Las Vegas with Kids

Kevin and I spent most of our lives living and growing up in Las Vegas. We've had a lot of time to experience the good things Vegas has to offer. Sadly Las Vegas has closed a lot of their cool, family friendly activities they used to have, and went for a more adult theme.

I worked for several years as a Nanny for families that were visiting Las Vegas. The parents would call the agency and then I would get a call asking if I could come to a certain hotel and I would watch their kids while the parents went out. I brought games for the kids to entertain them. Some parents wanted me to take the kids out and do things and they paid for it, other times they just wanted me to hang in the room and put the children to bed. I nannied in most of the hotels on the strip, from basic rooms to VIP rooms, I had no idea even existed.

Your itinerary will most likely depend on your budget. There are free things to do, some worth while, others not really worth the hassle getting there. My kids would be content visiting a free park and swimming all day in the pool. You might have the budget to splurge a little more on something out of the ordinary.

Let's start out on the Strip

Tip: One of the best things to avoid is walking on the Strip. If you want to visit different Casinos, drive to each of them. If you must walk, the day is a better time to do it. Walking from Casino to Casino at night will leave some bad images scarred in your kid's minds.

Our Favorites:

Bellagio

The great thing about Bellagio, is their entertainment is free. Their Botanical Garden is constantly changed and absolutely gorgeous. I am never disappointed when we come. They have an awesome Water show outside to music. We have seen this countless times over the years and it doesn't get old. The Bellagio is absolutely worth your time.
My sister in law's family loves eating at the Jean Philippe Restaurant there with the huge Chocolate Fountain.


Circus Circus

At the Adventuredome, admission is a bit high, but you can spend all day here. This is not a great Theme Park like you would find in California, but for Vegas, we enjoyed our time here. They have thrill rides, a water ride, roller coaster, laser tag, bumper cars, ect. We mostly did this when we were dating. It would be fun to bring the kids here. Circus Circus also has FREE Circus Acts here daily.


Mandalay Bay

The Shark Reef: The Prices are reasonable, and you can get a hands on experience with Sting Rays and see over 2,000 animals. We have always loved coming here. (Kevin took me here on our first date). The downside with Children: You HAVE to walk by a wall of naked cast women's breasts. (Well this is awkward) You can try and divert their attention to the fountain up ahead.
I've heard good things about their beach, but we have never been there.

Touching the Sting Rays

Mirage

They have a FREE Volcano Show out front showing at 8 and 9pm all nights, and also 10pm on Friday and Saturday. It is worth seeing if you happen to be in the area. The main attraction is their Dolphin Habitat. It is spendy, but I have been impressed the times I have gone. The zoo portion in the habitat is sad though. Some of the cages are quite small for the animals. It is always fun to be there when the Dolphins are being fed. Inside the Casino, they do have a beautiful atrium and aquarium. I wouldn't go out of the way to see it, but I walked a few children through there while I nannied.


Excalibur

Excalibur is a casino set in the medieval times. They have a Dinner and a Show called "Tournament of the Kings". You get to see Jousting and a performance that engages the audience. It is probably the priciest thing on this list, but we love it. We've gone several times and have enjoyed it each time. Children 3 and under are FREE if they sit on your lap. They have a large area called the "Fun Dungeon". Kevin actually worked there as a teenager. You can play the midway games there. They used to have Puppet shows for the kids. I am not sure if they still do that or not.   Pic source

Luxor

If your children are old enough to appreciate the Titanic, or they are into it like my kids are, you will LOVE the Titanic Exhibition. I was imagining a large room with items they recovered from the wreckage. Boy was I wrong. You start off getting a ticket of a passenger that was really on the Titanic. Then you are led through the whole experience of what it was like on the ship. You see what the hallways and their rooms really looked like. You are taken on a journey like the passengers experienced, then eventually you get to the part in the story where they hit the ice burg. You get to touch a huge piece of ice that is kept at the same temperature that the water was that night. I highly recommend this, especially if you teach home school. It is a very cool experience. There is not very many other family friendly things to do here at this casino.  Pic source

Stratosphere

I would say this might be worth your time with Teenagers that are thrill seekers. We did a few of the rides up top and the view is beautiful. 

