Las Vegas has long been known as an adults-only playground, but The Venetian Resort is working to change that perception.
Vice President and General Manager of Entertainment Edward “Tex” Dike sat down with The Blast to share how the luxury resort is expanding its family-friendly offerings through iconic attractions like the gondola rides, new Via Via Food Hall, Broadway’s “Mrs. Doubtfire,” and immersive entertainment experiences. The goal – to give families an upscale Las Vegas getaway where luxury, entertainment, dining, and memorable moments can all be enjoyed together.
While many people feel Las Vegas is only an adult destination, The Venetian is intentionally trying to change that mindset to focus a little more on building an experience for everyone.
“We’re incredibly intentional about creating a resort experience that caters to every type of traveler. Las Vegas is continually evolving and we’ve designed The Venetian Resort so that anyone, whether you’re here with friends, on a couple’s getaway, or traveling with family, can enjoy a spectacular trip without compromise,” Tex told The Blast exclusively. “Because every room is a spacious suite, groups of all sizes immediately have the room they need to relax and connect.”
There’s also an “expansive variety of offerings,” such as entertainment, immersive fan experiences, dining, retail, and more, making the resort a one-stop-shop for the perfect night out.
What A Fun-Filled Family Visit Can Look Like At The Venetian
Families can make a whole day or night of it at The Venetian, with something for everyone to enjoy.
“The beauty of The Venetian Resort is our ability to tailor the evening to any family. I’d recommend starting with a ride on our iconic gondolas, followed by dinner at our new Via Via Food Hall, which offers a vibrant, approachable lineup of beloved culinary options from coast to coast,” Tex shared. “From there, families can take in a world-class show like ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ in The Venetian Theatre or experience the groundbreaking ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at Sphere at The Venetian.”
A great way to end any experience is with something sweet from Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, where you’ll find “over-the-top CrazyShake milkshakes.”
Balancing Luxury Entertainment With Accessible All-Ages Experiences
For The Venetian, it’s important to have balance between luxury entertainment and all ages fun.
“That balance has always been a core component of our ethos as today’s guests are looking for all-encompassing experiences that everyone can enjoy without sacrificing quality,” Tex shared. “At The Venetian Resort, we’ve always believed luxury and family-friendly experiences can run parallel under the same roof.”
One thing that families and adults alike enjoy at The Venetian is the gondolas. They are one of the most recognizable experiences on property.
“The gondolas are one of the most iconic experiences in Las Vegas and there’s really nothing else like them. We take great pride in making sure every ride is exceptional, including the authenticity of our gondoliers,” he explained. “For some guests, it’s a tradition they revisit every time they come to Las Vegas, while for others it’s a brand new experience they’ve been eagerly waiting for.”
Each ride is unique thanks to the gondoliers who bring their personality on the journey. And since the gondolas offer a rare experience, it gives families a chance to enjoy it together.
“Las Vegas is filled with exciting, high-energy experiences and the gondola ride provide a peaceful moment where families can take in the surroundings, have a conversation, and create a shared memory,” Tex said. “It’s also one of those signature Las Vegas experiences that guests look forward to checking off their list, whether it’s their first visit or they’re introducing it to someone else for the first time.”
When Hunger Strikes, The Food Hall Is The Perfect Place To Be
Hunger is sure to strike during your adventures, and Via Via Food Hall is there with many different options sure to please everyone in the family.
“Families today are looking for convenience without sacrificing quality, and Via Via Food Hall delivers on both,” he shared. “It gives guests the freedom to choose from several unique dining concepts in one location, making it easy for everyone to enjoy a meal that suits their tastes.”
Some of the options in the Food Hall include All’Antico Vinaio, Howlin’ Ray’s, Turkey and the Wolf, Ivan Ramen, B.S. Taqueria, Scarr’s Piza, and the recently opened Anita Gelato.
‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ Is Fun For The Whole Family At The Venetian Resort
If a show is on your list of things to do while visiting The Venetian, “Mrs. Doubtfire” “checks so many boxes” for the guests.
“It’s a beloved story that resonates with multiple generations as many parents grew up with the film, while the Broadway adaptation introduces it to a whole new audience,” Tex said. “As we head into the busy summer season, we wanted to offer a production that families could enjoy together without compromising on the caliber of the experience.”
One of the things that drew The Venetian to “Mrs. Doubtfire” was the ability to bring people together.
“Parents who grew up loving the original film can relive those memories, while younger audiences get to discover the story in a fresh, exciting way through live theater,” he said. “It’s one of those rare productions that gives families something to laugh about, connect over, and experience together. Those shared moments are exactly what we hope to create at The Venetian Resort.”
For more information and to book a stay at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, visit the website.