Its not all about the Glitz...
LAS VAGAS HAS LANDED!!!
***LAS VEGAS***
Las Vegas, often Referred to by many as Vegas, others Sin City... (WINK) is the most populous city in the state of Nevada!
The Las Vegas Valley metropolitan area is the largest within the greater Mojave Desert, and 2nd-largest in the Southwestern United States.... Visitors are offered many attractions along the Vegas strip from the extravagant Casinos, in house exhibitions, street performers, many many dining options and of cause the high end Stage shows and celebrities that frequent here.
If your not here for the glitz and glamour and to burn a hole in your pocket then you might be setting off on one of the highways leading you out of town.
Location: 2880 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV.
Opening Hours: ALL DAY
Price: FREE TO VISIT + Attractions and games
Adventuredome is where you need to head if you have the kids in toe.
This place is fun we spent a good chunk of the day enjoying the classic's and the wild.
A great attraction offering a combination of everything to suite every family.
Take it easy with the traditional arcade styled games that keeps everyone involved, offers many duel options for family battles also.
Midway games have you flashing back to the side show Alleys - with family favourites including Balloon bust, darts & basketball - all rewarding participants prizes in exchange of their laughs and skills.
There is laser challenge, VR studio, golf, rock climbing and bungee jumping all indoors making this an all weather attraction, perfect for escaping the heat.
If all that is not enough grab a seat on one of the coasters and step things up a notch! With around 10 rides in the Extreme zone featuring the El Loco & Canyon Blaster for a unique coaster ride.
On your way out be sure to slow things down with a visit via the Junior kids rides and into the 4D Theater for some final fun with options that included an Angry Birds adventure, Ice Age or Scooby offerings - why not do all three!
SIDE NOTE - Why not visit during Neon Nights offering a fun Neon environment for the added touch on fun, operating every Friday & Saturday nights - go On get Lit - It's Vegas after all!
If you thought that was it - WRONG! .....
Making a splash landing here is the Las Vegas Splash zone... you guessed it - a water park its small open between 10 - 5pm daily with the large slide from midday makes this a fun stop to cool off for a few lazy hours right?
Oh, and this hotel Isn't coincidentally named Circus Circus ... they really do offer fun Circus acts
on a rotating schedule daily from 1.30pm weekdays and earlier on weekends you will see many various acts including Music mashups that will elegantly performed as aerial dance with chains, the traditional clowns of cause, funny chef twins the juggling masters,Flying Trapeze and more... ALL COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE!
You can see how a day here can be quickly filled, and so you might need to top up the energy bar so From here head straight to the onsite Steakhouse you wont regret it Seating allows a view of the cooking areas just for wow factor and well because its Vegas! Other restaurants include Mexican, pizzeria, big top eats and smaller options throughout.
All that's all before we even consider the casino options... I will leave that for you to discover
not at all appealing to me I skip straight past them... Im here for the food and the fun!
I would consider this for future accomodation considering its many family friendly options and location just outside the craziness of the strip yet within walking distance.
Location: Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV
Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm DAILY
Price: Free to Visit + Purchases
Well this one's fun!
We decided to take on the Coke flavours of the world tasting gimmick while we stopped in store. This was new to us since we had last been so it was something different and Fun to do with the kids…. WOWZA what a strange pallet some countries have this was both pleasing and discussing at points but offered us a good laugh and some fun memories for the kids.
Some of the flavours are hard to except as being best sellers in some other countries, it's something you just have to engage in to truely appreciate how diverse the world is.
Levels of Coke Merch that was actually more practical than I was expecting, the store offering flashbacks of past flavours had me quickly reminded of my age… eg..TAB! I loved that as a child.
Another fun afternoon activity we all enjoyed and recommend if you are keen for something different, let me warn you its no wine tasting extravaganza what it is just cant be put into words - Give it a shot and let us know your thoughts!
Location: Luxor Hotel and casino
Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV
Opening Hours: 11am -6pm
Price: $49.00 USD
I loved this one my daughter DID NOT!…. We visited here straight after our titanic exhibit and to be honest I was not expecting it to be as graphic as it was…. This really scared her to a point once she realised the exhibit was actually REAL body parts and REAL people etc.
