Family Guide to Las Vegas

Family Guide to Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada (D)

Las Vegas is one of the most visited cities on earth with no shortage of things to do. Some of its must-see attractions should be visited at least once in everyone’s lifetime. We’ve expanded our guide to include 30 of the city’s best attractions, many of which are free. They just require a little legwork, so put on your sneakers and explore. For the best places to eat check out our best buffets, local favorites, and top 20 restaurant guides.
How it works: The full article is featured in the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" on Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Download the app to your mobile device to read the article offline and create a self-guided walking tour to visit the sights featured in this article. The app's navigation functions guide you from one sight to the next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Sights Featured in This Article

Guide Name: Family Guide to Las Vegas
Guide Location: USA » Las Vegas
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Article (D))
# of Attractions: 30
Author: Scott Weber
Author Bio: Scott has lived in the southwest all of his life and loves to help visitors find the best and most unique attractions, exhibits, and restaurants on their travels. Please check out his other guides at GPSmyCity and itunes for San Clemente, Dana Point, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Las Vegas and Boulder City.
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
  • On Strip - Shark Reef Aquarium and Beach – Mandalay Bay
  • On Strip - Titanic: The Artifact Museum & BODIES - Luxor
  • On Strip - Fun Dungeon and Spongebob Squarepants - Excalibur Hotel
  • On Strip - New York New York – Roller Coaster
  • On Strip - MGM Lion Habitat – Free
  • On Strip - M&M’s World – Free
  • On Strip - Eiffel Tower at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel
  • On Strip – Jean Philippe Patisserie at Bellagio – Free
  • On Strip - Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum - Venetian
  • On Strip - Secret Garden, the Dolphin Habitat & Volcano – The Mirage
  • On Strip - Siren’s of TI – Free
  • On Strip - Gondola Ride at Venetian Hotel
  • On Strip - Vegas Indoor Skydiving
  • On Strip – AdventureDome at Circus Circus
  • On Strip - Bonanza Gifts and Souvenirs
  • On Strip - Stratosphere Tower – Big Shot, Insanity, X-Scream, SkyJump
  • On Strip - Luv-it Frozen Custard
  • On Strip – Fountains at the Bellagio – Free
  • City Site - Atomic Testing Museum
  • City Site - Flightlines – Fremont Street Experience
  • City Site - Fremont Street Experience – Free
  • City Site - The Springs Preserve
  • City Site - Lied Children’s Discovery Museum
  • City Site - Helicopter Rides – Las Vegas, Lake Mead, Grand Canyon
  • City Site - The Smith Center for Performing Arts
  • City Site - Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix
  • City Site - Cashman Field – Las Vegas 51’s Minor League Baseball
  • City Site - Bass Pro – Aquarium and Animal Exhibits – Free
  • Out of Town - Ethel M Chocolate Factory – Free
  • On Strip - Family Shows - "Viva Elvis" - Cirque du Soleil
1
On Strip - Shark Reef Aquarium and Beach – Mandalay Bay

1) On Strip - Shark Reef Aquarium and Beach – Mandalay Bay

Shark Reef is one of the most prestigious saltwater aquariums in the country and is home to more than 1,200 species of sharks, fish, reptiles, rays, and marine invertebrates. Opened in 2000, the 2 million gallon Shark Reef has become a popular place for families to explore the underwater world on their own or on a tour. In addition to the popular glass aquarium tunnel, there are exhibits with crocodiles, fresh water fish, touch pools and more, but the sharks are the main attraction with more than a hundred on display representing more than fifteen species and some are as large as 14 feet in length. Open daily 10am to 8pm. $17 for adults, $11 for kids. Although you have to be staying at the hotel, Mandalay Bay has one of the best swimming pools in Las Vegas, and if water is your thing, I’d suggest you check out the huge sandy beach, wave machine, and the long lazy river that meanders through the grounds. There’s definitely something here for everyone.
Image Courtesy of Erin Khoo.
2
On Strip - Titanic: The Artifact Museum & BODIES - Luxor

