courtesy of Bill Gracey
If you are heading out to Las Vegas to enjoy some sunshine, gambling and fun, you should be aware that the city has plenty to offer that won't get you in trouble. It's not all about hard liquor, loud music, and scantily clad women. Sin City certainly has an adult oriented side but there are also plenty of family-friendly destinations that people of all ages can enjoy.
Lied Discovery Museum
This museum is found at the Donald W. Reynolds Discovery Center adjacent to The Smith Center. It opened in February of 2013, so it is a relatively new museum. This children's museum stands 3 stories high and covers nearly 60,000 square feet. Overall, there are 9 halls with all sorts of fun attractions that the family will love. Plenty of them are interactive in nature so you can do more than merely stare in awe. You'll be able to put your hands right on the exhibits and enjoy various games and activities. You'll also find a lovely exhibitions gallery that features major exhibits from the United States' most popular museums.
The Mob Museum
Although the mob no longer runs Las Vegas to the extent that it used to, you can learn all about the city's organized crime history at The Mob Museum. This facility educates visitors all about famous mobsters and law enforcement figures with an array of informative exhibits. The museum is actually built on the same property that was used for the famous Kefauver hearings in the 50s. These hearings are notable because they first informed the general public about just how extensive the city's organized crime activity stretched. Aside from exhibits, the museum has vintage photos of famous Las Vegas events, hotels, stores, and famous figures. Be sure to check out the Fabulous Downtown exhibit that shows how downtown has changed over the past three-quarters of a century.
The Bellagio Hotel And Casino
The Bellagio hotel and casino is one of Las Vegas's gems. It has a glorious Gallery of Fine Art and a remarkable fountain display. You can't go to Vegas without seeing these beautiful fountains. They put on an amazing show that you won't have to pay to see. The fountain waters are sprayed in unison with the music to add to the appeal. Shows start every 15 minutes and draw sizable crowds. Once you've taken in the fountain show, head on into the Bellagio to see the Art gallery's gorgeous paintings, sculptures, and exhibitions. They come from some of the world's best historical artists including Picasso and Warhol. Don't leave the Bellagio without dropping in on the hotel conservatory. Here, you'll find lovely floral displays that are altered each season.
The Freemont Street Experience
Most people head out to Las Vegas and stay a few days or a week without ever venturing off of the strip to Freemont Street. Freemont Street has its fair share of casinos and hotels yet it is much more family friendly than the strip and its surrounding area. While you can't walk directly to Freemont St. from the strip, you can take a short cab ride over. You'll love its 5 block open air landscape and the looming 90 foot tall mesh celestial vault. The street has a remarkable light display that will leave a lasting impression on you and your group. If you visit Freemont St. after dark, you'll be able to take in “Viva Vision”. This is a laser light show with over 12 million lights. They shine in sync with the music for a fantastic entertainment experience. Shows occur 5 times each night.
Courtesy of O Palsson
