When a person thinks of Las Vegas, usually only adult oriented entertainment like gambling comes to mind. However, since the city has become more "family-friendly" there is much more to do with children, even if they are toddlers. So, if you have very young children, have no fear that there is nothing for them do do. Here are three activities that they will thoroughly enjoy.
Lied Discovery Children's Museum
This museum is much larger than you may realize. It is known for its many hands-on exhibits that will expose your toddlers to the sciences, humanities, the arts and other major disciplines in an eight-story tower along with a traveling exhibit gallery and an early childhood pavilion. The museum's big goal is to bring together children of diverse backgrounds into a learning environment. In addition, staffers at the museum go out of their way to help if you are celebrating a toddler's birthday.
Lied Discover Children's Museum
833 Las Vegas Boulevard North
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 382-KIDS (5437)
The Springs Preserve
This preserve is thought of as the birthplace of Las Vegas and it has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places for more than 30 years. Toddlers can be introduced to the desert in a controlled environment and hear about how the native Americans lived before Las Vegas was founded. It is free if you simply want to take your toddlers for a walk through the gardens or on the trails, but there is a charge for entering the more elaborate exhibits. Wear your comfortable shoes because the preserve is spread over almost 200 acres.
The Springs Preserve
333 S. Valley View Blvd.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89193
(702) 822-7700
Bonnie Springs Old Nevada
This splendid throwback to the era of cowboys and Indians is less than a half hour from the Las Vegas Strip. It is a working ranch that features a petting zoo with deer, llamas and goats as well as horseback rides for the older children. The highlight is a daily staged gunfight featuring good guys and bad guys, with the good guys winning every time. There is also a mock hanging but you might think twice about your toddler seeing it. It is open at 10:30 a.m. throughout the year, although in the summertime, you might consider going early to beat the heat.
Bonnie Springs Old Nevada
1 Gunfighter Lane
Blue Diamond, Nevada 89004
(702) 875-4191
About The Author
Bill Herrfeldt specializes in finance, sports and the needs of retiring people, and has been published in the national edition of "Erickson Tribune," the "Washington Post" and the "Arizona Republic." He graduated from the University of Louisville.
