My memories of visiting Las Vegas as a child are of endless subdivisions and eternal buffets. The Strip then wasn’t what it is today, and the best thing we found to do was play arcade games inside Circus Circus.
But, boy things have changed! As today’s guest writer Kendra Thornton points out, Las Vegas may surprise you as a family-friendly (and budget!) destination.
Do Vegas Up Family-Style
Believe it or not, Las Vegas is one of the family-friendliest places to travel in the United States. While you may associate Vegas with the more adult-themed activities that have led to its negative reputation, it is important to know that much of this is just hype.
Las Vegas may be marketed toward those who will spend freely as they imbibe in libations; however, this can easily work toward your advantage.
Businesses frequently make it cheap to travel to and stay in Las Vegas because they know that most adults will spend big money once they hit the casinos and clubs. This makes it easy for you to utilize cheap travel packages to take your kids on less-expensive and family-friendly cultural activities that I have included on this list of my favorite Vegas hot-spots.
1. Chill at Serendipity
If you have never had frozen hot chocolate, then you are in for a treat. In the rest of the country, everyone else may be warming up to a mug of hot cocoa. However, drinking it cold Las Vegas style will be a thrill for your kids. At Serendipity 3, the fun is just beginning when you walk in and are greeted by funky décor and an exciting menu. Enjoy your frozen hot chocolate as you plan your next grand adventure.
2. Thrill at Adventuredome
Inside Circus Circus you’ll find the Adventuredome, a five-acre theme park that is sure to dazzle your kids. Here, roller coaster enthusiasts from all over the world come to find their thrills. Enjoy world-famous rides such as the world’s only indoor roller coaster with a double loop and corkscrew. Then, have fun rock climbing. Those who are less adventurous will also love the arcade.
3. Lounge on a Hoover Dam Houseboat
Even if your kids have seen it all, they still have not yet had the thrill of enjoying a stay on a houseboat. A houseboat on Lake Mead can be rented for a single night or several days. In addition to being an event to be remembered, this can also be less expensive than traditional hotel stays. On a Hoover Dam houseboat, you have lodging and entertainment covered. Then, you can take in the view while enjoying the nature-side of Las Vegas vacations.
4. Experiment with Indoor Skydiving
It may or may not be your kids’ dream to jump out of a plane. Here your kids can try it out in the safety of an indoor space. This thrill is achieved by using a wind tunnel to mimic the effects of an actual skydiving experience. As a parent, you can enjoy giving your kids a great thrill while making sure safety is a priority. As an added bonus, this is even less expensive than the real thing.
5. Experience a Venetian Winter
If you would have never thought Las Vegas could be a winter wonderland, then be prepared to be surprised. At the Venetian, the halls will be decked for the season this winter. Here, you can enjoy an ice skating rink. Then, listen as real-life carolers sing holiday melodies as they roam the halls. Every night, they serve spiced cider so you can sip and enjoy the sights while visiting with your family.
This year, experience an unbelievable vacation full of holiday surprises in the amazing city of Las Vegas. Although they may say that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, your family will be too delighted with their adventures to keep them a secret. Whether you explore the Hoover Dam or dine on a divine frozen hot chocolate, every moment will be savored. By exploring the other side of Vegas, your family will always remember their time in this amazing city as one of their fondest memories.
Kendra Thornton is the former Director of Communications at Orbitz. She lives in Chicago with her 3 wonderful children and loves sharing travel stories and advice from her extensive experience traveling the world. Follow her on Twitter here.
What other bloggers are saying about family-friendly Vegas:
- Wandering Off: Kid-Friendly Las Vegas Activities Part 1 and Part 2
- Have Baby Will Travel: Baby-Friendly Las Vegas
- Dotting the Map Baby: Toddler-Friendly Activities in Las Vegas
- TLC Parentables: 10 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Las Vegas (And 3 to Avoid)
- Las Vegas Kids: Las Vegas Attractions for Kids, Children and Families (a huge list!)
Would you take your kids to Vegas? Which one of these activities would your family enjoy the most? 
Thrifty Travel Mama 
I have pinned this, as I so want to head back to Vegas once our baby donkey is bigger.