I will be honest- if I had my way, I would never bring my kids with me to Vegas. I like sitting at the Pai Gow table for a couple of hours, sipping on an adult beverage, and not having to be responsible for anyone but myself for a couple of hours. But sometimes, we have no choice but to bring the kids. Vegas may be a stop on the way to a final destination such as Zion National Park or the Grand Canyon. Or it may be that childcare is not available and the only option is to bring the kids along for a Vegas vacation. Luckily, family friendly Vegas does exist. As a matter of fact, a family vacation in Vegas can actually be alot of fun. So what should you do, where should you at, and where should you stay while in Vegas? Here are some of my tips on how to have a successful family friendly Vegas vacation.
Stay someplace casino-free:
Hotel/casino combo resorts may offer non-smoking rooms, but the smoke from the casinos always seems to drift its way up into the guest rooms. Spare your children’s lungs (and your lungs as well!) and book a stay at a hotel that is not attached to a casino. In addition to being smoke free, these properties are typically much less rowdy and provide a more family friendly environment. The Signature at MGM Grand is a great option because it offers spacious suites with full kitchens which are perfect for family travel. The hotel has its own pools which are very nice, but kids may be more excited by the fact that quests of The Signature are given access to the MGM Grand’s huge pool area which features a huge lazy river. After all, nothing is more important to kids while traveling than whether or not the hotel has a cool pool!
Read my entire review of The Signature at MGM Grand.
Check out wildlife:
The Las Vegas Strip may be lined with concrete and neon, but it isn’t very hard to find the wildlife. Sure, the animals may living life Vegas-style, but that doesn’t make them any less fascinating to kids. Where else can you walk underneath a lion than at the MGM Grand’s Lion Habitat? At the Mandalay Bay Resort, the Shark Reef Aquarium gives kids a chance to see sharks , turtles, jellyfish, and many other creatures of the deep up close. The touch pool is always popular with the little ones. Dolphins and albino lions, tigers, and panthers all reside in Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden which is located in the Mirage Resort.
Take in a Show: No, I am not talking about taking your kids to see the Thunder Down Under! There are quite a few family friendly shows to be seen in Vegas if you know where to find them. The Mandalay Bay Resort is currently home to the award winning Lion King musical stage show, which is a classic family favorite. There are seven different Cirque de Soleil shows currently being performed in resorts across Vegas, and children aged 5 and older are welcome to attend these amazing spectacles of art and acrobatics. All of the shows are extremely popular and come highly recommended but some Cirque de Soleil plots are more family friendly than others, so be sure to do a little bit of research before booking your tickets. For families looking for a free show, the Bellagio offers a water fountain show in front of its resort throughout the day. I have yet to hear of anyone, regardless of age, who didn’t love it.
The Springs Preserve is new to the Las Vegas landscape but is already making a lasting impression on families who have had the opportunity to visit. Opened in 2007, the preserve consists of 180 acres of desert botanical gardens, galleries, outdoor concert venues, an indoor theater, and nature trails winding through a wetland habitat. Younger kids will love playing on the desert canyon themed playground and older kids will enjoy the arcade games centered around sustainability. The live exhibits featuring creatures of the desert demonstrate how animals have learned to adapt to the harsh environment.
Enjoy Las Vegas’s culinary offerings: In the past decade, Vegas has become quite the foodie destination. However, most of us have little desire to dine at a celebrity chef’s posh and trendy bistro with our kids. Luckily, there are some fun restaurants lining the Vegas Strip that are perfect for families. The MGM Grand is home to the Vegas installation of the Rainforest Cafe, a jungle-themed chain that is wildly popular with children. Serendipity 3, located in front of Caesar’s Palace, is a great place to go if you have a sweet tooth. The restaurant is famous for its outrageously decadent specialty, the frozen hot chocolate. Cheeseburger at the Oasis, located inside the Planet Hollywood Hotel, is the Las Vegas version of the popular Hawaiian burger restaurant, Cheeseburger in Paradise, and a fun place to take the kids. If you are looking to add a bit of medieval flare to your dining experience, than perhaps your family should head on over to the Tournament of Kings at the Excalibur.
Yes, a family vacation in Vegas will probably be much different from the Vegas you are used to experiences sans children. But with a little bit of planning and some altered expectations of Sin City, I think your family can still have a great time.
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Sharlene Earnshaw (aka doubleadventure) is Blogger-in-chief for Trekaroo and the blogger behind Double the Adventure.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
This post was sponsored by FamilyGetaway.com, an advertiser on the Family Travel Ad Network, a partnership amongst Ciao Bambino, Delicious Baby, Travel Savvy Mom, The Vacation Gals, Trekaroo, See Jane Fly, and Traveling Mom.
