If you're planning a family vacation to the area and are concerned there might not be enough for the kids, have no fear. Las Vegas isn't all partying and gambling. While Las Vegas boats plenty of casinos and clubs, it is also home to numerous kid-friendly activities, including museums, parks and aquariums.
Las Vegas is home to America's largest indoor theme park, Adventuredome. This 5 1/2-acre glass dome holds enough rides to occupy any family. There are high-speed roller coasters like the Canyon Blaster and rides such as the Sling Shot. The park even has a water ride, called the Rim Runner, which allows brave passengers to experience a 60-foot drop while cooling off.
If you're feeling truly adventurous, take the kids over to the Big Shot at the Stratosphere, a ride that will invoke fear and incite thrills. The Big Shot slings passengers 160 feet into the air in just 2.5 seconds and bounce up and down three times after.
If your children like cars, then take them to the Las Vegas Cyber Speedway. This attraction is located in the NASCAR cafe and allows participants to really feel like they are car racing thanks to the 20-foot tall screens. The sights and sounds of a NASCAR race are brought to life through large visuals, loud speakers and friendly competition with others.
For those with weaker stomachs and less nerves, there are plenty of calm and relaxing activities to do as a family. The Aquarium at the Silverton Hotel, on Blue Diamond Road, is a great place to take young children and curious teens. This aquarium is home to 4,000 tropical fish, including stingrays and sharks. From Thursday to Sunday, women wearing mermaid costumes put on periodic 15-minute shows with the aquatic wildlife.
The Las Vegas Natural History Museum is also a great place to take kids. Here, children can explore everything from the ice age to the desert ecosystem. The museum has a snake pit, which is home to the Burmese python duo Bonnie and Clyde. Children will be mesmerized by exhibits that feature fossils, dinosaur bones and an arboretum with native plants.
The Lied Discovery Children's Museum, located on Las Vegas Boulevard, is 22,000 square feet of pure enjoyment for your family. Exhibits here range from those that will entertain the youngest members of your family to those that will keep teens engaged. The museum features the toddler tower, a huge jungle gym, as well as exhibits that explore music and health.
While Las Vegas is a bustling and busy city, there are many nearby spots that are ideal for quiet outdoor recreation. Floyd Lamb Park is an outdoor oasis right in Las Vegas. It features 2,040 acres of trails, picnic areas, volleyball courts and horseshoe pits. The park's four stocked ponds are great for fishing.
Just outside of town is the popular Lake Mead, the largest man-made lake in the Western Hemisphere. Take the family to Lake Mead for a day of swimming, boating and jet skiing.
Located less than 20 miles west of Las Vegas is Red Rock Canyon, where visitors can drive a 13-mile scenic loop and get glimpses of the astounding 3,000 feet tall canyons. The canyon is also great for watching wildlife, hiking and picnicking.
