In recent years, Las Vegas has metamorphosized into a hot family destination. In the city you'll find shimmering pools, lavish resorts, virtual reality, adventures, fantastic attractions, amusement parks, and animal habitats. Within a short drive, families can visit the Grand Canyon, go boating on Lake Mead, take a hike in the desert, or visit some of the parks close-by. There is so much to do in this area!
If you're planning a visit, here are some of the best places to stay:
The MGM Grand
The world's largest hotel, casino and theme park is a great family vacation. The MGM Grand Adventures Theme Park offers action rides, simulated-motion theaters, arcades, shops, restaurants and movie-set replicas. MGM cartoon characters also walk around the park. Follow the Yellow Brick Road to The Emerald City, this is a must see!
MGM's Grand Youth Center has day care for children ages 3 and up. Parents are given beepers so they can be contacted at any time. Counselors have lots of supervised activities for younger children. Older kids ages 6-16 can go on tours of the Theme Park. The Game Room and The Wizard's Midway and Arcade have all of the popular games. There is a snack bar in the Youth Activity Center with reasonable prices. Teens can go on excursions to the Theme Park, or have Pool Parties at the sandy beach next to the MGM pool. Baby-sitters are also available to stay in your hotel room.
There are 5,005 rooms in the hotel. They are decorated in movie themes such as Gone With the Wind, The Wizard of Oz or Casablanca. The rates are reasonable for the strip and children under 12 always stay free.
For more information, call The MGM Grand at (800) 929-1111 or visit them on the web www.mgmgrand.com
The Mirage
The Mirage is known as the Polynesian Paradise with its waterfalls, jungle greenery, lagoon, and volcano. The man-made mountain is 54 feet tall and erupts with fireworks every fifteen minutes from dusk to midnight. There are banana palm trees and tropical vines in the rainforest atrium. The misting system makes the air authentically humid. The coral reef aquarium is home to one thousand sharks, rays and angelfish. This is a must see!
Siegfried and Roy perform their illusions with tigers in Theater Mirage. Their magic show usually sells out, so it's a good idea to book tickets in advance. The dolphin habitat is another Mirage attraction. The trained naturalists tell you all about the bottle-nosed dolphins.
The 3,054 rooms at The Mirage are all decorated in the Polynesian theme. There are packages available that include airfare. Children 12 and under stay free.
For more information call The Mirage at (800) 627-6667 or online at www.themirage.com
