20 Free Attractions In Vegas For The Whole Family

The Vegas Strip (Flickr: Samantha Celera)

It's no secret that a Las Vegas vacation might involve gambling and partying until the early morning hours as well as spending a boatload of money to have fun. But while this desert city in Nevada is indeed the gambling capital of the United States, it also prides itself on offering family-friendly attractions that are just as fun for kids as they are for adults. And, despite popular belief, you don't have to spend much to have a good time.

Skip the city's famous casinos and grand shows this year. If you're on a budget, then rejoice. Here are 20 wonderful things to do in Vegas that won't cost you a dime!

Flora and Fauna

Bellagio's Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (Flickr: Lynn Gateley)

Bellagio's famous attraction is its water show, but it's not the only one. Open 24/7 is the hotel's Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, which showcases beautiful and colorful flora according to season and hosts live performances from 5 to 6 pm. For your curious future botanists and gardeners, head there from 10:30 to 11:30 pm to meet Mr. and Mrs. Green Thumb.

The Caesars Palace is one of Vegas' most iconic hotels. If a night's stay in one of its rooms proves a little over your budget, don't despair. You don't have to book a pricey room here to enjoy it. Aside from its beautiful architecture and fountains, all designed to resemble ancient Rome, you can also visit its impressive 50,000-gallon saltwater aquarium. It's brimming with tropical fish -- from clown fish to rays and sharks -- that the kids will absolutely adore.

As a tribute to its namesake, the Flamingo offers families vacationing in Vegas a respite from the hustle and bustle with their beautiful Wildlife Habitat, a 15-acre home to an assortment of birds, including Chilean flamingoes, pelicans, parrots, and even hummingbirds. It's open daily from 8 am 'til dusk and holds pelican feedings at 8:30 am and 2 pm.

Silverton Casino's massive saltwater aquarium, all 117,000 gallons of it, is not only home to some 4,000 brightly colored tropical fish that the kids will marvel at, but also features wonderful mermaid shows every half hour at certain times from Thursday to Sunday. Plus, they hold interactive feeding shows every day at 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm.

With MGM Grand's Lion Habitat and the Southern Nevada Zoological Park both closing permanently, it might be hard-pressed for animal-loving families to find a land animal-related attraction in the city. Thankfully, Anderson Dairy offers a free hour-long Barnyard Buddies Tour of their plant, where kids can interact with a talking cow, a rooster with attitude, and a hound dog.

Greatest Free Shows on Earth

The oohs and aahs aren't over yet after you visit the Caesars Palace's aquarium. Behind it is a spectacular fountain that features animatronic figures. Every hour daily, these figures put on a fantastic fountain show called the Fall of Atlantis, which tells the myth of the legendary city.

To see the world's largest permanent circus, look no further than Circus Circus which takes place daily starting at 11 am in the Carnival Midway and features entertainment favorites clowns, flying trapezes, jugglers, and contortionists. And just when you think it doesn't get better than this, you realize that the shows are completely free.

Famously starring in many movies, the Bellagio Fountain Water Show is even more impressive in person. The show, accompanied with music -- from show tunes to holiday songs, features lights and dancing water that can shoot as high up as 460 feet. Best of all, it runs all day and all night until midnight so families can enjoy it as often as they want.

Mirage's Volcano show (Flickr: Nan Palermo)

Every night on the hour from 8 pm until midnight, the Mirage impresses passers-by with its awesome volcano show, complete with fire, (fake) lava, smoke, and sound effects, right in its front yard. The show is free for everyone to see and will amaze the budding volcanologists and geologists in the family.

You don't have to buy tickets to the Tournament of Kings Dinner Show at theExcalibur Casino to get some medieval age fun. At the Court Jester's Stage in the casino's Medieval Village, performers, jugglers, and magicians entertain spectators for free every 45 minutes daily starting at 11 am. Of course, you're welcome to see the dinner show afterwards and take the experience to a new level.

A large part of casino traffic may have moved to the Strip years ago, but Fremont Street is still alive and well, what with the Freemont Street Experience making this original strip its home. Daily shows and live performances as well as the light and sound show of Viva Vision make this open-air mall a must-visit when you're in town. The ample shopping opportunity doesn't hurt either.