2) On Strip - Titanic: The Artifact Museum & BODIES - Luxor

Although there’s been more than one career that’s hit rock bottom in Las Vegas, none can compare with the Titanic. The Luxor brings the “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition” to Las Vegas. The 25,000-square-foot exhibit features memorabilia salvaged from the Titanic, including luggage, the ship's whistles, floor tiles from the first-class smoking room, a window frame from the Verandah Cafe and an unopened bottle of champagne with a 1900 vintage. In addition, the exhibit features a piece of Titanic’s hull, a full-scale re-creation of the Grand Staircase as well as a newly expanded outer Promenade Deck, complete with the frigid temperatures felt on that fateful April night. $28 adults, $21 kids. Open daily 10am–10pm. BODIES – The Exhibit is right next-door and may not be appropriate for young kids and those who get queasy about human anatomy. However, this is probably one of the most interesting exhibits you’ll ever see. A definite must-see if this is your thing.
3
On Strip - Fun Dungeon and Spongebob Squarepants - Excalibur Hotel

3) On Strip - Fun Dungeon and Spongebob Squarepants - Excalibur Hotel

Excalibur combines medieval themes with modern 4D technology. If indulging yourself inner barbarian with comfort food while watching warriors joust isn’t your thing, head down to the Fun Dungeon and cut loose at this state of the art arcade of carnival and video games. Or, climb aboard the new Spongebob 4D Special FX ride. Join SpongeBob as he desperately pursues a runaway pickle in his heartfelt desire to serve up the perfect Krabby Patty. Through the magic of Digital 3D projection and 4D Special FX, riders are transported down to Bikini Bottom for the adventure of their lives. Wind, bubbles, and scent are just a few of the 4D FX that create this extraordinary experience. This attraction is part of the 3 for $54 promotion which gives you a choice of three from: Spongebob at Excalibur, Adventuredome at Circus Circus, CSI at MGM, Bodies at Luxor, Titanic at Luxor, Roller Coaster at NYNY, and Sharkreef at Mandalay Bay. Tickets available at any box office or at 866 606-7111.
Image Courtesy of Blane.
4
On Strip - New York New York – Roller Coaster

4) On Strip - New York New York – Roller Coaster

The New York New York Hotel has always been a popular theme hotel and there’s plenty to do for the whole family. Besides eating at world-famous Nathan’s Hot Dog’s or grabbing a few slices of New York style pizza, have some fun on the Roller Coaster. After ascending 203 feet above the Las Vegas Strip, you plummet 144 feet at speeds of 67 mph and make loops and several barrel rolls all the while fearing catastrophe is only a heartbeat away. Individual tickets are $14 or for $54 you qualify for the 3 for $54 promotion which gives you a three from: Spongebob at Excalibur, Adventuredome at Circus Circus, CSI at MGM, Bodies at Luxor, Titanic at Luxor, Roller Coaster at NYNY, and Sharkreef at Mandalay Bay. Tickets available at any box office or at 866 606-7111.
Image Courtesy of Stefan Scheer.
5
On Strip - MGM Lion Habitat – Free

5) On Strip - MGM Lion Habitat – Free

Set right near the front entrance at the MGM Grand is the Lion Habitat. Get nose to nose with the king and queen of beasts, as the MGM has created a one-of-a-kind environment to showcase these majestic animals. Like any zoo-like exhibit featuring cats or even like the cat you have at home, chances are good these ferocious felines will be asleep. But they are splendid animals and any chance to see them this close is worth a trip. And the lions are rotated every couple of days from their 8.5 acre ranch just outside of town. The Lion Habitat is open daily from 11am to 7pm
Image Courtesy of O Palsson.
6
On Strip - M&M’s World – Free

6) On Strip - M&M’s World – Free

As if there isn’t enough candy in the universe the M & M people have created their own world. And four stories to boot! Located right next to the MGM Grand on the Las Vegas Strip, M&M’s World was a hit the moment the doors opened and why not? You can get everything from personalized candy, dispensers, t-shirts, mugs and just about every conceivable souvenir imaginable, and some beyond imagination. They probably even have an Elvis or Liberace M&M. This 28,000 square-foot, four-story monument to chocolate is the perfect family excursion, featuring one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs designed solely for M&M'S World. Open daily 
9am - midnight
Image Courtesy of Josh Truelson.
7
On Strip - Eiffel Tower at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel

7) On Strip - Eiffel Tower at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel

