Family-Friendly Guide to Las Vegas

Start off with lunch at the Rainforest Cafe, a super kid-friendly eatery with an over-the-top jungle theme and a menu of dishes that has something for everyone, from burgers and chicken fingers to salmon and salads. Plus, even adults can't resist the decadent, chocolate-y Sparkling Volcano dessert!

Roy's serves up some mean Pacific Rim fusion cuisine, and even if your kids don't go for the blackened island mahi, the teppanyaki shrimp, or the hibachi grilled salmon, they might be tempted by the bacon mac and cheese, sliders, or the veggie spring rolls. Adults can also relax with a tiki-inspired cocktail with their meal, as well.

Treat the kids (and yourself) to some dessert! Luv-it is a local favorite located off the Strip, and it's worth the drive out. Cones and loaded sundaes featuring every topping combo you could ever want, all made with their signature, homemade custard that's extra rich and extra tasty. Chocolate and vanilla are always on the menu, along with a few other daily flavors.

Located a little further down the Strip, Circus Circus is a more family-friendly hotel that's away from the hustle and bustle, but still serves up Vegas kitsch. Casinos, a theme park, restaurants, shopping, and several outdoor pools ensure that everyone will find something to do here. There's even an RV Park and Motor Lodge onsite for the super budget-conscious.

With a menu boasting every breakfast dish imaginable and an entire page dedicated to pancakes, you can't go wrong with Babystacks. They have a kids menu if you have picky eaters with you, and if you're feeling sweet, their red velvet pancakes are a favorite. If you're feeling adventurous, try some of their Filipino/Hawaiian-inspired dishes; their garlic fried rice is incredible.

There are tons of museums in Vegas to add a little bit of education to your vacation. Historical artifacts from the opulent Titanic kind of fit in with the glamour of Vegas pretty well, so Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition is a pretty appropriate stop on your trip. Browse items recovered from the sunken ship, read about the doomed cruise liner's first and last voyage, and learn how researchers were able to recover objects from two miles below the ocean.

What kid (or adult, for that matter) doesn't love a good burger? Choose from various proteins, sauces, toppings, and buns to create your ultimate burger experience. Plus, even though this place is headed up by famed chef Hubert Keller and is located in Mandalay Bay, it's still pretty reasonably priced; always a plus, especially when traveling with the whole family.

Admittedly, this isn't something every kid might enjoy, but if your children are the adrenaline-rush-seeking type, head to the top of the Stratosphere Hotel for one of their rooftop thrill rides. "Insanity" spins you around at high speeds over the edge of the building, "Big Shot" is a drop tower, and the "X-Scream" is a roller coaster that dangles you off the side of the roof. Some of the rides have height restrictions, so if your kids aren't tall enough, then you can just enjoy the views from the observation deck.