Last summer on our way to the Grand Canyon from Southern California we made a stop in Las Vegas. I meant to do this post last year, but just never got around to it. Since the summer is approaching and many readers may be planning vacations and trips, I thought my experience during our Vegas stop over could be useful information right now.
It’s about a 7-hour drive to the Grand Canyon from Southern California, which can be a bit tough when you have kids on board, but if you break it down with one overnight stop in Las Vegas, it can be a pleasant experience being only 4 hours more with rested and replenished passengers.
However, Vegas with kids you may wonder? Believe it or not there is plenty for kids to do in Vegas and with several nongaming hotels that have recently sprouted up, Las Vegas is sending a message to families.
Vdara Hotel
We stayed at Vdara, which is only a few years old and an all-suite hotel fully equipped with kitchens in each suite. So, if you need to heat up milk for the baby or the little one wants something to eat late at night, it’s not a problem and you don’t need to trek to some hotel with a smoke filled restaurant that is open either.
Vdara stands in City Center connected to the Cosmopolitan and Bellagio Hotel. So, for those of you that want to put the kids to bed and still have some fun, the Vegas night life is just a few steps away.
3 Las Vegas Restaurants That Are Kid Friendly
What I really want to focus on is some fabulous places to dine with children while in Las Vegas. The following are my top choices.
Mon Ami Gabi
If you have fairly well behaved children, who will sit through an entire dining experience without a whole lot of fidgeting or need for entertainment, then you must stop at the French restaurant Mon Ami Gabi for either breakfast or lunch, although dinner outside on a summer evening would be just as pleasant.
With assortments of Crêpes and Quiches, Salads and Sandwiches, Fish and Steak Frites, Mon Amie Gabi makes a perfect midday meal stop. I had the special of the day, which was the Lobster Roll and it was amazingly refreshing and flavorful for a summer lunch.
Located inside the Paris Hotel the classic French bistro is charming and you can choose outdoor seating to enjoy the Bellagio Fountains water show while you dine.
Javier’s Restaurant Las Vegas
We have the privilege of dining at the original So Cal Javier’s and knew what to expect and the Las Vegas restaurant did not disappoint. We took a two-minute walk next door from our hotel Vdara to the Aria Resort and Casino to discover a striking space with upscale Mexican fare. Javier’s Restaurant Las Vegas offers high-end Mexican cuisine and premium margaritas featured in a lively setting with eye-catching decor.
This is another place for absolutely awesome grub with children who are willing to sit through dinner. Don’t’ miss this beautiful spot for dinner and try the Camarones con Rajas. It’s a bit spicy, but worth it with wild premium Mexican white prawns sautéed with garlic butter, wine, poblano chiles and onion. It’s served with arroz and refritos.
Margaritaville Restaurant
Visit Margaritaville Café in Las Vegas for a great meal in paradise. It’s probably one of the best restaurants for families and large groups. They are supper kid friendly with entertainers on stilts that walk around and make you balloon animals. Upon arrival your kids will also get Wikki Stix that will keep them busy for a while, that is if their eyes don’t first wander up to the real life plane that hangs from the ceiling or if they are not already ecstatic about the booths that look like fishing boats.
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville restaurant is at the Flamingo Las Vegas and the airy, island-influenced Flamingo venue offers food, cocktails & entertainment. Serving burgers, entrees, salads, appetizers, margaritas, and desserts, the menu reflects the flavors of Jimmy Buffett’s island travels including the signature “Cheeseburger in Paradise”. The portions are huge, so be aware! Although the food doesn’t compare to the surrounding upscale restaurants, and the ambience might not be the subtlest, the end result is satisfying. Buffett fanatics, aka Parrotheads, will get their fix as the singer’s signature songs play continually along with accompanying video throughout the restaurant. There’s also live music at night and if Buffett happens to be in town for a concert, you can bet the pre-party is taking place here.