Although the Eiffel Tower lacks the thrill rides at the top that the Stratosphere Tower so brilliantly offers, a trip up the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas is certainly a great diversion if you’re walking up and down the Strip and want to get an aerial view of what’s commonly called the entertainment capital of the world. And what really sets it apart from its North Strip neighbor is its location. Set smack dab in the middle of the most important stretch of hotels and landmarks in Las Vegas, ride 460 feet above the heart of the Strip and witness the fountain shows at the Bellagio, the new Cosmopolitan across the street, City Center a half-block south, the Arc d’Triomphe, and just generally take-in Las Vegas’ spectacular skyline. Rides cost: Daytime $10.50 adult - $7:50 kids, Evening $15:50 - $10:50 kids. Open daily 9:30am – 12:30am.
8
On Strip – Jean Philippe Patisserie at Bellagio – Free

8) On Strip – Jean Philippe Patisserie at Bellagio – Free

Did you know that there’s an award for the best pastry chef in the world? And who else other than the Bellagio would invite him to create his magic? Treat yourself to Jean Philippe Patisserie in the main arcade. From the moment you arrive you’re treated to a 20-foot high fountain with 2 tons of liquid chocolate cascading over glass flower petals. It’s literally the largest chocolate milk shake, gone wild. But don’t stop there. The Patisserie is famous for their gourmet candies, ice cream, sorbets, handmade waffle cones, cookies, and of course the pastries. Lemon merengue, chocolate hazelnut bombe, crepes, brioches, unbelievably delicious muffins, and they even make a limited selection of sandwiches. And I’ve been told that none of the calories will stick to your love handles, but I don’t believe it. See for yourself and report back. And check out the life size chocolate sculptures in the center of the store. They’re changed seasonally and are incredible. Open 7am to 11pm
9
On Strip - Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum - Venetian

9) On Strip - Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum - Venetian

Madame Tussaud invites you to come and party with some of her famous wax friends. No sooner do you become a celebrity than you’re immortalized in wax and put on display. Fortunately they wax over the flaws. Figures range from Lady Gaga to Evil Knievel, and Muhammad Ali. And get this, you can get married at Madame Tussaud’s and have Mick Jagger and Madonna as your best man and maid of honor. Creating wax figures by Madame Tussaud dates back to the 17th Century France and her legacy has survived to this day. The museum is over 30,000 square feet, covers two floors and has a variety of celebrity themes including Vegas Legends, Hollywood celebrities, Rock stars, Sport’s Heroes, and World Leaders. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for kids, but if you buy them from their website you’ll save 25%. The museum opens at 10 am and closing times vary, so call in advance.
10
On Strip - Secret Garden, the Dolphin Habitat & Volcano – The Mirage

10) On Strip - Secret Garden, the Dolphin Habitat & Volcano – The Mirage

Built in 1990 by the famed animal trainers and performer’s Siegfried and Roy, the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat offers a safe and imaginative environment to view tigers, panthers, leopards, and dolphins. It’s truly unique to see saltwater bottlenose dolphin strutting their charismatic stuff on the Las Vegas Strip. But dolphins are fun-loving entertainers and unlike their lazy devil-may-care feline friends, they’re always anxious to perform. Believe it or not, they even answer questions from the audience by shaking their heads or flapping their tails. The answer may not be right, but at least you have a 50/50 chance of success, which is more than the casino’s offer. And if you’re in the neighborhood at night, don’t forget to check out the volcano out front. It erupts every hour on the hour until 11pm with fireballs and lava while sound effects and music play in the background. The Secret Garden is open daily from 11am to 6:30pm and admission is $15 adults and $10 kids.
Image Courtesy of Averette.
11
On Strip - Siren’s of TI – Free

11) On Strip - Siren’s of TI – Free

Everyday at 5:30, 7:00, 8:30, and 10pm a high-adventure pirate battle takes place in the lagoon in front of the Treasure Island Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip and best of all, it’s free. Choreography by Kenny Ortega, the director of “High School Musical,” the 18-minute show presents a canon battle, high-dives into the lagoon, beautiful temptresses or sirens, and the whole thing is set to a sexy and upbeat musical score. This is as much dance production as anything else and crowds arrive early for each show, so if you’re in the neighborhood, check it out. Even the traffic on the Strip stops for this one.
Image Courtesy of GregAsche.
12
On Strip - Gondola Ride at Venetian Hotel

