15th September, 2018

Well, we did it!
Vegas with kids. There’s a sentence I never thought I’d say…! On our way from Arizona to San Francisco, we decided to stop off for a few days in Sin City.

We had read up and had discovered that there was actually quite a bit to do for families and that it didn’t just have to be an adults paradise of gambling, drinking and boobs!

We stayed for 5 nights, which was definitely long enough. It was HOT. Averaging 41°C each day.

Vegas strip is a bit of sleepy hollow during the morning and early afternoon, but comes alive in the evenings.
The street lights, neon billboards, novelty stores and water fountains are incredible.

We decided to stay just off the main strip to avoid as much of the craziness as we could. For us, it was a wise decision.
Accommodation in Vegas is cheap. The hotels rope you in with their gorgeous rooms and facilities for an inexpensive price, then hope that you spend all your money in their casinos!
We stayed at the Tuscany Suites and it was the perfect place for us. Only a few minutes walk to the main drag, but still quiet enough.
We had an Executive Suite with a huge lounge space, kitchenette and the kids favourite bit – a BATH!
The pool was great with full food and beverage service. Lots of other families and kids to play with.

We had a really nice 5 days, exploring and discovering all that was available for kids and families.

Bellagio Water Fountain:
The fountain show runs from 3pm every day. Every half an hour from 3-8pm and every 15 minutes from 8pm to midnight. You can see it from several view points around the city and it’s just beautiful.

Waiting for the Bellagio fountain show

Bellagio Fountain Show

Rainforest Cafe:
A gorgeous restaurant, especially designed for kids.
Decked out from floor to ceiling with trees and greenery, animals hidden amongst it all, sound affects – the lot! Interactive and just good old fashioned fun.
We started out on the balcony due to the incredible city views – but came back inside as it was too windy. The food is good too.
If you have little kids – they will LOVE this place!

M&M World:
I’ll admit- we are more of a Smarties family, but we HAD to visit the M&M World and see what all the fuss was about.
4 stories of colourful chocolatey goodness, and so much fun!
(There is also Hershey’s World and CocaCola World)

Flamingo Bird World- Flamingo Hotel:
We actually stumbled on this by pure fluke when wandering through the Flamingo grounds early one evening.
There’s a several different species of bird life in the Flamingo Hotel gardens.
Ducks, etc but the highlight was the gorgeous bright pink Flamingos.

Shark Reef at Mandalay:
You will see signs all over Vegas advertising the Shark Reef.
It was pretty good if you have never visited an aquarium before.
For us, who have been spoilt with the beautiful aquarium in Melbourne, it didn’t really compare. In saying that- the Polar Exhibit was VERY good.
Cost: $25 adults $19 kids

This boy LOVES sea turtles

Monorail:
A great way to see the strip.
$5 for one ride, or $11.50 for a 24 hour unlimited pass. We used the Monorail a few times and I would definitely recommend with kids and tired legs.

Fun Dungeon at Excalibur Hotel:
Like an old school indoor amusement park. With over 200 games and open 10am – 10pm daily, it is a great spot to stay cool and escape the midday heat.

Fremont Street Experience – Downtown Las Vegas:
There always seems to be quite a bit going on in Fremont Street. From the overhead zip lining to the street performers. It is definitely a must see – if only for an afternoon.

Whilst Vegas may not be for everyone, (and I will say that Andrew enjoyed it much more than I did…), it is worth seeing – at least once.
The sheer size of everything, the themed hotels, the shopping, the main street in all its neon madness – it is pretty cool.

I would recommend that 3 days is probably enough though…

Next stop? A place I have always wanted to visit – SAN FRANCISCO!!

Stay tuned…
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