Discovering Las Vegas: Where Luxury Meets Family Fun

• Shark Reef Aquarium - Our three-year-old absolutely loved this aquarium that is part of Mandalay Bay. It's open daily from ten a.m. to eight p.m. This is a great opportunity to see all your favorite marine creatures up close. The walking tunnels give great views of sharks passing by right overhead! It’s a fun time for the whole family and doesn’t take more than an hour to fully experience.

• Discovery Kids Museum - Did you know that a fifteen-minute drive from the strip you will find one of the top kids' museums in the entire country, located near downtown Las Vegas? Discovery Kids Museum is a wonderful place to spend a morning or afternoon with engaging exhibits spanning 3 floors that are designed for kids from infants to twelve-year-olds. Parking is free, but getting there is the challenge. Some hotels can arrange for a car seat rental, if you plan in advance.

• The Shops at Crystals - We love The shops at Crystals. It’s full of high-end stores (Gucci, Prada, etc.) and for fragrance fanatics like us, Creed, Killian and Frederic Malle are all on the second floor. There are a few dining options with more opening, but I do think you’d be better served by checking out some of my suggestions below. There is a tram that connects the Park MGM, The Shops at Crystals and the Bellagio, which is a huge time-saver and helps keep you out of the sun on those hot Vegas days.

• Fountains at Bellagio - If you are staying at the Cosmopolitan, a room with a view of the fountains is a must. It’s almost like a private water show just for you. The view from the strip can be a bit crowded, but it is still worth the stop. The show runs at regular intervals, try to get there a few minutes early and enjoy the show. Nighttime shows are the best to really appreciate the lights and music.

• Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens - Another option from the Bellagio, but it’s worth a stop and the theme updates seasonally. It’s free and always beautifully done. You’ll pass several Chihuly glass sculptures adorning the lobby on your way in. Having this beautiful, lush garden in Vegas is a stark contrast to the desert surroundings and helps add to the experience. There are always tons of photo opportunities as well!

• The Forum Shops - I love the style of this place. With strong influences from Italian/Roman architecture with a good variety of shopping from high-end luxury to the typical Las Vegas gift shop. One of our favorite art galleries is located here as well - Martin Lawrence Galleries. If you are into pop art or modern art, their collection is quite impressive. I am a huge fan of their Erte sculptures and their other classic pieces. It’s a museum worthy collection that you should absolutely check out on your next trip.

• Live Entertainment - Vegas is all about entertainment and there are so many options that it can be overwhelming. There are many shows that have had staying power and are iconic - Michael Jackson ONE and O, both by Cirque du Soliel are standouts. Residencies from many of the most iconic artists are extremely popular now and are always changing. I have never been disappointed seeing one of my favorite performers in a more intimate and personal setting. RuPaul’s Drag Race Live is another favorite of ours as huge fans of the show - the cast alternates frequently and you may be surprised with who is performing that evening. Vegas has so many options to keep you busy, but I do think you should make time for at least one show while you are in town.

• The Sphere - The newest attraction along the Vegas strip is a can’t-miss. It’s been all over social media and it’s just as cool to see in person. Whether you are seeing a live event or just want to take it in from afar, it’s quite the site. I would recommend nighttime as it can be a bit harder to see during the day.

Day Trips:

• Red Rock Canyon - About an hour outside of Vegas, it offers stunning views of the rugged and mountainous, desert landscape. It offers a scenic drive and hikes, it’s also a great option to connect with nature right outside of Vegas. Rent a car and spend a day enjoying the natural beauty of this area.

• Grand Canyon & Hoover Dam - This one definitely won’t surprise you. But both are near enough that a car rental or even helicopter ride offers a great peek into these two gorgeous attractions outside of Vegas. If you are driving, it’s a bit of an early start to make it out to the Grand Canyon but it’s worth seeing at least once in your life.

• Hell's Kitchen - We all know Gordon Ramsay and his iconic show at this point, and his restaurant is equally impressive. Serving up familiar dishes that guests will recognize immediately from the show, beef Wellington or scallops anyone? The decor is sleek with blue, and reds dashed across the kitchen. It’s a great experience and a must do for any fan of either Gordon or the show. Be sure to finish your meal with a sticky toffee pudding. Pro-tip, if you are in a rush or don’t feel like leaving your room, they surprisingly offer a takeout option!

• Momofuku - Delicious Asian dishes from chef David Chang. For me, it’s all about the noodles here. The ginger scallion noodles and the spicy miso ramen are both powerhouses. My favorite, is sitting at the chef’s table and seeing the dishes assembled right before my eyes.

• Eataly - Eataly isn’t unique to Vegas, but I love it for a group that may not be able to decide on a single idea for dinner. Eataly is all about options, serving up a variety of Italian fare from pizza, pasta, sandwiches and even gelato. It’s all reasonably priced and usually there is plenty of seating. Bonus is that it’s located in the Park MGM, which is smoke free.

• Eggslut - Located in the Cosmopolitan, Eggslut is a great option for a quick breakfast. Mostly known for its Instagram-worthy breakfast sandwiches. My favorite is the Fairfax, which has got a nice kick from the sriracha, and I can never say no to caramelized onions. Definitely add on the truffle hash browns.

• The Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas - Vegas is all about buffets, though there are distinctly fewer now than in the past. If you are going to do a buffet - you have to do Wynn. You can make a reservation, which will save you time in line. Breakfast, brunch, dinner - they are all incredible with a seemingly endless array of options. The quality and variety are unbeatable to me.

• Lobster ME - There’s a trend here with the food style that I like in Vegas. Quick, tasty and accessible. Lobster ME is all about serving up delicious lobster rolls on the fly. And they are delicious. Get it warm, with butter. Hell, get extra butter - you are in Vegas after all.

• The Crack Shack - Fried chicken, biscuits and fries. It’s the perfect quick bite with easy access right off the strip. Did I mention biscuits? Get two orders just to be safe.

• Best Friend - An excellent Korean restaurant that offers to-go, as well as dine in near the Park MGM. Try the BBQ platter and Kimchi fried rice. You won’t regret it.

• Jaleo by José Andrés - This Spanish tapas offering is a go-to for me. Delicious, sharable bites in a gorgeous atmosphere. The pan de cristal con tomate (which if you’ve been to Spain you may recognize as the ubiquitous toasted bread topped with fresh tomato) and gambas al ajillo (the best shrimp I’ve had in Vegas) can’t miss.