Gambling on a Good Time with the Kids in Las Vegas

It’s a cool time to visit one of the hottest destinations in America, a place where you don’t have to gamble on a good time with kids in Las Vegas.

Huh? If the idea of a Vegas ‘family vacation’ seems ludicrous, you’ll be surprised with how much the city caters to young vacationers.

Games of Chance Galore

Why? Start with the thrill rides and arcades at many casinos that appeal to the “I’ll never grow up” mentality of some gamblers. Many gambling parents have honed their skills with online gambling and look forward to sitting at a blackjack table IRL a la James Bond.

For them, hotels provide qualified childcare to make a night on the town possible and guilt-free.

Las Vegas with Kids is a Road Trip Pitstop

Las Vegas with kids has been trending for several years as a pitstop on the ever-popular Phoenix to Grand Canyon cross-country road trip.

In fact, Las Vegas has been such an affordable and surprising respite from national park campgrounds, that many families fly into Nevada directly and pick up a rental car or JUCY campervan and begin the road trip there.

Las Vegas is also an internationally known entertainment capital. There’s so much to do – much of it free – that no one gets bored.

The latest trend here is Broadway musicals, which are usually priced lower than on the Great White Way. Check online to see what’s playing and you may score “Chicago,” “Funny Girl” or “Come From Away” tickets – especially at the well-priced family matinees — more easily than in New York itself.

Las Vegas Pool Time for All Ages

Then, remember the weather. Well, in summer it is crazy hot but it’s ideal for touring air-conditioned casino hotels midday and jumping into your hotel pool in the afternoon.

After all, the Las Vegas swimming pools are legendary and the day club parties (think night club in the sunlight at a curtained-off pool) are something your teens have likely seen in music videos.

The 11-acre Mandalay Bay Beach at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino is a true aquatic playground, with a wave pool (48″ height minimum), Lazy River and lagoon. The non-casino, quieter Four Seasons Las Vegas pool has a Pool Bar with snacks and drinks. Family cabanas (additional fee) have sofa seating and lounge chairs, ceiling fans, flat-screen TVs, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Another option is MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, where four swimming pools, three whirlpools, waterfalls and a lazy river (open seasonally) occupy 6.5 acres. Call ahead to each to inquire about day passes and any age restrictions.

Getting Around Las Vegas with Kids is Fun

The most fun way to explore Las Vegas would be on the Boring Company hyperloop system now serving the Las Vegas Convention Center. If you’re not at a conference, however, you’ll have to wait a few years until the Las Vegas Loop expansion brings this new high-speed underground rail system to The Strip and surrounding areas.

Currently, RTC Rapid Transit buses are the best value; day passes are cheaper than the Monorail and the view of The Strip is better! Plus they go all the way Downtown, where the Freemont Street Experience offers lightshows, zip lines and free concerts.

There’s also an RTC bikeshare— much safer if you bike on the back roads. Hop-on-hop-off buses are fun and useful if you need guide service in a foreign language. Last choice is Uber and taxis because of the bad traffic.

LV Need to Know

Lots of families like to celebrate a 21st birthday milestone in Vegas.

However, those with younger children should be aware that many attractions are within casino hotels. Since gambling is illegal for anyone under 21, many hotels post age restrictions forbidding non-guest minors to even enter the premises.

Always confirm with your hotel’s concierge before planning a visit as things change frequently in chameleon-like Vegas.

For more ideas, depending on kids’ ages and interests, please check out our family attractions in Las Vegas guide.