August 27, 2021
Las Vegas has ditched its Sin City reputation and transformed into a family-friendly destination with something for visitors of all ages. So, if you’re considering a Las Vegas holiday with the family in tow, here’s what you need to know.
Where to stay with kids in Las Vegas
Visits to Las Vegas are all about fun, and what better way to kick off a holiday than by checking into a castle? You’ll find the Excalibur Hotel and Casino in the heart of the Strip, within easy reach of nearby attractions and just across the road from the MGM Grand, which has its own monorail stop. The hotel has some of Las Vegas’s best attractions for kids, including the Ultimate 4-D Experience, which uses 3-D projection and special effects to bring Hollywood blockbusters to life in 15-minute-long specials, and the Fun Dungeon, where you’ll find 200 arcade games. But the most sought-after seats are the ringside ones at the Tournament of Kings – a dinner-and-show experience featuring knights, damsels in distress and plenty of pyrotechnics.
Another brilliant option is the Mirage Las Vegas. To start with, the hotel has a volcano outside – its fireball-spewing, smoke-belching eruptions take place between 7pm and 10pm every night. Kids and adults alike will also love the hotel’s long-running Cirque du Soleil performances. There are four shows but keep in mind that some are only for grown-ups.
Where to eat with kids in Las Vegas
One thing’s for sure – you’ll never go hungry in Las Vegas, and this applies to younger visitors, too. If you have fussy eaters in tow, consider the Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace. There are over 500 dishes to choose from; their most famous dishes include the made-to-order dessert crepes, green applewood smoked wagyu steaks and red velvet pancakes. Get an express pass to cut queuing time, and make sure you stop by the dessert bar, where you’ll find homemade gelato and sorbet, gluten-free cakes and classics such as crème brûlée.
There’s also the Circus Buffet at Circus Circus, which is a good option if you’re prioritising price over choice. While there are still plenty of kid-friendly DIY options, including build-your-own tacos, and a huge range of meat at the carving station, you’ll walk out satisfied with the £15 per adult and £11 per child price. Plus, kids aged three and under will eat free. You could also try the Cosmopolitan’s Wicked Spoon lunch buffet – its mains are impressive (and maybe a bit mature for the littlest of ones) but it's the dessert bar that truly takes the cake.
Need a break from the buffets? There are plenty of other options, including the Rainforest Café at the Strip’s Miracle Mile Shops (keep an eye out for the restaurant’s talking tree, who pipes up every 30 seconds with an earth-friendly message) or, for the sheer fun of it, Secret Pizza at the Cosmopolitan. This laidback, New York-style pizza restaurant is tucked out of sight on the hotel’s third floor – keep an eye out for the section of wall covered with Frank Sinatra and Elvis record covers, and you’re almost there!
What to do with kids in Las Vegas
Gone are the days when Las Vegas was all about gambling and X-rated entertainment. Let’s start with the offerings for adrenaline junkies. There are countless thrill rides in Las Vegas, and many can be found at Circus Circus’s Adventuredome. This indoor theme park’s newest ride is NebulaZ, which has four arms that rotate at high speed – 14 rotations per minute, to be precise. The Adventuredome is also where you’ll find the Carnival Midway, with its daily, death-defying performances by flying trapeze artists, circus clowns, jugglers and contortionists.
We also recommend a ride on the Big Apple, the high-speed rollercoaster that snakes around the edge of the New York New York Hotel and Casino. For something a little more sedate, opt for a turn on the High Roller observation wheel or a stroll around the Bellagio Conservatory. The jaw-droppingly spectacular floral displays change five times every year and have seasonal themes. Don’t miss the Bellagio’s dancing fountains, either. This legendary water show takes place every 30 minutes between 3pm and 8pm on the 8.5-acre lake.
Finally, consider heading downtown to Fremont Street, too. Fremont Street’s top attractions for children include SlotZilla, a 12-storey-high slot machine-themed zip line. It’s also just a short walk from the Neon Museum, which has a huge collection of vintage Las Vegas signs, including the supersized neon guitar that once stood outside the Hard Rock Café.
How to get around with children
If you’re heading beyond the Strip, an Uber is the easiest option (you’ll pay around £10 one-way to travel between the Strip and Fremont Street). It’s also worth noting that the Downtown Grand, which is one block away from Fremont Street, operates a free shuttle that travels between the Downtown Grand and the Fashion Show Mall, in the heart of the Strip.
If you’re sticking to the Strip, you’ll inevitably ride the Las Vegas Monorail at some point. It travels between the Sahara and the MGM Grand and stops at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, Harrah’s, Caesar’s Palace and Bally’s.
Top tips for parents
Don’t discount the buffets
Buffets aren't synonymous with unhealthy. Many of the most popular have hundreds of dishes on offer, along with plenty of options for vegetarians or people with specific dietary requirements, such as gluten-free food.
Consider a day trip
For the ultimate Las Vegas day trip, consider a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon. There are several operators which offer scenic tours, although you can cut the cost by opting for shorter ones that don’t land in the canyon. Papillon has a wide range of options.
Don’t underestimate the Strip
Simply strolling along the Strip will provide plenty of entertainment for visitors of all ages. There are dozens of street performers, many of whom can be found at The LINQ, an open-air entertainment district in the shadow of an enormous observation wheel. You’ll see character actors in elaborate costumes (superheroes seem to be the most popular option). They’ll happily pose for photos with children, but you’ll need to pay a small fee – usually around $5 (£3).
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