1. Fountains at The Bellagio. The lake in front of the Bellagio is home to a spectacular water show every half hour from 3pm and every 15 minutes from 7pm. Get there at a few minutes early to nab a spot for an unobstructed view. The fountains dance along to classical and contemporary tunes for about five minutes. You won’t believe how high the water cannons shoot into the air. It’s best after dark.

2. Enjoy the street performers. Along The Strip, as well as on Fremont Street, you’ll find every kind of street performer you can imagine - break-dancers, musicians, singers, celebrity impersonators and your kids’ favourite cartoon characters.

3.  Botanical garden at The Bellagio. Before you watch the fountains dance outside, take a walk through the botanical garden inside The Bellagio. You’ll find the garden after walking past reception. The garden is themed based on the season or holiday – there’s always something interesting to look at. In addition to flora there’s a large watermill, pond and even a talking tree!

4. Volcano at The Mirage.  The volcano outside The Mirage erupts with lava and exploding fireballs choreographed along to tribal music. Even little kids will find it fascinating – it’s not at all scary. The eruption begins every hour on the hour from 6pm to 11pm. Get there 10 minutes before the hour to make sure you get a good viewing spot. There are usually street performers on this wide stretch of sidewalk to keep little ones entertained while you wait.

5. Walk Fremont Street after dark. You have to see The Fremont Street Experience to truly understand it. Words don’t do it justice but The Fremont Street Experience is a canopy of light and sound the arches over the main section of Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. There aren’t a lot of attractions in Downtown but if you’re staying on The Strip head down for at least one night time walk along Fremont Street. Plenty of street performers line the street.

6. Sirens of Treasure Island. This free show outside Treasure Island offers up pirates and pyrotechnics. There’s singing and dancing and a vague storyline that kids probably won’t follow or care about.  Stand closest to the ship on the left for the best view. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before showtime to secure a good spot. Note that no strollers are allowed in the viewing area and the area does get crowded so little kids will get the best experience if they sit up on your shoulders. The show lasts about 20 minutes. Showtimes are at 5:30 p.m. (fall/winter only), 7:00 p.m, 8:30 p.m, 10:00 p.m and 11:30 p.m. (spring/summer only).

7. Garden at Flamingo. Kids will enjoy wandering through the garden at Flamingo. The garden is populated with pink Chilean flamingo as well as turtles, ducks and swans. In addition to the wildlife there are some lovely waterfalls and koi ponds to peer into.

8.Circus acts at Midway. Circus Circus offers up a free circus performance every hour from 11am. You’ll find these ustairs in the Midway. Kids will love the trapeze, acrobatics and juggling. Performances last about 40 minutes. Arrive early to be sure you get a seat. There are also amusement arcade games to play – though you’ll have to pay for these.

9. M&Ms World. Visit this four-story, brightly coloured world of M&Ms. You’ll see rows of colourful candies in shades you’ve never seen before, lots of themed toys and you’ll get to taste some free samples. You probably won’t get away without making a few little purchases! Personalised M&Ms make a good choice.

10. Ride the free trams. There’s a free high-tech monorail tram that runs between Monte Carlo, City Center and Bellagio and another that runs between Excalibur, Luxor and Mandalay Bay. They’re on elevated platforms so offer good view of what’s going on below. There’s also an old-fashioned tram that runs between The Mirage and Treasure Island. If you don’t take public transport or trains at home then kids will get a kick out of taking a ride on these trams.

If you’ve got more time and cash in Las Vegas check out my list of the Top Ten Things to Do in Las Vegas with Kids. 

If you’re thinking about visiting Las Vegas with your family have a look at my post of Las Vegas for Kids.