7 Tips for Taking Kids to Visit the Las Vegas Strip
Taking Kids to Visit the Las Vegas Strip can be a fun and exciting experience when you are prepared.
When people often think about the Las Vegas strip they don't typically think about children. Some would go as far to say that the strip is not a family friendly place. Yet that is not strictly true. Yes, there are a lot of ADULT only entertainment options offered at many of the casino hotels. However, there are also a lot of things to see and do that are fun for the whole family.
Are you ready? Ok, here are my top 7 Tips for taking kids to visit the Las Vegas Strip:
1. If you are staying at a hotel off the strip do t worry it's still easy to visit you have 3 options for parking:
- Many hotels (even as far as Henderson) offer shuttles to visit the strip so you don't have to worry about parking at all. You just need to note the shuttle times and locations.
- You can find paid parking at almost every hotel on the strip as well as paid parking lots nearby.
- If you are looking for free parking on the strip there are a few options (The Venetian, Palazzo, Stratosphere, Treasure Island, and SLS to name a few)
2. Don't talk to the cosplayers. While a few cosplayers dress is in vastly inappropriate outfits most cosplayers in the more family areas dress as characters your kids will recognize and be excited to see. However, be aware they charge for autographs and pictures (that's why they are there.) If you acknowledge them, they won't leave you alone.
3. Thankfully there are a bunch of places to shop and eat on the strip. However, be aware many costs more even for can fast food establishments (so be prepared for that.).
- If taking small child bring a small (not large) lightweight strollers like an umbrella stroller or a baby/toddler carrier. You don't want to have to carry your child in your arms the whole time and crowds can get busy so you want to keep track of your child.
- Have a plan for what you want to do and what you want to see while on the strip. There are actually a lot of Family Friendly Shows, Attractions and fun stores (like the M&M store) to shop at throughout the Strip. As if that isn't enough here is a list of great FREE family friendly things to see/do on the strip (with info and times):
The Water Shows at the Bellagio are a sight to see. With shooting fountains coordinated with iconic music never disappoints. The show times vary depending on the time of day as follows:
- Monday - Friday3:00 PM - 8:00 PM show every ½ hour. 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM show every 15 minutes
- Saturdays & Holidays12:00 PM - 8:00 PM show every ½ hour 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM show every 15 minutes
- Sundays11:00 AM - 7:00 PM show every ½ hour 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM show every 15 minutes
The Fall of Atlantis at the Ceasars Palace Forum shops is a fun fountain show (involving special effects, Animatronics. ) that retells the story of Atlantis. The seven-minute show takes place every hour on the hour between these times every day:
- Monday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
The Bellagio has a conservatory and Botanical garden that is Free to the public. Every season it is decorated and set up for a different theme. Click here to learn more and see past themes. Seriously they are always incredible. Well worth a visit with your kids.
Circus Circus is the home of the World Largest Permanent Circus. You can enjoy clowns, flying trapezes, jugglers, contortionists and more during their Free ten minute shows every half hour between these times each day.
- Monday:11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Tuesday:11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Wednesday:11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Thursday:11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Friday:11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Saturday:11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday:11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
The Mirage Volcano Show is a site to see. With Fire, Water, and Music my kids loved it. The showtimes vary depending on the time of evening and day of the week as follows:
- Sunday through Thursday: 8 PM and 9 PM
- Fridays and Saturdays: 8 PM, 9 PM and 10 PM
The Excalibur has a Court Jester’s Stage found in the casino’s Medieval Village where, performers, jugglers, and magicians entertain spectators for free every 45 minutes daily starting at 11 am.
The Flamingo has a gorgeous 15 Acre Wildlife Habitat open to the public for Free that is stocked with Birds, Fish, and turtles.
- Pace yourself. Depending on how long your Las Vegas visit is, whether or not you are staying on the strip, and how old your kids are you might have to break up what you go see/do between days or even visits. Thanks, ok (it just means you have an excuse to go back.) It's better to break it up than deal with cranky kids who are breaking down because you tried to cram in too much in one visit.
- Take the time to drive up/down the strip once or twice at night to enjoy all the fun lights and sights from the comfort of your car. (If you play Pokemon Go this is a great time to have your co-pilot spin a bunch of poke stops for you and catch a bunch of fun Pokemon.)
With all the places around the US and Europe, if you ask my 7-year-old daughter where her favorite place to visit has been, she will tell you Las Vegas. Why? Because it is colorful, has lots of lights, fun shows and feels like you get to see the world every time you go down the strip. Taking kids here can be a lot of fun. Especially if you go prepared by following these tips!
What is your favorite tip for taking your kids to see the Las Vegas Strip (or any busy city?) Let us know in the comments.
