Circus and More
Circus Circus is known for its continuous circus acts that entertain the whole family, and kids also go wild for its large fun center, the Adventuredome. Older kids like rides like The Canyon Blaster, a corkscrew roller coaster that travels 55 miles per hour. Younger ones may prefer the Frog Hopper that goes up and down, or Miner Mike, a runaway coal train.
The rides are just the beginning. The Adventuredome also has a Racezone with remote control cars; an Xtreme Zone featuring bungee jumping and rock climbing, video and midway games, and miniature golf.
Circus Circus Las Vegas
2880 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas Nevada 89109
(702) 734-0410
circuscircus.com
Castle Theme
Families enjoy the Excalibur Hotel on many fronts. Its attractive swimming area has a shallow part for young kids, an exciting water slide and a relaxation pool for adults. The hotel features McDonald's and other kid-friendly restaurants including the Sherwood Forest Cafe, Village Food Court and Round Table Buffet. There's also a Tournament of the Kings dinner show that's great for families.
Finally, kids can spend hours at Excalibur's video-game arcade, wide range of midway games and 4-D movies.
Excalibur Hotel and Casino
3850 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 597-7777
excalibur.com
Wild Rides
Kids will think they're in heaven at the Stratosphere Hotel, mostly because of its thrilling amusement park located at the top of the hotel. They'll get their full share of action on the rides including the "Big Shot" that shoots them into the air at 45 miles per hour; the "X-Scream," a very big teeter totter; and "Insanity, the Ride," a huge mechanical arm that lifts them above the city.
The Stratosphere isn't on the Strip so parents don't need to steer their kids away from all that adults-only action. And with the amusement park, six restaurants and a pool area, families find they have enough action on their own.
Stratosphere Las Vegas
2000 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89104
(800) 998-6937
stratospherehotel.com
Sharks and Swimming
The Mandalay Bay Hotel appeals to parents from the start, because their kids don't have to walk through the casino to get to the rooms. The first thing that appeals to children is the wonderful Mandalay Bay Shark Reef, an aquarium centered around predators. Along with sharks, it features sea animals such as piranhas, giant rays and golden crocodiles.
The hotel also has an amazing beach---an 11-acre swimming area with real sand, a river, a wave pool and three other pools. Kid-friendly entertainment and dining round out the fun for families.
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89119
(877) 632-7800
mandalaybay.com
About The Author
Barbara Dunlap is a freelance writer in Oregon. She was a garden editor at "The San Francisco Chronicle," and she currently specializes in travel and active lifestyle topics like golf and fitness. She received a master's degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and has been a Knight Foundation Fellow.
