Thinking about taking a family vacation this summer? Many families are probably thinking of venturing out to the usual kid hot spots: Disney, Great Adventure, Six Flags, and the like. Others may be considering heading out to one of the great national parks like Yosemite or Yellowstone. Perhaps you are thinking about renting an RV, and heading across the good ole’ U.S. of A. Yes, all of these places scream “family vacation”, but ever consider taking your family to Las Vegas? Of Course, the Gorilla knows just what you’re thinking: why would I want to take my sweet innocent kids to “Sin City“; a nucleus for gambling, sex, and debauchery? But believe it or not, this ain’t your grandmother’s Vegas we’re talking about here, no sir! Las Vegas has changed, and what used to be a vaguely inappropriate place to take kids, has become more and more of a family destination. Now, if the thought of walking down the Vegas strip only to be bombarded with cheaply made business cards bearing the names and faces of ten dollar hookers may not be the most appealing idea, don’t worry! There is another part of Las Vegas that has more than its share of family adventure, action, and fun, and Scout’s honor, it’s G-Rated! Just ten minutes off the strip is the Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa. Just two years old, the resort offers extra large rooms, 70 acres situated on the beautiful Red Rock Mountains, a four-acre pool area, a 16-screen movie theater, and a 72-lane bowling alley. There are a number of resorts just like this right outside of the city, such as Green Valley Ranch and Resort. This resort offers kid-oriented games, hiking, pool parties, hip shopping, and more. But don’t worry grown-ups, there’s plenty of adult-oriented fun for you as well. Most of the resorts offer gambling (of course) and babysitting services, which come highly recommended by guests who have stayed. There is also golf, kayaking, and hiking. And who could forget the fabulous Ritz Carlton, which offers “Nights Without Neon,” with everything from moonlight spa treatments, dive-in movies, bike rides, and “Stars and S’mores”; a tour of the stars with telescopes, followed by s’mores. All of these are for adults and children alike.
Still, even if you do opt to stay on the Strip, (recommended mostly for older kids), there is plenty of exciting fun for them there as well. Let’s not forget the amazing strip itself, and all of the many shows. Lance Burton, Blue Man Group, and Cirque Du Soleil, are all great choices for families with kids, not to mention the numerous other entertaining shows all over the Strip. And if you run out of things to do within the different hotels (unlikely), you can always tour the Grand Canyon by helicopter. The Gorilla and his family did this just last year, and it was truly amazing! Whatever you decide to do in Vegas, it is sure to be a great adventure and experience for every one of your family members. And if you spend your vacation listening to your kids’ endless bickering and whining- no worries! Remember, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!