Image courtesy of Flickr.com / 1suisse

Holiday Goddess, Alison Carmichael-Rulten takes on pinball, gondolas and chocolate - and a faux Johnny Depp.

So you’re heading to Las Vegas and you’re brought the children. Once you’ve unpacked and settled into your hotel your first stop should be the Las Vegas Visitors & Convention Centre Bureau across the street from the Hilton.

Besides having information on anything you may interested in in Las Vegas and the surrounding area, you can also pick up free maps, posters and coupons here. The people working there are very friendly and fairly knowledgeable so my advice would be to let them know your likes and dislikes and they’ll point you in the right direction.

For starters… consider Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. In real life, getting up close and personal with Brad Pitt, snapping photos of George Clooney and touching Johnny Depp are all behaviours that could earn you a restraining order, but at Madame Tussauds Interactive Wax Attraction at the Venetian Hotel, they’re actually encouraged. It’s a great place to spend a couple of hours and you won’t need to worry about the kids ‘touching’ or ‘breaking’ anything. Heaven for any goddess! The two-story, 30,000-square-foot Las Vegas attraction is one of just seven in the world and features several exhibits with uncanny wax likenesses of stars from the worlds of sports, music, movies and more.

Whilst at The Venetian a gondolier ride is a must-do! There are also performances held throughout the day by singers and dancers dressed in Renaissance costumes, as well as living statues. The Gondola rides are a great change of pace from all of the walking and eating you’ll probably do and probably one of the most affordable activities in Vegas. You can choose an indoor or outdoor ride (lasting about 15-20 minutes). The ‘box office’ is outside at the canal and reservations can only be made same day. You will also see the photo gallery nearby (yes, there are photographers who will snap a picture when you get on the gondola).

With the Indoor option, you glide through St Marks square, under walking bridges and past the lovely shops. Onlookers smile and wave as you ride through the canal. Although it’s indoor, you can schedule a specific time, regardless of weather.
The Outdoor option is most like the ‘real thing’ as the sun shines or wind blows, however if there are gusty winds or rain in the forecast, you cannot schedule the ride much more than an hour or so in advance. If you have a good weather day though, the Outside option is ideal.

The gondolas hold 4 adults, so if you don’t specify that you want a private gondola ride (as in you’re willing to ride with another couple or group), the cost is $16 per person/$32 per couple. If you request a private ride for two, it’s $32 per person/$64 per couple (basically the cost of 4 passengers). Don’t forget to save some cash to tip the singing gondoliers. My Goddess tip: schedule around dinner time or a non-peak time and you may get a private ride for two even if you didn’t request it. Most gondoliers have fantastic signing voices, are friendly and enjoyable to talk to.

M&M World is a definite must-see! With four floors of memorabilia and dozens of colors to choose from, you’ll be glad you stopped by! Be sure to check out the free 3D movie on the 3rd floor - the kids will love it. Also the Ethel M Chocolate Factory has very good candy and a great cactus garden. The tour is also fun.

The Secret Garden at the Mirage is nice if you’re an animal lover. There are white tigers, elephants, lions, and dolphins, which can appeal to all ages. Also the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay is fabulous - plus don’t miss the jellyfish exhibit.

There are several thrill rides to try out. There’s a roller coaster on top of New York New York, 3 different rides on top of the Stratosphere and the Adventuredome at Circus Circus.

The Pinball Hall of Fame is not just a museum, but an arcade as well, where you can play with history. A pinball collectors club runs it. The games cost only what the original price was when they were manufactured. There are few games here that are the only one of their type in the entire world. Besides being great for all ages, it is inexpensive. The money collected from the games goes to pay their rent & utilities first, with the remainder of funds being donated to a local charity.

Many people like simply to walk up and down the strip, stopping at all of the shops as they go along. There’s a shopping mall on the Strip (The Fashion Show Mall) - across from The Wynn - with 250 or more stores and often offering fashion shows and other live entertainment in its confines.

Don’t forget the Fremont Street experience downtown. A free light and sound show (about 5-10 minutes long) every hour starting at dusk. And, there’s excellent ongoing live musical entertainment along the 4 blocks for the duration of the evening. There are also several refurbished neon signs placed throughout Fremont Street. They are beautiful at night.

Read about more of Alison’s tips for a Las Vegas getaway with the kids here