#urbanfamilyinlasvegas
Whoever said Las Vegas isn’t for kids is about to be challenged!
Whilst there was one or two concepts that I didn’t envisage having to explain to my 8 and 10 year old daughters just yet, the place is packed with more things to do than we could possibly fit into a few short days.
I have to admit, after my first visit to Vegas as a 25 year old, I enjoyed the novelty but wasn’t in a big rush to head back. But each time I visit I seem to appreciate it more.
The one catch is – It’s not cheap!
Where to Stay:
Obviously this will depend on your budget but if you hunt around some of the big hotels often have great rates. I think if you’re heading to Vegas, you have to stay on the strip. No further north than the Wynn and Mandalay Bay to the south. Personally I prefer the northern end as it’s closer to Fashion Show Mall!
The Venetian – We chose this based on the size of the room for the price – With a family of 4 the extra sitting room made the stay extremely comfortable. Just be aware when booking that they do charge an extra daily resort fee upon arrival. Would happily stay here again.
Rooms start at @ $193 AUD per night
The Cromwell – If you are travelling without children, this hotel is definitely one to look at. The location is absolutely fantastic, right in the middle of the strip and being a boutique hotel, the lifts to the rooms are easily accessible from the strip. The rooms are fitted out nicely but very small compared to the larger hotels.
Rooms start from @ $190 AUD per night
There is also a fantastic pool bar on the roof! Cocktails – Tick!!!
Things to Do:
The Stratosphere – It’s taken me four trips to Vegas to make it to the top of the 252 metre high platform at the top of the tower, it’s definitely not for the feint hearted.
If you’re the thrill seeking kind, which these days I definitely am not, you can choose from 4 rides in what I like to call ‘mid air’ over looking the Vegas strip. The Sky Jump is like a vertical zip line where you jump off the side of the tower and zoom down towards a concrete pad at about 60km per hour! I declined the offer on that one! Even the website says “ Iconic and Holy $#*T”
There are three other thrill rides at the top of the tower that are a little more tame. You can buy the rides individually or as a package, but just to visit the viewing deck with one ride it’s about $25USD. My girls and I did the X-Scream, which basically tilts you over the edge of the tower and back four times. While my eldest daughter and I were shaking in the back and counting down every second – the youngest was up the front showcasing the thrill-seeking genes that she clearly inherited from her father!
Circus Circus - For those after something a little more tame, Circus Circus has an adventure park geared towards the kids that unfortunately just didn’t quite fit our schedule this trip.
Shows
In terms of shows you are spoilt for choice, just depending on what you’re willing to spend. You can get some great discounts for general admission to the smaller shows and if it’s not full they move you to the VIP seats anyway.
Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show – This was a fantastic show for the whole family at Planet Hollywood. We managed to get vouchers that were being handed out in another hotel so it only cost $50USD for all of us. The kids were fascinated and it kept the adults laughing and entertained throughout the show.
Cirque Du Soleil – There are 7 Cirque shows throughout Vegas and they are quite pricey. Depending on which seats you choose you are looking at around $200USD a ticket. If you are trying to decide, my recommendations are ‘O’ at the Bellagio or ‘The Beatles – Love’ at the Mirage. Both are excellent, but if you are a Beatles fan ‘Love’ is an absolute must!!
Vegas the Show – For a bit of old school Vegas fun, this is a great theatrical show at Planet Hollywood that takes you through some of the history of Las Vegas and it’s most famous performers. Think showgirls, crooners, sequins and feathers!
Human Nature - As an Aussie in Las Vegas, you have to go and check out one of our most loved exports! The boys from Human Nature have enjoyed much success performing their Motown show at the Venetian in Las Vegas. Its one that appeals to every generation!
Shooting Gallery
Whilst my stance on guns is far from accepting, apparently these galleries are a bit of an institution in Las Vegas. However, I still chose to go shopping with my youngest daughter, while the 10 year old (who will do absolutely anything to avoid shopping) went to a range just off the strip called Battlefield with her father. As much as it pains me to admit, she actually really enjoyed the challenge of trying to hit her target. And yes, I do realise that shooting is an Olympic sport. The package they chose included four different types of guns with approximately 100 rounds in each. Adults $150USD, Children over 10 $110USD.
Grand Canyon Tour
The Grand Canyon was a must do for us on this trip as after multiple trips to the States neither of us had seen it.
At first I assumed we would book a helicopter tour straight from Las Vegas but after realising the price of approximately $500USD per person we re-assessed our plans. We thought instead we would get a rental car and drive the 2.5 hours ourselves. However once we arrived in Vegas and looked at our options it turned out the drive to the best part is actually four hours each way, bus tours are available but it is an incredibly long day. In the end we decided on a light plane trip at approximately $300USD per person and it was worth every cent!
One thing to consider if you are planning a trip is to spend the night at the Canyon. I recommend weighing up the cost of a night’s accommodation and rental cars versus the plane trip, keeping in mind you’d be paying for a hotel in Vegas anyway.
Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines: www.flygcsa.com
We booked the Las Vegas to South Rim Tour and the day went off without a hitch. The bus picked us up from the Venetian at 4:40am and drove us the half an hour to Boulder City for our 6:30am flight.Note: We were offered a window seat upgrade for $15 per person but declined, seeing there were four of us we figured we’d take our chances. Luckily we didn’t as every seat on the ten seater plane was a window seat! The flight was spectacular, and gave a good overview of the canyon area including Hoover Dam. Once on the ground a small tour bus drives to two different locations on the South Rim and gives you an hour at each to take in the scenery. You are on the ground for three hours total with a light continental breakfast provided, before boarding the plane to return to Vegas in time for lunch.
Tip: If you visit in winter dress extra warm – the ground was covered in snow when we were there and it was much colder than Las Vegas!
