Going to Vegas for 4 nights in April, staying at MGM Grand. We don't gamble, but for a last minute spring break trip this was a good deal. Hoping for tips of things to do outside of the casinos. We will have an 11 year old girl with us. Maybe some tips for nature hikes in the area? Day trips from Vegas? We will have a car. Any good restaurant tips? I don't care for chain restaurants and hope to find some special places to eat. Any good authentic Mexican recommendations? Thanks!

This thread has a very thorough list of non-gambling things to do in Vegas (especially with kids):

http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessages.jsp?fid=1&tid=34373086&numresponses=7&s tart=0&searchText=first+visit+to+vegas

Here's what our kids (10 & 13 at the time) enjoyed:
- race to atlantis ride at the forum shops at ceasar's (my kids LOVED this ride, it's one of those universal studio virtual reality type things)
- dolphin and tiger habitat at Mirage, my kids played catch with the dolphins for about 20 minute. The dolphins just followed them around the pool and aimed the ball right at them.
- shark acquarium at mandalay
- Mystere (this was pricey but worth it)
free attractions:
- volcano eruption at mirage
- pirate show at TI
- dancing fountains at Bellagio
- various themed hotel lobby areas (venetian, paris, NYNY, mgm, etc.)
- statue lazer shows at the forum shops

Also a 1/2 day trip to Hoover dam is well worth it. It's a quick car ride and interesting tour (even though more limited than pre-9/11).

A "don't miss" is Valley of Fire state park. It's about 55 miles NE of Vegas. And after you drive through, you can return the back way and check out the marina on Lake Meade. I've got some pix up at http://community.webshots.com/user/bookhall . Enjoy!

Also really close by is the Red Rock National Conservation area and it's really beautiful with hiking.

Utahtea

Split all 8's and Aces.

If the weather's nice take a ride out to Lake Mead. Floyd Lamb State Park is nice too, 15 north to 95 North about 25 minutes from the MGM.

Restaurants: Rainforest Cafe in the MGM and Wolfgang Puck Cafe.

Across the street at NYNY there's CHIN CHIN Chinese and Il Fornaio Italian.

The Brew pub at Monte Carlo nearby is good. ColdStone Creamery Ice Cream in the Excalibur (top of the escalator) is a meal in itself. Always enjoy Cheesecake Factory in the Caesars Palace Forum Mall (a must-see mall for an 11 year old, don't miss the aquarium).

Monte Carlo buffet is usually better than MGM or Excalibur or Trop. Aladdin buffet is higher priced but terrific.

For Authentic mexican, ask your bell desk for directions to LINDO MICHOACAN.

Garduno's Mexican at the Palms Hotel is also good but more Americanized.

This may not interest you in the slightest, but a UNLV baseball game might be a fun activity to get you outdoors! College baseball games are usually fun and kid friendly. Have fun!

As far as shows Lance Burton would be a good choice as well as The Amazing Jonathan. Red Rocks & Lake Mead are other good 'out of town' choices.