Story by Andrew Bailey. Image courtesy John Sullivan, Wikimedia Commons.
Las Vegas has grown up from being merely an adult playground to terrific venues for any family to visit regardless of the age of their children. Casinos have evolved into entertainment complexes providing many options, including activities that appeal to families.
Given the large number of casino entertainment complexes in Las Vegas, it’s no surprise that the city has become one of the most popular holiday destinations for families. Today’s idea of a casino is much different than it used to be in the past. Some land-based casinos are even offering Internet-based services, in order to combat the competition posed by online establishments, such as JackpotCity.
One great place for families to visit is the Adventure Dome, which was specifically designed with families in mind. Found at the Circus Circus Casino, Adventuredome is a smaller version of an amusement park located right in the center of Las Vegas. Rides are categorized according to the age of children.
Kids will also love Adventure Canyon, the Aquarium at the Silverton, Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York, Big Shot (a tower launch that will give you goose bumps!) and Bodies: The Exhibition. [See Las Vegas Attractions for Kids.]
For nature-loving families, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino is home to the Shark Reef Aquarium. The large tank holds 1.6 million gallons of water and is home to over 2,000 sea creatures—including endangered green sea turtles, giant rays, piranha, jellyfish and crocodiles—as well as 15 different kinds of sharks. Shark Reef Aquarium also offers the Dive with Sharks Program: the ultimate experience of SCUBA in the desert.
Along with family-oriented fun, Las Vegas is also a great place for parents to enjoy themselves when the kids are in bed. Casino gambling is of course a favorite activity for parents, however, the city has a bustling nightlife. Many casinos offer their own concert halls with music performances. Others have long-standing engagements with famous comedians that offer nightly shows [see Find Your Vegas Show].
There’s so much for families to do in Vegas!