12) On Strip - Gondola Ride at Venetian Hotel

No trip to Venice, or The Venetian would be complete without a graceful and romantic glide down the Grand Canal in an authentic Venetian gondola. Float beneath bridges, beside cafes, under balconies and through the vibrant Venetian streetscape as your singing gondolier sweeps you down the Grand Canal for a ride like no other. A relaxing and romantic gondola ride reveals all the charm, excitement and passion that is Venice and The Venetian. And believe it or not, you can even get married in one of these. Reservations must be made in person, same day only. Ticket sales open daily at 9:30 a.m. for the indoor ride and 12:00 p.m. for the outdoor ride.
Image Courtesy of Urban.
13
On Strip - Vegas Indoor Skydiving

13) On Strip - Vegas Indoor Skydiving

Have you ever wanted to try skydiving, but for one reason or another never drummed up the courage to leap from a plane to what one can only imagine is certain death or at least permanent paralysis? Welcome to my world. I completely understand. You’ve probably seen this on TV and it’s really fun to do. Vegas Indoor Skydiving provides some of the thrills associated with freefalling without the obvious death-defying risks. From child to adult, pretty much anyone is welcome to slide into a specially designed flight suit, climb into the enormous vertical wind tunnel and ride the wind to weightlessness. Of course, you’ll not only receive instruction ahead of your adventure, one of the instructors will be by your side as you experience the magic of flight. The first fight includes a training class and use of their flight suits. The first flight costs around $75, but $10 off coupons are available in most of the Las Vegas circulars.
14
On Strip – AdventureDome at Circus Circus

14) On Strip – AdventureDome at Circus Circus

I remember this place when it opened. Circus Circus was the first theme hotel and casino to focus on the family experience, but times have changed and how and how fast people expect to receive their entertainment is constantly evolving, but one thing has never changed; scare the living b’geeber’s out of them and they’ll come back time and again. Circus Circus has been forced to compromise its carnival style family experience for more of a theme park experience and they’ve succeeded on all counts. Adventuredome provides a variety of thrill rides for young and old. Rides include: The Sling Shot which shoots you up to the ceiling at 4G’s, the Canyon Blaster is a corkscrew and loop-style roller coaster, the Disk ‘O which spins you at 14 rotations per minute while on a section of roller coaster track, and several other rides guaranteed to amplify your pulse rate. Adventuredome is open during the week from 11am – 6pm and on the weekends from 10am to midnight.
Image Courtesy of ZooFari.
15
On Strip - Bonanza Gifts and Souvenirs

15) On Strip - Bonanza Gifts and Souvenirs

This place has been on the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Sahara for as long as I can remember. Billed as the largest gift shop in the world, it measures in at just over 40,000 square feet, and although its claim to be the largest in the world may be a slight exaggeration, it’s certainly the largest in Las Vegas. Inside you’ll find every kind of souvenir, memento, postcard, knick-knack, bobble, key chain, t-shirt, and guess what? They all have the words Las Vegas on them. Did I forget Elvis? The also have several adult lingerie and novelty stores. Built over 40 years ago, the back corner housed the Big Wheel Casino, but they found gifts and souvenirs to be more profitable and less of a risk. If you can't find it here, it probably doesn't exist. The huge lot across the street has been empty for decades. The Strip’s very first hotel, the “El Rancho Vegas” operated there from 1941 to 1960 until a fire destroyed everything.
16
On Strip - Stratosphere Tower – Big Shot, Insanity, X-Scream, SkyJump

16) On Strip - Stratosphere Tower – Big Shot, Insanity, X-Scream, SkyJump

Okay, are you ready for some fun? The Stratosphere hotel was built in 1996 and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Las Vegas. The hotel does not promote any shows, but who needs a show when you have a 1,149-foot tower with several daredevil rides at the top guaranteed to scare the daylights out of you. The top of the tower has several observation decks, a revolving restaurant, and of course the thrill rides. The most popular is Big Shot. It jets you straight up a 160-foot tower generating 4G’s of force and then lets you free fall back down. X-Scream is a teeter-tooter like ride that gives the illusion you’re going to roll off the track and plummet to your death. And on the newest attraction you do go off the edge. Really! For one hundred bucks and a death wish, SkyJump drops you 829-feet using a controlled decelerator. So what are you waiting for? Prices vary for each of the rides so check the website for current rates. Open daily 10am – 1am.
Image Courtesy of Maggie Hammond.
17
On Strip - Luv-it Frozen Custard

