As dance families, we often find ourselves traveling to various cities for dance competitions, especially Nationals. Many of these destinations have their well-known tourist attractions—like Disneyland in Anaheim or Disney World in Orlando—but we know that these can get quite expensive. Traveling to the same cities each year for competitions can make these costly outings less appealing. While hanging out at the hotel and pool is fun, it may get a little old, and you might want to get out and explore without breaking the bank.
That's why we're excited to launch a weekly blog series highlighting different major destinations for dance competitions. Each week, we'll share a variety of family-friendly activities in these cities, from free and low-cost options to moderately priced adventures. Our goal is to help you make the most of your trips with fun and affordable outings beyond the usual tourist spots.
Of course, these are just our recommendations, and we invite you to share your favorite must-go places in the comments. Let's create a resourceful and vibrant community to make every dance trip a memorable experience!
This week, we're starting with Las Vegas, NV!
1. Free Activities to Do with Kids
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Located inside the Bellagio Hotel, this beautiful conservatory changes its displays seasonally, offering a delightful and free experience for families. The vibrant displays feature plants, flowers, and art installations, providing a serene escape from the bustling Strip.
Fountains of Bellagio Just outside the Bellagio, the iconic fountains put on a spectacular show set to music. The performances run every 30 minutes in the afternoons and early evenings, and every 15 minutes at night. It's a mesmerizing experience that kids will love.
Ethel M Chocolate Factory & Cactus Garden A short drive from the Strip, the Ethel M Chocolate Factory offers free self-guided tours where kids can watch chocolate being made and enjoy free samples. The adjacent Cactus Garden, with over 300 species of plants, is a unique and educational stroll.
Downtown Container Park This open-air shopping center features shops, restaurants, and a fantastic play area for kids, including a treehouse with a slide and an interactive playground. Entry is free, though you'll want to explore the various shops and eateries.
2. Low to Moderately Priced Activities to Do with Kids ($35 or less per person)
Adventuredome Theme Park Located at Circus Circus, Adventuredome is an indoor amusement park with rides and attractions suitable for all ages. Ticket prices vary, but you can often find deals under $35 per person. It's a great way to spend a fun-filled day indoors.
Discovery Children's Museum This interactive museum offers three floors of engaging exhibits designed to educate and entertain children. From water play areas to interactive science exhibits, it's an excellent spot for curious minds. Admission is $15.50 for children and adults.
Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay Home to over 2,000 animals, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles, the Shark Reef Aquarium is a fascinating place for kids to explore marine life up close. Tickets are around $29 for adults and $24 for children, but discounts are often available.
Springs Preserve This 180-acre attraction offers botanical gardens, interactive museums, hiking trails, and live animal exhibits. It's a great place for families to learn about the natural history of Las Vegas and the Mojave Desert. Admission is $19.95 for adults and $9.95 for children.
Meow Wolf's Omega Mart at Area 15 Part art installation, part immersive experience, Omega Mart is a surreal supermarket adventure that invites families to explore and discover hidden passages and imaginative spaces. Tickets are around $45 for adults and $40 for children, but discounts and family packages can often be found.
3. Moderate to Higher Priced Activities to Do with Kids (up to $100 per person)
High Roller Observation Wheel Located at The LINQ Promenade, the High Roller is the world’s tallest observation wheel, offering stunning views of the Las Vegas Strip. A ride costs around $25-$40 per person, depending on the time of day, and is a thrilling experience for families.
Cirque du Soleil Shows Las Vegas is famous for its Cirque du Soleil shows, which are suitable for older children and offer a mesmerizing blend of acrobatics, music, and visual effects. Ticket prices vary, but you can often find deals for under $100 per person, especially through discount platforms like Groupon.
Las Vegas Natural History Museum This museum features exhibits on dinosaurs, marine life, and ancient Egypt, providing a fun and educational experience for kids. Special exhibits and events make it a dynamic place to visit. Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children.
Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. Located at Treasure Island, this interactive exhibit allows visitors to step into the world of the Avengers, featuring props and interactive technology. It’s an exciting adventure for young superhero fans. Tickets are around $42 for adults and $32 for children.
Drivable Adventures
Seven Magic Mountains Just a 30-minute drive from the Strip, this large-scale public art installation features seven towering rock formations painted in bright, vivid colors. It’s a unique and colorful place for a family outing and photo opportunities. The visit is free.
Hoover Dam About 45 minutes from Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel. Guided tours of the dam and power plant are available for a small fee, but walking across the dam and enjoying the views of Lake Mead is free. Tours start around $15 per person.
Valley of Fire State Park An hour's drive from Las Vegas, Valley of Fire offers stunning red rock formations, petroglyphs, and scenic hikes. The entrance fee is $10 per vehicle, making it an affordable outdoor adventure for the family.
Grand Canyon A longer drive, approximately 2.5 hours to the West Rim, the Grand Canyon offers breathtaking views and various activities such as the Skywalk, a glass bridge extending over the canyon. Entry fees to the West Rim start around $56 per person, but the views and experience are priceless.
Tips for Finding Great Deals
Using discount platforms like Groupon, LivingSocial, and others can help families save significantly on attractions and activities. These platforms often offer reduced prices on admission tickets, tours, and shows. Additionally, checking the official websites of attractions for special offers, family packages, and seasonal discounts can provide more savings.
Las Vegas offers a wide array of family-friendly activities that can make your trip memorable and enjoyable without breaking the bank. Whether you're looking for free adventures, exciting paid experiences, or unforgettable drivable destinations, there's something for everyone in the entertainment capital of the world. Stay tuned for our next blog post where we’ll explore more cities popular for dance competitions and their family-friendly offerings!
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