Top Las Vegas Shows:

Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular

Absinthe

PeepShow

Hard To Get Las Vegas Shows and Show Ticket Tips:

Buy well in advance, but remember: some tickets are not released more than three months ahead. Keep checking back. For reserved seat shows (most Las Vegas shows), the earlier you buy, the better the seats.

Las Vegas Family Vacations

Las Vegas Is Family Friendly Now, Right?

Only if you call billboard and taxi signs with bare behinds on them as well as a 24/7 party city where your children will be exposed to gambling and tipsy people "family friendly.

If I had a dollar for ever time I have seen a couple pushing a stroller and dragging along a younger child at midnight on The Strip (and looking miserable and envious at the couples enjoying a romantic vacation) I could think about early retirement.

But I Keep Hearing That Las Vegas Is A Family Town

Around 1990 Las Vegas decided to clean up the image and market to families. The hope was that it would add to the present tourist base. By 2000, they realized they had goofed. Families eat the cheap buffets and take advantage of the cheaper rooms (as compared to other vacation destinations) and didn't gamble.

Note: Please don't shoot the messenger here. Our company derives a significant portion of our income from commissions on discount room reservations which are ideal for families. But, we feel it is important to be honest with you. Scroll down for our Las Vegas family vacation suggestions and hints.

The adults who came to drink and gamble started getting upset about dealing with children while they were enjoying an adult vacation.

The Tropicana's advertising slogan a couple years ago was "Rollers, Not Strollers" (emphasizing that their hotel caters to adults). The MGM closed their theme park. Bellagio won't allow anyone under 18 in unless they are a guest and accompanied by an adult.

The Strip has a curfew. Children under 18 are not allowed to be out after 9:00 PM unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

We Already Planned A Family Vacation To Las Vegas.

Having said all of the above, you can still enjoy a great family vacation here if you follow these few suggestions:

• Treat it like a family vacation. On a family vacation, one parent doesn't watch the kid while the other goes and gambles. You don't leave your kids in the hotel room watching TV while you go to a show. You don't drag them around at 1:00 AM (despite the heavy activity occurring here all night that makes it easy to lose track of time).
  
  
• Las Vegas does have activities for families and kids (of all ages) that don't involve boozing, gambling, and nudity. Rollercoasters, animal exhibits and shows, plus just playing by the pool can make it a family vacation. See our Las Vegas Attractions page for details of many great family activities (some which are free)!
  
  
• Rent a car. Period. The Las Vegas Strip is 4.5 miles long, and distances are very deceiving because all the hotels are so big. You might be able to see the Treasure Island sign and hotel and it looks like a 5 minute walk when in reality is is over a mile away.
  
  Scenic and family friendly areas like Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, and Bonnie Springs Old Nevada are a 30-45 minute drive from The Strip. Except for major holidays and a few peak convention periods, car rentals in Las Vegas are very affordable. Check Car Rental Rates: Click Here

We Were Thinking About A Family Vacation To Las Vegas. What Now?

If you treat it like a true family vacation (as noted above) you can have a good time. Take advantage of the reasonable room rates, use the savings to rent a car, plan your activities and enjoy yourself. If the gambling, boozing, and nightlife look fun then come back and see us again soon when you can leave the kids with Grandma.

If you are taking the kids to Disneyland, Disney World or somewhere else, feel free to take advantage of our discount hotel rates for all major cities and tourism destinations.