Las Vegas is the place for gambling, cool activities, and good entertainment. But traveling with kids can be a struggle. Here is a list of the top 5 things to do in Vegas for families, as well as the top 5 places to eat.

To-do:

1. Cirque Du Soleil – Circus of the Sun in French, is an original circus show that is truly one of a kind. With unique costumes, incredible acrobatics, and five shows to choose from, children and adults will find this show endearing and magical. One drawback is how expensive it is. The show is not cheap, but the performances are worth it. To purchase tickets, go to Cirque Du Soleil Tickets and Shows.

1. Blue Man Group – The extra-terrestrial Blue Man Group is painted in all blue, which contrasts with their black suits. The show consists of drumming while paint is poured onto the drums, as well as funny antics, and cool special effects. Unfortunately, they did remove the “splash zone.” So if you are planning to wear all white and get splashed by paint, sadly, that is no longer possible. To purchase tickets, go to Buy Blue Man Group Tickets.
2. Bellagio Gardens – The Bellagio Hotel and Casino’s gardens are truly a sight to behold.   The garden setup is called “Tea and Tulips” and you’ve never truly seen a tea party just like this one. There are amazing, dramatically oversized statues of realistic bees, hummingbirds, and teapots and china tea cups. The lovely lady in the background stands at least 10 feet tall and the frog is the size of a toddler. You can walk through this elegant exhibit at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino. Read more about the gardens at Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.

1. Top Golf – Top Golf is not your everyday miniature golf course. At this four-story indoor/outdoor sports facility, you can play electronic golf games while hitting golf balls off of platforms that are 2-4 stories above ground level. If heights aren’t your thing, you can also shoot golf balls off the ground level. You can have food delivered to your bay that everyone, picky or not, will find delicious. (I ordered their macaroni and cheese and it was amazing!) One thing you definitely should bring is a light sweatshirt if you plan to golf on the higher levels. It gets chilly up there, and fast! Book a session on their website at Topgolf.com.
2. The Forum Shops at Caesar’s – If you like Greek Gods, shopping, water features, or all of the above, this is the place for you! The moment you step into the Forum shops from Caesar’s Palace Hotel and Casino, you’re taken to the world of the gods – with a beautiful blue sky above you and magnificent water fountains in front of you. These upscale shops, including Guess, Balenciaga, Gucci, and Tiffany and Co., are a bit of a walk, and quite expensive. But do not worry! The Forum shops also have Sephora, the Welcome to Las Vegas shop, Lush, Lululemon, and Levis, so your bank account won’t cry if you go visit!

Things to eat

1. Secret Pizza – Yes! The legend is real! There truly is a secret restaurant hidden in the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino. (And, it is delicious and affordable!) There are no signs and you have to do a bit of sleuthing to find the hidden passageway on the third floor of the hotel to get to your cheesy destination. The map below reveals where the pizzeria is hidden. Or, if you prefer a scavenger hunt, just follow your nose!
2. Sonrisa Bar and Grill – Who doesn’t like a good enchilada? Sonrisa has delicious, creative Mexican food that warms your heart. If you’re going to this restaurant you can call and make a reservation at (725)-977-0054 or walk right up Unlike the other restaurants I’ve talked about, this grill is on Lake Las Vegas and has outdoor seating with a water view. You can browse their menu at Sonrisa Grill.

1. Luna Rossa – Authentic Italian cuisine that puts Olive Garden to shame. They serve everything from classic Italian to pizza! One piece of advice: don’t fill up on the bread. You’ll want room for the food once it arrives, and you can always ask for a box to take the bread back to wherever you’re staying for leftovers! You can book a reservation or check out the menu at Luna Rossa Restaurant.
2. California Pizza Kitchen – While we may not have one here in Washington anymore, you can still enjoy CPK in Vegas! Located in the Fashion Mall on the strip, you can stop for a bite to eat before going shopping. You can find the details here at the fashion mall’s website: CPK Vegas.
3. Mrs. Coco – This is for the people who lie pink, pink, pink! Mrs. Coco’s is dainty and elegant, with good food. If Elle Woods was real, this shop would be her favorite spot. You can read more on their website, at Mrs Coco Las Vegas.