For years, Las Vegas held the reputation of being an adult playground, a perception I wholeheartedly embraced in my twenties. However, during our last couples’ trip to Vegas, a different side of the city emerged. We noticed a surprising number of activities that looked incredibly fun for kids, teenagers, and families alike. That’s when the idea sparked: it was time to bring our own children to Vegas and discover if we could transform this adult destination into a memorable family vacation. After spending Spring Break in Vegas, our kids returned home as enthusiastic fans, eager to revisit. We successfully experienced a fantastic Vegas vacation, completely bypassing gambling and late-night parties. The truth is, Vegas truly offers something for everyone. If you’re considering a family vacation, Vegas might surprise you. Dive into our guide to uncover what makes Vegas an amazing destination for families, and maybe even inspire your own Family Vacation Vegas Movie moments as you explore the dazzling entertainment capital.
Getting to the Entertainment Capital: Travel Options for Your Family
Getting to Vegas is straightforward, with primarily two convenient options.
Family vacation begins: Airplane wing view on a flight to Las Vegas
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Flying – Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is your destination. For those on the West Coast, Southwest often stands out as the optimal choice. They offer numerous daily flights from cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, known for competitive fares and family-friendly perks, including two free checked bags per person. Upon arrival, accessing the heart of the Strip is a breeze with readily available Lyft or Uber services.
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Car – Las Vegas is geographically accessible by car, approximately a 4–5-hour drive from Los Angeles and a 10–11-hour drive from San Francisco. Both routes necessitate traversing the Mojave Desert, so ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition and pack ample water and snacks for any unforeseen circumstances.
Beyond the Casinos: Unforgettable Family Activities in Las Vegas
While New York City is often dubbed “the city that never sleeps,” Vegas operates on a similar 24/7 energy. Beyond the gambling image, a wealth of family-friendly activities awaits. Here’s a glimpse into some of the highlights from our family adventures in Vegas.
Exploring the surreal world of Omega Mart on a family trip to Vegas
Breathtaking views of Las Vegas from the High Roller observation wheel
Family enjoying the mesmerizing Sphere experience in Las Vegas
Day trip to the majestic Grand Canyon, a family adventure from Vegas
Relaxing in the lazy river: Poolside fun for the whole family in Vegas
Free family fun in Vegas: Bellagio Fountains and other amazing sights
Family Feasts: Delicious and Kid-Approved Dining in Vegas
Vegas boasts an overwhelming array of dining options to satisfy every palate. For extensive recommendations, TikTok user @vegasstarfish is an invaluable resource. During our stay, we discovered some family favorites.
Delicious family-style dining options in Las Vegas
Home Away From Home: Choosing the Right Family Hotel in Vegas
Accommodation choices in Vegas are plentiful, spanning all budget ranges and preferences. Prioritize identifying your family’s needs. Do you prefer proximity to the Strip’s vibrant energy or a quieter off-Strip setting? Luxury or budget-friendly? If traveling with family, how crucial is a smoke-free, casino-free environment? How important are exceptional pool facilities? Does the hotel offer shuttle services? Vegas caters to diverse needs, ensuring you can find accommodations that perfectly align with your family’s family vacation vegas movie style and budget.
Family-friendly resort with amazing pool complex at Red Rock in Las Vegas
Navigating the Strip: Family-Friendly Transportation in Las Vegas
Initial map views might suggest easy walkability between casinos, but the reality of a hot Vegas day quickly reveals the distances are deceiving. The Strip’s design prioritizes casino entry, not necessarily inter-casino navigation. However, various transportation modes are available.
Exploring the Las Vegas Strip on foot: Tips for families
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Resort Shuttles – Many off-Strip resorts offer complimentary shuttles to central Strip locations for convenient access. Hotel groups sometimes provide free trams or shuttles connecting their properties.
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Bus – The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada operates bus routes along the Strip and to Fremont Street Experience. Their user-friendly app facilitates ticket purchases directly on your phone.
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Monorail – The monorail system connects several casinos, offering an economical and rapid transit option. Be aware that monorail stations can be a considerable walk from casino floors. Tickets are easily purchased via your phone.
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Walking – Walking the Strip is feasible, with sidewalks on both sides and escalators to elevated pedestrian walkways. However, distances are substantial, and summer heat can be intense.
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Lyft/Uber – Ride-sharing services are efficient in Vegas. Casinos have designated pickup/drop-off zones, with larger venues offering multiple locations. For groups of three or four, ride-sharing can be cost-competitive or even cheaper than public transport, often with faster travel times.
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Car – Driving in Vegas is possible, with casino parking available, though often a walk from the main attractions and off the Strip. Driving can be challenging due to traffic, so consider this before renting a car.
Packing Smart: Family Vacation Essentials for Vegas
Consult general packing resources like my blog posts on Carry-on Only travel and Teaching Kids to Pack for standard packing lists. For Vegas specifically, consider these additions:
Packing essentials for a fun-filled family vacation in Vegas
Pro Tips for a Smooth Family Vacation in Vegas
Planning tips for an unforgettable family vacation experience in Las Vegas
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Strategize daily activities by area – Casinos are more spread out than they appear. Group activities geographically. For instance, combine a pool day near your hotel with an evening show and dinner within the same casino complex to minimize travel time.
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Weekdays and daytime Strip hours are family-friendlier – Evenings and weekends see the emergence of more adult-oriented street performers. Daytime and weekday visits help avoid potentially awkward encounters. By Friday afternoon on our last trip, we noticed the shift as more suggestive performers and younger party crowds began to appear.
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Pool Day Passes – While we appreciated the MGM Grand pool, daily casino transits with kids weren’t ideal. Resort Day Passes offer access to MGM Grand and other Vegas pool complexes without hotel stays. Dynamic pricing means booking ahead often yields better rates, but same-day options can also be reasonable. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy premium amenities without the commitment of staying at those resorts.
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Consider the time of year – Vegas pool season generally runs from April to October. Holidays like Halloween, New Year’s Eve, and long weekends attract larger crowds and more party-goers. Summers are intensely hot, while winter nights can be quite cold, though days are often pleasant. April proved ideal for our visit, offering warm but not oppressive weather and fewer party crowds during the week.
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Older children may appreciate Vegas more – Older kids can fully engage in roller coasters, longer Grand Canyon hikes, and shows. Toddlers and younger children with shorter attention spans might find fewer suitable activities, potentially leading to more pool time or outdoor park visits. Babies in carriers are welcome in most places EXCEPT casinos, where gambling with infants is prohibited.
After a week filled with poolside relaxation, game room fun, and diverse activities, our kids declared their eagerness to return. Just an hour’s flight from the Bay Area, I can envision future family trips, a sentiment I never anticipated in my twenties. However, experiencing Vegas with family is indeed possible, offering something to captivate everyone. Don’t hesitate – plan your family vacation to Vegas and create your own unforgettable family vacation vegas movie memories!
The Ultimate Las Vegas Guide for Families
Edited by SKS
