Las Vegas has long been a playground for adults, but it is becoming much more family-friendly. Years ago, children coming to Las Vegas with their parents had little to do, but as more families come to Las Vegas, casinos and attractions have made a significant effort to include child-friendly entertainment options in an effort to attract the family to their business.

Minors in Las Vegas are not allowed to spend time in the casinos. Those under 21 can walk through the casino with adult supervision, but they are not allowed to linger near the gambling tables or machines. Most Las Vegas casinos have shopping areas where minors are allowed. These can range from a modest gift shop, which might only keep a child's interest for ten or fifteen minutes, to grand shopping destinations such as the Caesar's Palace Forum Shops and the Dessert Passage Shops of the Aladdin Casino and Resort. These shops feature all the style and excitement of Las Vegas, and they allow children to view art, try on clothes, and shop for toys, games, and collectibles.

Many Las Vegas casinos include modern video game arcades. Gone are the days when one cigarette-burned PacMan machine might lie hidden in a dark corner. Las Vegas casinos such as Circus Circus, Excalibur, and Luxor all have entertainment areas catering to children. These areas include food, the latest video games, movie-motion rides, and midway games in which children and adults can win stuffed animals and other toys in games of skill and chance. While these three casinos have large arcades with many of the newest and most exciting games, many other casinos include video game arcades that will keep a child entertained for hours.

If your children need something more active to do in Las Vegas, there are plenty of outdoor activities to tire them out. If thrill rides are what they want, several casinos including the New York, New York and the Stratosphere Tower have their own roller coasters. There is a full-sized indoor rock climbing wall right in the middle of the strip if the Las Vegas sun is a little too hot, but the kids still need some exercise.

Of course, most of the large casinos have at least one pool. The pool is a great way for parents and kids to relax together. The parents can soak in the spa and enjoy a cold cocktail while the kids jump in the pool.

When planning your next family trip, don't rule out Las Vegas just because you want to bring your kids along. With plenty of activities, arcades, roller coasters and shops, children have a variety of things to do in Las Vegas. While it's still a playground for adults, Las Vegas has a lot to offer children as well.