Destination: Nevada and Las Vegas

Located in the central west of the USA is the state of Nevada, a largely barren landscape with the iconic city of Las Vegas at its hub. This is a famous state for such adult based activities as gambling, and late night entertainment, but families are made just as welcome, with plenty of fun activities to keep everyone occupied.

Las Vegas is the city of bright lights not too far from the Arizona border. It is home to some of the world’s most opulent casinos and hotels and there are restaurants and cafes on every corner. This city never sleeps, and even young children are catered for well into the night, which is great for when the adults want a little time to experience this fabulous city after dark.

Venturing out from Las Vegas, you’ll come across the stunning Grand Canyon which is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. The Hoover Dam, a man made construction that defies the odds, is another location not too far from here, and families who are intrigued by the unusual will be delighted by a day trip to Death Valley. This city has also been well document in film, and older children will love to visit places that have featured in such movies as The Hangover and Ocean’s Eleven.

The weather in Nevada is mostly on the warm side, regardless of the time of year. Its barren landscape is prone to occasional bush fires on the outlying hills, but these don’t come anywhere near the main cities themselves. Summer temperatures regularly reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and winter months tend to be in the high fifties to sixties. For a good balance, try heading through in either spring or autumn, when the heat will still be strong, but not too much for younger children.

Things to do in Nevada and Las Vegas with Kids

If you’re staying in Las Vegas, then you absolutely must take a trip to the Grand Canyon, and tours leave from most hotels on a regular basis. Travel by bus, car, helicopter and even plane and you’ll be sure to have an experience of a lifetime. Most tours will stop at the Skywalk, a unique glass-bottomed walkway built out over the canyon itself. The views from here are spectacular and well worth the trip.

For a unique tour on your holiday, head off for a Bar 10 Ranch trip. You and your family will stay overnight on an authentic cowboy ranch, sleeping in covered wagons and riding horseback through the plains. You can enjoy an ATV trip from here, and help round up the cattle with the rest of the cowboys. Your trip includes a flight to and from Vegas, and this experience is suitable for most age groups.

Madame Tussauds has extended her reach to this fabulous city, and at the entrance to the Venetian Hotel, you’ll find more of her delightful waxwork creations. Matthew McConnaghy, George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio will all be here waiting to welcome you through the doors. There’s no age limit, and as a plus point, it’s a great place for a day trip that’s out of the heat of the midday sun.

Take the kids to Cesaers Palace to enjoy Fall of Atlantis and Festival Fountain shows and aquarium. You can the get to enjoy some shopping therapy time at the Forum! Older children may enjoy an adrenaline rush with indoor cart racing at Pole Position Raceway.

There are also plenty of educational museums that you can visit whilst in Las Vegas. Stop by at the Lied Discovery Children's Museum , where you and your children can explore the arts and sciences with over 100 hands-on interactive exhibits. If they are studying Biology, they will be startling to see so many body parts and inner organs out in the open at Bodies...the Exhibition at the Luxor Hotel and Casino. They will even get to see what a smokers lung looks like! Make sure to also visit the Springs Preserve, home to entertainment, exhibits, galleries, trails and gardens that provide recreational and educational opportunities for the whole family.

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There is plenty of free entertainment too, such as the lush gardens at the Flamingo, the fountains at the Bellagio, as seen in Oceans 11, and the high-flying Circus acts at Circus Circus. Chocolate lovers shouldn’t miss M&M World at the Showcase Mall, four whole floors of the stuff! It’s not often you will see lions parading around a hotel reception, or tigers, leopards, panthers, and dolphins enjoying the Vegas sun, so pop along to the MGM Grand to see the Lion Habitat and the Mirage to see the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. You can also find a great children's park at the Town Square, just past Mandalay Bay and The Luxor.

Where to stay in Las Vegas with Kids?

Las Vegas has done its best to get rid of its “Sin City” name tag and has become quite a popular place for family trips. There are plenty of large hotels along the Strip, offering themes with heaps of fun for everyone. The hotels offer world-class entertainers, thrilling rides, lavish pool complexes with wave machines, not to mention the casinos! Here you will find roller coasters running on top or around your hotel, a beach miles away from the sea, and get to stay in a pyramid or next to the Eiffel Tower. Although the hotels state they are child friendly, they may not have everything you need for a family holiday - here are a pick of the best family friendly hotels in Las Vegas.

Recommended family friendly hotels in Las Vegas

The famed Mandalay bay Hotel is a great resort for family. There are three hotels to choose from here. The Kids will love this South Seas theme at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino with its palm trees, wave pool, lazy river, and 2,700 tons of real sand making up its very own big white beach . There are three swimming pools, a jogging track and its own shark reef aquarium containing plenty of exotic prey. Younger guests will also enjoy Disney's, The Lion King Show. Besides all this, the rooms are large and comfortably cater a family of 4. More details...

The Mirage is popular with families and kids, there is lots to keep them entertained from the large pools, to the lions and dolphins at Siefried & Roy's, and shows such as Cirque de Soleil and puppeteer performances by Terry fator. The hotel's signature man-made volcano erupts nightly at hourly intervals. More details...

The MGM Grand is just that – the largest hotel in Las Vegas, based on it 5034 guest rooms! Infact everything at the MGM is big and OTT! It is perfectly designed for families with a huge pool complex, and an impressive long winding river. There are several well priced dining options, including the Rainforest Café and not to mention the lion habitat in the foyer! If you like personal attention, which is what you are not going to find in such a large hotel, there is The Signature at MGM, a non gaming, non smoking , all suite luxury resort. The smallest suites even come with a kitchenette, a whirlpool tub, and separate sitting area. More details...

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THE hotel is an all-suite tower, attached by a walkway to the famed Mandalay Bay Hotel. This place offers the ultimate in aquatic relaxation, happens to be ultra cool and sophisticated, and possibly the most funkiest place to stay in town! Located directly on The Strip with spectacular views of either the Strip, the pool or the mountain or your family can come back after a fun packed day out to the peace and quiet of their own suite at the Four seasons Las Vegas. Kids are made extremely welcome with special touches to make the whole experience memorable and they even get their own little bathrobes and slippers. This is a non-gaming and family-friendly luxury hotel, set on the top floors of the Mandalay Bay Hotel. More details..

The Mandarin Oriental is one of the most luxurious Las Vegas Hotels, and the newest in town. The Mandarine Oriental welcomes guests with children, providing kids DVDs, Playstation consoles, strollers, cots, even bath and childrens menu and babysitting services. This is a non gaming hotel, and offers peace and tranquilty after a day out in the playground of Las Vegas. More details...

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The Stratosphere is good value for money, offering clean comfortable rooms at extremely affordable prices. Being located at North end of the Strip means a long tiring walk into the centre, so if with youngsters you would need to take transport. There are 4 exciting Tower Thrill rides that your children may love, SkyJump, Big Shot, X Scream and Insanity. More details...

Family friendly holidays to Las Vegas

Most of these hotels and full package holiday can be arranged with our recommended Partners, Virgin Holidays, Kuoni Holidays, and Thomas Cook Holidays.