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4 of the best things to do in Las Vegas with kids

"Hey Daddy, we love Vegas more than Disneyland!" Charlie shouts, her voice echoing off the glittering lights of the Strip. My heart skips a beat, but not from the usual panic of hearing my child shout in public. No, this time it’s from the realization that my 11-year-old daughter just ranked Las Vegas—a city known for its booze, blackjack, and bad decisions—above the happiest place on Earth (damn, I'm proud). In honour of this baffling occasion, here's a list of the best things to do in Las Vegas with kids.

We’re standing in front of the newly refurbished Sahara Hotel, our home for the next few days, and Charlie’s practically vibrating with excitement. And why wouldn’t she be? We’re about to spend a weekend in the same place where Elvis himself once crooned and karate-chopped his way into history. The Sahara has been given a fresh face, but you can still feel the ghosts of the Rat Pack lounging by the pool, probably judging us for bringing kids to Vegas.

1. Area 15: Where Reality Takes a Left Turn

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Our first stop on the Jamieson Vegas Adventure is Area 15, a place that defies explanation, logic, and probably a few building codes.

Imagine a warehouse-sized acid trip, and you’re getting close. As we step inside, Molly (14) immediately tries to pretend she’s too cool for all this, but I catch her sneaking glances at the towering neon structures and psychedelic art installations. Parker (12) is wide-eyed, her brain no doubt plotting the best way to climb something she’s not supposed to, and Charlie is just…well, Charlie. She’s loving every second.

We head straight for Omega Mart, the flagship attraction that looks like a regular supermarket if you’ve had one too many margaritas. The girls scatter as soon as we enter, each of them drawn to a different brand of weirdness. I lose track of Parker almost immediately, and I’m fairly certain she’s found a secret tunnel that leads to Narnia or possibly a rave. Molly is too busy snapping photos of bizarre products—think “Plaque Buildup” in a can and something called “Whale Song Antiperspirant”—to notice me trying to get her attention. And Charlie, bless her Elvis-loving heart, is convinced she’s discovered a portal to another dimension behind the dairy aisle.

Related: After Dark in Las Vegas

Hours later, we emerge from Omega Mart, slightly dazed and wholly entertained. My wife gives me a look that says, “This better not have awakened anything in them,” while I silently pray that no one brings up living in a parallel universe for their next science project.

2. High Roller: Spinning Out of Control

Next on our agenda is the High Roller, the world’s largest observation wheel. That’s right, we’re about to climb into a giant glass hamster ball and spin 550 feet above the city. I’m not exactly thrilled at the prospect, but the girls are all for it. Parker leads the charge, practically dragging us into the pod before the doors can close on her enthusiasm.

As we ascend, the view of the Strip sprawls out beneath us like a giant game board. Molly has her phone out, snapping away like she’s on assignment for National Geographic, while Parker and Charlie press their faces against the glass, arguing over who can spot the weirdest thing down below. I, meanwhile, am clutching the safety rail with one hand and pretending to be cool with the other.

It’s hard to stay grumpy when the city lights up around us. Even I have to admit, it’s pretty spectacular. By the time we reach the top, the girls are already planning their next spin, and I’m trying to think of a plausible excuse to stay grounded.

3. Knights in Shining Armor

What’s a trip to Vegas without some hockey? That’s right, we’re off to see the Las Vegas Golden Knights in action. Now, I’m no hockey expert, but I can appreciate a good brawl on ice as much as the next guy. The girls are pumped, and I’m just hoping no one loses a tooth.

We enter the arena, and it’s like walking into a rock concert. The energy is electric, and the pre-game show is pure Vegas—pyrotechnics, thumping music, and a knight on horseback slaying a dragon. Molly and Parker are on their feet, cheering along with the crowd, and even Charlie is getting into it, though she keeps asking if the knight knows any Elvis songs.

The game itself is fast, furious, and everything I didn’t know I needed. The girls are screaming for the Knights, my wife is clapping along, and I’m wondering how I’m going to explain the merchandise bill when we leave. But honestly? It’s worth it. We leave the arena with hoarse voices, empty wallets, and new Golden Knights jerseys.

Related: Vegas's biggest thrill

4. Big Elvis: The King Lives at Harrah's

But the real highlight of the trip, especially for Charlie, is Big Elvis at Harrah’s. We’ve been hearing about this performance for weeks, ever since Charlie stumbled across a youtube video a few weeks before our trip. I warn Charlie not to expect Austin Butler. Harrah’s is a bit of a time capsule itself, and as we walk through the casino, I can almost feel the ghost of Elvis winking at us from the slot machines.

We grab seats at the lounge, and Charlie is practically bouncing in her chair.

When Big Elvis finally takes the microphone, dressed in a jumpsuit that could double as a disco ball, Charlie’s jaw drops. He launches into “Hound Dog,” and she’s gone—totally, utterly in awe of the King regardless of his size (Big Elvis is so big he sits on a thrown to perform). By the time he gets to “Suspicious Minds,” she’s singing along, and I’m trying to ignore the look on my wife’s face that says, “How much Elvis is too much?”

Big Elvis dedicates “Can’t Help Falling in Love” to Charlie, who looks like she might actually faint. I’ve never seen her this happy, and as we leave Harrah’s, she’s clutching an autographed photo like it’s a golden ticket.

Vegas Wins

As we head back to the Sahara, Charlie is still humming Elvis tunes, Parker is debating which Area 15 exhibit was the weirdest, and Molly is "snapping" her friends for the thousandth time. My wife and I exchange a look—one that says, “Maybe Vegas is a good place for some family fun after all.” Back at the hotel, the girls collapse onto their beds, exhausted but buzzing with excitement. I can’t help but smile. Somehow, in the city of sin, we’ve found the best things to do in Las Vegas with kids.

And as I tuck them in, Charlie whispers, “Daddy, Vegas is way better than Disneyland.” I laugh, knowing full well that this won’t be the last time we trade Mickey Mouse for the King.