How to Travel to Vegas With Kids on Points

You may not think of Las Vegas as a particularly kid-friendly destination. But there’s plenty to do for little ones in this desert locale — and plenty of ways to use points to save money.

Here are our favorite travel hacks, hotel deals and activities for your next family trip out West.

Getting there

If you’re flying with kids, it always pays to use a family-friendly airline. In this regard, Southwest is a solid choice, since they offer first and second checked bags free.

A family of three could make the short flight from Los Angeles to Las Vegas in October for as low as 15,972 points and $34 round-trip, total.

Flying from Denver to Sin City rings in for as cheap as 18,147 points and $34 for three people.

» Learn more: The best cheap flights to Vegas to book with points

Where to stay

What’s more iconic Las Vegas than the Venetian? You can book a room at either the Venetian or the adjacent Palazzo for 70,000 IHG rewards points. (Check paid prices first, though, as cash rates may be cheap enough to justify saving your points.)

This hotel isn’t just for kids — but that doesn’t mean your kids won’t love it. All the rooms are considered suites, in that there is a living room and separate sleeping area, providing lots of space for families with kids.

Plus, your kids will love the hotel’s newly renovated pool deck and, for a little adventure, a gondola ride throughout the hotel’s interior. Hey, it’s easier than taking them to Italy.

» Learn more: 10 tips for family budget travel

What to do

Once you arrive in Las Vegas, you’ll need a plan. And you’ll need everything to be within walking distance or at least accessible via Uber. After all, dragging kids on a walking tour of an actual desert location probably won’t be fun for anyone.

Start off by booking the three for $57 deal with Circus Circus, an MGM Resorts property. This deal allows you to build your own fun-filled day, choosing from activities like the Adventuredome amusement park, Bodies ... the Exhibition, and Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay, an exhibit home to more than 2,000 animals including sharks, which are always a crowd-pleaser.

» Learn more: Sin City on a budget: How to save on your next trip to Vegas

The Discovery Children’s Museum is another must-see for travelers with children. Get one free admission ticket with the Bank of America® Museums on Us program the first weekend of the month. All you have to do is show your Bank of America® card and a photo ID.

And be sure to stop by the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio. The 14,000-square foot garden is redesigned each season and is a must-see for anyone visiting Vegas. Plus, it’s free. If your kids hate it, you can leave, guilt-free.

And who does Vegas without seeing Cirque du Soleil? Mastercard cardholders can now get 20% off tickets to this iconic show, including Mystere, The Beatles Love, Ka and Michael Jackson. Don’t worry, these titles are all kid-friendly.

The Neon Museum (also known as the Neon Boneyard) is another-must see. It’s an eclectic museum of old vintage signs from the city’s past. Pay for tickets ($24-$30) with your favorite travel card, like the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card. You’ll earn 1.5 points per $1 spent, with no blackouts and no restrictions.

» Learn more: The best credit cards for Las Vegas

The bottom line

Though Vegas may not be your first thought for a family vacation, it has a lot to offer. Plus there are plenty of ways to use those points you’ve been saving up for a rainy day. (Though it probably won’t rain during the trip — it is the desert, after all.)