We will be visiting Las Vegas from July 13th to July 20, we are traveling with three kids ages 17, 11 and 8. We were thinking of taking a day trip to California. We have been in LA and done all the tourist things there. Any suggestions on where else we can go in California that's not too far from LV?

Stay a night in Primm NV (Exit 1) and let the kids ride the roller coaster at Buffalo Bill's.
A stop in Baker to see the world's tallest thermometer should take about 10 minutes.
There is a Route 66 museum in Victorville across from the train station.

Please factor in the very high temperatures. You will be unable to spend much time without A/C.

Let me be the first to ask - why 7 days in Vegas? in July? With 3 kids?

This week it is supposed to be 120F in LV. And same could happen in July. By any chance is this a time share vacation? July in Las Vegas is not fun (which is why they almost give away hotel rooms).

It can even be too hot to hang around the pool after about 10AM..

And riding the roller coaster in that heat - sorry but not me. Primm is an arm pit in the summer (another body part at other times of the year )

No place in .CA is a day trip except for Death Valley - and it is a killer in July.

Sorry if this sounds grim - but them's the facts.

Agree that LV for 3 kids in midsummer makes little sense. There are so many places they can't go - any casino - and so many places it will be too hot - basically anyplace outdoors including the pools - I can;t imagine what they will except hang around malls.

And CA is way too far for a day trip - esp crossing the desert both ways.

There is a lot you can do in Las Vegas with kids! Factor in the heat and a lot of walking, but the pedestrian walkway goes in and out of the casinos rather fluidily. New York is cool with arcades. Don't go to Excaliber (gone way downhill and is R rated!). There's a Rainforest Cafe at the MGM, M&Ms store etc... At that end of the strip. Rio is beautiful and has a great buffet. The Blue Man Group is good for families, and AAA gives discounts. The Aliante is a newer hotel with casino and a movie theater. Keep in mind, the pools can attract some rather lascivious behavior!

But for a side trip, consider going to Hoover Dam or even the Grand Canyon. You can stay in Williams, AZ, and drive to the Grand Canyon.

The only thing to do in Baker is see the thermometer and eat at the Mad Greek, which is usually crowded (and desperately need to remodel their restrooms!) You could take a side trip to LA, but leave very early in the morning to avoid the heat, and try not to do it on a Sunday. Cheap gas at the M Hotel 12 miles towards CA (Rose off ramp?). But the drive is so long and boring!

I second the Hoover Dam suggestion!

Maybe a side trip to Zion National Park in Utah? www.nps.gov/zion Include Bryce Canyon National Park if you aren't locked into a reservation in LV. www.nps.gov/brca