Originally Posted by mbstone
I took my three girls (12, 11, 9) to the MGM Grand for a few days.
They immensely enjoyed:
-- The pool, featuring a circular, meandering river-pool with a gentle artificial current upon which one can float round and round on inner tubes. We rented a cabana which included 2 inner tubes, otherwise they are $15 each to rent. The cabana was $100 (9a-5p) and included the inner tubes, a TV, a selection of fruits, snacks and sodas, a private lounge area, poolside food service, and lounge chairs. The pools were open until 8p.
-- The lion habitat, including getting their pictures taken with a lion cub (you could put your hand on the lion's ... while the picture was being taken). The habitat is made of plexiglass and you can walk through a tunnel under the lion.
-- The Rainforest Cafe.
-- The buffet.
-- Room service.
-- Next door, the GameWorks arcade (there is also an arcade in the hotel).
-- Also next door, M&Ms World.
Also in the immediate area (untried) there is a movie theater, Coca Cola World, the Excalibur (e.g. jousting tournaments), and the NY NY roller coaster.
Unfortunately, you cannot stay at MGM for $50 per night. If you are looking to stay close to that price per night, the best bet would be Excalibur for children. Generally you can get a room for under $100 per night and since it is across the street from MGM, most of the above benefits will still apply.
Personally, if cost is not as big a concern, Mandalay Bay is the way to go. The pool area is the best for families (wave pool, lazy river, etc), great rooms, Shark Reef attraction, tram to Luxor and Excalibur.
Circus is in a very rundown part of the Strip and it's not a bargain at any price.