Fun Things for Kids to Do in Las Vegas

Fun Things for Kids to Do in Las Vegas
Photo Credit las vegas from above image by Olegs Mareida from Fotolia.com

Although the city of Las Vegas, Nevada, might seem like a destination for adults only, that's not necessarily true. Children visiting Las Vegas can have as much fun as their adult companions at many different attractions that the city offers. Las Vegas is home to many educational destinations, including museums, aquariums and more, all designed for children to enjoy.

Museums

There is so much to learn and discover at the museums of Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Natural History Museum has been a destination for children and adults since 1991, with exhibits exploring animal and plant life local to Nevada as well as the exciting history of dinosaurs. For a more whimsical experience, take the kids to Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, a wax museum with sculptures of all their favorite role models, from world leaders to rock stars.

Theme Parks

Kids can experience the wonder of physics in Las Vegas with some of the best theme rides in the country. At the Adventuredome, children can beat the heat on a water flume ride and race around turns and loops on their many roller coasters. For the most daring of kids, the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino is home to four rides that take place on top of the casino, hundreds of feet in the air.

Outdoor Recreation

Children and adults can enjoy hiking, fishing, picnicking and more at Las Vegas' parks and outdoor recreation areas. Floyd Lamb Park has stocked ponds for fishing, walking trails and even a volleyball court all situated on 2,040 acres. For more outdoor excursions, visit Mount Charleston, just northwest of Las Vegas. Mount Charleston offers 52 miles of hiking trails at elevations of 3,000 to 12,000 feet. There are also skiing areas for winter fun year-round.

Fun with Science

There are a number of destinations in Las Vegas that are ideal for science-loving kids. The Aquarium at the Silverton Hotel features exhibits with tropical fish, sharks and stingrays as well as daily shows. Kids might even catch a glimpse of a mermaid, when women in mermaid costumes perform a show with the marine life. To view some of the beauty of the universe, visit the Planetarium and Observatory, located minutes away in North Las Vegas. Visitors will have a chance to see stars, moons, planets and more.

Racing

For aspiring race-car drivers, there are two great destinations in Las Vegas that will give kids a taste of this exhilarating sport. The Las Vegas Cyber Speedway at the Sahara offers a stock-car racing simulation so realistic that the kids will think they're really racing down the Las Vegas Strip. Nearby at the Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix, kids of all ages can try their hand at racing. Kiddie cars are specially designed for those under five years old, and kids 16 and oloder can drive an authentic Gran Prix car.

References

Article reviewed by DonaldM Last updated on: Dec 8, 2010

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