When you think of visiting Las Vegas, one word probably comes to mind: FUN! Vegas has a well-earned reputation as an adult playground, where people party round-the-clock, casinos, bars, and dance clubs are always open, and you can catch a great novelty show any time you want. While this is all true (after all, it didn’t get the name “Sin City” for nothing!), the city has been making a concentrated effort to market itself as a family-friendly vacation spot, and there are definitely plenty of activities both in and around the city to keep all ages entertained.
Located in southern Nevada, Las Vegas is chock-full of things to see and do, and it is also quite close to Laughlin, NV which is on the Arizona border where the Columbia River divides Arizona and Nevada. While the casinos are probably the city’s number one attraction, gambling is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to these massive buildings and resort destinations. Each of the primary casinos on the legendary Las Vegas Strip features its own unique theme and attractions. For example, the Mirage Hotel & Casino has a tropical theme, a gorgeous indoor garden and huge aquarium right in the lobby, a “volcano” in front of the hotel that erupts nightly, and is also home to Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat! With the exception of Siegfried & Roy, each of these attractions is completely free, and sure to awe adults and kids alike.
Other casinos feature equally dramatic displays and décor, and much of these attractions are completely free. Of course, children aren’t allowed on the floor of the casinos themselves, but the attractions and displays are primarily located in the lobbies and other “general public” areas. Nearly all of the main hotels and casinos also feature high-end shopping malls, a wide selection of restaurants, and one or more night clubs, bars, and theaters, which are usually hosting either a long-term act (like Celine Dion) or a visiting “A-list headliner” like Jerry Seinfeld. While certainly not all acts are appropriate for younger audiences, there are a large number that are.
In addition to attractions right in the heart of the city, Vegas is also just a short rental car ride away from many other Las Vegas and Nevada attractions. Even though it’s located right in the heart of the Mohave Desert, Las Vegas is within driving distance of several large bodies of water, including the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Lake Mohave and Lake Havasu, and, of course, the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon is also just a day trip away from Las Vegas (about a five hour drive by bus or rental car). While the drive to and from Nevada to Arizona to visit the Grand Canyon may be quite long, it can easily be turned into an overnight trip, and the drive could be broken up with a stop at the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead National Recreation Area, where you can get out of the car and stretch your legs, and maybe set aside some exciting time to rent a jet ski, take a hike through the desert, or have a picnic lunch by the water.
Not only can a visit to Las Vegas offer a wide variety of activities besides the requisite drinking and gambling, but it’s actually a very budget-friendly destination (as long as you can tear yourself away from those slot machines!). Most of the attractions discussed above are free or very minimally priced, and once you arrive in the city, you’ll find tons of deals on food and attractions. Plus, a quick search online for Vegas deals can usually find you some really great bargains on buffets and restaurants to shows and airfare to half price bus trips to the Grand Canyon.
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Vegas is a hot spot, no doubt about that! Family members of all ages enjoy the Entertainment Capital of the World. And if you’re thinking about vacationing to the Southwest, why not throw a road trip into the mix? An Anaheim car rental is a great way to explore Southern California as well a Nevada. With a great selection of car rentals to get you where you need to go, you’ll run out of time long before you run out of fun attractions to experience!