Shopping is made better at the Venetian's Gran Canal Shoppes with the shows that take place there daily. Members of the street performing group Streetmosphere go around in Renaissance Italian costumes and liven up the atmosphere with their short performances that include the 15-minute opera Carnevale di Venezia and the twice-a-day Gondolier March.

On a secluded lake at the Wynn Resort is a nightly show of music, water, lights, puppetry, and other special effects. The Lake of Dreams has been voted as one of the top attraction in Vegas, and not only is it free, it's also visible from many different vantage points around the lake, so you and your kids can enjoy it while savoring a nice family dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Sunset Stampede Laser Light and Water Show at Sam's Town (Sam's Town)

The tranquil atmosphere in Mystic Falls Park at Sam's Town Hotel is disrupted as the park suddenly comes alive with music, dancing water, and an awesome display of laser light. The show, dubbed Sunset Stampede Laser Light and Water Show, recounts the journey of the Western pioneers and plays five times daily, beginning at 2 pm.

Museums

Take a break from that high mid-afternoon desert sun and let the kids cool down while learning about the history and culture of the Southwestern American Indian tribes as well as ancient Mexico. Located not far from the Vegas Strip, the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Natural History opens its doors at 9 am on weekdays and at noon on Saturdays and is completely free (donations welcome).

Neon Museum (Flickr: soccergirl296)

While it might be, in a lot of ways, a neon sign graveyard, the open-air Neon Museum is a colorful and unique treat for everyone in the family, especially those who love all things vintage and kitschy. A section of it, the Neon Museum Urban Gallery, that features refurbished neon signs, is free for everyone. You can download the map to this outdoor gallery on their website for free.

Sweet Tooth

The chocolate lovers in your family will appreciate the sweet surprise when you take them to tour the Ethel M Chocolate Factory, which includes delicious chocolatey samples. Afterwards, you can burn off all those extra calories by exploring their botanical cactus garden. Best of all, you won't have to spend a penny... unless, of course, you want to take some goodies home.

This M&M's World location is not just a candy retail store. It's THE first M&M World location. Additionally, it has a replica of the M&M race car used in the NASCAR Sprint Cup, a 3D movie theater, and a gallery that shows the evolution of our beloved M&M characters over the years. And sometimes, they even give out free chocolate samples. Yum!

Architecture

Paris is a place like no other, but the Paris Casino's impressive replicas of the City of Lights' best landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe, come pretty close. Take the kids here for a preview of what's to come, if you're planning a trip to Paris soon, or simply to enjoy the architectural wonders.

A must-stop during your visit in Vegas, Hoover Dam is a modern engineering marvel that astounds anyone who looks upon it. Look for the free parking area, walk around and see the dam, and visit the Visitor's Center area where you will be welcomed with more fascinating tidbits. The dam is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily.

Michelle Rae Uy contributed this to MiniTime.com.

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Travelore Tips: 5 Recommended Family Friendly Destinations In Europe

A venerable resident of London's Natural History Museum, popular with kids of all ages. Photo courtesy of Viorel Dudau/Dreamstime.com. Article by Kerry Lyons, contributor to Budget Travel.

If your motto is "Have family, will travel," you'll be glad to know that Europe is within your reach; in fact, these 10 cities will greet you with open arms. To save on sightseeing, book in advance and consider buying the multi-attraction discount passes most cities offer. If a traditional hotel room is too pricey (or small!) for your brood, or leaves you wanting for the comforts of home, rent an apartment through Airbnb; owners typically leave their "must-see" list and restaurant recommendations so you'll have a truly local experience -- especially if you download a few local apps before departure. Ready? Set? Go!

AMSTERDAM
There's more -- a lot more -- to Amsterdam than the red light district. In fact, with paddle boats and bike paths galore, you can--and should--give it the green light for your next family adventure. Eating is easy and photo ops abound in this walkable, bikeable, boat-able city. Patat met (French fries with mayo) will keep hunger at bay as you take in the sights, possibly stopping to smile in an oversize Dutch clog -- or perhaps with the pair you plan to bring home.

