Las Vagas and Children

[heatherbelle]

Hi

usually go to Orlando

We are thinking of coming to the West coast and doing LA, with parks and San Diago. Would also like to go to Vagas and the Grand Canyon. we may as well do it all.

My questions is, are children allowed in the casion's to see shows etc, thinking out Cirque du sol...

What else is there for children to do in Las Vagas. We would only be staying for a few days.

Anyone recommend a good hotel also for kids. DS is 8.

[PoohPrincess76]

I would check with each hotel about shows. I think Circus Circus is good for kids. Another fun place for kids is New York New York, they have a roller coaster and are more centrally located on the strip. Mirage has the zoo, but, I am not sure about staying there with a child. Many of the hotels do have a "day care" program that you can check you child into. It has been a few years since we were there, but, again, just ask when you call.

[Lewisc]

Las Vegas is getting away from the family image. Monte-Carlo is probably the best resort that's somewhat kid friendly. The have fast food and a nice pool.

Children are allowed in the shows but the Cirque shows aren't cheap.

Many (most?) of the resorts charge extra for the third guest in the room, sometimes even for infants.

[Magix]

Excalibur is also a good option with kids.

Most shows will allow children. Just check with the booking phone number or box office. Besides, Cirque, you might want to check into Blue Man Group. Also, something like the Medieval Times-style show at Excalibur is a good bet.

When I was a kid, back in the 70's, my family used to go to Vegas and even the old type of shows with the topless showgirls would have a family-suitable show at matinee times, when the ladies covered up a bit more.

[mamacatnv]

My best friend just got back from her 2nd stay at the Mandalay Bay with her 9 yr. old DD. They went and saw the Phantom of the Opera show at the Venetian.

Last visit they went to see Blue Man Group (her DD loved it).

I took my DS to Vegas when he was 12, we stayed at Treasure Island and he and I enjoyed: The Aquarium at Mandalay, the coasters at NY NY & Sahara, the recreated King Tut's Tomb at the Luxor as well as the Gondola ride at the Venetian. We also visited M&M world and went to see the Cirque show at Treasure Island, followed up with FooFoo drinks at MargueritaVille.

The kids can walk thru the casinos but Nevada law prohibits them from loitering around the machines. Most of the casinos have walkways thru them so you don't have to be worried. If you decide to pay some of my state taxes while waiting for a meal or something, know the kids cannot stand near nor sit on the stools at the machines.

Have fun

[MadeToLove]

Kids are allowed in most of the major hotels on the strip (except Belagio which would prefer not to see them except at Cirque’s O and the fountain shows). Kids are not allowed in the casino or bar areas. Many hotels will have different colored carpets that will show where kids can and cannot be. You can usually find foods the kids will like in the 24 hour cafes or food courts if the hotel has them, and in the buffets (except maybe Sunday brunch buffets with free flowing champagne).

Lots of great shows, O and KA are the best of the Cirque du Soleil’s for kids, Blue Man Group, Forever Plaid can be fun, Lance Burton is usually family friendly. (You can always ask about whether a show is appropriate when calling the box office).

MGM Grand would be my top pick for place to stay with kids. Tons of fun stuff to do close by. The pool complex has a lazy river and several pools with waterfalls and stuff (no big slides). There’s the lion habitat (not big, but free and if there are cubs it can be really cute for kids, they have kid programs too). There’s a Rainforest Café inside as well as lots of other great restaurants for families and adults. Cirque’s KA is located there too, as well as various shows and concerts.

MGM is with in walking distance of the Luxor, Excalibur, Mandalay Bay, Tropicana, New York and M&M world (got to go to M&M world…of course it‘s a store, so be prepared). And it’s also on the monorail line, so it’s great if you’re in Vegas without a car.

The Luxor is fun too. It has a whole floor of family fun. A food court with McDonalds and Little Caesars (at least last time I was there), an Imax theater with fun 3-D films, and a motion simulator ride (bumpier than Star Tours). It’s also cool if your kid(s) like Egyptian art. Plus staying in the pyramid could be fun.

Some people like the Excalibur (although it’s not the most beautiful of the group), but it is fairly kid friendly and it’s a castle. Still it’s not my favorite. But the Tournament of Kings show there is family friendly (jousting knights, eating with your hands, etc.).

Mandalay Bay is great if your kid is a fish. They’ve got a wave pool, lazy river. Shark Reef is very popular with kids.

The roller coaster at the New York, New York is big and scary, not for most kids, but the interior is fun.

