Waking Up In Vegas.....With the Kids

I definitely get the motto " What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas," but I feel it's appropriate to share my moments spent with my 6 year old twins in Sin city. Why, you may ask, would I bring them to Vegas, and for a week? Well, my parents gave me a free timeshare, and they were coming along, so I thought it would be fun ... do the kids activities during the day, and then have built in babysitters for me to do as I please at night! Little did I know that my husband would bail on coming, and every other friend and brother I tried to recruit declined as well. I began to wonder if it was possible to enjoy 6 days there, but after some minor internet research, I discovered there were plenty of places to take the kids, most of which I would enjoy myself.

Each day, I included something geared towards their amusement, and for mine, there was always shopping. You can't go to any decent hotel without passing by a number of fabulous boutiques. "Vegas with kids" tip #1: Try to do their activity relatively early in the day so that they have energy. Drag them into the shops afterwards.

The following is a list of things to do with kids ages 3 and up:

The Mandalay Bay's Shark Reef Aquarium: This houses an amazing selection of fish and exotic reptiles, including a hands-on stingray, horseshoe crab, and starfish aquarium. Aprox. $10 for kids, and $15 for adults. And, the Mandalay has some of the best restaurants and boutiques on the strip!

The Mirage's Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat: This is in a beautiful setting and very upclose and personal. The dolphins were impressive, and they allow anyone to be a dolphin trainer for a day (as long as you pay handsomely), but what a way to spend a day in Vegas! The Secret Garden is home to the White Tigers, zebras, panthers, leopards, among other exotic animals. It was more interesting then most zoos, not to crowded, and the White Tigers were fascinating to observe. $10 for kids over 3, $15 for adults.

The M&M Store: A very popular stop for all ages...who doesn't like M&M's?? Depending on the time of year, it can be quite crowded, but the kids loved it. I'll admit it's cheesy, and not in the nicest shopping district on the strip, but again, I needed to fill 6 days with amusement. Just don't go there with children unless you can spend the money. It's 4 stories of anything and everything...clothing, jewelry, candy machines, stuffed m&m dolls, backpacks, ornaments, and of course, vats of rainbow colored m&m candies.

Circus Circus: Obviously, there are circus acts, but there is so much more than that. This place about put me over the edge though, and I had to keep repeating to myself, " It's all about the kids." Here is where I'll insert my "Vegas with kids" tip # 2: Do not bring your kids anywhere like this unless you can be loving, generous, and of the "all about the kids" mindset...it's not fair to them. So, do some deep breathing, maybe a meditation before one of these outings, and focus on them for at least 2 or 3 hours.
There is a massive carnival midway that has most every game in existence, and even 6 yr olds can win! We took home a trash bag full of giant pillows, beanie babies, ugly plastic dolls and other items that would be given away within a week of returning home. The circus acts are free and last about 15 minutes each with a 45 minute wait in between. Performers such as the Russian feline fairly sexy acrobat (for the dads out there) and the astounding unicycling juggler were part of the lineup. Nothing the adult hasn't seen before, but through a child's eyes....ah, yes, you know what I'm saying.
Connected to the casino, is an enormous shimmery red building that houses rollercoasters, and other amusement park rides. I didn't want to step close to the entrance because it would've been 3 more hours out of my day .... I hadn't gone boutiquing yet!

A couple of peaceful and quick outings are to the Flamingo hotel to stroll the gardens full of an array of unusual birds, including, you got it, flamingos. The other is the stunning Bellagio fountain show which goes off every 1/2 hour.

This is only a short list of the things to do. For me, it was enough, but depending on the age of the child and how much you're willing to spend, there is so much more.

"Vegas with kids" tip # 3: If the kids have grandparents as remarkable as mine....bring them. It will keep you sane, and get you out when the town comes to life. "Alone in Vegas, at Night" will have to be another feature.