What to do: Everything is more fun when you arrive on a boat or a bike and in Amsterdam, that's the way to go. Be sure to swing by the NEMO Science Museum for hands-on exhibits that include a chemistry lab with experiments for young scientists and a bubble display for those that can't resist getting their hands wet. Older kids will appreciate the history of the Anne Frank Museum while kids of all ages will find something of interest at the Van Gogh Museum; just be sure to buy your tickets in advance to avoid the long lines. If you visit in the spring, a day trip to Keukenhof to see the tulips in bloom -- hundreds of thousands of them -- should top your list. Consider a Holland Pass to save time and entry frees to major attractions.

Where to stay: The Radisson Blu in the city is centrally located and offers a great breakfast buffet. The hotel itself is not too big and not too small and with croissants and nutella for breakfast, everything seems just right.

Where to eat: Have a steak with the locals at Café Loetje in the Museum Quarter neighborhood. They don't take reservations (or cash!) but it's well worth the wait -- especially if you can get a table on the patio.

DUBLIN
It's not just the Irish eyes that will be smiling when you touch down in Dublin; the welcoming locals will have everyone smiling from the top 'o the morning 'til the rise of the moon. With relatively short direct flights and no language barrier, Dublin is the perfect starter-city for a family of aspiring adventurers.

What to do: Admire the "doors of Dublin" as you stroll over to St. Stephen's Green. Pack a picnic lunch, romp at the newly renovated playground and feed the ducks before you depart to see ducks of a different sort at the National Museum of Ireland - Natural History. A taxidermy tribute to Ireland's wildlife is artfully displayed over two manageable floors. Assuming you have some animal lovers in your midst, they'll be pleased to know they can see the real thing at the delightful Dublin Zoo in Phoenix Park. For a bit of (dark) Irish history, plan a visit to Kilmainham Goal; Gaol is Gaelic for jail and this one housed almost every notable Irish rebel. If day trips are your thing, consider taking the train south to Bray to visit the aquarium, stroll along the sea or hike up to Brayhead; you might even pick some blueberries along the way, depending on the season. If mountains are more your style, head to County Wicklow where you'll be dazzled by the gardens at Powerscourt and awed by the scenery and history at Glendalough.

Where to stay: Mespil Hotel, Haddintong Rd.

Where to eat: Just a short walk from the hotel you'll find Milano, equally equipped with high chairs and a post-work crowd and just loud enough to drown the din of your overtired tots.

PARIS
Croissants, baguettes and crepes, mon dieu! Paris isn't just for romantics in the spring; it's for everyone, all year long. Kids will love the boulangeries on every corner; you'll love how easy it is to navigate the Metro and catching a view of the Eiffel Tower from vistas around the city.

What to do: Leave the Louvre for your next trip. When travelling en famille, take in Paris' plentiful parks. You could spend the whole day at Jardin Luxembourg, which in addition to a stunning palace built in 1612 by Marie de Medici boasts modern-day delights including peddle cars for racing and toy boats for sailing -- not to mention a playground with zip lines and an Eiffel Tower bungee for your pint-size thrill seekers. If the weather drives you indoors (the kids may not see the romance in the rain), visit the Musee Cluny and go for a treasure hunt among the tapestries. Should your tots be avid climbers, Paris will not disappoint. If your brood is physically fit, the 1,600+ stairs to the top of the Eiffel Tower will suffice for a workout with a view. For a more gentile ascent, climb the 300 steps to the top of Sacre Coeur for a view of the city that is magnifique.

Where to stay: Citadine in the Bastille/Marais neighborhood includes a galley kitchen and is walking distance to a great open-air market.

Where to eat: Anywhere and everywhere; it's hard to go wrong in Paris! Pick a local café in the morning and neighborhood bistro at night. If you want an atypical but memorable experience, visit the quirky Le Refuge des Fondue after climbing those steps to Sacre Coeur.

LONDON
How could you go wrong in the city that gave us Paddington Bear, Peter Rabbit, Mary Poppins, Peter Pan and Harry Potter? And then there's real life princesses and castles to die for (as more than a few did!).

What to do: You have to see the sights memorialized by Chevy Chase in European Vacation ("Look kids, Big Ben! Parliament!) but your tweens will love posing with One Direction at Madame Tussaud's. And while you have to pay to see the Crown Jewels (and Torture Tower) at the Tower of London, there are some great (free!) museums and lesser-known attractions you won't want to miss.

