Top Five Things to Do In Las Vegas With the Whole Family

Travel - Travel Tips

By: jennifer1971 08-Oct-2010

Introduction:

Las Vegas is internationally known for its casinos, shows and wedding chapels. While the city has plenty of adult entertainment available, it also has a wide variety of activities for families. Recreational activities, amusement parks, aquariums, museums and a relaxing gondola ride are all available for families traveling to Las Vegas. Families should consider weather conditions when they plan a trip to Las Vegas since temperatures can reach over 100 degrees F during the summer months.

Sports Activities

Families can get exercise while engaging in various sports activities in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Sports Park offers fun recreation for people of all ages. Participate in activities like indoor soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball and gymnastics. Adventurous families can go rock climbing at The Red Rock Climbing Center. The climbing surface is 8,000 square feet and resembles the height of an indoor mountain. Rock climbing instructors are available to help beginners. Families may also enjoy ice skating at Fiesta Rancho Ice Arena, which features a 31,000-square-foot rink.

Amusement Parks

Families that enjoy rides should explore Adventure Canyon at Buffalo Bill's and Adventuredome. Adventure Canyon at Buffalo Bill's is the world's first interactive log fume. After plunging down a 35-foot drop, riders will be given pistols to take part in an interactive shooting gallery. Adventuredome at Circus Circus offers something for all members of the family. The facility is built under a 5.5-acre glass encasement with the most exciting rides. Its most thrilling ride is the slingshot, which propels you 4 Gs toward the ceiling and then brings you quickly back down again. The park also has a log flume ride, a spinning ride and two rides with plenty of lops and twist. For those who cannot go on extreme rides for medical conditions, Adventuredome offers an IMAX ride film and a 4-D Special FX Theatre.

Aquarium

Families who enjoy going to aquariums should visit The Aquarium at the Silverton Hotel. The Aquarium has a 117,000-gallon curved acrylic tank that contains three different types of sharks and stingrays. From Thursday to Sunday, during the afternoon and evenings, spectators can see women dressed up as mermaids swimming with 4,000 tropical fish.

Gondolier Ride

For families looking to relax and get away from the busy Las Vegas strip, the gondola ride at the Venetian is perfect. Gondoliers sing to passengers as the water laps against the sides of the gondola. The outside gondolas are available on the bay and lagoon throughout the day. Passengers can get breathtaking views of the strip and the water during their ride. Indoor gondolas are available for families who want to see the quaint stores and coffee shops available at Grand Canal Shoppes.

Marine Life Gallery

The Las Vegas Natural History Museum has a Marine Life Gallery that makes you feel like you entered the ocean. Sharks, stingrays, dolphins and a variety of eels and fish can be viewed. There is also a Snake Pit that houses pythons and anaconda, a large dinosaur display featuring a realistic looking tyrannosaurus rex and 500 artifacts from Ancient Egypt. Families can learn about nature and history together.

Final Thoughts

It is important for families to plan for weather conditions when traveling to Las Vegas. Located in the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas is hot and dry most of the year and gets a lot of sunshine. Temperatures reach above 100 degrees during July and August. It is important to stay hydrated when the weather gets hot by drinking plenty of water and dressing in cool clothes. In winter months, the city gets cooler and windy. Daytime highs reach approximately 60 degrees while the nights average 40 degrees. Families should pack some sweaters and sweatshirts when traveling to Las Vegas during the winter months to stay warm.