No matter how many times my car wanders through the canyon, following the tiny gap in the hillside until it reaches highway, I can’t help but get excited about the impending view. I know what is coming, I have seen it more times than I can count, but the anticipation builds up inside me just the same. And then, as if out of nowhere, the mountains drop down to meet the sea and the road dead ends into one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Even though I am a local, the magic of Laguna Beach is never lost on me. With its gallery lined streets, azure colored waters, and laid back atmosphere, Laguna is one of those places that makes people feel like they are on vacation from the moment they step foot into town.
flickr:paulhami
If your family has yet to experience the little strip of paradise that is Laguna Beach, now is the time to start planning your first trip. Its mild Mediterranean climate makes Laguna a year-round destination and the town is filled with plenty of great activities to keep the whole family asking to return year after year. Here are my tips on how to vacation in Laguna Beach like a local:
Make the Beach Your Second Home: Its hard to spend time indoors when there is so much beauty waiting for you outside. Tykes growing up in coastal Orange County often spend their weekends building sandcastles, playing in the surf, and exploring tide pools and children from more distant locales will enjoy the experience just as much as they do. Aliso Creek Beach in South Laguna has a great playground right on the sand that is very popular with local children, and is perfect for letting the kids run out those last bursts of energy as the sun sets. Once that bright orange ball slips beneath the ocean drenched horizon for the night, be sure to take advantage of the fire pits and roast some marshmallows for S’mores. Bring your beach chairs, cuddle up with some blankets, and listen to the surf crash as the fire dances and crackles.
Older kids tend to want to get out into the ocean a bit further and body boarding, surfing, and stand up paddling are all popular Laguna Beach activities. Lessons from local outfitters are a fun and safe way to create some lasting vacation memories. For those who prefer to spend more time under the surface of the water, Heisler Park, which is just a short walk up the sand from Main Beach, is a great place to scuba and snorkle.
Get in touch with your artistic side : For decades, artists have flocked Laguna Beach for inspiration, opportunity, and a true sense of culture in their community. No trip to Laguna is complete without a stroll around town to check out all the beautiful artwork in the gallery windows. Younger children may not be up for a few hours of quietly staring at incredible works of art inside various galleries, but they can certainly be bribed into a lovely walk and some window shopping with an ice cream cone in hand. If you come during the winter or summer, be sure to set aside some time to visit the Sawdust Festival, where hundreds of artists gather to showcase their work. Children will love the fun (and often free) classes they have to offer on how to create works of art of their very own.
Photo Credit: Laguna Beach CVB
Sample some of Laguna Beach’s best family friendly eateries: One of the hardest things about traveling, especially with young children, is finding family-friendly restaurants that aren’t chains filled with mediocre food. Luckily, Laguna Beach has some nice options. The House Of BIG FISH is a great place to take the kids. The casual atmosphere and ocean views will make you feel comfortable to have your kids in tow without having to give up aesthetics. The menu features some great fresh seafood choices and plenty of options for those members of your family who think fish is “yucky”. Coyote Grill is a great option for families who are looking for a place with Mexican and American fare. The fried chicken is famous and the fajitas are quite tasty. Be sure to sit out on the patio, so you don’t miss a second of those incredible Pacific views.
Sleep Surfside: With its beachfront location, friendly service, and incredible Catalina views, The Laguna Riviera Resort on the Beach is an amazing place for a family to call home base while enjoying all Laguna has to offer. The resort is popular with locals who are just looking for a few days where they can sleep with their windows open and fall asleep to the sounds of the crashing surf. Built in 1948, the resort has maintained its retro seaside motel exterior while featuring large rooms with contemporary décor. The surfside setting and friendly owners have kept families coming back for generations. Each of the 41 rooms are unique in design, but they all include fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers, and many have private or semi private decks. Most rooms have ocean views. There is an enclosed salt water pool, spa and sauna, which are great for days when the ocean is a bit too chilly for swimming. A game room with an air hockey table, ping pong, and foosball is sure to keep kids occupied for hours. The common outdoor area features lounge chairs, barbeques, and incredible sweeping views of the ocean. FamilyGetaway.com currently has a terrific package up for bid on a 2 night stay in an ocean view room with continental breakfast, free boogie board rental, and access to beach equipment starting at only $260 total which is 50% off normal rates.
In addition to the rooms, the resort also has an amazing beach bungalow available for rent. Built in 1913 the bungalow has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a full kitchen and some of the most mesmerizing ocean views you will ever experience. It typically rents for $585 in low season and $885 in high which is quite a good deal, but FamilyGetaway.com currently has an amazing 3 night package up for bid starting at only $892 total!!! Get another $100 off your first FamilyGetaway purchase if you sign-up for their Family Travel Newsletter.
I love the bungalow so much that we already have plans to rent it the next time our extended family comes in to town.
For more vacation ideas and tips from FamilyGetaway’s blog caravan:
- Tips for Planning the Best Family Ski Vacation from Ciao Bambino
- Stay tuned for A Family Vacation in San Diego from SeeJaneFly. Coming soon… 11/16/2010.
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Sharlene Earnshaw (aka doubleadventure) is Blogger-in-chief for Trekaroo and the blogger behind Double the Adventure.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
Where to settle the family while hanging out in Dallas is always a tough choice. The reviews are in and families on Trekaroo have spoken. These are family favorites for hotels when in Dallas.
