Tucked into a quiet neighborhood west of I-15, the residential-style Tropicana WorldMark is a series of two- and three-story buildings connected by paths winding through the beautifully landscaped property. It’s right across the street from Charlie Frias Park (Spring Mountain and Red Rock Canyon views!), and just two and a half miles off the Strip (free shuttle!). The pool is the centerpiece of the resort, and perfect for setting up camp for the day. Pack up the sunscreen and snack stash, throw some sunglasses on and head out. Get the kids situated (goggles, fins, mini-Nerf balls, inflatables), then plow through a few more chapters in that best-seller you picked up at the airport. When your splashers start running out of steam, head back to your resort condo to get everyone cleaned up for the evening’s adventures. Plan it right and you’ll have time for a quick trip to the fitness center while you’re waiting for a shower to free up.

One- and two-bedroom vacation suites sleep four to six comfortably (meaning not on the floor in some makeshift arrangement). The well-appointed kitchen makes your signature pancakes well within the realm of breakfast possibilities, and the in-suite washer/dryer setup takes care of any syrup or melted chocolate chip mishaps. Keep your crew occupied with a DVD while you gather up the fixings for barbecuing poolside, then head back out and grab a table on the patio. Once everything’s cleaned up, make a beeline for one of the five outdoor hot tubs while you plot the next day’s activities.

As you’ll be able to see from your windows, Red Rock Canyon is too close (and too amazing) to skip. Spend a day exploring petrified sand dunes, hiking up to waterfalls and seeing who can be the first to spot a red tailed hawk. Go canoeing across Lake Mead or pack a picnic and head for Mt. Charleston. Need more of an adrenaline rush? Brave Adventure Canyon’s death-defying drop while shooting lasers at bandits at Buffalo Bill’s, or blow by the kids (ten and up) at Fast Lap Indoor Kart Racing. Check out the elaborate laser light show and get a hefty dose of classic vintage Vegas at the Fremont Street Experience (Elvis impersonators abound).