Although the area is often thought of for its adult entertainment such as its many casinos, Las Vegas offers a variety of activities for kids. Parents living in the city or planning a trip to the area can find a variety of things to do with their toddlers. Local community and county organizations offer special programs for children under 3 years of age, and some Las Vegas attractions have exhibits that geared toward toddlers.
The Las Vegas-Clark County Library system operates 13 public library locations in the greater Las Vegas urban area. The libraries have a combined total of more than 13 million books and media like DVDs checked out from their facilities annually. In addition to its collections of children's books that are available for circulation, the library system offers a variety of programs for toddlers.
Each week, libraries in the Las Vegas-Clark County Library offer a regular toddler story time for children aged 18 to 36. Sessions last for 25 minutes. Children and their parents or caregivers listen to a read-aloud story and then join in activities related to the story, such as singing. Mixed storytime groups are available for families who have toddlers and preschool children. Parties and other special events for children of all ages are held at area libraries.
Urban libraries in the Las Vegas-Clark County Library system are open daily. Schedules for toddler programs vary. The library systems' events for toddlers are free to attend.
The Lied Discovery Children's Museum is North Veterans Memorial Drive between Bonanza Road and Washington Avenues. The museum held "Zagat" ratings of "very good to excellent" for its appeal and "good to very good" for its facilities and services as of October 2010. Nickelodeon Parents Connect has previously awarded the museum a "Parents Pick Award" for "Best Museum in Las Vegas."
Established in 1990, the Lied Discovery Children's Museum features hands-on exhibits geared appropriate for toddlers. In the Green Village, toddlers can wander and play throughout a pretend town, visiting locations like the supermarket and a bank. The Desert Discovery Center provides a safe recreational play reserved exclusively for children under 5 years of age.
The Lied Discovery Children's Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. The museum closes on Monday with the exception of days when areas schools close, such a Martin Luther King, Jr. and Presidents Days. As of October 2010, general admission to the museum was $8.50 with children and active U.S. service members receiving discounted rates. On-site parking is available.
The Summerlin Area serves as home to a variety of community centers. These public facilities offer a activities for Vegas residents of all ages. The Willows and Trails Community Centers specifically sponsor programs designed especially for toddlers.
In Jump Bunch, children from ages 15 months to 6 years engage in 70 different gross motor activities and exercise during a 30-minute instructor-led playtime. The centers hold Kindermusik classes for children from birth to 3 years of age and their parents or caregivers. These courses combine music and movement activities related to a specific theme, such as weather or neighborhoods.
The Willows Community Center is open Monday through Saturday. Schedules and prices for toddler programs at the center vary. Advanced registration is necessary for most classes at the center. On-site parking is available at the center.
