We’re not going to go so far as to say Las Vegas was purpose-built for kids. That’s nonsense. But there are places for families stay and play in the deep desert wonderland. Today, we’ll focus on the play part.
- One of the first things you’ll want to do is get the lay of the land. No better perch from which to do it than the Stratosphere Tower observation deck. While you’re up atop the 1,149-foot structure there are thrill rides to be had – if the kids are old enough.
- Come down to earth and get out of the heat at the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. The gardens aggregate flora from all over the world, array them beautifully and landscape the place like its out of Alice and Wonderland. If you’re in search a retreat from the madding crowd, and a place the kids can run off a bit of energy without breaking into a sweat, this is it.
- Kids love cars, and so does Vegas. Auto Collections offers a 125,000 square-foot showroom populated by exotic cars, muscle cars and movie cars. Check out the 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback that starred in the film Gone in Sixty Seconds. It may be a bit of a challenge inducing the children to love that mini-van back home once they’ve seen these wheels.
- The desert is the perfect place to see the stars – even indoors. Bring the kids in out of the warm to behold the universe displayed on the domed screen of the College of Southern Nevada Planetarium.
- All that sitting still (you’ve usually got to do that in planetariums) can get to a kid. How about another theme park? Adventure Dome sports an array of age-appropriate, kid-friendly rides. If your child is at least 42 inches tall and accompanied by an adult the Drifters ride is nifty. It’s a Ferris wheel hung with pretend hot air balloons, and it’s a favorite.
(Image: 熊.陈美芬.Phan Ly Photography.On/Off)
