Where is Las Vegas?
The city of Las Vegas is located in the southern part of the state of Nevada. It is one of the largest cities within the Mojave Desert and is known as a resort city that is popular for casinos, entertainment, and nightlife.
How to get to Las Vegas?
Las Vegas is located quite far from other major cities, so the most convenient way to get there is by plane. The McCarran International Airport is the main airport and is located approximately 5 miles south of downtown Las Vegas.
Interstate highways I-15 and I-515 both go through the city, leading to California, Arizona, and northern Nevada. The largest major city is Los Angeles which is located 269 miles southwest of Las Vegas via interstate 15.
When is the best time to visit Las Vegas?
The best time of year for a trip to Las Vegas is in the spring between March and May, or in the fall from September to November. These shoulder seasons mean affordable hotel rates and fewer tourists.
The city is popular in the winter when the weather is moderate, and people flock to the area to celebrate the holidays. Summer temperatures can reach over 100 degrees so a trip during this time of year may not be pleasant or you may be forced indoors.
What to do in Las Vegas?
The city of Las Vegas is relatively small, with an area of 135 square miles. Most of the activities and tourist attractions center around the Las Vegas Strip, a 4.2-mile section of the South Las Vegas Boulevard where many hotels, casinos, and resorts are located.
It is this portion of the city which is iconic and often featured in films. Resorts along this street can be large and sprawling, with many activities and entertainment events taking place inside. The Mandalay Bay Resort [Book] houses a casino and also hosts many concerts, including those that take place on the simulated beach, and a shark reef aquarium.
The New York-New York Resort [Book] is home to the Big Apple roller coaster, an arcade, and many other thrill rides. At the Paris Las Vegas [Book], you will find a replica of the Eiffel Tower and the famous Fountains of Bellagio [Book] are also nearby.
You can also ride on the High Roller [Book], the tallest observation wheel which reaches 550 feet above the city with 360-degree views.
Las Vegas is also the perfect place to catch a show, whether it’s Cirque du Soleil, a Broadway musical, or a Disney adaptation for the younger ones.
Is Las Vegas family-friendly?
Although Las Vegas is referred to as Sin City and is a popular destination for hedonism, there are plenty of things for families to enjoy too. In addition to the landmark thrill rides, there are many exciting things to discover for kids of all ages.
The Slotzilla zip line allows you to zip through downtown at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. Two different heights are available so you can moderate it depending on the age of your children. Another option is the AdventureDome, an indoor amusement park with rides and games for the entire family.
At The Tank, a shark aquarium at the Golden Nugget, you can ride a waterslide that goes through the water with views of sharks. They also offer shark tank tours that are hosted by marine biologists so you can learn more about the animals and see them be fed.
The Discovery Children’s Museum has many exciting exhibitions and allows kids of all ages to have hands-on fun. Another popular destination is the Container Park, a play area made from repurposed shipping containers that features a treehouse and a 33-foot-tall slide.
A visit to the 14,000-square foot Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden is sure to thrill everyone with the floral showcases which change with the seasons. At the Mirage [Book] you can find The Volcano which lights up with a fire show performed to music that shoots flames into the air.
You can tour the Ethel M. Chocolate Factory and get free samples or stop by M&Ms World to find souvenirs, a free movie, and more. At The Venetian [Book] you can take a gondola ride and imagine yourself in Venice, then follow it up with some gelato.
The city is also easy for families to get around. There are three free trams running between popular locations and a monorail. Taxis are also an option, especially for young ones who are too tired to walk back to the hotel.
What are the best events for kids in Las Vegas?
No Events