Mid strip has fun for kids too. There’s the Belagio fountains, The Forum Shoppes at Caesar’s Palace with talking statues and a really cool FAO Schwartz toy store (gotta go there, it‘s soooo cool). The Dolphin Habitat and mini zoo at the Mirage is great for kids. Kids also like the volcano, and the pirate show at TI (formerly/still Treasure Island). The interior of Paris and the Venetian are magical, the kids could take a ride on a gondola or up the Eiffel Tower. Madame Tussauds at the Venetian is fun too. The hotel’s mid strip are nice, but not quite as family oriented, but kids love the theme hotels.

Up strip, I’m not as impressed with the hotels or attractions. The Sahara has a roller coaster, but you’d have to check if your kid is tall enough. I was extremely disappointed with the “theme park” in Circus Circus, (if your kids have gone to Disneyland, they won’t be impressed at all). And the Stratosphere, although cool for the view, has rides that are waaaaay too scary for most kids (not to mention dangerous, you should see how often the news reports people getting stuck up there on one of the rides.

Other things to check out with kids. Tons of coooool museums around town, like the classic car museums, etc. check out a site like vegas . com for more of it. The Star Trek Experience at the Hilton is cool for some kids (there’s a whole thread on the subject). There’s tons of stuff, you can find it all online.

One other place I’d like to mention The Orleans, one of my favorite places to stay. It’s a hotel off strip that’s Mardi Gras all year around. It has big bedrooms with sitting areas, an 18 screen movie theater, a kids place where the kids can go for large chunks of the time (babysitting, indoor playground, movie room, etc.), 100 lane bowling alley, several family friendly restaurants including TGI Fridays and one of the best Mexican restaurants in town, Don Miguels. The pool isn’t as cool as the Mirage, Tropicana or Mandalay Bay, but a bit better than some. I’ve seen lots of kids there, there’s only one real major drawback, it gets smoky in there, cigarette smoke in the casino area is pretty thick, but not bad in the movie theater areas or restaurants. It’s also way off strip, and best if you have a car, but tons of free parking and free Valet, so keep it open as an option if you’re driving.

[MateasMom]

They're definatly going away from their attempt at a family imagine. Vegas is simply not for young kids, end of story. There are certainly things you can find, but I think going with the kids requires alot more planning then the simple 'go with the flow' we would do on our own.

My biggest recommendation. Pay for and use the monorail. It will help you avoid alot of seedy stuff you probably don't want the kids seeing. Try to do most of your 'on the strip' site seeing during the day when there is less 'funky' stuff going on. We still took the kids out at night, but only to select places we'd already 'pre approved' to have intersting things for them without shocking their innocents to get there.

We stayed at the Venetian on our latest trip. Great and huge rooms that fit our little family very well (got a great rate through Priceline). We enjoyed the pool, museums, restaraunts there. We've also taken the girls to LV for shows and stayed away from the strip (in a regular 'chain' hotel) and avoided the whole 'Vegas' thing and instead enjoyed the mountains, etc instead of the typical strip stuff.

ETA: I personally would avoid Circus Circus. I've heard really bad things about their hotel. We also don't do the 'arcade' thing. We're more about enjoying the dolphins, tigers, 'volcano'.

[pittypat]

A few years ago we took our 11 DS and his friend to Las Vegas. We stayed at the Luxor and the kids thought that was really cool. Also went to a Cirque show that they loved. But Vegas isn't called "sin city" for nothing!! Just be forewarned about that. Our very best day, though, was the day we drove to Hoover Dam and then went to Red Rock Canyon for hiking (just outside of Vegas). Another favorite thing was touring the "Ethel M" chocolate factory in Las Vegas (but it was HARD to find). We were there for 4 days and that was PLENTY.

["Got Disney"]

We take our kids all the time to Vegas and they have a great time. We stay at the MGM and see lots of shows...Blue Man group, Excaliber,Magic shows,Cirq at Treasure Island and lots more. My kids always have a great time. The kids can walk through the Casinos but can't be there while your gambling. You can find a babysitting service that will come to your room. We like MGM because it has a river raft pool. Mandalay Bay has a cool pool also. Dont stay at Circus Circus it is nasty. Vegas is not Disney but still family friendly. Lots to see also without paying for all the shows. Yes it is more adults but you will see lots of kids. We live in SanDiego so not as far for us to travel however.

