Every summer millions of Americans take to the open road – or sky – with family and friends to seek adventure in our own backyard. One of the most popular tourist destinations is Las Vegas, NV; in fact, in the year 2016 over forty-two million visitors touched down in the Glitter Gulch. Although the city is mostly geared towards entertaining adults, there are plenty of family-friendly attractions to satiate even the pickiest children.
The most important part to any trip is preparation. With that in mind, look at this expertly crafted list of tips that are sure to keep kids amused, and safe, on your next Las Vegas family vacation.
Pick the right time to travel
As with most destination-vacations choosing the wrong time of year to visit can ruin the perfect trip. Regarding Las Vegas and family-oriented activities, it might be wise to skip timeframes that center around large sporting events – think Super Bowl and March Madness – so children won’t feel overwhelmed by rowdy adult crowds.
Budget, budget, budget
It’s no secret that vacations can cost an arm and a leg if you don’t watch your spending. Food, hotel accommodations and souvenirs all add up quickly. Therefore, creating a realistic budget, complete with emergency money, can truly save the day when traveling.
Plan the right kind of activities
Building itineraries rich in both educational and adventurous activities for youngsters will ensure not only a fully-engaged group of children, but also make the trip less stressful on parents. Try gearing activities towards kids’ individual interests so they can all gain appreciation from family time – Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef is out of this world!
Drive, don’t walk
While it might seem like a good idea prior to traveling to bravely walk the Las Vegas Strip with your kids, most parents forget one simple universal truth: after a few minutes, children tire from walking and start whining. Do yourself a favor and rent a car instead.
Steer clear of seedy areas
Oftentimes older parts of Las Vegas can become sketchy in the blink of an eye; pornography pamphlets and solicitation are quite common on Freemont Street downtown. It’s best to avoid this area altogether.
Choose the right hotel
Unless your child’s idea of a good time is spotting famous poker players in places like the Wynn or Caesar’s Palace, choosing the right hotel can make a world of difference. While certain hotels might be less expensive, they might not be kid-friendly once you arrive. In fact, some even offer adult-themed entertainment right on the casino floor. Weigh these options carefully to avoid uncomfortable conversations with your children. The Venetian is a great option for families.
Pack a few goodies
As discussed earlier, budgeting is important for traveling. Food costs alone can prove astronomical in Las Vegas. Pack healthy snacks and lunches from home to ensure you’re not spending an arm and a leg trying to acquire junk food on the Strip.
Use daylight to your advantage
Being a nightlife-centered city that caters to adults, Las Vegas can be a scary place. By simply venturing out in the early hours of the day, families are better able to enjoy all the wonders of the city without the noise and distraction of Las Vegas “characters.”
Bring sunscreen
Temperatures in Las Vegas can reach upwards of 117 degrees Fahrenheit. Families who come protected with sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats can escape the heat and are more likely to enjoy themselves.
Find the right restaurants
Las Vegas is home to the most exotic restaurants on the planet; most of which offer selections that would make any kid squeamish. To avoid this situation, visit restaurants like Gordon Ramsay BurGR which offer a unique family-dining experience geared toward everyone’s inner child.
Even in Sin City, which is built for adults, there are plenty of fun activities for the whole family. Las Vegas has something for everyone mixed in with the adult gaming, glitz and glamour.