17) On Strip - Luv-it Frozen Custard

This is hardly a dining spot, but when you make the very best frozen custard on the planet and you're voted “Best Ice Cream” in Las Vegas year after year, you deserve a spot in our best of Las Vegas guide and certainly in our family guide. There is absolutely nothing fancy or even convenient about Luv-it, but once the custard hits your taste buds, the world becomes a beautiful place and any criticism you might have about their non-descript blue building and lack of seating just magically disappears. Made fresh every day for 37 years, Luv-it always has the main staple flavors on hand, but rotates 2 or 3 specialty flavors in each day so check their website to see when or if your favorite is on the menu. They offer their custard in cones, cups, sundaes, malts, and several super-sundaes. Located a few steps from the Strip just north of the Stratosphere, this is a must-visit stop while you’re out and about in Las Vegas. They’re open 1pm to 10pm daily – later on Friday and Saturday.
18
On Strip – Fountains at the Bellagio – Free

18) On Strip – Fountains at the Bellagio – Free

One of the true landmark attractions of Las Vegas is the fountains of the Bellagio’s Lake Como and it draws throngs on spectators for every show. And why not? Not only is it spectacular and free, where else on earth are you going to find something this beautiful and engaging? And on a hot summer night, it’s totally refreshing. Water, music and light combine to provide captivating performances that speak to people irrespective of culture and walk of life. The Bellagio has a variety of themed shows so it pays to check back to see what’s on tap. The fountains show weekdays every half hour from 3pm to 8pm and then go every 15 minutes until midnight. Weekend shows start every half hour beginning at noon and then every 15 minutes from 8pm to midnight.
Image Courtesy of Machtographer.
19
City Site - Atomic Testing Museum

19) City Site - Atomic Testing Museum

The 8,000 square foot Atomic Testing Museum is one of the most popular museums in Las Vegas. Run by the Nevada Test Site Historical Foundation, and affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute, the museum is packed full of exhibits, movies, artifacts, and memorabilia relating to Nevada’s contributions to atomic energy research as well as providing a historical view of nuclear fusion and its impact on world politics. Some of the exhibits include: the inside of a nuclear bomb, Geiger-counters, a bomb-blast viewing bunker, maps, lasers, uranium mining techniques, and everything you’ll ever want to know about atomic energy. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm except Sunday, noon to 5 pm. Admission is: Adults $12, everyone else $9.
Image Courtesy of http://www.nv.doe.gov/news&pubs/photos&films/atm.htm.
20
City Site - Flightlines – Fremont Street Experience

20) City Site - Flightlines – Fremont Street Experience

As if the Fremont Street Experience isn't enough, now you can race through it on a zipline. Feel the wind on your face as you jet through 2 blocks of lights, entertainment and the whole chaotic frenzy. Starting 67 feet above the crowd, you get harnessed up, hooked on, and off you go just feet under the light canopy. This is one of the best and most affordable rides in Las Vegas. For only $15 before 6pm and $20 after, this has quickly become one of the more popular and affordable thrills in town. You must weigh between 60 to 250 pounds to qualify, but after that it’s all about the letting go.
21
City Site - Fremont Street Experience – Free

21) City Site - Fremont Street Experience – Free

Not only is the Fremont Street Experience a major entertainment attraction showcasing musicians, artists and street performers, Lightscapes, the brilliant light show presented on the Fremont Street canopy, has been recognized as one of the top 20 public artworks in the country. Lightscapes is a program of the Las Vegas Arts Commission in partnership with the Fremont Street Experience that presents epic scale video art installation projects in downtown Las Vegas on the Fremont Street's Viva Vision screen. Originated in 2000, the Lightscapes series has featured projects from some of the most gifted video artists in the country. Viva Vision is the largest video screen in the world. Standing 90 feet tall and spanning four city blocks, the light show incorporates 12.5 million high-definition LED modules that are synchronized to a 555,000-watt concert quality sound system. The shows start at dark and runs every hour on the hour.
Image Courtesy of Jean-Christophe BENOIST.
22
City Site - The Springs Preserve

22) City Site - The Springs Preserve

The Springs Preserve is a 180-acre cultural institution designed to commemorate Las Vegas’ storied history. The Preserve has museums, concerts and a beautiful garden with an interpretive trail system. Aside from that, the Preserve has a Desert Living Center that illustrates the latest LEED environmental possibilities as well as a design lab and patio gallery. The Origen Experience presents a “natural history” of the region via exhibits, galleries and a museum, and there is a 1.8-mile trail through the springs so you can see where Las Vegas got its name. And if you get hungry, there’s even a Wolfgang Puck café on the property. This is a very popular attraction and should be on everyone’s list of must-sees. The Preserve is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Admission is $19 for adults and $11 for kids if you’re a non-resident of Nevada.
23
City Site - Lied Children’s Discovery Museum