[heatherbelle]

thanks for this will keep this in mind. We would be going to the west coast for 3 weeks, with a few nights in vagas. I am planning to start in San Fransico, drive towards Grand Caynon, onto Vagas, maybe drive to San Diagio and then to LA for Disney. DH has always wanted to go Vagas, hence the question. DS will be 8 or 9 on our next trip.

We don't gamble so that would be fine. I will check out Vagas. com.

Thanks again.

["Got Disney"]

Sounds like a great trip....I would hit all your spots if you can. Drive safe and have lots of fun!!!! :) by the way if you are going to be that close to Vegas and have never been their be sure not to pass it up. It is worth the trip even with a 9 y.o. My son s are 9 and 12 and have been there as sI have mentioned a few times and they always have a great time. It is hot there in the summer however so you will not want to be walking around outside. Hang out at the pool during the day. Also the hotel that I recommend with kids is MGM, or Excalibe(not as nice but kid friendly)We like MGM because it is priced right and has the river raft pool,and 2 other large pools.

[Tiggernut_jadie]

my main concern about taking kids is the amount of porn magazines that are handed out as you walk along the streets - even in broad daylight. they wouldn't give these to your son but most people just drop them on the floor so you can see them all over the place. Very unpleasant. JMHO but LV is an 'adult' place which 'tolerates' children rather than family orientated!

[thmar]

Vegas and kids...why not?? There's plenty for them to do! Go to the Knight show and the 2nd floor kids arcade at the Excaliber...the pools at the MGM are great...a lazy river floats you around...there's the Luxor, Circus Circus...there's water park, minature golf...the statues at the forum at Casears' Palace...the volcano, rain forest and dolphin's at the Mirage...gosh I can't even think of everything know...but it's not at all a bad place for kids. I do like staying at the Orleans...more lead back...just catch a cab to the other places. :joker:

["Got Disney"]

Vegas and kids...why not?? There's plenty for them to do! Go to the Knight show and the 2nd floor kids arcade at the Excaliber...the pools at the MGM are great...a lazy river floats you around...there's the Luxor, Circus Circus...there's water park, minature golf...the statues at the forum at Casears' Palace...the volcano, rain forest and dolphin's at the Mirage...gosh I can't even think of everything know...but it's not at all a bad place for kids. I do like staying at the Orleans...more lead back...just catch a cab to the other places. :joker:

I agree as said before....there are plenty of things to do in Vegas with kids. Yes it is more for adults but you will see kids every where and lots of them. Lots of them go to the shows also. If you decide to go see Cirque de sole go to the one at Treasure Island..that one is great and very kid friendly.

[thunderbird1]

We've been on many LV trips with kids 4 mos-8 years, and are currently planning one for this December. Here are my (somewhat random) thoughts (and hopefully some answers to your questions), based on our experiences.

Bellagio is the only hotel (that I know of) that expressly prohibits children under 18 unless you're staying at the hotel. Having said that, I haven't heard of anyone being prevented from visiting with their children, particularly during a slower time of year.

Children over 5 (or is it 5 and older?) are welcome at Blue Man Group shows, and Cirque shows with the exception of the new one at Wynn (12 year age requirement--one short topless scene) and Zumanity (18 year age requirement--I think I would be uncomfortable here!). Lance Burton is supposed to be a family-friendly magician, but I've never seen him. I'd have to guess most of the other shows (comedians, impersonators, etc.) would be inappropriate or boring for 8 year olds.

In my opinion, the further south you are on the strip, the more there will be for your ds to enjoy. Beginning at the top, downtown has the Freemont Street Experience, but I would avoid staying there, and if I really wanted to see the show, I'd only park (valet) at the Golden Nugget. Everything else is pretty seedy. We once saw a person urinating on the street at 12 noon. Nice. Luckily we were just driving by.

Circus Circus is okay. The adventuredome is fun for a few hours, but if you've just been to DL, be prepared to drop several notches in quality. We never even made it up to see the circus performers, because you had to walk through the casino, which was jam-packed and smoke-filled. And the rooms were pretty run-down.

Mirage/Treasure is good. We've stayed at both, and they're very nice hotels. The tram running between them is especially handy. My dd enjoyed the old pirate show, but I'm not sure how much we'd like the new "Sirens" show. I think TI's cool, pirate theme has been diluted by the trend toward "hot" clubs instead of family friendly stuff. But Mirage does have the Secret Garden, with tigers, an elephant, dolphins, etc. My dd could have stayed and watched the video of when the baby dolphin was born there all day. And, of course, the erupting volcano. Both hotels had (small) water slides at their swimming pools and video game arcades.

