The best tourist attractions in Las Vegas, Nevada.

I have wondered for a long time if someone can visit Las Vegas and have fun without gambling or taking part in the wild Las Vegas night life. I have heard that Las Vegas has changed much and that they are trying to cater more to families with children. So, are they really? Can your family have fun in Las Vegas without doing the “dirty” Las Vegas things? Can Las Vegas be called a family destination ? Well, read on to find out.

Main tourist attractions in Las Vegas, Nevada

• The Bellagio – you have to see the fountains at night. Then walk inside and take a look at the interior gardens. If you have time, you can stroll through the hallways and visit the “sweet store“.
• The Mirage – the dolphin habitat and the not-so-small zoo are simply amazing. If you have kids and you’re in Vegas, you must take them there!
• Mandalay Bay – visit the aquarium. They have an enormous thank filled with sharks and other sea creatures. Again, kids will love this stuff !
• MGM Grand – just walk on the casino floor and look for the lion exhibit. If you happen to be there during feeding you’ll see some frightful fangs ! These lions are not your average zoo lions…they’re just huge. However, there’s nothing else to see at MGM Grand so, you can just walk out when you’re done seeing the lions.

How to get to Las Vegas, Nevada

Well, Las Vegas is so well known that you can ask pretty much anyone in Southern California and they can tell you how to get there. To find the actual strip, it’s also easy…it’s right off the 15 freeway…just exit Tropicana Ave and head east one block. Then turn left on Las Vegas Blvd (how else can this street be called ) and you’re there !

Yes, kids can enjoy Las Vegas…well some of it!

There is plenty to see and do for the whole family…I sound like I’m paid by one of the casinos…don’t I? Well…it’s true, there is cool stuff for kids to see. Yes, the parents have to be extra careful in Las Vegas, but if you’re careful, your children can have a good time as well.

The fountains at the Bellagio are the most popular tourist attraction in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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The animals in Las Vegas are…real animals!

All of the big name casinos are actually copies of other famous buildings throughout the world. Everything in terms of buildings is fake. Scaled down, but pretty good copies…even to the smallest detail. However, the animals that were brought for entertainment are real animals I have never seen animals this big and this well fed before…I have visited quite a few zoos, but what I have seen in Vegas surpasses all the other zoos I have experienced.

Siberian tiger at the Mirage in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Beware of the “literature” distributors

They seem harmless, but they do distribute pornographic material…and they are everywhere on the strip. Granted, if they see you carrying a child or pushing a stroller, they don’t hand you anything but their material is everywhere on the ground and you can’t really prevent your children from seeing these pictures. However, you have to try and most of all…you have to talk to your children…maybe you can have some good conversation with your kids about the really bad stuff that’s going on in Las Vegas. This is by far the greatest annoyance for taking your family to Las Vegas…you can’t avoid these people and their material…it’s just everywhere…and it’s just filthy!

So, is Las Vegas really family friendly?

Well, to some extent it is! But…hmmm…it’s pretty bad especially for teenagers. If you have very small children (under four) you can relax a little…but just a little. I would recommend that you drive instead of walking, even though it’s a lot easier to walk the strip. If you drive you’ll be avoiding most of the “literature” guys.

Have you visited Las Vegas with your family? What do you think?

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As a traveler, I love reading about other people's travel experiences. I know for certain that my articles are by no means complete and they can certainly benefit from your input. Feel free to share your own experience and add a comment or correction to this article.
| December 23, 2008 | Posted in Destination Guides, Nevada |