We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Vegas is simply not a good place to bring your kids. Most of the major hotels have backed away from being perceived as places for families, no longer offering babysitting, much less exciting children's activities. Further, fewer hotels offer discounts for children staying in a parent's room, and many others have lowered the age for children who can stay for free.
In addition to the suggestions below, you might consider choosing a noncasino hotel, particularly a reliable chain, and a place with kitchenettes.
- Circus Circus Hotel & Casino -- Centrally located on the Strip, this is our first choice if you're traveling with the kids. The hotel's mezzanine level offers ongoing circus acts daily from 11am to midnight, dozens of carnival games, and an arcade. And behind the hotel is a full amusement park.
- Excalibur -- Though the sword-and-sorcery theme has been considerably toned down, Excalibur features an entire floor of midway games and a large video-game arcade. It also has some child-oriented eateries and shows, but there's a heavily promoted male-stripper show, too, so it's not perfect.
- Four Seasons -- For free goodies, service, and general child pampering, the costly Four Seasons is probably worth the dough. Your kids will be spoiled!
- Mandalay Bay -- Mandalay Bay certainly looks grown-up, but it has a number of factors that make it family friendly: good-size rooms, to start, which you do not have to cross a casino to access; a variety of restaurants; a big ol' shark attraction; and, best of all, the swimming area -- wave pool, sandy beach, lazy river, lots of other pools -- fun in the Vegas sun!
- New York-New York -- Overstimulating and hectic, for sure, but between the roller coaster and the Coney Island-style midway, not to mention just looking around, this has options for children (though going almost anywhere requires walking through the casino).
- The Orleans -- Considered a "local" hotel, its proximity to the Strip makes it a viable alternative, especially for families seeking to take advantage of its plus-size pool area, kid's activity area, bowling, and movie theaters.
- Stratosphere Las Vegas Hotel & Casino -- For families looking for reasonably priced, if not particularly exciting, digs, this is a good choice. Plus, it's not in the middle of the Strip action, so you and your kids can avoid that. Thus far, it's not moving in the "adult entertainment" direction, and it has thrill rides at the top.