23) City Site - Lied Children’s Discovery Museum

The Lied Discovery Children’s Museum opened in 1990 and features over 100 hands-on exhibits guaranteed to amuse, entertain, and educate kids of all ages. In addition to the exhibits, the museum promotes a variety of educational programs. The science and art programs engage kids with presentations, experiments and workshop activities. The Early Childhood Education program strives to help pre-school children, and the Youthworks program is dedicated to mentoring and training at-risk kids. This is a marvelous facility and a great place to bring the whole family. Hours: Tuesday – Friday 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, Sundays noon to 5 pm, closed on Mondays. Admission is $8.50 for adults and $7.50 for kids.
24
City Site - Helicopter Rides – Las Vegas, Lake Mead, Grand Canyon

24) City Site - Helicopter Rides – Las Vegas, Lake Mead, Grand Canyon

Despite being in the middle of the desert, but also benefitting from its unique location, Las Vegas is the perfect hub from which to explore the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, the Valley of Fire, Red Rock Canyon, Mt Charleston, and Death Valley. And there’s no better way to make the rounds that on a helicopter tour. There are plenty of outfits promoting trips to these natural wonders, but Maverick Helicopters has a great track record and their prices are in line with everyone else. The most popular trip is the $99 night ride up and down the Las Vegas Strip with a pass over the Fremont Street Experience. Grand Canyon tours start around $399 and go up from there. For an adventure you’ll never forget take a helicopter flight to one of America’s national landmarks. And check each purveyor’s website or ask the hotel concierge for discount coupons. This is a very competitive market and there’s always a great deal out there if you look.
Image Courtesy of slideshow bob.
25
City Site - The Smith Center for Performing Arts

25) City Site - The Smith Center for Performing Arts

Welcome to one of my favorite areas of Las Vegas. This is where we'll find some of the most innovative and brilliant architectural structures in the city. Recognizing the need to provide quality spaces for the performing arts, the Smith Center will house 3 theaters, 2 education and workshop facilities, and a real bell tower. The Carillon Tower is 16 stories high, has a 4-octave carillon, and 46 bronze bells that will chime throughout the day. 2050-seat Reynolds Hall will host the best theater and performing acts touring the nation, and Boman Pavillion, has two theaters and an instructional facility. The 200-seat Studio Theater will be use for rehearsals, small productions, and private events. The 300-seat Cabaret Theater will host music recitals, jazz concerts, and other smaller-scale productions. And the 58,000 square foot Discovery Children’s Museum will continue with the education theme and offer fun a variety of displays. This center is expected to open in late 2011 or early 2012.
26
City Site - Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix

26) City Site - Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix

With 4 racetracks and plenty of other amusement attractions sure to entertain the kids, Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix is a great place to put the pedal to the metal and reconnect to your inner Jimmy Johnson. Only a few miles northwest of the Strip, Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix accommodates kids of all ages with your choice of Go Karts, a Sprint Kart Speedway, Adult Gran Prix Cars, and Kiddie Karts. Height restrictions do apply to some of the karts, but if you’re at leat 38 inches tall, you’ll get into the drivers seat. They also have several amusement park rides, and offer a limited selection of fast food, so head on out and have a great time racing under the blue Nevada sky. Tickets are $7 per ride or $20 per hour. Open daily 11am to 9pm.
Image Courtesy of Sergei S. Scurfield.
27
City Site - Cashman Field – Las Vegas 51’s Minor League Baseball

27) City Site - Cashman Field – Las Vegas 51’s Minor League Baseball

Cashman Field is just a half-mile north of downtown and is home to Las Vegas’ minor league baseball team the 51’s. Yes it’s a crazy name, and yes the have the world’s most annoying logo, but they are anything but aliens as their name might imply. For those of you who don’t know, Area 51 is a secretly guarded air force base north of Las Vegas where it’s suspected that aliens have not only landed, but also where the government hides alien spaceships. Area 51 draws thousands of visitors a year hoping to catch sight of a flying saucer. But for a sure thing, head over to Cashman Field where you’re guaranteed to see the 51’s at least catch a fly ball or two. The team is an affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, play in the Pacific Coast League, and games are played April through August in the open air park. Most games have some kind of promotion and seat prices are very reasonable. If you’re bored with you’re hotel and want to escape the neon jungle, then “Take me out to the ballgame!”
Image Courtesy of JCM.
28
City Site - Bass Pro – Aquarium and Animal Exhibits – Free