Bellagio is an absolutely gorgeous, fabulous hotel. But it doesn't have an arcade, so your ds would be limited as to what he could do. He'd enjoy the fountains, and the conservatory is always nice, but would likely bore him pretty quickly. It does have my favorite Cirque du Soleil show, "O," which, IMO, is the one to see if you can only see one. It's also somewhat isolated, though you can walk across the street to Paris and Caesar's Palace (with the shows and aquarium at the Forum shops) is next door.

New York, New York and Excalibur are across the street from each other, and we felt both had extremely small rooms, but they do have some fun stuff for kids. Mandalay Bay and Luxor are also nearby, and have bigger rooms (especially the pyramid rooms at Luxor, though they're "shower only"--no bathtubs).

Mandalay Bay has an amazing swimming pool area, plus Shark Reef--an aquarium that rivals those in most cities. MB connects to Luxor via monorail and "skybridge."

If you stay in the Luxor pyramid rooms, your elevator is actually an "inclinator," which travels sideways as well as up and down. It's a pretty freaky feeling, and you have to be staying there in order to experience it (for security). It has an IMAX theater, which features several different films, including 3d films (and a 4d film?), and several Star Tours-like rides. I think you can buy a discounted ticket package to experience all the rides and a movie or two, plus the replica of King Tut's Tomb. Luxor also has an arcade and food court, and connects to Excalibur via monorail and tunnel(?).

Excalibur has a Krispy Kreme donut factory in the basement, and I believe they do give out the free original glazed when they're making them fresh (usually twice a day). They also have various midway-type acts, such as jugglers, magicians, etc. performing throughout the day. And they have the cool castle theme and the Medieval Times-like dinner show.

Across the street is New York, New York with it's roller coaster and large arcade area. Across the street from that is MGM, with it's lion habitat. They've also moved away from their family-friendly theming, getting rid of the Wizard of Oz display, the kids' club (babysitting/activities--like the kids' clubs at WDW or on cruise ships) and the amusement park. And across the street from that is Tropicana, an older hotel, but it has a decent animal exhibit (I'm thinking flamingos and other exotic birds), which is something else to do if you run out!

Have fun!

[jemilah]

The lance burton show is great for kids.............he actually likes kids....a big plus........
lasvegaskids.com may help

[Dis Ohana]

We went to Las Vegas after our first trip to Disneyland - this might have been the reason for the kids not having such a great time there. They kept comparing everything to DL...
We stayed at the Luxor, which was pretty cool. Visited the Excalibur and a few other hotels. They loved Blue Man. All in all though, I doubt that we'll return with the kids until they are of age.
Be prepared for lots of walking. We were a little surprised at how far everything was.

[thmar]

Have to agree with DisOhana...after Disneyland, Vegas won't seem so great for the kids...and it definately requires alot of walking or cab fare...and when it's hot...well, let's just say you'll be glad when you reach your destination and will probably catch a cab on your way back. :rolleyes:

[thmar]

But I still feel...there's no reason not to take them to Vegas...of course, I'm from Nevada and love our state and what it has to offer!! :goodvibes

[LindaBabe]

Thmar, I was surprised to find how much I loved Vegas - I'm a non-gambling adult who loves Disney and this felt SO similar - only without the 'cheese-paring' cost cutting in creating the attractions. Most of the things I saw they had actually 'spent' the money necessary to do the job - right.

If your kids are in to Buildabear - there are two in Las Vegas - in the Fashion Show Mall, and in Aladdin's desert shops. The white tiger can only be built in Vegas, and I dressed mine in a way cool rock star outfit reminicent of Elvis in his white jumpsuit. I also loved the fountain / statue show at Ceasars, and Shark Reef at Mandolay Bay. Stayed at the Luxor which was way cool, and where it is not necessary to walk through the casino to get places. They have a large but boring pool with little shade. We saw the one at Mandolay while walking to Shark reef and it is far superior.

I'd suggest going to Vegas and the national parks first, before the theme parks, if possible.

[thmar]

Good Suggestion...Babe...Glad you loved my state! :cool1:

[Judy from Boise]

I really like vegas too, and consider it fairly mild as far as "sin" goes. The people handing out escort service flyer usually don;t even bother if they see a family group.The flyers themselves are milder than the average Cosmo magazine cover.

I am going to bump a few threads for you.

[wilderness01]

Judy from Boise wrote:

The flyers themselves are milder than the average Cosmo magazine cover.

