Las Vegas has experienced a bit of an identity crisis in the past two decades. Once strictly a Disneyland for adults, Sin City softened its image in the late 1990s and early 2000s to appeal to the public as a family destination. When that failed to attract Mom and Dad, the city switched back to its adults-only theme, but many of its kids-centric attractions remain in place. While smoky casino floors are no place for children, there are plenty of fun, wholesome ways to entertain the whole family in Las Vegas.
It's hard not to hear and see the blazing-fast roller coaster in front of the replica Statue of Liberty at New York, New York. The Roller Coaster shoots 203 feet in the air and then drops 144 feet, racing at speeds near 70 mph. Riders will feel what it's like to be in a jet airplane as they barrel-roll around 180-degree turns, hang up to 86 feet in the air, and make the memorable "heartline twist and dive" where riders pull several Gs. After the ride, families can buy pictures of themselves as they scream around the harrowing turns.
New York, New York Hotel and Casino
3790 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
866-815-4365
nynyhotelcasino.com
One of the city's most famous dinner entertainment events, the Tournament of Kings at Excalibur takes visitors back to the times of the royal court, with a medieval battle and bacchanalian feast fit for a king. Seven knights battle for supremacy to royal fanfare and colorful pageantry as the crowd cheers wildly for their knight to win. Entertainment includes a horse race, a jousting bout, sword battles and gladiator-style fighting spectacles. Tickets are $54.95 per person and include a three-course meal. Children three and under are free.
Tournament of Kings
3850 Las Vegas Blvd
South Las Vegas NV 89109
702-597-7600
excalibur.com
For those looking for a taste of the Wild West, head out to the 115-acre Bonnie Springs Ranch, a replica of an 1880s-era mining town. Located about 25 miles from Las Vegas, the ranch includes boarded sidewalks that creak as you walk, rowdy saloons, rolling tumbleweeds, stagecoach rides and the occasional shootout. Bonnie Springs has professional cowboys and cowgirls, and a miniature train ride on the weekends. There's a petting zoo, and a live-action show where the audience acts as a posse to help hunt down the city's bad guy. Besides the live action, there's also a wax museum honoring historical cowboys, along with a restaurant that serves up family-style meals and several gift shops for souvenirs.
Bonnie Springs Ranch
1 Gunfighter Lane
Blue Diamond, NV 89004
702-875-4191
bonniesprings.com
