People used to think of Las Vegas as a destination for adults only. When you went there for a weekend, you left your kids home with your in-laws, or you found a casino that provided daycare. Things have changed, and Las Vegas is now filled with family-friendly activities from golf to roller coaster rides. The city is fun for parents, children and the in-laws, if they decide to come too.
Golf School
Want to introduce your kids to golf and improve your own swing? Golf schools in Las Vegas can fill the bill. PGA Tour Experiences offers instruction for adults, plus programs for juniors that emphasize fun and learning. You can choose from established golf camps or request a customized program for your family. For details, visit touracademy.com.
Tom Carlson's Summerlin Golf Academy also has lessons for all ages. Its Summerlin Junior Golf Academy is a high-tech program that encourages kids and teaches the correct fundamentals. Visit sjga.net for more information.
A Day at the Museum
When it's too hot for golf, head inside for air-conditioned fun at one of the city's museums. The Las Vegas Natural History Museum offers hands-on activities with computers and microscopes in its MGM/Mirage Young Scientist Center. Other sections are fascinating too: the interactive Wild Nevada Gallery, the Marine Life Gallery with live stingrays and sharks, and the Prehistoric Life Gallery that features a huge, roaring Tyrannosaurus rex. Learn more at lvnhm.org.
For another museum experience, stop by Madame Tussauds for displays such as "Sink Tiger's Putt." In the company of Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer figures, you get to take a swing with one of Tiger's clubs. Other sports stars are depicted, too, including Shaquille O'Neal and Evel Knievel. Visit madametussauds.com.
Fun With Animals
The whole family will be entranced by the amazing animal habitats in Las Vegas. Don't miss the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Las Vegas, with its ducks, swans, turtles and, of course, flamingos. You can also take a tour or learn to be a trainer at Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. Along with the dolphins, you'll view white lions and tigers, leopards and panthers. Visit flamingolasvegas.com and mirage.com.
If you haven't had enough of animals, many more creatures await you at the Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park (lasvegaszoo.com). The park covers three acres and includes more than 150 species of flora and fauna.
Rides and Games
Join the kids as they go wild with rides and games. You can spend hours playing in the Adventuredome Theme Park at Circus Circus--it has everything from wild roller coaster and water rides to a tamer bus and carousel for younger children. Get more information at adventuredome.com.
Visit GameWorks Las Vegas for another treat for kids (gameworks.com). This big fun center has all kinds of arcade games and prizes, and a full-service restaurant for the adults.
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.
