Las Vegas Goes Child-Friendly
by CL Hendricks

There are a variety of different kinds of attractions from zoos to water parks. Plenty of the famed Las Vegas shows are totally child appropriate and hotels often offer options for parents. Some of the hotels that offer child care are: Boulder Station, for a fee; Orleans, the Kid's Time Child Care Center; and Loews Lake Las Vegas, the Lowes Loves Kids program.

Several resorts feature Kid's Quest child care centers: The Palms, Boulder Station, Red Rock Casino and Resort, Sunset Station, Santa Fe Station and Texas Station.

If you have techno heads in your family, try a trip to GameWorks. This attraction features everything from cutting-edge games like virtual games and dance stations to classic arcade fun in the form of PacMan and Mario Brothers. There's even an adults-only area where you can retire while the little ones run free.

For the animal lover in your group, head to Animal Kingdom. Part of the MGM Grand Lion Habitat, this zoo features attractions such as Gregory Popovich's Comedy Pet Theater, an outstanding showcase of dancing, juggling, and tumbling animals. The best part about it, it's completely FREE!

Another must see destination is the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. This aquarium features amazing underwater tunnels where visitors can view over 1,200 species of sea creatures. There's even a stingray petting area!

Don't forget to refuel while you're out exploring the strip. There are a number of good options for family friendly dining in Las Vegas. Visit the famed Planet Hollywood's Cheeseburger at the Oasis or take a dining safari at The District's Elephant Bar. You'll be in awe of the animatronics animals and the 10,000-gallon saltwater aquarium at the Rainforest Café at the MGM Grand.

For the adventurer in your family, you can't get much better than the Adventuredome at Circus Circus. Grab a cotton candy or a corn dog and jump on rides like the Rim Runner, Inverter, Chaos, Canyon Blaster, Disk 'O or The Sling Shot. With thrills and chills galore, this amusement park is sure to have something everyone can enjoy. Get carried away to the midway by the clown shows, bumper cars, laser tag, and classic sideshow booths.

There are also many opportunities to pinch those pennies while in Vegas. Activities and attractions that are free of charge include watching the famed Fountains at the Bellagio Hotel, M&M's World at the Showcase Mall, the Mirage's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, and the flying acrobatics at Circus Circus.

Don't forget your video camera; capturing the sights, sounds and neon lights of your Las Vegas Family Vacation is a must!

About the Author

C.L. Hendricks has been a Jill-of-all-trades and become an expert in some. She has also traveled extensively and now writes about travel destinations around the world for Family Vacation Spots and Best Vacation Getaways