Las Vegas Attractions
 | Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas, NV • 702-796-9999 The band of theatrical acrobats has set up camp permanently in Las Vegas, running no less than seven different shows simultaneously at various locations around town -- everything from the classic Mystere to the King-themed Viva Elvis. Skip the erotic, 18-and-older Zumanity and the 12-and-over (and poorly reviewed) Believe, and splurge on Beatles Love at the Mirage or O at the Bellagio. Keep in mind that kids under five aren't permitted into any Cirque show. Best For: Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Disney's The Lion King 3950 Las Vegas Boulevard South Las Vegas, NV • 877-632-7400 If you haven't gotten to Broadway to see this top-notch musical (arguably the best of Disney's attempts to make live theater out of their animated features), now's your chance. The play's strengths are its Elton John-crafted score and dramatic staging, utilizing unique costumes and puppeteering to bring the animals to life. The only downside? Disney's usual death-of-a-parent plot device may make it a little too scary for some kids. Best For: Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Ghost Towns Rhyolite, NV Mining towns that withered and died after the gold rush are scattered across Nevada -- and they're an interesting way to bring history to life (or is it death?). Rhyolite, just over 100 miles outside of Las Vegas, is often considered one of the best examples of ghost towns near the city, with several buildings still partially standing, including a "bottle house" composed of thousands of whiskey and beer bottles. Best For: Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Grand Canyon Grand Canyon National Park, NV It may be 300 miles away from the strip, but if you've come this far, it pays to take a side trip out to this amazing natural wonder. You can DIY it, or try one of the many tour companies -- you can head out in luxury SUVs, basic buses or vans or even helicopters and planes. Among the top-rated options are the 15-hour van tour by Grand Adventures, though this includes a 3-mile hike, so it's best for families with older kids (or parents who are willing to carry a toddler around in a backpack, and Sundance Helicopters, which offers a number of helicopter and plane tours of the Grand Canyon and includes anything from a sweeping tour of the canyon's rim to a champagne picnic on the canyon floor. And since most of the aerial tours get you there and back in just a few hours, they make a better (though much pricier) option for younger kids. Best For: Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Lied Discovery Children's Museum 833 Las Vegas Boulevard North Las Vegas, NV • 702-382-5437 Give younger kids a chance to run wild in this two-story play museum, where hands-on exhibits let them explore science and the arts. The first floor is geared toward preschool age kids, with bubbles, exhibits on desert life and dress-up clothes and a stage for impromptu performances, while the second floor is for elementary-aged kids, and allows kids to play DJ, try out a laser harp and even enter a hurricane. Best For: Tots (0-2)•Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9) |
 | Red Rock Canyon 1000 Scenic Loop Drive Las Vegas, NV • 702-515-5367 The natural beauty of this gorgeous piece of the Mojave Desert just a few miles outside of Vegas may make the glitz of the Strip pale in comparison. You can take a one-way scenic drive through the 13-mile preserve, past dramatic coral-hued rock formations and waterfalls, or get out and walk. Hiking trails range from the .750-mile children's discovery trail to more strenuous 5-mile loops, and allow you to take in more of the amazing surroundings -- from petrified wood and petroglyphs to springs and canyons. (The wildlife lovers may catch a glimpse of desert dwellers like rattlesnakes, roadrunners and gila monsters.) Best For: Tots (0-2)•Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Stratosphere 2000 Las Vegas Boulevard South Las Vegas, NV • 702-380-7777 If a plain old amusement park won't do, your ultimate thrill seekers will get a kick out the Stratosphere's three ultimate rides, all set over 1,000 feet up in the air. Insanity the Ride dangles you over the edge of the tower, then spins you around with 4G force, tilting you so that you can see the Strip 900 feet below you. Big Shot, the world's highest thrill ride, shoots you 160 feet into the air to the top of the Stratosphere at 1,000 feet, then drops you down fast. And the X Scream is a combo roller coaster and giant see saw that launches you back and forth dizzyingly over the edge of the Tower. These aren't kiddie rides -- you have to be 54 inches tall to try them out -- but they're the perfect way to give your tweens and teens a real adrenaline rush. Best For: Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Strip Shows Las Vegas, NV No, we're not talking about that kind of strip show, but a stroll of the strip will allow you to take in the spectacular (and free) shows at each of the resorts. There's the circus acts at Circus Circus, the choreographed Bellagio fountain and music extravaganza, the Lion Habitat at the MGM Grand, and the volcano at the Mirage. Just hurry past the Treasure Island and Rio shows, which feature scantily clad women and a racy, adult vibe. Best For: Tots (0-2)•Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
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