Best Hotel for Families - Hotel Palomar
Located in downtown Dallas a block away from the Mockingbird Station, the Hotel Palomar is great for families without having to spend a fortune. Clean, modern with a boutique-hotel feel, the kids will love the pool and Kimpton Kids welcome packages.
For more reviews on Hotel Palomar.
>> Rates start at $184/night.
Sweet Suite-Hotels
When traveling with kids, who doesn’t want a second room to hang out in when the kiddos go to bed. Families love suite-hotels and many of the suite hotels in Dallas stand at the top of the list as family favorites. The locations of these hotels away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, but great value for money (plus free parking).
Hyatt Summerfield Suites Dallas / Lincoln Park
Complimentary breakfast, outdoor pool, and complimentary airport shuttle are just some of the benefits of staying at the Hyatt Summerfield Suites, an all-suite hotel perfect for families. The location provides easy access to the main highway and the staff is great to families. For more reviews on the Hyatt Summerfield Suites Dallas / Lincoln Park.
Homewood Suites in Park Central
Homewood Suites in Dallas’ Park Central area is an all-suite hotel that was recently renovated. Complimentary breakfast every morning, complimentary dinner Monday through Thursday, an indoor pool, and fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher if you want to save a bit more money on food. For more reviews on Homewood Suites in Park Central.
For more hotels in Dallas, TX Hotels from $39!
Other Dallas articles
- What to Do in Dallas
For more ideas on things to do and where to stay with the family, check out these other destinations in Texas: Houston and the Gulf Coast, San Antonio, and Austin.
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Esther Lee is a contributing writer for Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
For a vacation idea that’s made to order, consider a timeshare rental when you travel with kids. Vacationing this way can really be a custom family vacation to fit your needs because of these three reasons:
1. The variety in size and style of the resorts.
2. An abundance of destination choices.
3. They are budget friendly!
Do you want to take your family on a vacation to the Bahamas? To Hawaii? To a
National Park? To a Theme Park? All of these destinations, and more, are family-
affordable by renting budget timeshares. On a per person basis, a timeshare rental can be
as much as 50% less than hotels. And there’s no comparison in the space you get for your
money. On the one hand you can have a cramped hotel room; on the other you get real
bedrooms, a living room, a dining area, and best of all a fully-equipped kitchen. You’ll
almost always have a balcony or patio, often a whirlpool tub, and maybe even a working
fireplace.
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Many resorts offer an area where you can barbecue. Speaking of which, having your
own kitchen is a wonderful convenience and a great money-saver. It’s an easy way
to feed those constantly hungry kids, while saving on the cost of meals. Often resorts
will pre-stock your kitchen with groceries to your specifications, and most are close to
supermarkets and sometimes even a farmer’s market.
Separate bedrooms means you can put the little ones to bed in a quiet room while the
rest of the family enjoys television, games, movies, etc., in the living room, knowing that
your late night activities won’t disturb the youngsters. Try doing that in a hotel room.
And one of the main advantages of a timeshare rental is that it’s attached to a resort.
Many of the resort’s amenities will be included in your one low timeshare rental price.
That means that everything from swimming pools (often with water park features) and
hot tubs to tennis, golf, volleyball, arcade rooms, bocci ball tournaments, arts and crafts,
dance lessons, Kids Clubs, or just about anything else you can think of, might just be part
of your resort experience.
So go the non-traditional route and plan to stay in a kid friendly timeshare rental for
your next vacation. It just might become your family’s traditional vacation from now on!
RedWeek.com is the largest online marketplace for timeshares. Owners sell, rent, or exchange their timeshares. Travelers find luxury accommodations for pricing less than typical hotel rooms. Try a timeshare rental for your next vacation.
We’re always on the prowl for places to stay that just aren’t about 2 double beds and functional bathroom. If you’re looking for something that’s unique and a hit with the kids, check out Trekaroo’s favorite unusual places to stay with kids. It’s the type of place, your kids will love to explore and enjoy.
Wigwam Village
Make sure your kids pack their bow and arrows for a complete Native American experience. (Cave City, Kentucky)
Out ‘n’ About Treesort
Do not forget to pack your Magic Tree House books! (Cave Junction, Oregon)
Copyright Alan Rider/XTRORD.com
Safari West
Want to take your kids to Africa? Skip the 18 hour flight and experience life on the African plains at Safari West in California. Your kids can wake up and wave at the giraffes from your cabin’s patio. (Santa Rosa, California)
The Inn at Christmas Place
Every day is Christmas at the Inn at Christmas Place. (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee)
The Queen Mary
Spend a night on a historic 1940s warship. Your tweens and teens will love learning about the spine-tingling legends and ghosts that haunt the halls of this boat. (Long Beach, California)
For more Unusual Places to Stay with Kids from Trekaroo.
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Lydie Thomas (aka lydie) is a contributing author for Trekaroo as well as keeping up her TravelisMoreFunWithKids blog.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