Flamingo

Although the actual rooms are less than desirable to stay in, they do have an fun pool there. I went once as a teenager and I wish I went again. They have a fun water slide that is off to the side. The casino also has a Wildlife Habitat. That was fun to see and it is FREE. The pelican feedings are at 8:30am and 2pm. The casino isn't very family friendly, but during the day, the pool and Habitat could be very fun.  Pic source


The So So's:

New York, New York 

Tickets are fairly pricey for a 1 time ride. I don't think you would want to go on this all day, so it isn't really worth getting an all day pass either. They do have an arcade. I used to do Laser Tag here, I am not sure if they still have it.  Pic Source

Caesars Palace

We loved their Forum Shops. I am sad doing this post and finding out that FAO Schwarz is now closed. That was pretty much why we went there. They still have the Cheesecake Factory and an aquarium to see. They should still have the Statue show, "The Fall of Atlantis" on the hour, every hour. The show is fairly short but fun. It can get pretty packed, but worth it to see if you happen to be there.   Pic Source

Game Works, Coca Cola and M&M Factory

It used to be fun back in the day, but they closed a portion to the Coca-Cola Factory. Now everything is just super pricey. Game works is a large Arcade, and it can be fun. If you have the time to drive, We enjoy the Ethel M. Chocolate Factory in Henderson a lot more. They have a Cactus Garden and you can actually see how they make the Chocolate there.

At the Henderson Factory

Venetian

This might be more for a date, rather than visiting with the kids. They have a Magic Shop, but most of the stores are not children geared. I have always wanted to go on a Gondola there, but it was always above our price range.

Not Worth it:

Paris

You might feel differently, but even as adults, we went once and never went again. Meh. Way too pricey and if you want a top of the strip view, go to the Stratosphere.

Planet Hollywood and TI (Treasure Island)

Treasure Island or TI used to be awesome when it was family friendly. Now that it is adult themed, it is not worth your time. Planet Hollywood used to be the Aladdin, and again more family friendly. They do have a little Rainstorm that goes off every hour during the week or every half hour on the weekend. I wouldn't go out of the way just to see it. If you choose to shop there, the kids might enjoy it.

MGM Grand

Now that their theme park is no longer there and they don't have the Lions to see, there is not much worth seeing at MGM. When I was younger, I really enjoyed eating at the Rainforrest Cafe. It is a little bit pricier but it was themed and decorated fun and the kids might enjoy eating here.


Moving on Past the Strip

Carnival World Buffet at the Rio 

If you are looking for a good Buffet, we have always liked the Carnival World Buffet at the Rio. The prices have gone up over the years, and it is true we haven't eaten there in the past several years to vouch for the food, but I was always impressed with the selection and quality of the food. Pic source is actually from Groupon. That might be a nice way to save some money.



Wet 'n' Wild

If you are looking for a large water park that you will spend the whole day at, Wet 'n' Wild might be pretty fun.    Pic Source

For Cheaper Swimming with Slides:

Centennial Hills Community Center YMCA

 

Durango Hills Community Center

      

Desert Breeze Aquatic Center

  

Cambridge Recreation Center

Parkdale Recreation & Senior Center 

Paradise Recreation Center

Free Splash Pads

Pic Source

Map of Splash Pads

You can find some great Parks around the Valley that are pretty fun. Some have Splash Pads, others have a Tree House, a Dinosaur Park, a Butterfly Park, and much more.

Roller Skating and Blading

Crystal Palace: Many fun outings here growing up!

Cosmic Bowling

Who doesn't love Bowling? Me maybe, but My son is obsessed with it. We enjoy bowling as a family. For a List of places, click here. Pic Source


Ice Skating

It's not just for Winter time! I got Ice Skates one year for a gift and I went all the time as a child. I loved it! This is where I went. Pic Source is Groupon.