We were committed at that point so we did continue she was brave in understanding the exhibit was to offer you the opportunity to understand how the human body works and what damage we can do to our bodies.
I will say it was a lot at first, even for me (triggers ahead)- they had real babies, they had an entire exhibit on miscarriage & baby loss, to counteract that they had a beautiful pregnancy guide.
On display were real lungs with cancers in them, healthy hearts to compare various diseased hearts and so on - It was fascinating.
They had the full breakdown of the human body of both male and female
(again my daughter did not know where to look hahahaha! )
I really would add this to your bucket list purely for the experience to learn and see our bodies in a different light. I loved it once I got past the first few confronting displays and mild triggers.
Location: 713 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA
Opening Hours: 10am -5.30pm DAILY
Price: FREE to visit + Purchases
My daughter loved this shop she is a sucker for a good LifeLine, Vinnies or op shop store,
so she enjoyed and appreciated the visit here.
On our family bucket list we could not visit Vegas without a stop here this time around and it was a pleasing inclusion to see the store in real life and witness it trading as per usual. Missed the crew by one day but that was no be deal to us we were satisfied to have visit when the calm was more enjoyable. I guess if you are a fan its a must see!
AND SINCE YOUR ON THIS SIDE OF TOWN --------------> NEXT STOP SHOULD BE ----->
** Rick's Rollin Smoke BBQ & Tavern **
Location: Pawn Plaza -Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV
Opening Hours: 10am -10pm DAILY
Price: VARIOUS
Just do it! We loved everything about our meal here I really wish we had of taken more photos I felt rude to ask, but really kicking myself now!
You have a 50/50 Chance of meeting the stars of the show at any one of these outlets in Pawn Plaza so get yourself set! They are in and out daily you just need to time it right.
Co-ownership to this amazing stop is Rick the main man Harrison so you guessed it - we had to take a peek Sooo glad we did!
The food is delicious here really felt the love of the home style American comfort food!
The Meats, the potato the Mac & Cheese all so deliciously good! We could have ate the corn bread for days..... and did crave it for many after!
Fresh, Delicious & well sized! FULL FIVE STARS HERE!
With stories from staff that daily prepping begins from Early AM mornings is obvious from the first bite - there is a passion for smoking (meats) here!
Also loved chatting with the staff and felt the atmosphere to be genuine and friendly. We had the kids so we didn't experience the upstairs tavern area but hear good things from there!
Please do it!
From here You can skip next door to -------->
** Chumlee's Candy on the Boulevard **
Location: Pawn Plaza - 725 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV
Opening Hours: 10am -3pm DAILY (CLOSED Mon/Tue)
Price: Free to visit + Purchases
Not a sweets person but it was a cute stop and of cause being owned by Chumlee
(character of the famous pawn stars show) made this a must see also.
We purchased some goodies (some Scottish Dogs of all things) that made it all the way back to AUS.
Again super friendly environments, really enjoyed the conversation with staff and hearing that Chumlee is quite the photographer offering some great pieces for sale.
It’s a small store but has all you need to get yourself a delicious sugar fix including branded chocolates that I could not resist just for the fun of it!
Looking for a fun night tour of Vegas?....
We highly recommend the guided tour on the big bus .....
The fun continues--------->
Vegas attractions not to miss
Location: 35654 Yermo Rd, Yermo, CA
Opening Hours: 7am -8pm DAILY (weekends till 9pm)
Price: FREE to visit + Meals or purchases
Around 2 hours outside of Vegas sits Peggy Sue's a 50's themed diner built in 1957, Originally as a house then trading as a local Pie shop. changing ownership and reopening in 1987 the new owners ironically named Champ and 'Peggy Sue' Gabler Packed
it full of their own expansive collection of '50s movie and music memorabilia.
Today Peggy Sues trades as a diner (I suggest you book ahead) as well as a fun gift store that you really didn't know you needed to see!
Its Quirky, Its packed with gifts, has great food, Funny waitresses, has fun humour throughout and if you are passing you definitely need to stop here!
Location: hotel Pick up confirmed at booking
Opening Hours: VARIOUS
Price: From $136usd
HIGHLIGHT of the trip!!! Great tour really enjoyed everything this purchase offered.
Vegas has an abundance of cool factories/garages bursting with Custom creations and it was super to see them in action with staff tinkering away.
