Is Las Vegas a Family Destination?
Many times people ask if Las Vegas is a family destination. For the most part, the resounding answer is no, especially if you are looking to gamble. Families are least desirable in casinos as children cannot gamble and annoy adults who have come to Las Vegas to avoid kids. However, if gambling is not on your radar, there are plenty of things to do with your family. Remember that people under the age of 21 cannot gamble and cannot keep you company while you gamble either.
Circus Circus Las Vegas
There is the option of leaving children at the hotel while the adults gamble. As long as there is something on television or they have activities to keep them occupied, this is an acceptable option (depending on the age(s) of the children). Circus Circus also offers Adventuredome for kids 10 or older, although that will not keep them busy for long. Hiring a babysitter is also an option, although one that will cost you.
The Bellagio Fountain
A very worthwhile and free attraction for the entire family is the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Located adjacent to the hotel lobby, the display features more than 10,000 blooming flowers, a diverse variety of plants, and even trees. Another free outdoor spectacle at the Bellagio is choreographed water-fountain show presented on the lake in from of the hotel. The magical waters of the Bellagio are for all to enjoy on the half-hour every Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from noon to 7 p.m. and every 15 minutes from 7 p.m. till midnight.
The other option is to abandon casinos altogether on your Las Vegas vacation. There are plenty of options for swimming and exploring with children. The Adventuredome (mentioned above) would definitely be on the list to visit as would The Forum Shops and the Stratosphere Tower. If you are not opposed to traveling a bit, you can also drive just a little and hike at Red Rock Canyon or visit Hoover Dam.
Have a clear idea of what type of vacation you want if you are traveling to Las Vegas with children. If you can accept staying away from casinos, there are plenty of fun, adventurous options for the whole family. For more tips check out the Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas.
Picture by InSapphoWeTrust from Los Angeles, California, USA (The Fountains of Bellagio Uploaded by russavia) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Common
