Family-friendly Attractions and Events in Las Vegas

Sometimes it’s hard to believe that among the 20-somethings wearing short dresses and spiked heels in Las Vegas, couples are pushing baby strollers and families with kids in tow. Yes, Sin City, is indeed an adult’s playground, but a kid-sized jungle gym is hanging out nearby.  Family-friendly activities are plentiful on the Las Vegas Strip, including the rides and midway at Circus Circus, the Tournament of Kings show at Excalibur, browsing the colorful aisles at M&M World and watching the lions at MGM Grand. But beyond this classic laundry list of things to do in Las Vegas, many other fun and family-friendly events are scattered across the Las Vegas valley.

In order to take full advantage of these activities, keep in mind that you’ll probably want to rent a car. Sure, you could try to figure out the public bus system, but to keep things simple and easy, consider finding four wheels to call your own.

Learn about the vegetation of the desert Southwest when you visit the Springs Preserve. This 180-acre cultural park on S. Valley View Boulevard features museums, galleries, botanical gardens and many outdoor concerts and events that cater to the family. Regardless of the season or holiday, chances are you’ll find some sort of activity involving crafts, the environment, music or education at Springs Preserve.

Bonnie Springs Ranch, located ten minutes west of Las Vegas, is set in the style of the Old West complete with a miniature train, riding stables and petting zoo. Guests enjoy several reenactment shows a day at Bonnie Springs as well as seasonal events, such as Wicked West Haunts around Halloween.

In the spring, a local radio station Mix 94.1 holds Pet-a-Palooza, an animal awareness event combined with a day-long concert featuring mainstream musicians. In addition to taking the kids, feel free to strap in Sparky because pets are invited too. Many organizations on site have information about pet care, and several animals are up for adoption as well. Because this is a family-friendly event, the concert is fun for adults but also appropriate for kids. Last year, for example, the Barenaked Ladies made an appearance.

The Vegas Valley Children’s Book Festival is free, open to the public and extremely popular. This is the largest children’s literary event in Las Vegas and includes exhibitions, hands-on activities, theatrical performances, story tellers and costumed characters. Also expect to find readings given by local authors and free books given out to participants. The Vegas Valley Children’s Book Festival is normally held in November of each year.

During the holiday season, make your way to Henderson, which is located southeast of Las Vegas, for Ethel’s Annual Chocolate Wonderland. This yearly event is as delicious and beautiful as it sounds … and it’s free! During the holiday season, the botanical garden at Ethel M Chocolate Factory is lit up with hundreds of thousands of lights strung across more than 300 species of desert plants. The factory is open, and kids will be able to see how chocolate is made … though they may like the free chocolate samples even better! Make sure you stop by to see Santa Claus, who gives out M&Ms instead of candy canes.

Another favorite holiday event in Las Vegas is the Opportunity Village Magical Forest , which is celebrating its 19th year in 2010. Visitors wander through hundreds of trees decorated in more than three million lights. Families will enjoy a passenger train and carousel on the grounds, and of course Santa Claus himself also makes an appearance. The Opportunity Village Magical Forest is the largest fundraiser for this local non-profit organization, and more than 150,000 people show their support every year.

VegasGal JoAnna Haugen pens WhyGo Las Vegas, a Las Vegas travel guide with information on cheap airfare, hotels and things to do in Sin City. She also writes the popular travel blog, Kaleidoscopic Wandering. Top photo courtesy Springs Preserve, bottom Brian Jones/Las Vegas News Bureau.