Our family has stayed at many other Vegas resorts. Some of our other favorites include: Mandalay Bay (http://mandalaybay.com/), with their sprawling 11-acre Beach playground that includes a wave pool, lazy river and three large pools; the Hilton Grand Vacation Club at the Flamingo (http://www.hiltongrandvacations.com/), which has fully equipped kitchen suites and waterfall tropical swimming complex; and the Bellagio (http://bellagio.com/), which exudes absolute luxury and contains an enchanting seasonal botanical garden.

 

family activities

Parents don't have to worry about whether Vegas has enough activities to keep the kids occupied, because there are plenty. My kids enjoy everything from lazily hanging out by the pool with their mango smoothies, to eyeing the Ferrari-Maserati Auto Collection at the Wynn (http://www.penskewynnferrari.com/), to arcade gaming at the ESPN Zone at New York New York (http://www.nynyhotelcasino.com/).

 

We've attended Excalibur's "Tournament of Kings" Jousting Dinner Show (http://excalibur.com/), which includes a three-course dinner. It's one time that it's OK for kids to eat with their fingers. Animal lovers will enjoy the Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage (http://mirage.com/). Kids will love the white lions, white tigers and bottlenose dolphins. Once they turn 13, kids can become a Dolphin Trainer for a Day. Another favorite is to visit the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay (http://sharkreef.com/). Besides sharks, the aquarium contains giant rays, endangered green sea turtles and rare golden crocodiles.

 

Adventurous kids will enjoy the thrills at the roller coaster rides at New York New York, Stratosphere and Sahara - where you can also experience realistic NASCAR racecar driving at the Las Vegas Cyber Speedway (http://www.saharavegas.com/). Older kids can help solve crimes at CSI: The Experience at the MGM Grand (http://www.mgmgrand.com/). Crime-solvers examine bullet casings, match DNA samples, and eventually find the killer.

 

Vegas is known for their shows, and many are kid-friendly. During this trip, we were in awe at Cirque du Soleil's The Beatles Love showing at the Mirage. The acrobatics, costumes and stage design were amazing. And it was great to see our kids enjoy some of the same music we enjoyed as kids. And if you never saw The Lion King locally, see it at Mandalay Bay. Those mesmerized by magic will enjoy such shows by Criss Angel (http://luxor.com/), Lance Burton (http://montecarlo.com/) and Penn & Teller (http://www.riolasvegas.com/).