Las Vegas: Hitting the Family Fun Jackpot

Star Trek: The Experience
Trekkies converge on this $70-million attraction that is part museum, part movie, and part ride. You enter through a futuristic version of a casino to begin the wait in line. (Be aware that the wait can stretch two hours or more during peak times.) During your wait, you are entertained by televisions running clips from the famous show and by assorted memorabilia. As you approach the ride, costumed characters advise that you've crossed over into the 24th century. You then begin an out-of-this-world "experience" that combines live theater, a motion-simulation ride, and dazzling special effects. One of the coolest parts is getting "beamed" aboard the Starship Enterprise. You also get involved in a wild, and sometimes nausea-inducing, chase through space, but you can skip this part of the ride by simply walking through the spaceship doors instead of taking a seat. Note: Given the vivid presentation and some of the characters portrayed by the live actors (including evil Klingons), the ride is not suitable for preschoolers and may bore those who never "got" the appeal of Captain Kirk and his crew. It's best left to kids over age 7 and their Spock-loving parents. Located inside the Las Vegas Hilton, 3000 Paradise Rd., Las Vegas; (702) 732-5111; www.startrekexp.com

Stratosphere Tower
The best overview of town can be had from this vantage point, some 1,150 feet above the Strip. And if the view isn't thrilling enough, there are several roller coasters at the top that will probably frighten all but the most fearless coaster connoisseurs. Don't bother taking preschoolers or kids who are afraid of heights--they'll probably be too scared to look anyway. There's a small charge. Rides cost extra and there are combination tickets offered. 2000 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas; (702) 380-7777; www.stratospheretower.com

M&M World
Kids who love the chocolate candy will probably want to see this museum/huge advertisement. A seven-minute film tells the tale of how Red the M&M found his M. Riveting stuff for 4- and 5-year-olds. In the Showcase Mall, 3785 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas; (800) 651-2437; (702) 736-7611; www.m-ms.com

Fountains of Bellagio
One of the best shows in Vegas is this $35-million water spectacle that plays--or should we say sprays?--in front of the opulent Bellagio resort. The musical accompaniment runs the gamut--from Sinatra to Pavarotti--but the spraying jets of water, all backlit by bright white lights, are guaranteed to enchant folks of all ages. Shows are every 30 minutes from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., more frequently after 8 p.m. 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas; (888) 744-7687.

Red Rock Canyon
Worlds away from the glare and blare of Vegas, but only 20 minutes by car, lies this almost-200,000-acre preserved desert vista of statuesque red-rock formations. Stop at the visitors' center, where kids can sign up to be Junior Rangers (to earn their badge and certificate, they have to complete a booklet answering questions on local wildlife). The park maintains 24 miles of trails, but the best one for kids is the 0.7-mile Children's Discovery Trail, located seven miles past the visitors' center at the turnoff for Willow Springs/Lost Creek. The trail starts in a low-lying valley and climbs up to a stand of trees with benches by a small creek. It's very easy to get lost here, so be sure everyone stays on the trail--and bring plenty of water. Located 15 miles west of Las Vegas via Charleston Blvd. on State Rd. 159; (702) 363-1921; http://www.sunsetcities.com/redrock.html