CNN has named Las Vegas the hottest family-friendly destination in the US as more younger visitors flock to the city. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Family-friendly Vegas

Las Vegas may have a deserved reputation as Sin City, but CNN has now named it the hottest destination for families in America.

Citing new attractions incorporating technology and interactivity, CNN Travel recommended the gambling hub as the best in America for family-friendly amenities and attractions.

16% of people who visited Las Vegas in 2023 did so with someone aged 21 or younger

Statistics from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority state that around 16% of people who visited Las Vegas in 2023 did so with someone aged 21 or younger — a figure almost three times higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Technological wonders

It’s not the first time Las Vegas has been touted as an ideal hotspot for families, although this time may be different, thanks to the latest developments in interactive media.

Consider the current era Family-Friendly Vegas 2.0”

Referencing Las Vegas’ ill-fated 1990s attempt to draw in families, which eventually saw developments give way to traditional adult-oriented entertainment, CNN stated: ”Consider the current era Family-Friendly Vegas 2.0.”

Most of the attractions named incorporate new technologies to appeal to those 21 and under. For instance, the Live Sketchbook, an exhibition in the ARTE museum, where animal drawings can be made to come to life, was cited as a particularly enthralling experience.

The Electric Playhouse, where families can play life-sized videogames using their bodies as controllers, was also given as a tip for families. The Flyover ride, incorporating a domed screen and mist and wind as visitors are taken on a trip based on a short film, was another mention.

Lastly, there was a rave review for the $2.3bn Sphere, by far the most iconic and recognizable of the recent new landmarks cropping up on the Las Vegas skyline.

Vegas’ next evolution

As well as existing attractions, CNN also cited several new developments under works, including Universal Horror Unleashed, a year-round horror attraction from NBCUniversal.

Steve Hill, president of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the local destination marketing organization, was bullish about the prospect of the city appealing to younger visitors.

“Families aren’t only coming because there’s more for kids to do; they’re coming because we now have all sorts of offerings that appeal to adults and kids alike,” said Hill.

“No destination has figured out how to evolve over time better than Las Vegas, and no aspect of our recent history demonstrates this better than our evolution into a great destination for families.”