When people think of Las Vegas, they think of bright lights, slot machines, showgirls and the Las Vegas strip. Instead of going on a family vacation that involves placing your children in a hotel's childcare center while you play, plan on family fun things to do in Las Vegas from which everyone will benefit.
Visit the Birthplace of Las Vegas
Listed in the National Register of Historical places and run by the Las Vegas Valley Water District, the Springs Preserve in Las Vegas is an attraction placed on the area that springs used to occupy. The preserve's purpose is to teach visitors about individuals who lived by the springs and to help them think about water conservation and the future. In addition to galleries and interactive exhibits, the Gardens at the Springs Preserve offers guests a chance to walk through eight acres of desert landscape. If you and the kids have some extra pent-up energy, strap on your hiking boots, slap on the sun block and hike along one of the four preserve's trails. All the trails lead to the cienega, a wetland area that is home to different animal, plant and bird species.
See Family-Friendly Wild Things
Las Vegas is home to a variety of animals exhibits and aquariums in and outside of the casinos. Off the strip but still in the city limits is a zoological park and natural history museum with marine and land animals. On the strip, visit the various casinos to see flamingo exhibits, lions up close, an aquatic petting tank and a dolphin habitat.
Experience 2.1 Million Lights and 540,000 Watts of Sound
Share the thrill of Las Vegas with the whole family without worrying about age restrictions by taking the family to Freemont Street after the sun sets. You and your family will enjoy four blocks of the world-famous light and sound shows that include 180 strobe lights and robotic mirrors that strategically reflect the lights and colors.
Have a Picnic and See Some Fossils
Escape the noise and the lights of the strip and visit Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs, run by the Las Vegas Department of Leisure Services. While at the park, take a walk on a scenic path with your family and get a break from the buffets by bringing a picnic lunch. Afterward, learn how the land was once a working farm and check out the prehistoric mammoth, bison, camel, giant sloth and horse fossils found over the years in the springs. Finish the day with a game of volleyball or by fishing in one of the four ponds.
See the Stars in the Desert Sky
The famous lights on the Las Vegas strip make it difficult to see the some of the brightest lights in the night sky. Give a new meaning to stargazing by taking your family to the College of Southern Nevada's Planetarium and Observatory. Depending on the time of year, your family can admire heavenly bodies that are not scantily clad and wearing an excess of plumage. The hours of operation begin in the late afternoon and early evening, which gives you plenty of time to run around with the kids before winding down and seeing the treasures the night sky has to offer.
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