Las-Vegas-Stratosphere

Viva Las Vegas!

Believe it or not, there is more to Las Vegas than gambling and adult entertainment. With that said, Vegas is not a destination we enjoy taking our young family. But, there are plenty of things to do that don’t have to “Stay in Vegas.” One of our recommendations is to take a ride to the top of the Stratosphere Tower, which, year after year, is voted Best Place to View the City by Las Vegas Review-Journal readers. $20 admission per person will get you cruising up the elevator more than 1,000 feet above ground. There’s an observation deck, restaurants, shopping, and if you’re a little more adventurous (or border-line insane) you can participate in the thrill rides from the Sky Jump (open-air 829 foot leap) to X-Scream (massive teeter-totter ride 900 feet above ground), among others.

Vegas from Above

 The Stratosphere Tower

The Stratosphere Tower was built in 1996 and is the tallest structure in Las Vegas, at 1,149 feet. The tower is also the tallest observation tower in the Unites States. Interestingly, because it is not fully habitable, it is not considered a building.

The Stratosphere Observation Decks

 

The top of the Stratosphere can get pretty breezy, but you’ll be able to capture a perfect shot of the Las Vegas skyline.
The photo on the left is a shot of the very top level, while the photo on the right shows an inside level view behind glass windows.

The Bellagio Water Show

Crowds gather nightly for the world-famous water show outside the Bellagio. The video below is a portion of the show.

Off the Strip Family Fun

On the south end of Las Vegas Boulevard is Town Square Las Vegas, which provides many boutique and fashionable stores, family-fun outdoor parks, entertainment, and plenty of great dining. In the center of  Town Square is an expansive children’s play area including swings, climbing gyms, and even a hedge maze!

The famous Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign

 

The iconic Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada sign is a popular attraction both day and night and you’ll often wait in line for a picture. Located at 5200 South Las Vegas Blvd (south of Mandalay Bay and west of the McCarran Airport), there’s plenty of parking in the middle of the street. Sometimes you’ll even find Elvis or Marilyn Monroe there posing in pictures for donations.

The Las Vegas Strip

The strip is a live 24/7, but honestly, not the most family-friendly environment.

 Street performers and people watching

Street performers never disappoint in Las Vegas. From Michael Jackson to this guy above to super heroes, you name it, the Vegas strip is always a buzz. And if you’re into people watching, this is the place for you.