Discovery Children's Museum

 

We moved several years ago, but the kids still talk about this Museum and express their desire to go back. There are 2 floors of things the kids can do and explore. There are things for toddlers and babies, and things all the way for older kids and even adults to learn and enjoy. This was well worth our money. We packed a lunch and ate at the tables they have there so we could spend more time. We would definitely go back. 

Springs Preserve

I've always wanted to come here, but we haven't been yet. I've heard a lot of good things about it. For more info, see Their Website.  Pic Source

Chicken Carnita Tacos and Taco Salad

Chicken Carnita Tacos

Or Taco Salad

I got this recipe from my cousin, Amber, a couple of years ago. I have never liked peppers before, but I thought we'd give it a try after she raved about this meal. We all loved it so much, that it is been apart of our rotation ever since. Over the past several months, and many times of making this, I haven't gotten a picture of this as a taco. We are more of a flour taco, sort of people, but this meal is perfect with warm corn tortillas. Add a little cheese to the corn tortilla as you warm them on the griddle, and now they are down right addicting. 

I love doubling or tripling the recipe and then freezing the leftovers. It makes an easy and fast dinner when you are short on time, and is soo good. We bounce back and forth between the melted cheese corn tortillas and taco salad. The original recipe calls for flank steak. We made that quite a few times, but My husband had the idea of using Chicken, and now that is all we make. It is a lot cheaper and still tastes amazing. I've only changed a few things to the original recipe. 

Chicken Carnita Tacos

2 Pounds Chicken Breast (I use 2 large, or 3 medium, You can add more)

1 Yellow Onion, Chopped

1 Red Pepper, Seeds removed and Chopped

1 Orange Pepper, Seeds removed and Chopped

1 Yellow Pepper, Seeds removed and Chopped

1 Jalapeno Pepper, Seeds removed, and Chopped

Spice Rub

2 teaspoons Chili Powder

1 teaspoon Cumin

1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder

1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder

1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

1 teaspoon Salt

1/2 teaspoon Pepper

Place the Chicken in the bottom of a Crock Pot. Mix the spices together in a bowl and sprinkle on top of the chicken. Take the stems off all the peppers and remove the seeds. Chop all the veggies* and pour on top of the seasoned chicken. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Shred chicken before serving. Serve with warm corn tortillas and desired toppings. 

We like to melt cheese on the corn tortillas and serve with sour cream. You can also add salsa, avocado, cilantro, and squeezed limes. 

*I dice mine small. I have since started using my Immersion Blender (aff link) with the processor attachment. It makes the job go so much faster than chopping with a knife. 

 I love how colorful this meal is! This is what it looks like as it is going in.

 This is what it looks like after it is cooked and the chicken is shredded. Use a slotted spoon to serve. I like to dip my tacos in the juice. 

For the taco salad, we use Chips, Sour Cream, Refried Beans, Lettuce, Tomato, and Shredded Cheese. The kids and I like to put a dip on ours. 

We just mix a scoopful of refried beans, a scoopful of salsa, scoopful of sour cream, and a handful of cheese. It is everything you can top on the taco salad, but it has a different taste when it is mixed together. 

 

Enjoy! Now I am craving it!

Surface Tension - Penny Science Experiment

On our Letter W day at Preschool, we decided to have a day about water. We brought in the water table, since it was Winter time, and the kids got to play in the kitchen. We made a water drop letter review of letters A-U. One of the things we did was to see how many drops of water we could get to fit on a penny. We had to use what we had, but I am getting Pipettes for next year. 

We had fun learning about surface tension and guessing how much water we could get on there. 

72 Hour Kits, Part 1: Water

72 Hour Kits, Part 1: Water

I am working with my Mom to bring you a 12 part series to complete your 72 Hour Kit. These are also known as Bug Out Bags. The purpose of these kits is for survival. In the event of a Natural Disaster, or other, they are to help your family survive until help can arrive or you can find other sources to sustain you. The Government now also recommends that you prepare a kit and supplies for at least 72 Hours. There are some things you will keep at the house but these kits are designed to grab and go when you have to evacuate quickly. 