Visiting 4 garages/factories including Shelby America, Nostalgia Streets, welder up and my fav Kustoms housing Cad's housing Mustangs, Fords all different colours shapes and interiors. The bus that we travelled in was also awesome - Pimped inside with lights to build the atmosphere real cool!
Tour was around 4 hours around 8 of us in total so a comfortable group and worth every dollar in my opinion included a $20 voucher that I purchased a shirt with.
Highly recommend doing this tour if you are a fan of the TV shows!
Location: 300 Stewart Ave, Las Vegas, NV
Opening Hours: 9am -9pm DAILY (till 6.30pm FRI)
Price: FROM $29.95 usd
I guess theres a dark side to every city the Mob museum here in Vegas offers an insight into just that. Featuring what was my favourite the valentines wall...... rebuilt with the original bricks and bullet holes highlighted in red paint adds to the drama of the day that was!
Lots of other artefacts here to draw you into the dark world dating back many decades including the very cold looking Gas chamber chair! Its a must see for museum and history lovers alike!
Prices here vary on entry to accomodate a simple general admission to one complete with interactive experiences.
Location: 3535 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV
Opening Hours: 2pm -Midnight DAILY (weekends 12noon -midnight)
Price: ADULT $34.75usd | CHILD $17.50 usd
A great way to peek over the strip the High Roller allows for a fun 30 min rotation Suitable and fun for the kids this opportunity allows a game of eye spy to find landmarks making for a fun geography lesson without them even knowing.
We took this ride on our very 1st trip to Vegas and totally enjoyed all it offered Great family activity especially at sun set!
Location: 2000 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV
Opening Hours:
Price: ADULTS $49.95usd | CHILD $39.95 usd
Why not take a guided tour here for that added touch by Upgrading to a VIP Package you can be escorted by one of the Station Agents.
In a nutshell this family attraction asks you to interactively assemble case files on each of the themed characters and move on to become qualified members of the Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N by the end Its fun family friendly and hands on the kids are going to love this.
One for the Marvel fans TICK!
** Shark Reef Aquarium**
Location: 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV (Mandalay Bay resort)
Opening Hours: 10am -8pm DAILY (last entry 7pm)
Price: FROM $29.00 USD
Yes this is all you would expect from A fun visit to this aquarium its filled with 2000+ all of which you can admire from the traditional viewing options including the spectacular water tunnel. Whats more here is the opportunity to dive with the sharks literally, the new exhibit allowing you to feed the green sea turtles is also a highlight!
How about a stingray feeding opportunity you may choose to add that on to your visit here at Shark reef also! Beautiful Jelly fish pods and a wonderful Octopus offers further insight into its world of the sea. A peaceful visit is offered here a great opportunity to reset while enjoying a calmer attraction away from the crazy of the strip.
** National History Museum **
Location: 900 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV
Opening Hours: 9am - 4pm DAILY
Price: ADULT $12.00usd | CHILD $6.00usd |Senior $10 .00usd
Another must see Museum would have to the the National History Museum here in Vegas
If your timing is right you ay arrive during a seasonal exhibit so be sure to check out whats on before planning your days here.
One thing I wanted to mention straight up - don't be surprised to see the locals schools working through the museum many schools in the USA often field trip to various museums during the school terms.
I don't have an issue with this - just a note to mention incase its something that may turn you off a visit.
This Museum offers such lovely Galleries that include the bright displays found in the geology Gallery, Wild Nevada offers a look at the Mojave Desert, the prehistoric galleries offer fun while the Marine life Gallery offers special effects that make for a really fun stop off to break things up a little.
Let this kids Dig for fossils or jump in the submarine for an underwater expedition in the children's science area there is so much to see and enjoy at this all weather museum.
VEGAS GO CARD
If you are a strategic planner then a go card is a great option for you to help beat the budget blues!
I am always advising these option for travellers all over ... These can really offer some great savings together with the added motivation to keep you moving through your holiday not missing anything.