28) City Site - Bass Pro – Aquarium and Animal Exhibits – Free

At the south end of town at Blue Diamond Road is the Silverton Hotel, which hosts the mega-outdoor sporting goods store Bass Pro. If you’ve never been to a Bass Pro store, this is something everyone should do at least once in a lifetime. For one, it’s enormous, and on first sight it’s hard to fathom this many things actually exist pertaining to: fishing, hunting, golfing, Nascar racing, camping, hiking, kayaking, cooking, archery, guns and knives and everything else. And added to that, they sell every shoe, and clothing item needed to pursue each of these activities. It’s truly mind-boggling. But what really sets Bass Pro apart from all of their competition is they’ve established relationships with many natural history museums and present in each of their stores, wildlife exhibits ranging from the African savanna, to the wilds of the Yukon, to the waters of Baja California. They also have several huge aquariums. This is definitely a great father-son adventure. Open daily 9am – 9pm.
29
Out of Town - Ethel M Chocolate Factory – Free

29) Out of Town - Ethel M Chocolate Factory – Free

We eat it, we crave it, and we give it to our friends and loved ones on special occasions, so let’s go see how they make the world’s favorite confection, chocolate. Ether M Chocolate Factory is a favorite stop for tour buses on their way home from Hoover Dam, but you can take the free tour all by yourself. Just show up and you’re on your way. We’ve all heard of the Mar’s Bar and some of us are wearing one as a love handle, and Ethel M’s is a direct result of Forrest Mar’s commitment to honor his mother’s hard work by creating a line of gourmet chocolates. Following the family tradition, Ethel M Chocolates still doesn’t use preservatives, so I guess that means its okay eat them as fast as you can, or maybe not. Adjacent to the factory is their world famous Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden. One of Nevada’s largest collections of cacti, this spectacular garden is sure to delight you with over 300 species of plants. Tours run daily from 8:30am to 4:30pm
Image Courtesy of Brian Whitmarsh.
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On Strip - Family Shows - "Viva Elvis" - Cirque du Soleil

30) On Strip - Family Shows - "Viva Elvis" - Cirque du Soleil

Las Vegas has long been considered the entertainment capital of the world and in no place is this more evident than in the variety of shows running at all of the major hotels up and down the Strip. Obviously not all shows are appropriate for kids, but with the exception of some of the comedians and follies reviews, there’s plenty of options for the whole family. Las Vegas has 10+ magic acts, 7 Cirque du Soleil shows, the Lion King, Jersey Boys, Blue Man Group, impersonators, hypnotists, tribute shows, and some of the most popular and recognizable headliners. Cirque du Soleil is one of the biggest show franchises in Las Vegas and their newest show, "Viva Elvis" at the Aria is age appropriate for everyone. The show provides plenty of singing and dancing while chronicling the life of Elvis and paying tribute to the "King's" unique musical style. Playing at the new Aria Hotel in the City Center metropolis, "Viva Elvis" promises a great time for everyone.
Image Courtesy of Jim G.

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15 Best Food Destinations in Las Vegas

15 Best Food Destinations in Las Vegas

Las Vegas has a long-standing history of great restaurants. The city has grown so fast in the last decades, seeing many celebrity chefs in the world of culinary setting up multiple craft food establishments in either mega-resort hotels or private entities off-the-Strip, that now it is practically...
20 Souvenirs to Bring Home from Las Vegas

20 Souvenirs to Bring Home from Las Vegas

You may have kept on the run, had some fun in Las Vegas and, unless it cost you the very last dime, you might want to pick up something memorable to bring home, other than a handful of uncashed casino chips. In fact, you might as well be surprised to know there is something else in Vegas, apart from...
Top 24 Buffets in Las Vegas

Top 24 Buffets in Las Vegas

In 1941, Thomas Hull, the man behind the Strip’s first hotel the El Rancho Vegas, realized that even though he might lose a few dollars by offering an “all you can eat” buffet,” the reward of funneling thousands of hungry gamblers through his casino to get to the buffet would more than pay...