Pre-Trip Fun for Las Vegas, Nevada

"Honey, I Blew Up the Kid" -- When a wacky inventor accidentally uses his growth-ray on his two-year-old son, the toddler turns into a giant wreaking havoc on downtown Las Vegas. (School Age and Up)

"Viva Las Vegas" -- Older kids will dig the race-car theme in this rock 'n' roll romance starring Elvis Presley during his prime and Ann-Margret. (Teens)

"Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery" -- Teens will get into the over-the-top tackiness that matches Sin City's loud, flashy vibe. Portions were filmed at the Riviera Hotel and on the Strip. (Teens)

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail -- Mounds of all-you-can-peel-and-eat are a staple of Las Vegas buffets. This version doubles as a soup so you can make it into meal.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries -- Just outside the city, Ethel M Chocolates gives free gourmet samples and tours. Until then, keep chocolate fiends satisfied with a simple dessert they'll love dipping in to.

Elvis Presley Cake -- Vegas is synonymous with Elvis, and the King was famous for his sweet tooth. Rumor has it this was one of his favorites.

"French Kitty in Las Vegas Pair-a-Dice " by Mighty Fine Inc. -- Capturing the lure of Sin City with a G-rated spin, the NYC "sophisticat" and her sidekick conquer Vegas when they win back their gambling losses by putting on a show of their own. (Ages 2 to 8)

"One Hot Day: A Tomas the Tortoise Adventure" by Mike Miller -- Prepare for the heat of the desert by crawling in the sandy shoes of a turtle. (Ages 2 to 8)

"Weird Planet #2: Lost in Las Vegas" by Dan Greenburg -- Kids will be intrigued at the thought of real aliens from Area 51, and amazed when Vegas turns out to be even weirder. (Ages 2 to 8)

"Travis & Freddy's Adventures in Vegas" by Henry Johnson and Paul Hoppe -- Sure, the boys use cyber-glasses to rig a blackjack game, and mobsters dangle them from their underwear, but the fantasy captures the whirlwind, madcap world of Las Vegas. (Ages 9 to 12)

"Springs in the Desert: A Kid's History of Las Vegas" by Johnathan Peters -- It's not all bright lights and slot machines. Introduce future Vegas babies to the rich history and nature Nevada has to offer. (Ages 9 to 12)

Desert in a Box -- Because they need so little water, cacti are perfect for Nevada's desert -- and for new gardeners, too.

Spoons Card Game -- Get kids into the gaming spirit with a musical-chairs twist on typical cards.

Beach Bag -- The pools in Vegas are world-renowned, as is the heat. Prep your water babies with their own supply totes.