Our Best Family Vacation to Las Vegas!

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A couple weeks ago we took our annual summer trip out to Las Vegas. Living in SoCal there are so many great places to vacation that are close enough to drive to… but we always make at least one or two quick vacations to Vegas every year because there is so much to do and we can pack in a great family vacation into just a few days.

I’m so excited to share our trip with you all too! I’ve got one of the most exciting blog post series for you all that I’ve ever done! I’ve been busy writing about my trip so that I can help you all plan the best family vacation to Vegas! I hope you all enjoy! I’m starting this series today with my top tips for family vacations in Vegas and then there will be lot’s of individual posts on some really cool stuff we did including shows, attractions and lot’s of FOOD! The Toddler who is 2 1/2 now came along for it all so you will be able to see what worked {and what didn’t} with a toddler in Vegas!

Let’s get started! When planning a Family Vacation to Las Vegas here are my top tips:

1. Vegas is a great place for a family vacation… especially if you are traveling from California. Most people think of Vegas as a wild alcohol fueled bachelor party vacation spot {and it totally can be} but it is also a great place to bring your kids. Think outside the box. We are not big gamblers {my husband not at all… I *might* spend a little time playing slots every once in a while} or drinkers {I can’t remember the last time either of us drank} and we still have tons of fun. Remember that even a walk through the mall can be an adventure in Vegas!

2. Bring your own water. Yes this really is my #2 tip. I know this sounds crazy but buy a case or two of water before you leave for your adventure. I’m sure Vegas water is totally safe to drink, but I’m a water snob and I love Arrowhead bottled water and I tend to drink more water when it’s my favorite Arrowhead {Arrowhead did not pay me to mention them, I really love it that much}. Especially during the summer months when it gets really hot {It was 116 when we were there} you need to stay hydrated. You can buy bottled water in Vegas as you are out and about, but expect to pay the same cost as a case of water for one bottle… yep, Full Price? Never! It’s also good to have if you have to mix formula bottles, take medication in the hotel room or just get thirsty in the middle of the night. I know that my kids always get thirsty when it’s bedtime {stall tactic?}. If you do need to buy water or toiletries Walgreen’s is all over the strip and the prices aren’t as bad as the hotel gift shops!

3. Bring lot’s of $1 bills and a $20. No, I’m not going to suggest going to a strip club. Vegas is all about tipping. Want more towels brought up to your room? Expect to pay a tip. Want help with your bags, tip time! Want a Taxi called? Tip. You get it… just plan to bring small bills. Trust me on this one. It sucks to only have a $10 or $20 in your wallet when you really should tip because you end up shelling out the $10 when $3 would have been enough. Now I’m sure there are those that don’t tip and don’t feel they should have to. I’m not going to go there. Vegas is about tipping. Heed my warning.

Now let’s get to the $20 bill. This is one of my husbands favorite parts of Vegas. This is gambling to him! There are tons of websites out there that talk about the “$20 tip trick” in detail but pretty much what you do is when you check in you fold a $20 bill and hand it to the check-in clerk with your ID. You then ask if there are any upgrades available. My husband is a PRO at this and we normally get some great upgrades like suites and awesome views. In fact I can’t remember a time it hasn’t worked! Give it a try next time and let me know how it works for you. Save Big on Las Vegas Hotels! Savings up to 40% Off plus Resort Extras!

{We were upgraded to a bigger room that had this projector screen… well worth $20}

4. Traveling with a toddler or young child? Think ahead to your normal daily routine at home and try to incorporate your regular daily life into your travels. This is especially important with toddlers who crave regularity and to know “what next”. I always pack some of my toddlers favorite snacks and her sippy cups. She loves to use the cups that restaurants provide children, but she doesn’t drink as much as she normally does out of her sippy’s. By bringing her favorite sippy cup {or two} I know that she is getting as much water as she needs. We also still bring a pack and play and her own blankets. She gets a much better night of sleep when she has her own blankets… and one of her favorite toys to cuddle with. We however never bring her absolute favorite toys. Stuff happens and it would be horrible to loose an irreplaceable security item or toy. My kids don’t actually have “security” items, but they do have favorite toys.

5. Did you forget something? If you forget a piece of clothing and don’t want to spend a fortune don’t worry… there is a Ross on the strip. We made a quick trip in for sun glasses and the prices were comparable to our regular Ross!

 

6. You are on vacation, get a little crazy! Well, not that crazy… but it’s perfectly acceptable to try something you wouldn’t normally eat. May I suggest the Lobster Ice Cream?

7. Pack your swim suit! But remember to check with the hotel is the pool is open.  Some of the hotels close their pools for the winter. We also tried to be some of the first people to the pool each day. The chairs are a hot commodity and fill up really quickly so make sure to secure your spot early! We were so busy that we didn’t stay at the pool long and it was too hot to really, so an hour first thing {around 9am} and we were set!

{We could have stayed at the pool all day… she loved it!}

8. Expect the unexpected! The Toddler and I were sleeping while the older ones and my husband lived it up at the arcade when we heard popping. Seriously she was beyond THRILLED to see fireworks right outside our window!

9. This is my favorite tip! We picked 2 spots and we take a picture every year in the same spot. Here are the pictures from the past 2 years. I can’t believe how much the girls have grown!

2012

2011

2012

2011