I don't know what Cosmo magazines you are seeing, but we were there a few months ago and many, many of the cards they were handing out were of topless women. :confused3 My friend said he was going to collect them for his teenage son. Now that would be some trading card for him huh? :rotfl: This last time we went the "hookers in the casinos" weren't as noticeable as the time before. It was making me mad when they would come, sit at a table, not gamble and take up a space. Who would want to sit on that chair after the hook left? Not me, that is for sure!

That all said, we love Vegas and can't wait to go back. The "sin" doesn't bother us and we truly enjoy the city/gambling/shows. Have fun.:thumbsup2

[Judy from Boise]

I wonder if they recently changed some city ordinance, because i have never seen nudity on the marketing materials. Also don't gamble( usually there with a minor LOL)....so can't speak to that!

[Zoemakes5]

I've gone to Vegas numerous times with kids and as a kid. I think there's a lot to do in Vegas, no matter what the age of your kids. There is a guidebook out there called Vegas with kids. You will see kids all over.
When we went to DL last time, we flew in and out of Vegas because the flight and car combo was about $800 cheaper than flying in and out of LA. On the way out, we drove through town and on the way back we went and did some visiting, and my kids, ages 4, 9, and 11 at the time begged to go back again and "just come here" (ie. Las Vegas.)
ESPN Zone is loads of fun for bigger kids. Each time we've gone to see the Freemont experience downtown there've been a lot of kids. Bellagio, always see kids. Honestly, I think there's lots to do.
You could take a Hoover Dam tour, a helicopter tour, or a show if you wanted to spend money.
You could go to see the tigers, Bellagio fountains, Freemont experience, play in the pool, and just walk up and down the strip with all the lights, for free.
For somewhere in between, you could go to Circus Circus, Excaliber, get funny pictures taken (like dressed up like medieval figures at Excaliber), see the lazer light show at Ceasars, see art exhibit at Bellagio, go in the gondolas, go to a 3D movie, drive out and see hoover dam, go to the outlet malls...the list goes on.
And, every fun type restaurant is available here....Hard Rock, Nascar cafe, harley davidson cafe, planet hollywood, rainforest cafe, house of blues, the list goes on.
I'd go for sure with the kids again, particularly if it's a couple to three days added on to your trip.

[thmar]

I've gone to Vegas numerous times with kids and as a kid. I think there's a lot to do in Vegas, no matter what the age of your kids. There is a guidebook out there called Vegas with kids. You will see kids all over.
When we went to DL last time, we flew in and out of Vegas because the flight and car combo was about $800 cheaper than flying in and out of LA. On the way out, we drove through town and on the way back we went and did some visiting, and my kids, ages 4, 9, and 11 at the time begged to go back again and "just come here" (ie. Las Vegas.)
ESPN Zone is loads of fun for bigger kids. Each time we've gone to see the Freemont experience downtown there've been a lot of kids. Bellagio, always see kids. Honestly, I think there's lots to do.
You could take a Hoover Dam tour, a helicopter tour, or a show if you wanted to spend money.
You could go to see the tigers, Bellagio fountains, Freemont experience, play in the pool, and just walk up and down the strip with all the lights, for free.
For somewhere in between, you could go to Circus Circus, Excaliber, get funny pictures taken (like dressed up like medieval figures at Excaliber), see the lazer light show at Ceasars, see art exhibit at Bellagio, go in the gondolas, go to a 3D movie, drive out and see hoover dam, go to the outlet malls...the list goes on.
And, every fun type restaurant is available here....Hard Rock, Nascar cafe, harley davidson cafe, planet hollywood, rainforest cafe, house of blues, the list goes on.
I'd go for sure with the kids again, particularly if it's a couple to three days added on to your trip.
:thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

[woody73]

. . . I wonder if they recently changed some city ordinance, because i have never seen nudity on the marketing materials.
We visit L.V. regularly. In the evenings, you cannot walk a block on The Strip without six guys trying to hand you a card with a topless woman. It's so annoying.

Woody

[jemilah]

every year they try to get rid of the hooker cards being passed out , but they are covered under freedom of speech! It is gross , I know and so are the butts on the back of taxis, but we learn to live with it. the worst thing about the cards is the litter they cause, and they tried to use that as an excuse to get them off the streets too. They no longer allow picture ads here for "escort" services in the phone book , they were pretty graphic too.

