1. Las Vegas Strip is Not Just For Adults!
Have you ever thought that the Las Vegas Strip is only for adults? I’ll admit, I used to believe that too, but I’m happy to report I was wrong! As a parent, I’ve discovered there’s a whole world of fun for kids on the Strip as well! Our family doesn’t visit the Strip super often, but when we do, we like to go on weekdays after school. It’s not as crowded as weekends, which means more space for our kids to explore and enjoy themselves.
One of our favorite spots is the Bellagio Fountains. My kids absolutely love singing along to the music while watching the water dance. After that, we usually head to the Bellagio Gardens to see the latest designs and snap some memorable family photos. Another fun place for the kids is the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. They love watching the sharks swim around, and it feels like we’ve stepped into an underwater adventure!
When it’s time to eat, Rainforest Cafe is our go-to. This place feels like a real-life rainforest, complete with animatronics and cool effects. It’s such a unique dining experience for the whole family in the middle of the desert! Of course, we can’t forget M&M World! It can get a bit busy sometimes, but our kids love picking out their favorite colors of M&M’s and watching all the fun shows. Speaking of shows, Circus Circus has some incredible performances that keep our children entertained and amazed. We also like visiting Madame Tussauds to see who our kids recognize among the wax figures. As they grow older, they’re able to identify more and more celebrities!
2. Live Sports
As someone who grew up in the UK, sports have always been close to my heart. I’m thrilled to share that over the years, Las Vegas has become home to many fantastic sporting events and live teams, making it a great place for sports-loving families like ours! Currently, we have the Las Vegas Golden Knights hockey team and the Las Vegas Raiders football team, both of which play in amazing stadiums. Our kids can’t get enough of the electrifying atmosphere during games, and they’ve grew to adore cheering for Derek Carr (before he left) as if they know him personally!
And guess what? More exciting sports events are coming to Vegas soon! Next year, we’re welcoming Formula One and an MLS soccer team to our fabulous city. While we didn’t make the list for hosting World Cup venues, there’s still plenty of soccer excitement coming our way. Additionally, live college football and basketball games are always happening, and you can catch more games at the Ballpark in downtown Summerlin. With so many options, there’s something for every sports-loving kid in the family! Our kids enjoy watching the Golden Knights and the Raiders, but I can’t wait for the MLS soccer team to arrive. I’ve been trying to get my kids interested in soccer, and I’m hoping this new team will spark their enthusiasm!
As for Formula One, we’ll soon have a race happening right around the Strip! Can you imagine how awesome it’ll be to watch it live with our kids? So, fellow sports-loving families, Las Vegas has a lot to offer when it comes to thrilling sporting events and venues. Whether your children are into hockey, football, soccer, or racing, there’s something for everyone in our vibrant city. Let’s get ready to cheer on our teams and enjoy the excitement together!
3. Parks and Green Spaces
You might think that being in the middle of a desert means there’s not much greenery or nature in Las Vegas, right? Well, let me tell you, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that our city is filled with beautiful parks and green spaces for our kids to explore and enjoy!
These parks offer fantastic playgrounds where our little ones can climb, slide, and swing to their hearts’ content. And for those hot days, there are splash pads to cool off in! But wait, there’s more! Our local parks also feature tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer fields, football fields, baseball fields, skate parks, swimming pools, and even outdoor gym equipment. There’s truly something for every family member to enjoy.
One thing I appreciate about these parks is that they help get my oldest child away from the screen. As a parent, it can be challenging to get our kids outdoors when they’re hooked on video games like Minecraft or Mario on their Nintendo Switch. But with so many exciting outdoor activities available, it’s easier to encourage them to step outside and play.
Las Vegas boasts amazing weather most of the year, so it’s rarely too cold to enjoy the outdoors. Sure, it can get a bit chilly in the winter, but that doesn’t stop us from having fun outside.
4. Las Vegas Schools
As a parent myself, I understand that finding the right school for our children is a top priority. When moving to the Las Vegas and Henderson area, you might be concerned about the Clark County School District’s reputation, as it has been ranked 49 out of 50 in some reports. But fear not, there are some good schools within the area – you just need to do your research!
To find the best schools for your kids, check out websites like greatschools.org or niche.com. These websites will help you see how schools in your desired area are rated. Whether you need an elementary, middle, or high school, make sure to choose a location close to a good school to make life easier for your family. Of course, you also have the option of private or charter schools, which aren’t zoned, so you have more flexibility in terms of location. While driving in Las Vegas is generally not a hassle, it’s always helpful to consider schools that are conveniently located.
It’s important to remember that despite the overall negative reputation of the school district, there are many hardworking teachers and excellent schools in the area. My own children have had positive experiences with their teachers, and we’ve seen improvements in their learning. My oldest child struggled during the distance learning period, but this year, they’ve bounced back and are thriving. So, don’t be discouraged by the overall school district ranking – there are hidden gems to be found.
If you need guidance or advice, feel free to reach out, and we can talk parent-to-parent. I’m more than happy to help you navigate your school choices in the Las Vegas area. Remember, the key is to do your research and not be put off by the school district’s reputation. With a little effort, you’ll find the perfect school for your child in no time!
5.Nature to enjoy in Las Vegas
Did you know that Las Vegas has so much more to offer than just the bright lights and casinos? It’s true! There are some amazing natural treasures to explore just a short drive away from the Strip, and I’m here to share some of our family’s favorites with you.
Mount Charleston, located to the north, is a gem that offers snow in the winter and beautiful views all year round. It’s the perfect spot for family outings and creating lasting memories. Heading west, you’ll find the stunning Red Rock Canyon, a haven for hiking enthusiasts or those who enjoy scenic drives. Your kids may not fully appreciate these views now, but they’ll definitely treasure them as they grow older.
Despite the dropping water levels, Lake Mead remains a fantastic destination for family fun. And while Lake Las Vegas is man-made, it still provides an excellent setting for outdoor activities and entertainment. Our family loves tobogganing and sledding at Mount Charleston during the winter months and exploring the breathtaking beauty of Red Rock Canyon.
As a parent who didn’t grow up with these experiences, I cherish the time spent exploring nature with my kids and I’m confident they won’t be disappointed.
Moving To Las Vegas With Your Family?
Is Las Vegas a good place to raise a family? I hope we have helped ease your mind with this topic.
If you have any questions regarding if Las Vegas is a good place to raise your family don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to answer any questions you may have.
