This article offers a list of family-friendly hotel/casinos in Las Vegas.
Traveling with children in Las Vegas can be tough, especially since children are not allowed to linger in casinos. There are a few hotel/casinos, however, that offer fun for the entire family.
1. Excalibur. Excalibur, with its gleaming white towers and mult-colored turrets, is the most appealing hotel to look at on the strip. Children who have read stories about princes and princesses who lived in castles are bound to fall in love with this hotel on sight. And the fun keeps coming. Directly below the casino, kids will find the Fantasy Faire Midway which offers video games, fair games, and Merlin's Magic Motion Machine Rides. Upstairs, a unique collection of shops present a variety of clothing and fantasy figurines for children and adults. The whole family will enjoy one of the last dinner shows in Las Vegas, the Tournament of Kings, which is full of dancing, jousting, and good triumphing over evil.
2. Luxor. The Luxor, named after a village in Egypt, is built in the shape of a pyramid. Rather than taking elevators to your room in the pyramid, you take "inclinators," which rise at a thirty-nine degree angle. It may make you a little sick to your stomach, but your children will get a kick out of it. The Luxor offers a fascinating reproduction of King Tut's tomb, but warn your kids not to talk too loudly about the mummy's curse. Gamblers are a superstitious lot. Above the casino lies a two-story arcade, an IMAX theater, and a motion simulator ride. The popular blue man group will be a treat for adults as well as older children and teens.
3. Circus Circus. The Circus Circus, built in the 1960's, has a long history as a family destination. Today it's looking a little the worse for wear, but it still offers a low-cost buffet with favorite kid foods; circus acts; the Circus Circus Carnival Midway with it's fair games, arcade, and carnival food; and the Adventuredome, and indoor amusement park for all ages.
4. Monte Carlo. One would think that this imposing museum-like building would cater to adults only, but underneath the glamour there's some true family appeal here. Children will enjoy finding their favorite foods at the fast food court with offerings such as McDonald's, Nathan's, and Hagen Daas. A lovely arcade and water parks with both adult's and children's pools practically guarantee family bliss.
5. Las Vegas Hilton. If you have a family of Trekkies, this is the place to stay. Star Trek: The Experience offers a huge collection of Star Trek memorabilia and a timeline of the life of the Enterprise. After you've perused the museum, try the new ride: Borg Invasion 4D. If the younger members of your family are afraid to confront the Borg--and who wouldn't be?--you can browse through the Star Trek themed shops or have a bite to eat at Quark's Bar and Grill. There is a monorail stop at the Las Vegas Hilton.
6. MGM Grand. This shining green hotel, which used to feature a heavy-handed Wizard of Oz decor, was once a mecca for families traveling with young children. Those days are fading, but it's still a fairly fun place for kids with a huge pool area, a Rainforest Cafe, and the awe-inspiring lion habitat. MGM Grand also offers a daycare facility on site. There is a monorail stop at the MGM Grand.
7. Stratosphere. The Stratosphere lies at the very north end of the Strip and is touted as the tallest building west of the Mississippi. Because it lies a little off the beaten path, the price is certainly family friendly, and older children will enjoy riding up to the tower and challenging the world's three highest thrill rides.
8. Sahara. The Sahara is one of the older hotel/casinos on the Strip, but has been kept competitive by several multi-million dollar facelifts. It now features a NASCAR Cafe and a roller coaster that propels one at maximum speed both forward and backward. Children will also enjoy the video game room. There is a monorail stop at the Sahara.
9. New York, New York. This hotel, a small model of New York city, is a sightseeing extravaganza both inside and out. Expect to bump into someone at least once as you jostle your way through the crowded public areas in a daze. In fact, there's so much hustle and bustle and so many amazing sights that sensitive children may be overstimulated. Other kids will enjoy the New York themed shops, the midway which offers games, and the amazing roller coaster.
10. Mirage. Ironically, the Mirage used to be considered a grown-up hotel while families with children felt more welcomed at next door Treasure Island. Since then Treasure Island, now known as TI, has been de-kidified and the pirate theme downplayed to nothing. The Mirage, however, continues to offer the lovely and educational Secret Garden of Siegfried and Roy and the Dolphin Habitat. Children will also get a kick out of looking at the huge aquarium in the hotel lobby. The extensive pools are a charming tropical paradise for all ages.
Bringing kids into a hotel with a casino can present some challenges, but many Las Vegas hotels are sensitive to this fact and do what they can to provide a family friendly atmosphere.
