Today we’re talking all about Sin City. But the truth is, “Sin” City can be totally sinless if you’re taking the kids and looking for some G rated family fun! So we’re sharing some tips on vacationing in Vegas with and without kids.
LAS VEGAS With Kids
PLACES TO STAY
- Circus Circus and Excalibur both cater towards kids. Circus Circus has free acrobatic acts all during the day that are perfect for the kids. You can also check out The Dome in Circus Circus for tons of carnival rides and fun activities! Excalibur’s Tournament of Kings features real horses, battling knights, and medieval damsels in distress.
- Before booking a hotel, check out their pools. Many hotels now have party pools that are not appropriate for little ones but there are still plenty of pools great for little ones. Mandalay Bay has an awesome wave pool, MGM has a lazy river, and Flamingo is known for having one of the best pools on the strip.
THINGS TO DO IN VEGAS WITH KIDS
- Check out Freemont Street at night. It lights up beautifully and they can even zip line there, too!
- Red Rock Canyon is 20 miles west of Vegas and Hoover Dam is right nearby too and both are perfect for day trips. Ethel M Chocolates has their factory in Vegas and has free tours with samples!
- See an age appropriate show. Some of the Cirque shows will be good for older kids as well as magic shows that are offered on the strip.
- Avoid going out late at night. If you want to avoid your children seeing certain sights, get back to the hotel at a decent time for lights out and an early bedtime.
- Fountains at Bellagio. Take the kids to see this beautiful (and free) water show right out front the gorgeous hotel.
- M&M’s World. Visit this four story, brightly colored world. You’ll see rows of colorful candies in shades you’ve never seen before and you’ll get to taste free samples.
- Ride the free trams. They run from Monte Carlo, City Center, and Bellagio or between Excalibur, Luxor, and Mandalay Bay.
- Shop! Take the kids shopping at Ceasers Palace shops and the Fashion Show Mall.
LAS VEGAS Without Kids
WHEN TO GO TO VEGAS
Rates are almost always cheaper from Sunday to Thursday so if it doesn’t matter to you when you go and you’re looking to save money, book those days.
HOW TO SAVE MONEY IN VEGAS
- You can usually save money by booking at places like Vegas.Com. They are always offering deals like giving you food and drink credits per each day of your stay simply by booking with them. My husband and I recently booked a trip to Vegas and were given $50 food and drink credits per day as well as 2 for 1 Cirque tickets which is a huge savings!
- Save money on drinks when you gamble. Feel like playing black jack or the penny slots? Cocktail waitresses constantly circle around take drink orders. Drinks are free, you just have to tip. Save the $20 you’d otherwise spend on a margarita and sit and gamble and enjoy one on the house.
- Look for flight deals. If you’re local, driving always seems like the best ideas but flights to Vegas are almost always cheaper than you think.
- If you want to see a show, stop by the Tix4Tonight booth to get major discounts.
- Avoid cabs. There is public transportation everywhere. Free trams, and walking really isn’t that bad.
- If you’re doing buffets (you can’t go to Vegas and NOT do one), keep in mind that brunch buffets are usually cheaper than dinner buffets. Most buffets include bottomless mimosas if that’s your thing! The Wynn’s buffet is the most vegetarian/vegan friendly and Caesars was just voted the best buffet.
- If you’re gambling, bring out ONLY what you want to spend that night. This is a sure way to make sure you don’t lose more than you can and don’t go over budget!
LAS VEGAS TIPS
- Dress accordingly. Vegas is HOT. Bring cut offs and tank tops and don’t forget your swim suits.
- There are tons of shows in Vegas. Whatever you want be it a stand up comedy show, burlesque, or a Cirque show, book in advance because seats fill up fast! Look online for discount deals before you book, too!
- Walk the strip. Check out the hotels and grab a massive margarita from Fatty Tuesdays while you’re at it.
- Read plenty of reviews on hotels and pools. Not all hotels are created equally and what might be great for one person might not be great for the next. Check out where each hotel is on the strip, take virtual tours of each room, and check out the pools. If you’re looking for a party, you’ll want a hotel that offers pool parties all night long. If you’re into quiet, book your room away from the pool and get a quieter hotel! Even think about staying off strip.
Have you been to Vegas recently? What tips would you add to this list? Leave us a comment and let us know!