Ever wonder how they developed the symbol for the pound or how it feels to hold a bar of gold? Find out at the Bank of England Museum. If your pint-size flyers are also fans of buses and trains, you won't want to miss the interactive London Transport Museum, with more than 80 vehicles including a double decker bus and the world's first Underground train. To get your fill of history, visit the Museum of London and time travel from the days when lions roamed Trafalgar Square to today's thriving city center. Last but not least, if J.K. Rowlings is a family fave, you won't want to miss theWarner Bros. Harry Potter Studios Tour.

When the royal sun is shining, plan a day at St. James Park. Watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace and then stroll down Horse Guards Parade and Mall to the lake; watch the pelicans get fed daily at 2:30 or settle into a deckchair while the kids frolic on the playground.

Where to stay: The Park Plaza offers several locations with spacious rooms to accommodate a family of four and easy access to sights and public transport.

Where to eat: Don't miss the Sunday roast or anyday fare at a local pub like The Marksman or The Engineer. If you need a taste of home (but better), GBK (Gourmet Burger Kitchen) has several locations where you can get your burger on any way you like -- from buffalo to veggie and everything in between.

ROME
Gladiators meet gelato in this city of ancient history and modern cuisine. The locals love kids, and they love food. Need we say more?

What to do: No family trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Colosseumand the pious will want to pop in on the Pope and visit the Vatican. Keep your shoulders covered and hold onto your hat as you look up at Michelangelo's masterpiece on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Splash in the Trevi Fountain, climb the Spanish Steps, and enjoy a gelato in one of the city's many central piazzas.

Pizza is plentiful but if you want an insider's look at the Rome's food scene, take one of Elizabeth Minchilli's food tours. In case one gelato just isn't enough, she offers a two-hour all-gelato tour that's a favorite with the junior set.

If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, take a day trip to Ostia Antica. Once Rome's harbor city, it's now a maze of ruins that evokes Pompeii, providing ample wandering of ancient alleys and passageways. Spend an afternoon exploring the remnant rooftops, storefronts and latrines -- which kids of all ages always get a kick out of.

Where to stay: The Residence Barberini has spacious rooms by Roman standards and is walking distance to many attractions including the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain.

Where to eat: For the best carbonara in town, go where the locals go: Perilli in the Testaccioa neighborhood. For a great lunch after a morning of sightseeing, go to Nerone and try to nab an outdoor table with a view of the Colosseum. (Via delle Terme di Tito, 96, 011/39-06 481 7952)

Contributed by Budget Travel

Travelore Tips: 5 Recommended Family-Friendly Destinations

Contributed by Robert Reid· 

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Everyone knows travel changes once kids come into the picture. Suddenly you have to plan around naps, easily accessible rescue centers for soiled-underpants and whining backseat drivers. What they don’t tell you is how much fun it can be, and that it doesn’t have to be limited to timeshares on beaches and mega-amusement parks.

I know. Traveling with my four-year-old daughter has slowed down the usual pace. But I found myself getting a new appreciation for things I had long ignored – like at a 4th of July parade in Philadelphia, when colorfully dressed Ecuadorian dancers stopped to dance with her.

I can’t wait for her to chip in on planning vacations. Meanwhile here are five super family-friendly places that stray from the predictable.

1. Belize

Whether you’re looking for a beach to sit on, or much more (particularly as kids get past six or seven), Belize is an affordable Caribbean trip that is a boon for families. It’s compact, cheap and nearly everyone speaks English. There’s super wildlife to see – growler monkeys and crocodiles by land, sea turtles and (harmless) nurse sharks by mask and snorkel. First-timers will enjoy nice array of cabanas, often with kitchenette, from US$50 per night at the beach/diving center of Placencia, a couple hours south of the Belize City airport.

Sky Palace at Caracol, Belize, by Dennis Jarvis. Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike licence.

But the interior doesn't mean sacrificing fun in the water, with underground rivers to tube, jungle lodges on swimming holes and Mayan ruins reached by boat. If you rent a car, a tad pricey (about US$80 per day), you can connect a few dots at your own leisure. For an unforgettable stay, try the remote and family-friendly Barton Creek Outpostin the Cayo District, with a rope swing on the country’s finest swimming hole. And pull in for Garifuna drum lessons at the laid-back beach of Hopkins.

