Things to do in Las Vegas?

[Joanne]

Next month we will be going to Vegas for my sisters wedding. We will be bringing the kids (2 years old and a 2 month old). So I am looking for things to do while we are there other than gambling. We have been to Vegas several times so we have seen the damn, and most of the Casinos. The only thing scheduled this trip, so far, is the Shelby museum. I was wondering about some other places to see or do there with the kids like red rock. Can you guys recommend a place that is a must see. We will be there from Monday- Thursday unfortunately we will not be taking the tear this trip.

Here's a few ideas:

Here’s a few ideas of things to do that don’t involve putting money into a slot machine.

Red Rock –
Red Rock is just west of town. It is quite pretty and offers some nice hiking and photography opportunities. http://www.asolidfoundation.com/rr_01.shtml

Valley of Fire – About 40 miles north of town and is a more dramatic example of the geographical structures found at Red Rock. Returning to town along the Lake Mead road is worth the extra time. http://www.asolidfoundation.com/vf_01.shtml

Circus Circus Adventure Dome – This is a small theme park under a huge glass dome. It’s not Disneyland under glass, but my kids always enjoyed it.

Mandalay Bay Casino – the Shark Reef Experience. A huge aquarium filled with sharks including an underwater walkway to get close to the sharks.

Caesars Forum Shops – Amazing animatronic statues, a huge aquarium and FAO Schwarz for the kids.

Fremont Street Experience – light shows are presented in the evening on the huge overhead light canopy. Some folks love it, others think it’s over-hyped.

Desperado roller coaster at Buffalo Bills Casino south of Vegas at the Nevada / California boarder. This one scared me so bad I’ll never go on it again! They also have the Bonnie & Clyde at the outlet mall.

The roller coaster at New York, New York. There are some really fun eating places in the back of the casino. They are made to look like one of the boroughs in New York.

The roller coaster at the Sahara Casino. They also have some NASCAR stuff there, but I’ve not gone to see it so I can’t say whether it’s worth it or not.

The antique car collection at the Imperial Palace. Quite impressive the time I was there.

The art collection at the Bellagio. Currently showing impressionistic landscapes by Renoir, Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir and more.

The dancing waters show in front of the Bellagio.

Ride to the top of the Stratosphere Tower for a beautiful view of the city and surrounding mountains. They also have some rides at the top of the tower, but I’m afraid of heights so I’ve only been to the top of the tower once and didn’t stay up there very long!

Hope this helps,
Joanne

[asianflava]

If you have never been to Vegas, this is one thing I learned the hard way, several of my friends also made the same mistake.

Just because it looks close, doesn't mean it is.

You'll see something in the distance and say, "Oh it's just right over there let's walk."
Wrong choice! Those mega hotels make everything look close. I'd swear that Caesar's Palace is 1/2mile to cross in front of.

Anyway, what makes Vegas fun is the fact that there are other things to do besides gamble. The first 3 times we went, we hardly played any games. These are a few things off the top of my head that are in and around "The Strip".

Free stuff to see:
Pirate show at TI (Treasure Island)
Volcano erupting (Mirage)
Fountains (Bellagio)
Lion habitat (MGM)
Freemont Street Experience (Downtown)
Circus acts (Circus Circus)
Rain room (Alladin)

Stuff you have to pay for:
Rollercoasters (Stratosphere, NYNY, Sahara)
Adventuredome (Circus Circus)
Car Museum (Imperial Palace)
Aquarium (Mandalay Bay)
Gondola Ride (Venetian)
Observation deck on top of Eiffel Tower (Paris)

General fun stuff for Kids:
NASCAR Cafe (Sahara)
Medieval Times diner show (Excalibur)
M&M store (Next to MGM)
Cocoa-Cola Store (Next to MGM)
Arcades (Luxor, MGM, Under M&M store)

[bledsoe3]

Steve, Now that you have ideas of what to do with the kids, here's one for you.
http://www.1800bepetty.com/intro.html
I've been to Vegas too many times that for whatever reason I didn't do this. Come May, I'm strapping 650 HP to my a** and going balls out. One way or another!

[TRAIL-OF-TEARS]

Thanks everyone.
Asian I know what you mean we were at Ceasar's and we thought we would just walk to the Stratosphere. The walk there was bad but the walk back was a killer bad.
Joanne, we are doing red rock but I think we will add Valley of fire.
Bledsoe, we will be at the Vagas motor speedway when we visit the Shelby museum so I might have to look into that.

[BrwBier]

I agree with some others, Red Rocks is a great place, you an spend hours there if you like hiking. My other favorite place, if you have a whole day to do it is Zion National Park. About 150 miles north, but very nice hiking.
Brwbier

[TRAIL-OF-TEARS]

I forgot about the ski resort. Gonna take the kid to see the snow. Does anyone know when their last day of the season is? the web site only says what the start day is.

[gman]

http://lasvegas.about.com/cs/mtcharlest ... leston.htm[url][/url]

[Micro469]

Nobody seems to mention the Chicken Ranches! I heard they are a very popular siteseeing place. Don't know why tho, If you've seen one chicken, you've seen 'em all.

[gman]

careful, you might get "henpecked" for looking there

[TomS]

careful, you might get "henpecked" for looking there

I heard a great song on the Bluesville channel on XM the other day. The singer claims "I'm not henpecked, I was just picked by the right hen". I forget the artist and title. But, I got a chuckle out of it.