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Most people do not think of Las Vegas Vacations and immediately think of taking their 2 or 3 year old. However, despite the fact that it is still essentially a playground for adults, if you are taking your toddler with you then there are some things to be found in Las Vegas that can be entertaining for you both.

Here are the top 10 things to do with your rambunctious toddlers when visiting Sin City. Best of all, most of them are free!

Photo from rookiemoms.com

1. Mandalay Bay Shark Reef- The Mandalay Bay Shark Reef is a lot of fun for children and adults. Adults will pay around $17 to enter the exhibit, but children 4 and under are free. It has nearly 2 million gallons of water and 2,000 animals including the sharks, jelly fish, green sea turtles, and crocodiles.

2. Circus Circus acts-You could spend all afternoon at Circus Circus. They have a small amusement park with a small, but fun, roller coaster inside. You must pay admission to use this. However, their circus acts, also located indoors, are free to watch. Plus, they go on all day long. You can watch aerialists, trapeze artists, jugglers, acrobats, contortionists, and magicians at work, starting at 11:00 am.

3. Secret Garden Zoo- At the Mirage, toddlers and children of all ages can enjoy the Secret Garden, which is a small zoo that plays home to some of Siegfried and Roy’s beloved animals. Admission price is $15 adults, with children being free. Children will love watching the dolphin trainers at work, as well as the famous tigers. Afterwards, stop for a view of the erupting volcano outside of the hotel.

4. Caesar’s Palace Forum- Las Vegas vacations aren’t complete without a trip to Caesar’s Palace. Although your toddler won’t be able to hang out inside the casino, the Forum shops are a lot of fun to explore. Visit FAO Schwartz, the famous toy store, and the myriad of other designer shops. Have lunch at the Cheesecake Factory and then watch the show that takes place at the west end of the mall. Every hour on the hour, statues come to life as fire, water, and lights play a part in reenacting the story of Atlantis.

5. Freemont Street Experience- Children will love the light show that takes place on the ceiling that covers Freemont Street downtown. The canopy is 90 feet tall and every hour on the hour there is a light and musical show that is bound to fascinate even the most rambunctious toddler.

6. Excalibur- Everyone loves castles and Excalibur is one of the most kid-friendly casinos in Vegas. Just walking around the front of the hotel can be entertaining for the little ones, as they watch Merlin appear from the tower and get to walk across the “drawbridge.” Once inside, the Midway has carnival and arcade games suitable for children.

7. Flamingo penguins-You don’t have to stay at the Flamingo to walk around their swimming pool-which is still one of the best in Vegas. Children will like walking through the canopied walkways and seeing the myriad of hidden pools. They will also enjoy the real flamingos and penguins that live there year round.

8. MGM Lion Habitat- MGM might be a huge hotel and easy to get lost in, but finding the Lion Habitat is worth it. Take your toddler on a mini-African safari-for free!

9. Town Square-The new Town Square in Vegas has something for everyone, including the little ones. Go there for a day filled with shopping and eating and enjoy the tree house and the maze, too.

10. Pirate show at Treasure Island- Don’t forget one of Vegas’ top free attractions, the pirate show at Treasure Island. Watch as two pirate ships battle it out in front of the hotel. Just remember, when one ship fires a canon at the other one, that heat is real!

If in doubt, just walking around some of the hotels can be entertainment in itself for the little ones. There are some hotels that have wonderfully fascinating exteriors, such as Luxor, that are sure to amaze your toddlers-and maybe even you!