Las Vegas, known for its dazzling lights and vibrant casino entertainment also offers numerous experiences perfect for both families and luxury travelers. Here's your ultimate guide to making the most of a family-friendly vacation in 2024 - Yes - going beyond casinos and nightlife.! Read along.
Best Time to Visit and Weather Tips
Optimal Seasons for Your Trip:
Spring (March to May): Enjoy mild temperatures ideal for outdoor adventures.
Fall (September to November): Experience pleasant weather for exploring the city.
Winter (December to February): A festive time with cooler temperatures, perfect for indoor attractions.
Summer (June to August): Great for poolside fun, with temperatures often soaring above 100°F.
Dressing for Las Vegas:
Daytime: Light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes.
Evening: Smart casual attire for dining and shows.
Top Family Attractions in Las Vegas
Pose with your favorite stars at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas and then journey down the Grand Canal on an outdoor gondola ride. Choose to enjoy both activities consecutively on one day, or spread them out over the course of your stay in Sin City.
The Adventuredome at Circus Circus is a five-acre indoor amusement park featuring roller coasters, arcade games, and a carnival atmosphere.
Explore over 2,000 animals, including sharks, giant rays, and a Komodo dragon at Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
Enjoy stunning views of the Las Vegas Strip from this 550-foot tall High Roller Observation Wheel at The LINQ
Home to beautiful Chilean flamingos, swans, and koi fish, offering a serene escape from the bustling Strip is the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Las Vegas!
Visit the Bellagio Fountains and Conservatory & Botanical Gardens: Enjoy the water shows set to music at the Bellagio Fountains. The Conservatory features rotating seasonal displays of flowers and art installations, celebrating the essence of each season with themed exhibitions.
Some other ideas are
Spectacular Shows and Entertainment
Las Vegas is a hub for world-class entertainment. Here are some must-see shows (many family-friendly, not all)
"O" at Bellagio: This aquatic-themed Cirque du Soleil show combines breathtaking synchronized swimming and acrobatics
"KA" at MGM Grand: Known for its dramatic storytelling and innovative stage design, "KA" features martial arts, acrobatics, and elaborate puppetry
"Mystère" at Treasure Island: A classic Cirque du Soleil show, "Mystère" blends powerful athleticism with high-energy acrobatics and imaginative imagery
"Michael Jackson ONE" at Mandalay Bay: A homage to the King of Pop, this show fuses his iconic music and dance with Cirque's unique creativity
David Copperfield at MGM Grand: World-renowned magician David Copperfield brings his legendary illusions to Las Vegas
Blue Man Group at Luxor Hotel and Casino: Known for its unique blend of music, comedy, and multimedia theatrics, this show offers a fun and interactive experience for all ages
Sphere Shows and Concerts: A new attraction in Las Vegas, the Sphere hosts concerts and shows in a state-of-the-art venue with an immersive sound and visual experience. Check their schedule for Post Card from Earth
Tickets:
Where to Buy: Purchase tickets through official websites like Ticketmaster, Stub Hub, show venues, or concierge services at your hotel. Links above take you to the booking site as well.
When to Book: For popular shows, book tickets at least 2-3 months in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Celebrity Chef Dining and Fine Dining
Las Vegas boasts an impressive lineup of celebrity chef restaurants and Michelin-starred establishments, offering diverse and exquisite dining experiences:
Celebrity Chef Restaurants
Amalfi by Bobby Flay: Mediterranean flavors with fresh seafood, inspired by the Amalfi Coast.
Gordon Ramsay Steak: British classics and high-quality steaks at Paris Las Vegas, with a Hell’s Kitchen flair.
Beauty & Essex: An elegant fusion of international flavors with a secret entrance through a pawn shop.
Bazaar Meat by José Andrés: Innovative meat dishes with a Spanish twist and an impressive selection of wines.
The Bedford by Martha Stewart: Home-style dishes with a luxurious twist in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Carbone: Classic Italian-American dining with tableside preparations in a retro-glam setting.
Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants
For those seeking vegetarian-friendly dining experiences on the Las Vegas Strip that also cater to meat lovers, there are several noteworthy options. Jardin at Encore stands out with its artfully presented vegetarian dishes like truffle mushroom risotto, perfect for those seeking both taste and aesthetics. Canyon Ranch Grill at The Venetian features a health-conscious menu with vegetarian choices alongside flavorful meat options.
At The Buffet at Wynn, diners can indulge in a wide selection of international cuisines, ensuring that vegetarian options are plentiful and diverse. Giada at The Cromwell, helmed by celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, is celebrated for its Italian-inspired menu with standout vegetarian dishes such as lemon spaghetti and eggplant rollatini. Slice of Vegas at Mandalay Bay offers an array of vegetarian pizzas alongside classic Italian-American dishes, making it a popular choice for families. True Food Kitchen at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace provides health-conscious diners with a variety of vegetarian options, including edamame dumplings and ancient grains bowls. At the Baccanal Buffet, you can explore a variety of cuisines - with 10 kitchens, 9 chef-attended sessions and 250+ menu items, it is the largest buffet in Las Vegas.
Hakkasan offers Cantonese cuisine known for its modern approach and stylish ambiance with signature dim sum - and they have vegetarian items too! Esther's Kitchen, a local favorite, is renowned for its handmade pasta, offering vegetarian options like rigatoni with vegetable ragu. For comfort food with a vegan twist. Mint Indian Bistro is well-regarded for its vegetarian dishes. Lastly, Tacotarian provides a plant-based take on Mexican cuisine, featuring a wide variety of tacos that cater to both vegetarian and meat-loving diners.
Michelin Star Chef Restaurants
Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand: French haute cuisine in an opulent setting with a 16-course tasting menu.
Restaurant Guy Savoy: Elegant French dining with an emphasis on luxury, including the iconic artichoke and black truffle soup.
Wing Lei at Wynn: The first Chinese restaurant in North America to receive a Michelin star, known for its Peking duck, has vegetarian section on the menu
Le Cirque: Find this French restaurant in the Bellagio!
Piccaso by Chef Julian Serrano - Inspired by France and Spain - what a fun menu selection!
NOBU - at Caesars Palace is the only location in the U.S. to have Teppan tables, and you can book an exclusive experience! They have vegan and vegetarian options.
Luxury Hotels on the Strip
Stay at one of these hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, each offering family-friendly amenities and prime locations for exploring the city:
Offers spacious suites and a range of family-friendly activities.
A boutique hotel with chic interiors and a personalized experience.
Upscale spa hotel near Fashion Show Mall
Bellagio Resort: Famous for its dancing fountains and central location near top attractions.
Luxury spa resort, a quick walk to Fountains of Bellagio
A modern hotel known for its luxurious amenities and nightlife.
Luxury spa resort near Las Vegas Convention Center
