Load the family into the car and depart from South Orange County, heading north toward the high desert to begin your winter road trip adventure.
Enjoy the transition from coastal scenery to the rugged mountain landscapes as you climb through the Cajon Pass on the I-15 North.
Take a quick break at the Barstow Station, a fun collection of shops and fast-food outlets housed in vintage railway cars that kids always enjoy.
Pass by the World's Tallest Thermometer in Baker before turning onto Highway 127 to drive through the vast, open stretches of the Mojave Desert.
Stop briefly in the tiny desert oasis of Shoshone to stretch your legs and prepare for the final scenic approach into the southern entrance of Death Valley National Park.
Enter Death Valley National Park and head straight to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, for a flat and easy walk across the iconic geometric salt flats.
Drive the scenic Artist's Drive loop to reach Artists Palette, where the family can view hills splashed with vibrant colors like turquoise and pink from the comfort of the car or a very short overlook path.
Take the short, paved walk up to Zabriskie Point to witness the spectacular, golden-colored badlands and the jagged peaks of the Amargosa Range.
Visit the Furnace Creek Visitor Center to let the kids collect their Junior Ranger badges and marvel at the giant digital thermometer that displays the valley's extreme temperatures.
Begin the journey toward Las Vegas by driving through the scenic Death Valley Junction, catching the early sunset over the desert mountains as you head toward Pahrump.
Stop in Pahrump for a quick family dinner at Mom's Diner or pick up snacks at Terrible's Road House to fuel the final leg of the drive.
Arrive at the flickering lights of the Las Vegas Strip and check into your family-friendly suite at the Vdara Hotel & Spa, known for its smoke-free and non-gaming environment.
Take a short walk through the pedestrian connector to the Bellagio to grab a casual late-night treat or dinner at Posh Burger.
Witness the spectacular Bellagio Fountains water show, where the kids can watch the dancing water synchronized to music against the backdrop of the city lights.
Return to the Vdara to settle in and enjoy the view of the Las Vegas Skyline from your room before a restful night's sleep.
Wake up in your suite at Vdara Hotel & Spa and enjoy a casual breakfast at the Market Café Vdara, which offers easy grab-and-go options perfect for a family morning.
Take a short walk through the connector to the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens to explore the stunning, floor-to-ceiling floral displays and seasonal decorations.
Head over to The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace to watch the Fall of Atlantis animatronic show, featuring fire, water, and impressive statues that are favorites for kids.
Visit the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Las Vegas to see real flamingos, exotic birds, and turtles in a peaceful, tropical garden setting.
Stop for an epic lunch at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer located in The Venetian, where the family can share massive, candy-topped CrazyShakes for a memorable dessert.
Walk over to Treasure Island to explore the Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N., an immersive exhibit where the kids can see superhero gear and participate in interactive training missions.
Stroll through The LINQ Promenade to board the High Roller Observation Wheel, taking a 30-minute air-conditioned rotation for panoramic views of the Las Vegas Valley.
Visit the multi-story M&M's World to create custom chocolates and watch a 3D movie featuring the iconic characters which is always a hit for kids ages 6-12.
Pop into the adjacent Coca-Cola Store to sample a flight of sixteen different soda flavors from around the globe at the Coca-Cola Fountain.
Head to Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort & Casino for a family dinner at Rainforest Cafe, where animatronic animals and indoor thunderstorms delight the kids.
Walk across the street to New York-New York Hotel & Casino to explore Hershey's Chocolate World, featuring massive chocolate sculptures and a wide array of sweet treats.
Take a short drive or ride-share to a viewing spot for The Sphere to watch the incredible Exosphere light show, which often displays giant emojis or planetary animations.
Return to the Vdara Hotel & Spa to enjoy the quiet, smoke-free atmosphere and get some rest before the gymnastics meet tomorrow morning.
Enjoy a relaxed final morning in your suite at Vdara Hotel & Spa before grabbing a quick, protein-packed breakfast at Market Café Vdara to gear up for the day.
Load the family and gymnastics gear into the car for the short 2-mile drive to the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, allowing plenty of time to find parking and locate the competition hall.
Take your seats at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino for the start of the gymnastics meet, cheering on the competitors as the first session of the morning officially begins.
Continue watching the gymnastic rotations and grab a quick snack or drink from the Rio concessions to keep the kids energized while supporting their sibling.
Collect your gear and celebrate the gymnastics session at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino by snapping some celebratory family photos near the iconic casino towers.
Head to Hash House A Go Go located inside the Rio for a massive victory lunch, where the oversized portions of 'twisted farm food' are guaranteed to satisfy the hungry gymnasts.
Drive a short five-minute distance to the neon-lit world of AREA15, an immersive entertainment complex that offers a futuristic and artistic playground for both kids and adults.
Step into the surreal and mind-bending world of Omega Mart by Meow Wolf, exploring hidden portals and secret slides tucked away inside a technicolor 'grocery store'.
Head south on the Strip to the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, where the kids can walk through glass tunnels surrounded by sharks, sea turtles, and giant rays.
Make a quick visit to the Pinball Hall of Fame to play a few rounds on hundreds of vintage arcade games and pinball machines in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
Stop for a relaxed family dinner at Eataly Las Vegas within Park MGM, where the variety of Italian food stalls allows everyone in the family to find their favorite pizza or pasta.
Head south of the Strip for a quick stop at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign to capture one final group photo commemorating your weekend adventure and the gymnastics competition.
Begin the drive back toward California, making a brief detour to view the Seven Magic Mountains, where the colorful neon totems provide a striking contrast against the dark Mojave night.
Start the final leg of the journey home to South Orange County, using the quiet evening drive to let the kids rest after an action-packed three days across the desert and the Las Vegas Strip.