Las Vegas with Children 101

The rooms and suites are very roomy and perfect when traveling with the kids. They were willing to make concessions to their website’s pricing and room requirements (allowing families of four to occupy a one-bedroom suite with a sofa bed). They love adults and kids, as is evident from the moment you check in. Little ones are given coloring books, crayons, and pails when arriving in your room, and adults are given a complimentary bottle of sparkling water, while kids are greeted with either a soda and popcorn or special milk-and-cookies turndown service with their names in sponges. Families are more than welcomed, with a variety of baby needs available on request and board games available at the concierge desk. Special buffets for children are available on the verandah, and the staff loves to pamper young and old alike, everything from iced towels at poolside or after a morning run to water with fruit, chilled Evian sprayed on your face upon request, and cucumber slices for your eyes or eating poolside.

The spa is a relaxing place to enjoy after the hustle-and-bustle of sightseeing and gaming. The staff even welcomes you HOME upon a return trip. Easter Sunday even had the Easter Bunny and photos available per your request. They even make notes of your likes and dislikes. There is no casino in the Four Seasons, but one is available in the Mandalay Bay. You are even able to take advantage of the Mandalay Bay Facilities as well. Access is obtained to the Four Seasons by room keys only. When pampering with ease is wanted, be sure to stay at this Las Vegas AAA five-diamond resort. This is the best there is!

The breakfast buffet and dinner buffets are reasonable, with generous discounts for children. While breakfast has your usual selections, fresh fruit, omelets, cereal (hot and cold), blintzes, eggs, sausage, bacon, ham, pastries, muffins, lox, etc, some surprises exist too. Lunch and dinner consist of many different regional dishes from all over the world, as well as pizza, crab legs shrimp, and carving and pasta stations. The desserts, including the soft-serve ice cream, were a delight, and the atmosphere is exquisite. This is a must-do for quality and quantity.

Though this is a pricey buffet, it is one of the more worthwhile ones due to selection. They have a section for each country’s cuisine. Warning: There isn't a child's price!! For those looking for tasty ethnic cuisine from most every country, this is the buffet for you. If you are looking for cheap eats for a family, this is not for you. Food quality and quantity were beyond plentiful.

The atmosphere (overlooking the French countryside) was quaint, and the food was quite tasty. Selections were plentiful and seemed authentic, right down the snooty French waiters. This is one restaurant we're sure to visit on each visit to Las Vegas. Sit back, relax, and enjoy after a day of sightseeing or gambling.

Seeing these natural wonders in their habitats and learning about them by info wand are great. Even the petting tank was lots of fun. This is educational while being fun. Young ones won't realize they are learning about science. The shark tunnels were a little disconcerting at first (sharks swim all around you), but you adapt quickly, as do the kids.

Be sure to book your ticket early. You'll be given a return time. Be sure to be there on time. You are then directed to a gondola for four (unless you pay $50 for a private Gondola). You may get a private one without additional charge depending on the time you go. Your gondolier will introduce himself and then your photo will be taken. On the way down the “Grand Canal,” you will get the history of the gondola and then your gondolier will sing to the both of you in the “public square.” You will then return after one to two song clips. This is the best half-hour to 45 minutes.

You pass the magnificent pools of the Mirage and then continue to the dolphin tanks to watch the birth of the Mirage dolphins following some play time with the dolphins. You then proceed to the animal habitat after receiving your recording wand. You then pass each of Siegfried and Roy's tigers and elephants. You learn about each of the animals, including some anecdotes or stories of their lives with the lions and elephants.

One, Singular Sensation, Singin' in the Rain, Luck Be A Lady, Con Te Partiro (Time to Say Goodbye), God Bless The USA, and Viva Las Vegas are just some of the songs you'll hear. Songs are seasonal and vary by time of year.

We took our girls for our second time seeing this talented performer. My daughters, ages 16, 13, and 7 at the time, laughed out loud. Though this show is pricey, it's worth every dime. Close your eyes and listen closely; you'll hear many famous voices. The beauty about this show is that some song words are changed to add a touch of comedy. Nothing is tired about this show, and we hated to see it end. Run, don't walk, to this fantastic show!!!!

For those who grew up in the '70s and '80s, be prepared to sing and dance along weather or not you were a fan of the music originally. It teaches the music to a whole new audience. The cast was great and the music is contagious.

This is the least exciting thing to do in Las Vegas. Forget that the lion is a direct descendant of the original MGM Lion, as the lion spends most of its time sleeping. Feeding time at the zoo should be more exciting! Don't waste your time.

Though it's amazing what they do with the shows, my family found this whole experience cheesy. As much as they are continually trying to upgrade the downtown area, it is still trashy. Time can be better spent out of the downtown area. The older hotels are smoky.

The atmosphere in this hotel takes you back to ancient Egypt. The Sphinx, King Tut's tomb, and the recreated statues are amazing. There is a whole attraction level not to be missed, but be sure to take the day pass to save money. Magic Motion Rides King Tut's Tomb and the IMAX theatre present a whole day of activities to keep you busy. There is even an expansive arcade for the down time between shows.

Bountiful Buffets and great restaurants abound at this sister resort to Mandalay Bay, Excalibur, Monte Carlo, and Circus Circus. They are reachable via monorail or connecting halls between Excalibur and the Mandalay Bay.

Blue Man Group is better for older children and adults, as some of the action may be too much for younger kids.

If staying at the Luxor in the pyramid (they move on an angle, sideways), you experience inclinators to take you from floor to floor.

This is a definite "must" experience in Vegas.

This modern marvel is awe-inspiring and somewhat scary. Its size will take your breath away, especially when you realize how much water it is holding back and the amount of energy being generated. Unfortunately, due to 9/11, you are no longer able to go down in the dam, but its size will still amaze you. This attraction is best reached by bus tour from your hotel to the Hoover Dam. Call the tour operator directly, and be sure to use a coupon book, as that's the most economical and safest way to travel. Grey Line is one of the more popular tour operators and worth every penny.

The Bellagio Botanical Gardens are beautiful and changed according to the season. They are very pretty, but if you are not a registered guest or don't have tickets to a show or the museum, don't plan on visiting this attraction, as children are not welcomed at this hotel. This hotel tends to be snooty, and as a pervious guest of many Las Vegas hotels, not very welcoming to kids. Don't expect to see a theme as you do with other Vegas hotels. This is not what you're used to.

Walking the Las Vegas hotels and Strip is very demanding and not meant for those who have difficulties walking. Experiencing all of the Luxor and its Egyptian splendor, as well as Paris, The Venetian, Caesar's, Mirage, and Treasure Island, along with the new Wynn Hotel, in this way is the only way to feel all the attention to detail that can transport you to a foreign land in Las Vegas.