The Vegas fun continues-------->
** Titanic Exhibition - Excalibar hotel **
Location: Luxor Hotel and casino
Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV
Opening Hours: 11am - 8pm
Price: From $32.00 usd
We absolutely loved our visit here. I was joined by My 10yr old who was disputing my purchase yet before long she was well and truely deeply lost in everything titanic! The exhibit was beautifully replicated with the grand staircase allowing the perfect take home snapshot (purchased only) as a well presented memory keepsake. Artefacts filled the entire
Titanic adventure.
I would suggest ages upwards of say 10+ would enjoy a visit here however a visit without would allow you the opportunity to take a deep interest in all the reading and stories on offer.
Location: Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV
Opening Hours: 9am - Midnight
Price: Free to visit + Purchases
Everything M&M’s.. over 3 levels! What a fun place to visit the colours alone make you feel good!
Not that we did, however I absolutely love the opportunity to create our own unique M&M’s a little out of our price range and practicality standards but I love the concept.
we spent a good 1/2 hour here maybe a fraction more embracing everything these adorable characters had to offer learning the personalities and matching them to our family dynamic was hilarious. We left with one small collection of M&M’s I should have purchased a few shirts but i was sitting tight to budget - next time!
Location: Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV
Opening Hours: 9am - Midnight DAILY (sat & Sun till 1am)
Price: Free to Visit + Purchases
Another one for the lovers of chocolate or sweets a stop here will get you fixed real quick.. Again offering levels of branded merch, a small cafe can be found on the ground floor and it's location sits conveniently 1/2 way along the strip.
Just a visit here to see the store is a must do and offers fun photo ops!
Location: 3377 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV
Opening Hours: 10am -8pm DAILY
Price: FROM $43.99 usd +
By now you may know we love this museum franchise, each offering a local flavour with celebrity stories and display's, different in each location .
A visit to Madame Tussauds is always on our Mum & Me 2do list!
Its highly recommended for some fun photo ops and a chance practice your fan fever should you unexpectedly bump into your famous idol.
Classified as the world BEST opening in 1999, this Vegas location (above the Venetian resort) was the very 1st Madam Tussauds to open in the USA.
Offering fun interactive games and a hangover bar to wet the whistle this just may be the best one we have seen, tho our hearts are still in Nashville on this one!
Since you are in the area why not consider the Gondola COMBO pass include the fun Cruise along the Venetian Hotel and Casino on a gondola ride after your visit to the wax museum.
Location: 2000 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV
Opening Hours:
Price: Free to visit + Attractions
Looking for more fun with the kids The Strat is not far from Circus Circus so if you are in the area or accomodation is close by The Strat may be another option to consider.
With its observation deck offering views out of this world that alone is worth a visit here, add to that the sky pod's Top of the World restaurant that revolves while dining (like Sydney tower eye in Sydney), a cocktail lounge offering delights and sweet sips to enjoy while adoring the nights skyline views to EXTREME (I'm not joking) rides that will definitely have your heart beating a little quicker than the usual!
I could not do any of these thrill rides *Sky JUMp *Big Shot *Insanity *X-Scream just the names of these was enough to know I was out of my league - so full applause to those who can! WOWZA!! Its full on out of this world - freakn' CRAZY!
But go ahead, you do you (hahahaha) I'll be right here sipping on my Prosecco Slushie on level 108, becoming intoxicated by the amazing views of the Vegas strip!
Take your time - I'll slip by the Art gallery for a peek at the local artworks featured on commission here I'm all sorted, who needs a rollercoaster to feel alive?
With entertainment on offer daily and a super cool illuminate show worth seeing this stop will also offer a good few hours fun and then some.
SIDE NOTE - Information taken from the website NEW ATTRACTIONS ARRIVING THIS YEAR - Atomic Golf, a production of Flite Golf and located at The STRAT, will be a premier golf entertainment destination that offers an immersive, technology-enhanced experience through game play and entertainment. Atomic Golf will span nearly seven acres, rise four stories and host 103 separate hitting bays when it opens in 2023. It will also include four bars, meeting space, and a 12,000-square-foot Astrocade.
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LAST AND NOT LEAST
A NIGHT TOUR ON THE OPEN TOP BUS!
I just love the idea of hopping on a bus, admiring the local attractions from afar, gathering my bearings for a new city, noting places of interest to return to - Its just one of the ways I travel!
Add to that - 'VEGAS' - A night Tour - safety - Birds eye views and I'm Sold!
There is truely no better way!