Despite its reputation for decidedly adult-friendly pleasures, this fast-paced city offers fun for visitors of all ages
1. Visit the circus
From world-famous trapeze artists to masterful jugglers and kooky clowns, the acts at this circus housed in hotel and entertainment centre Circus Circus could give the legendary Cirque du Soleil a run for their money. Daily performances are free, and if you want to up the thrill factor, the hotel also has a theme park with adrenaline pumping rides.
2. Swim with sharks
Dive-certified teens will love the adrenaline rush of swimming with some of the deadliest predators of the deep at Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, a massive tank that hosts more than 2,000 species of sea creatures.
3. Watch medieval jousting
Travel back in time to the days when gallant knights battled one another with swords and lances at Tournament of Kings at Excalibur. The pageantry and daring feats of bravery make this dinner theatre a hit with younger travellers.
4. Game retro-style
More than 200 vintage machines in pristine condition are on display at the quirky Pinball Hall of Fame. Kids will get a kick out of playing the old-school games, while parents revel in nostalgia.
5. Meet your favourite superheroes
Comic book geeks, both young and old, will flip over the Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. at Treasure Island, which features all sorts of gear from the popular films, including costumes. The fully interactive exhibit lets the young ones jump straight into the action of a video game played on a life-size screen.
6. Check out the bright lights
Vegas just wouldn’t be Vegas without all the high-wattage lights and the funky Neon Museum pays tribute to some of the kitschy signs of Sin City’s past. For a spine-tingling thrill, grab the kids and explore the outdoor Boneyard after the sun goes down.
7. Ride a rollercoaster
Make a beeline for the city’s very own faux-Manhattan skyline and prepare to shriek with delight. The rollercoaster at New York-New York makes for a scenic ride that’s thrilling, but still tame enough for children.
– TEXT BY DIANA HUBBELL
PHOTOS: NEW YORK-NEW YORK, NEON MUSEUM, PINBALL HALL OF FAME, TREASURE ISLAND, EXCALIBUR, SHARK REEF AQUARIUM AT MANDALAY BAY, CIRCUS CIRCUS
This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.
