has four different tracks for adult Grand Prix cars, go-karts, and kids karts. Race in the day or evening, must be 54” or taller to ride in the faster cars. USD5.00 per ride
Las Vegas, NV 89108-1864
Website: http://www.lvmgp.com/...
Hours: 10am-11pm Sun-Thu; 10am-midnight Fri & Sat.
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The park is named after the 3,000-foot tall sandstone cliffs that make up the majority of this beautiful desert skyline. Walk, hike, rock climb, or mountain bike along this 13-mile paved loop. A visitor’s center can provided guided hikes at no charge, and also provide historical information on the area and Native American history. An added bonus is possible wildlife you might see while traveling along the path, including tortoises, big horn sheep and various lizards. No Admission, $5 for parking.
Las Vegas, NV 89124
17 miles west of Las Vegas Strip
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hehe… who would have known Las Vegas has its very own fine arts museum?! Well it does, and the building itself is worth the visit. The building was designed by Tate & Snyder Architects in conjunction with Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle, Ltd. This facility, consisting of 122,000 square feet, is home to the Sahara West Library, operated by Clark County, and the 30,000 square feet occupied by the Las Vegas Art Museum. Admission Prices: General: $6, Seniors: $5, Students (w/ID): $3, Under 12: FREE
Las Vegas, NV 89117
Fax: 702.360.8080
Website: http://www.lasvegasar...
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm, Suday from 1pm to 5pm, Sat/Sun Docent Tours: 2pm
near the corner of West Sahara and Town Center
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This is not a real “Chinatown,” but instead it is a block-sized shopping mall. A very popular attraction visited by tourists and used regularly by the Asian community. Visitors enter the area under a Chinese gateway leading to a two-story strip mall. One could expect to find shops of authentic Asian furniture, herbalists, books, artwork and markets stocking live seafood and fresh meats.
The strip mall was conceived by Taiwanese American developer James Chih-Cheng Chen, and opened in 1995. Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn officially designated the area as Chinatown in October 1999.
Las Vegas, NV 89102-8743
Hours:
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The best place to shop in Las Vegas is at the Outlet Center formerly known as Belz. Tons of top brand name shops at outlet bargain slashed prices. The best deals are found here at this simply enormous mall. Clothing for everyone with highlights including, Black & Decker, Levi’s, Liz Claiborne, Nike, OshKosh, Nautica, Tommy Hilfiger, Reebok and much much more.
Las Vegas, NV 89123-1000
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This enormous toy store is a great place to visit for the whole family. Kids of all ages are open to tons of fun, with a seven-foot tall polar bear, or a mini-Mercedes 500SL for kids and much more. If you’re looking for a toy, FAO Schwartz probably has it.
Las Vegas, NV 89109-8900
near Caesars Palace
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Truly ‘Amazing’ displays of M&M candy’s galore. The walls are filled with colorful bins of these round chocalate candy’s. Purchase hard to find M&M memorabilia, and be sure to bring a camera, because this store is something you’ll want to show your friends back home. No Admission.
Las Vegas, NV
Hours:
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Definitely a place to visit as you could see vintage Coca-Cola products and memorabilia. Purchase traditional glass Coke Bottles, or hard-to-find Coke polar bears. No admission.
Las Vegas, NV
Hours:
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More of a locals hang-out spot, this bar is one of the best in Sin City. The atmosphere is Vegas style with a juke box and outrageous mural designs by local artists. Cocktails are delicious, patrons are characters and if you’re lucky you might get a chance to see a celebrity.
Pool Tables. Pinball. Asteroids. Blondes, bums, hipsters, goth chicks, bohemians, punks, rockabilly greasers and regular joes. Touring bands and Hollywood types kicking back away from the tourists. Always expect the unexpected.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
one block south of the Hard Rock Hotel
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Excellent decor with a romantic outside patio. Service was exceptional, but let’s face it… if I’m going to spend $85 on dinner for two, the food better be tasty. I had pan seared Sea Bass, which was 1/4” thick…!
At Durango
Las Vegas, NV 89117
Hours:
at Durango Hotel & Casino
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Located inside Fremont Hotel Casino, this restaurant has great buffet dining, with specials on various nights of the week. A little tip, Wednesday night is steak night. Dinners are around $10, Lunch around $7.
Las Vegas, n
Fremont Hotel Casino
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This mammoth restaurant is home to some of the finest dining in Vegas. The restaurant has 635 seats for patrons, and three stories total. Some of the highlights include Filet Mignon, Filet au Poivre, veal chops, lamb chops and even Crackling Pork Shank with Firecracker Applesauce.
Las Vegas, NV 89109-4308
Website: http://www.smithandwo...
Hours: 5p-midnight M-Su, Wollensky's Grill: 11:30a-1a Su-Th, 11:30a-2a F-Sa
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Simply the best views of the Las Vegas Strip, bar none. The restaurant is located over 800 feet high, and the restaurant room rotates once every hour so you get a full 360 degree view of Vegas! Fine dining, and service to match, truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Be sure to check out the rollercoasters at the Stratosphere first, because you might lose your meal riding extreme coasters over 900 feet above ground level (it’s happened before)!
Las Vegas, NV 89104-2523
Website: http://www.stratosphe...
Hours: 10a-3p M-Su, Dinner: 5:30p-10:30p Su-Th, 5:30p-11p F & Sa
Stratosphere Hotel Casino
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Fantastic Chinese cuisine is served in this comfortable family style restaurant. Quick delicious 15-item lunch menus, or over 200 items to choose from on the main menus, either way the food is scrumptous. Notable is the Szechuan Chicken and Orange Chicken.
Las Vegas, NV 89121-3358
Hours: 11a-11p M-Su
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