For as long as I can remember, my Mom has had these 72 Hour Kits. She has spent countless hours researching what is truly important and what isn't. I have seen her walk around with them on for days to really decide what is worth the weight. I came to my mom to ask her if I could video her opening her pack and explain what she has in there, how she got it to fit in tight quarters, and why it was important to have. She came back and said she would do a 12 part series that is especially geared to women who can't carry as much as men, and who might be caring for children. The series is also broken up, so it will be about $35 a month, depending on your family size. 

Water is one of the most essential elements of survival, which is why we are starting with that first. 

Because water is so heavy and takes up so much space, you want to have other means of carrying it. That is why my mom puts the water in the sleeves of a hoodie and then drapes it over the neck. Then it will lighten as you drink it and you can take the water out at night and you can have an extra layer to wear. I am going to shop at thrift stores first to find the hoodies for our family, but if you wanted to skip that, here is a link for one you can purchase. Zippered Hoodie and Pullover Hoodie. They have some as cheap as $6 but you might want to purchase one that is thicker and will keep you warmer. 

You should have about 2 liters of water a day for basic survival, and for 3 days, that is 6 liters per person or about 200 ounces. If you get a bottle for 1.5 liters, you would need to put 2 of those in each sleeve. (Total of 4) If you are buying an unfilled water bottle, you want to make sure it won't leak at all. I think it will add more unnecessary weight and risk leaking, and then you have to worry about possibly treating the water. We are just buying a filled and sealed water bottle from the grocery store. I bought Life Straws for everyone in my family. These are some of the best, portable and small, water purifiers to go in your pack. To have the straws last longer, you would want to filter the water you find by pouring it through a shirt, bandanna, or coffee filter, into a container and then drinking with your Life Straw from the container. 

Lifestraw:

*We've tried MRE water pouches, and half of them evaporated over time. 

*As a tip, if your water tastes "old" you can pour the water back and forth from 2 containers to add oxygen back into it. That will make it taste better. 

This Post contains Amazon Affiliate Links. That means I find and link what we would buy.

Menu Plan for a Month

1. Haystacks (Rice, Chicken Soup Gravy, and Toppings like Cheese, Chow Mein Noodles, Peas, Mandarins, Pineapple, Green Onions, ect)
2. Roasted Red Potatoes and Green Beans with Alfredo Sauce
3. Chicken Carnita Tacos
4. Homemade Macaroni and Cheese
5. Homemade Pizza with a Pesto Crust
6. Pressure Cooker: Chicken, Potatoes, and Carrots with Italian Seasonings
7. Berry Stuffed French Toast
8. Chicken Parmesan
9. Pioneer Woman's Creamy Tomato Pasta
10. Chicken Salad Sandwiches and Fruit
11. Roast Hot dogs (or BBQ)
12. Baked Potato Bar
13. Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
14. Pot Pie
15. Chicken Enchiladas
16. Chicken Stroganoff
17. Breakfast for Dinner
18. Spicy Artichoke Pasta
19. Tacos
20. Pita Pizza
21. BBQ Chicken (Kevin's was in Marinade, Mine was a Teriyaki Burger)
22. Meatball Subs with French Bread (Cook Meatballs in Spaghetti Sauce, put on French Bread and top with Mozzarella Cheese, bake in the oven)
23. Hawaiian Roll Sandwiches
24. Roast and Mashed Potatoes
25. Tuna Sandwiches on Buns
26. Taco Salad 
27. Creamy Broccoli Pasta
28. BBQ Shredded Chicken Sandwiches with Tator Tots (Crock Pot Chicken with BBQ Sauce, shredded and put on hamburger buns)
29. Funeral Potatoes
30. Chinese Chicken Salad
31. Crap Happens Meal (And you know it does)