by Kristie Ponce

Created on: March 01, 2009   Last Updated: March 31, 2009

Ah, Las Vegas! The magical city, sparkling with neon and Elvis impersonators, showgirls in glittering rhinestones, and ringing with the music of million dollar dreams. Once the destination of choice for fortune hunters and star-crossed lovers, "Sin City" has worked hard to improve its reputation and become a family-friendly place. From Shark Reef at the south end of the Strip to the Fremont Street Experience just off the north end, Las Vegas has come to offer a smorgasboard of entertainment for people of all ages, interests, and budgets.

TAKE A TOUR OF THE HOTEL CASINOS ALONG THE STRIP:

*The Mandalay Bay: 3950 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89119. (702) 632-7777. Mandalay Bay is home to Shark Reef, a wonderful aquarium that is devoted entirely to various species of sharks. Visitors are also invited to experience the texture of both rays and baby sharks in two large touch tanks. Best of all, children ages 4 and under are admitted free! (http://www.sharkreef.com/ ).

*The Luxor: 3900 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89119. 702-262-4444. Continue to educate and delight at the Luxor! Currently hosting "The Bodies" (http://www.luxor.com/attractions/attractions_bodies .aspx), an exhibit featuring artfully preserved biological specimens, and "Titanic: The Artificats" (http://www.luxor.com/attractions/attractions_titani c.aspx), this hotel has also been known to feature other travelling museum displays, such as "King Tut's Tomb".

*The Excalibur: 3850 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89109-6778. 702-597-7777. With pool-side cabanas that boast televisions and refrigerators (http://www.excalibur.com/attractions/pool.aspx), shops that abound with magic and mayhem (http://www.excalibur.com/attractions/castle_walk.asp x, and the chance to feast like a king (http://www.excalibur.com/entertainment/), this hotel is a family's dream! For more entertainment options, check out the dazzling array of carnival and arcade games on the Midway (http://www.excalibur.com/attractions/midway.aspx, or go for a ride on a 4-D adventure with everyone's favorite sea creature, SpongeBob SquarePants! (http://www.excalibur.com/attractions/spongebob4d.asp x

*The MGM Grand: 3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109. (877) 880-0880. Although this hotel and casino tends to cater more to the over 21 crowd, it does host a free indoor lion exhibit (http://www.mgmgrand.com/entertainment/lion-habitat. aspx ) of spectacular proportions. For adults as well as children above

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