Never mind Las Vegas’ well-earned reputation as an adult playground. The Strip is more than a maze of poker tables and cocktail bars. If you’re visiting town with kids in tow, all it takes is a little planning to maximize fun and minimize whining. Check out these nine attractions and activities for some kid-friendly entertainment that’s a good time for the grown-ups, too.
1. Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat
Lions and tigers and … dolphins? That’s the menagerie at this Mirage wonderland, where guests traipse through a leafy landscape to observe the resort’s resident creatures. Try the Trainer for a Day program to work up close with the aquatic residents, and don’t miss the habitat’s new baby dolphin, currently splashing around with her mom and sister. (The Mirage, 702.791.7188)
2. Adventuredome
Under the Circus Circus big top, this five-acre amusement park packs experiences and attractions for every level of thrill seeker. Kick back on the carousel or brace for the Canyon Blaster, a double-loop, double-corkscrew coaster that sends riders flying at 55 mph. Not into rides? Catch a 4D movie or a heated game of laser tag. (Circus Circus, 702.794.3939)
3. Tournament of Kings
Sparks fly from epic sword fights. Hooves pound the arena. Brave knights do battle, and jousters tumble from their mounts. Leave your pretensions in the 21st century for an action-packed night out that’ll have you tearing into game hen and cheering on your champion in no time. (Excalibur, 702.597.7600)
4. Maverick Helicopters
Seeing the Strip light up? Breathtaking. Catching that view from above? A once-in-a-lifetime vacation moment. Hop on one of Maverick Helicopters’ Vegas Nights tours, and you’re in for 15 minutes of exhilaration that the whole family will gush about for months. (6075 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702.261.0007)
5. Pole Position Raceway
If adrenaline is your favorite hormone, and your crew is game for some friendly competition, grab the kids and hit the track. At Pole Position Raceway, drivers buckle up and don helmets to race for the fastest lap in go-karts that zoom up to 45 mph (for adults) and 25 mph (for children). (4175 South Arville St., 702.227.7223)
Terry Fator
6. Grand Canyon
Carved over millions of years by the forces of wind and water, the Grand Canyon stretches more than 18 miles wide and a mile deep, a geologic stunner that goes way beyond grand. Hop a ride with Gray Line for a full-day guided tour of the natural wonder. (Gray Line, 702.739.7777)
7. Shark Reef Aquarium
Sharks are just the beginning at this awe-inspiring facility. In addition to touch tanks for the kids, there’s the new Polar Journey and a glass tunnel where you’re surrounded on all sides by the ocean’s wonders. (Mandalay Bay, 702.632.4555)
8. Terry Fator
Paul McCartney, Garth Brooks, Michael Jackson. You’ll hear all three at this Mirage show, where the America’s Got Talent winner wields a full cast of puppets as the vehicles for his truly remarkable impersonations. (The Mirage, 702.792.7777)
9. Mac King Comedy Show
Magic meets humor at this quirky afternoon show, where the plaid-suited performer astounds all-ages audiences with an act that’s entertaining and amusing without resorting to cursing or innuendo. (Harrah’s, 702.777.2782)
