Top Five Vegas Attractions for Families

Travel to Las Vegas usually stirs up consideration of casinos, shows, and winning big bucks...well, hopefully! Growing up in Vegas, these were present, but not the main focus of the lives of myself, my siblings, and my classmates and friends. Though there are high schoolers who have fond memories of cruising Fremont Street, most of us lived normal lives away from the glitz and glamour.

There are several attractions in Las Vegas which lend themselves to families visiting the infamous town, some older, and some more recent in development. If you find yourself heading to Las Vegas with kids in tow, most casinos have some amenities for kids, and there are many attractions directed specifically to the younger visitors. Additionally, if you have the means to drive, you can leave the downtown glitz for a taste of the desert, with things to interest the entire family.

Highlighted in this article are my top five recommendations for families, based primarily on personal experience, or family/friend's reviews.

Red Rock Canyon is a favorite destination for both tourists and locals. The Red Rock loop gives you a gorgeous view of some very lovely mountains. In the spring, you may be fortunate enough to see some desert flowers in bloom, and if you are very fortunate, you will get a glimpse of the wild burros that range in the area. Check out the visitor's center, and take a scenic drive, or if you have older children, enjoy a hike in the area. The Spring Mountain Ranch is a venue for various events, and in my teen years, summer theatrical productions on weekends were a favorite!

Bonnie Springs is especially suited to families, with an old train to ride, a petting zoo, and Old Nevada, a western themed attraction. I loved visiting Bonnie Springs as a youngster, particularly when my grandparents came to visit, and feeding the ducks and geese. There are a number of different desert animals and birds to see, many which can be petted. The Bonnie Springs Restaurant makes the juiciest hamburgers, and has a great view of the duck pond.

If you are taking in Red Rock with your kids in tow, this is really worth the stop. It's not glitzy, but it's a definite taste of the Old West! Plan for about an hour in Bonnie Springs, and perhaps a couple of hours if you will be taking in Old Nevada. Leave room in your schedule for the drive, and for photo opportunities, another hour, or more, if you fit the visitor's center into your stops.

I have not had the pleasure of visiting Springs Preserve, but have received rave reviews from friends. During construction, my husband had the opportunity to see much of the unfinished work, and he emphasized that it was a great attraction. Other family members, and friends, have had the opportunity to visit, and really enjoyed the variety.

The flash flood simulation was particularly intriguing, and having experienced Las Vegas flash floods on many occasions, I am looking forward to seeing this.There are outdoor desert gardens and nature trails, as well as indoor exhibits. With an emphasis on conservation, you will find the use of non-synthetic materials intriguing, right down to the gift shop offerings. Plan for at least two or three hours to explore.

The Lied Discovery Museum is a fun place for the kids to participate in interactive exhibits. Spend an hour or two, and get out of the heat of a blistering Las Vegas afternoon, while exploring scientific principles and concepts in a tactile environment. For the inquisitive child, or adult, for that matter, this is a great getaway from the electronic atmosphere of the strip. Spend a little time learning about the science behind some of those electronics. Furthermore, experience the thrill of bubble science, tornado force winds, and more.

I've been to Discovery a couple of times with my kiddos, and this is a worthwhile investment of time, conveniently and centrally located. You can spend as much time as you like, but plan for at least a couple of hours.

We visited the Mirage Dolphin Habitat and Secret Gardens  for one of the kids' birthdays, and it was really exciting to see dolphins up close, as well as lions and tigers. The views are incredible. The kids loved it, as did my husband and I. Not quite the petting zoo experience, as the big cats are a much more dangerous variety, but nevertheless, it's a great experience. Siegfried and Roy's famous white tigers are the highlight of the garden, which has a tropical theme.  The antics of the dolphins are fascinating, and you may want to spend quite a bit of time simply observing!

Hearing the roar of one of these cats is chilling and thrilling, all at once! Plan to spend about an hour, perhaps more if it's crowded. Middle of the week during the school year, midday, is a good time to target this attraction.

The least educational on my list, nevertheless, M&M's World is a must for families. I haven't been there, but my parents took the kids several years ago, and to this day, they still recount the fun they had. One of the highlights, a 3D movie in which they were entertained by M&M characters, is a favorite memory. Everyone returned home with an assortment of M&M's in their choice of colors! The museum atmosphere is fun and colorful, and the gift shop, astonishing! For chocolate lovers, a must...and for families, a great diversion! Plan for at least a couple of hours here!

Depending on the time of year you visit Las Vegas, you will need to take precautions due to heat and sun. The outdoor attractions will require that you have sunscreen and water. Don't underestimate the desert, nor overestimate your ability to contend with the elements. Plan for outdoor attractions in the early part of the day, and try to be out of the elements by early afternoon. From September through May, the severity of the heat will not be as pressing of an issue, but from late May, through the first weeks of September, the temperatures can easily be over 100. Use the afternoons for indoor attractions.