Las Vegas, Nevada may seem best suited for adults, but there are plenty of unique activities for families in this colorful, vibrant city. Many options are found right along the famous Las Vegas Strip. Head to Mandalay Bay to visit the sharks, see the circus at Carnival Midway, or wander through the trees at the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Book your Las Vegas vacation rental today. Here are nine top things to do with kids in Las Vegas to get you started in planning your next vacation.

1. See the Fountains at Bellagio

Outside the Bellagio Hotel lies a man-made lake surrounded by 1,000 fountains, providing spectacular free shows to passersby throughout the day. Stroll a few blocks down the Strip to see the spectacular choreographed show that syncs music, lights, and dancing water together. Kids are mesmerized by the water shooting hundreds of feet in the air. Afterward, stop in Cafe Bellagio for a quick bite to eat, or pick up some caramel popcorn at Garrett Popcorn.

2. Visit Sharks at Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay

The Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay provides visitors with an up-close look at a variety of over 2,000 marine animals living in 14 different exhibits. The highlight of the aquarium is its 100 sharks that swim throughout the Shark Tunnel. Walk through the tunnel, and you also see alligators, piranhas, and stingrays swimming above and next to you. Older kids love feeding the sharks and stingrays at Animal Encounters, while younger ones enjoy touching starfish at the touch pool.

3. Ride a Gondola at The Venetian

You don’t have to get on a plane to experience a Venetian gondola ride. Take the kids to the Venetian Hotel for a graceful 15-minute ride down the canals. Float past cafes and under bridges as your gondolier serenades you with Italian songs. When the ride finishes, grab some Italian gelato at Zio Gelato. The Venetian offers both indoor and outdoor gondola rides, making this a great choice for a rainy day.

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4. View the Attractions at Mirage Hotel and Casino

More than a place to stay, the Mirage Hotel and Casino provides three free attractions within walking distance of your vacation rental that the entire family won’t want to miss. In the afternoon, stop by to see more than 450 tropical fish in the lobby aquarium, then wander through the lagoons, waterfalls, and palm trees of the nearby rain forest. Come back in the evening to see the Mirage volcano eruption, complete with sound effects and fire.

5. Become an Avenger at Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.

Marvel Universe fans won’t want to miss spending an afternoon at Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. Kids can interact with Captain America‘s shield, Iron Man‘s armor suits, and Thor’s hammer before training to become a qualified member of S.T.A.T.I.O.N. This immersive experience culminates with the family facing off as a team to fight Ultron. While kids of all ages are welcomed here, teens may get the most out of Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.

6. Catch a Las Vegas Show

Las Vegas is called the Entertainment Capital of the World, and the city lives up to its name by offering plenty of family-friendly shows every day of the week. During the day, watch the street performers along Fremont Street or see the circus performers at Carnival Midway. In the evenings, choose from Broadway theater, variety shows, magicians, and musical entertainment. Another popular option among families is the beautiful acrobatic act of Cirque du Soleil.

7. Pose with Celebrities at Madame Tussauds

Kids of all ages love meeting their favorite celebrities at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. The museum houses life-size wax figures of past and present stars from music, TV, sports and more, with a focus on Las Vegas entertainers. Have fun “boxing” with Muhammad Ali or “singing” with Celine Dion. Kids take photos of Miley Cyrus and Will Smith, while parents enjoy seeing greats such as Lucille Ball and Elvis Presley.

8. Observe the City with the Eiffel Tower Experience

For a unique way of seeing Las Vegas from above, ride the elevator up to the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel. At 46 stories, this replica is half the size of the original in Paris and showcases a panoramic view of the city. The scene is especially wonderful at night, but you can visit any time of the day to be amazed. The observation deck does not allow strollers, so this is best for older children. Continue the Parisian experience with a savory or sweet crepe from La Creperie next door.

9. Relax at the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Sometimes you need to get away from the hustle of the city, and the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens provides some quiet time, while still entertaining the kids. Open 24 hours a day, horticulturists at the 14,000-square-foot space use flowers and plants to create magnificent scenes that rotate with the season. You can wander the pathways to view the stunning displays, take photos with the kids, or simply relax. Past exhibits include Chinese New Year, Autumn Harvest, and Under the Sea.


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