2. Pennsylvania

The eastern half of the Keystone State, in particular, is chock full of activities eyeing little ones. Home to the Liberty Bell, Philadelphia is a more laid-back city experience than New York, with a walkable center, counter breakfasts at the Reading Terminal Market, Betsy Ross' house, folks in tri-cornered hats, and a superb July 4th parade in the city where it all started. Kids over seven or so may enjoy the thrill of touring the Eastern State Penitentiary, a castle-like historic prison will all sorts of cells and nooks to conjure the imagination.

Making soft pretzels, Reading Terminal Market, by Geoff Livingston. Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike licence.

More colorful is Sesame Place, the only Sesame Street amusement park, about a half hour’s drive north. Rides are geared to littler ones, all the furry characters and plenty of activities on and around a Sesame-like set. Under two go free. The regular US$21.99 is less than a fourth the cost of Disney World.

Another option, two hours east in Hershey, is Chocolate World. It’s not quite Willy Wonka, but there’s plenty of merch and activities, along with an amusement park next door. A couple hours north, Williamsport is home each August to the Little League World Series, though most kids prefer sliding down the muddy slope beyond centerfield. Bring an extra set of clothes.

3. Portland, Oregon

No city better makes parents feel at ease traveling with kids than Portlandia. It’s 90 minutes to the beach, 30 minutes to towering water falls in the Columbia River gorge, and practically everywhere you go in town has areas geared for little ones. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry – everyone just calls it ‘OMSI’ (OM-zee) – is an all-time fave. On the riverfront, with a submarine to see, the museum has a playroom with sand, water games, labs, fun science experiments like suction tubes built to shoot foam balls through hoops. For some reason the (caged) rats are huge with kids too.

Multnomah Falls, by Ron Reiring. Creative Commons Attribution license.

Forest Park in the northwest part of the city is the country’s biggest urban park, with plenty of trails and birds to spot. Food is fun too. Microbreweries have huge play areas that absorb kids with tons of toys and playmates. At 5pm Monday head to Mississippi Pizza for some shockingly good pies and a kid-fest during Mr Ben’s sing-along, where kids usually end up dancing on stage.

For a unique place to stay, McMenamin's Kennedy School is a boutique hotel made from an old school built in 1915 with rooms made from former classrooms (sorry kids, no TVs, but chalkboards, yes), plus a theater that shows kid-friendly films and a soaking pool. Rooms are affordable at around US$95/night.

4. Denmark

Don't overlook Denmark - compact and not always cheap, but built for kids. Copenhagen is home to Tivoli, a fairy-tale of a central amusement park that dates to 1843. There’s lots of free music, nightly fireworks and surprisingly good food. Outside town, Legoland is outside Billund in central Jutland, with a 20-million piece Miniland of world icons (Statue of Liberty, Star Wars scenes!) made of the plastic bits named for leg godt (Danish for ‘play well’). The rides are mostly geared to preteens. Might as well stay at lego-to-the-limit Hotel Legoland. Time your arrival to get a couple free hours in the park – doors are open a couple hours before closing each day.

Also aim for Odense, a 90-minute train ride from Copenhagen. It’s a thousand-year-old city that was home to Hans Christen Andersen. There’s a good museum and zoo, and nearby castles surrounded by moats. In town, Fyrtøjet is a children’s cultural center with storytelling and music (in English in summer) and plenty of fanciful costumes to don.

The Swing Carousel in Tivoli at night, by Stig Nygaard. Creative Commons Attribution license.

5. Thailand

Few cultures on earth will fawn over your children like the family-friendly Thai. Locals go gaga over them, and going with kids means ice-breakers from everyone between street food vendors and tuk-tuk drivers. Thailand’s a great choice for an exotic trip, with temples, fun food, monkeys and superb beaches.

Koh Chang sunset, by Vairoj Arunyaangkul. Creative Commons Attribution licence.

Bangkok temples like Wat Phra Kaew with its glittering gold-leaf Buddhas provide memorable experiences, along with water taxis on the canals and flying kites with locals at leafy Lumphini Park. For the beach, Ko Chang is a island with much family potential, including nice beaches with calm waters, easy kayak trips to offshore islands, elephant camps in the mountainous interior, and chipping in to help abandoned animals at Koh Chang Animal Project.

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/belize/travel-tips-and-articles/77657#ixzz2mcWUk5Oq