The Canyon Blaster at the Adventuredome — Photo courtesy of MGM Resorts InternationalLas Vegas may be known as Sin City, but there are still plenty of things for kids to see and do. In fact, with its numerous rides, arcades and family-friendly shows and attractions, it could easily be argued that Las Vegas isn't just an adult’s playground–it’s a kid’s playground, too!
The best place for families to start their day is Circus Circus, which offers several attractions appropriate for kids and kids at heart. In addition to housing Nevada’s largest indoor theme park, The Adventuredome, the resort is also home to a massive midway and the engaging Chuck Jones Experience. Sure to entertain animation lovers both young and old, the colorful exhibit is like a cartoon come to life.
Visitors will not only see the largest collection of original Chuck Jones animation and fine art anywhere in the world, but also learn some fun facts about the Looney Tunes/Tom and Jerry creator and his many creations. (For example, the Road Runner must always stay on the road, otherwise, logically, he wouldn't be a road runner.)
The sky's the limit when it comes to fun at Vegas Indoor Skydiving — Photo courtesy of Fred Morledge, PhotoFM.comAfter some fun under the big top, head on over to Vegas Indoor Skydiving. Perfect for younger thrill seekers, Vegas Indoor Skydiving offers guests a safe way to experience the thrill of skydiving without an airplane or parachute. Divers only need to weigh 40 pounds to participate, so kids can literally spread their wings and fly in the facility’s vertical wind tunnel. The entire experience lasts about an hour, and that includes training classes; 15-minute blocks are available for groups of two to five as well, so even Mom and Dad can get in on the action.
Once your children’s feet are back on the ground, dive in to some underwater fun at Shark Reef Aquarium inside Mandalay Bay. Home to more than 2,000 animals–including 15 species of sharks–Las Vegas’ largest indoor aquarium gives guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of nature’s most sought after predators.
While dive-certified guests ages 18 and older can actually dive in the aquarium’s 1.3 million-gallon shipwreck exhibit, younger guests who want to get in “shark-infested” waters can head downtown to the Golden Nugget’s award-winning pool, The Tank, and ride its water slide, which goes through a 200,000-gallon shark aquarium. Talk about a wild ride!
Magician Mac King, star of "The Mac King Comedy Magic Show" — Photo courtesy of The Mac King Comedy Magic ShowOf course, Las Vegas wouldn't be the Entertainment Capital of the World if it didn't offer a few shows appropriate for audiences of all ages. For those looking for some afternoon entertainment, “The Mac King Comedy Magic Show” at Harrah’s is sure to please kids and adults alike. One of the city’s best productions, kids will love King’s jaw-dropping sleight of hand while adults will find themselves in stitches over his quirky sense of humor.
Meanwhile, for those looking for some evening entertainment, “Tournament of Kings” is guaranteed to satisfy your family’s appetite for adventure. Excalibur’s long-running dinner show not only features jousting and sword fights, but also comes with a mouthwatering three-course meal that’s truly one of the best dinners in town. Other must-see productions perfect for the whole family include Blue Man Group at Monte Carlo, Cirque du Soleil’s “Mystére” at Treasure Island and “Jeff Civillico: Comedy in Action” at The Quad.
Naturally, this is just a sampling of the many kid-friendly attractions Las Vegas has to offer. In fact, the city has plenty of free family-friendly attractions as well, like the Wildlife Habitat at Flamingo–home to a flock of Chilean flamingos and various other feathered friends. So no matter what one’s budget, visitors of all ages are sure to never grow bored!