Las Vegas for families: A suggested one-day itinerary

Morning

Slot machines aside, Las Vegas — with its carnivalesque atmosphere and endless range of entertainment options — is also a destination that’s ideally suited to family adventures. Begin your day out with the kids at New York, New York. First, stop for a hearty breakfast at Tom’s Urban, which has all-day brunch offerings and a range of child-friendly options. Then, it’s on to the entertainment. In the venue’s arcade, you’ll find an array of funfair activities and coin-operated games that are certain to keep younger visitors captivated. And for those travelling with older kids, the outdoor roller coaster invites you to strap into a yellow taxi cab-shaped car before going for a whirlwind ride in the sun.

Afternoon

After an adventurous morning in ‘New York,’ head back out into Las Vegas proper and work your way northwards up the Strip. Your next stop? The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Time your arrival just right, and you can take the kids to see the Fall of Atlantis: held every hour on the hour from 11am, it includes fireballs, special effects, and costumes and props designed by the team who worked on the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. (Even better: it’s also totally free to view.) Once you’ve seen the show, lap up the air-conditioning — you’ll appreciate it during the hottest hours of the afternoon — and browse among the 160-odd shops. Wind down your Forum visit with a light lunch at Payard Patisserie & Bistro, where adults can opt for a croque monsieur and kids can scarf éclairs, chocolates, and other sweet treats.

Evening

It isn’t a trip to Vegas without an evening show, and family-friendly entertainment doesn’t get more captivating than Cirque du Soleil. Head up to Treasure Island, which hosts Mystère: one of eight Cirque du Soleil shows in Vegas, it’s aimed at younger audiences, and includes stunning trapeze stunts, aerial cube performances, and other jaw-dropping feats. Book the earlier show so you have time to dine at one of the casino’s many restaurants afterwards, where you can find everything from pizza and barbecue to Chicago-style hot dogs and frozen yogurt. Once the sun has set and the air has cooled off, head back onto the Strip for one last spectacle to cap off your evening adventures: the Bellagio Fountains show, one of the most iconic attractions in Vegas.