[teentoddlermom]

I think it is completely wrong to take your kids to Vegas. I was there in 2003 and was astounded by the "what goes on here, stays here promotion" It is so seedy and depressing on the strip area. Billion dollar hotels ruined by constant cigarette smoking, trash all over the place, naked lady prostitution cards being forced in your face every 2 feet along the strip, and the constant alcohol consumption everywhere. Why would anyone bring children there? At least they weren't allowed in the casinos when we were there. Vegas is a sad and depressing place to me.

[mommaU4]

We used to live in So Cal and went to Vegas numerous times, both with and without the kids.
The longest we ever stayed with the kids was one week. They loved it and never got bored!

They loved seeing the magic shows, Shark Reef, the coasters, Hoover Dam, riding the gondolas, the buffets, the fountains, riding up to the Eiffel tower, etc. The list is long! lol

Oh! Another fun thing they enjoyed was GM-The Drive. It's down near Sahara, and you can test drive all kinds of cool sports cars, or types of Hummers. My DH took the kids in a Hummer over the small off-road course they had and the kids thought it was really cool!

And the nice thing about Vegas is you can make it into the kind of vacation you want it to be.
If you are with kids, you can do kid friendly activities. :thumbsup2
If you are just going as a couple, you can make it more, ahem, adult oriented. ;)

Here are some pics from our latest visit there, over the summer. BTW, we love it there so much, we will be moving there this June.

This was inside the Bellagio conservatory. They change it seasonally. This is of course a mini Bellagio and fountains. :)
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d37/mommaU4/DSCF1273.jpg

DH and the two older kids in the Hummer. Below is part of the track you drive on. It's steeper than it looks in places and the kids were freakin out (in a fun way) cause the Hummer was tipped almost sideways!! lol

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d37/mommaU4/DSCF1257.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d37/mommaU4/DSCF1260.jpg

DS with some showgirls outside of the Tropicana waiting for a magic show to start.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d37/mommaU4/DSCF1269.jpg

[jemilah]

Well I guess I should run to all the schools here and rush to evacuate the poor kids! Vegas does have it's sleazy side , but so does every place I have ever been to. Many families have made Vegas our home and our children are not growing up to be hookers , strippers and pimps. We have many places to take our children , the whole town is not the strip. I am sure you don't take your kids to the bars in your town also.

[dwelty]

Well I guess I should run to all the schools here and rush to evacuate the poor kids! Vegas does have it's sleazy side , but so does every place I have ever been to. Many families have made Vegas our home and our children are not growing up to be hookers , strippers and pimps. We have many places to take our children , the whole town is not the strip. I am sure you don't take your kids to the bars in your town also.

Yeah, but I have never been any place that hands out porn on the streets like Vegas does.

[BeccaG]

Hi

usually go to Orlando

We are thinking of coming to the West coast and doing LA, with parks and San Diago. Would also like to go to Vagas and the Grand Canyon. we may as well do it all.

My questions is, are children allowed in the casion's to see shows etc, thinking out Cirque du sol...

What else is there for children to do in Las Vagas. We would only be staying for a few days.

Anyone recommend a good hotel also for kids. DS is 8.

My DHs family vacationed in Vegas for many years with kids. Most Cirque du solei shows would be great for kids (but NOT zoomanity!!!!) How long are you planning on staying? San Diego, the Grand Canyon Disneyland and Vegas would be a very packed couple of weeks! I would echo some earlier suggestion for Excalibur as a good hotel for kids. (I personally think it is cleaner than Circus.) They also have a "Me devil Times" type dinner show there and many hotels from the Stratosphere to MGM have amusement parks and arcades attached or nearby. I love the dolphin showcase at Mirage (you can get really close!!) and at MGM you can sometimes feed a baby lion! Oh and the previously mentioned fountain shows are way cool plus I love the Bellagio fountain and the "human statues" at the Paris. There are also some great smoke free time-shares in Vegas, I know Monarch Grand has one and you may be able to get a "free" vacation by listening to their spiel. As others mentioned, there can be issues with people handing out advertisements to strip joints etc, but its only an issue if you are walking the strip, and my DH just keeps his hands in his pockets when we do that !

[jemilah]

They don't hand it to kids, most kids get it from thier parents. Unfortunaly it is covered under free speach here, they have tried to stop it. Stay home, we have plenty of tourists, no one is forcing any one to come . A good parent can teach a child values any where...........we also have more churches per capita then most places. Some people I am sure a offended by hula dancers outfits in Hawaii.

[Judy from Boise]

As you can tell from my previous posts....the "handouts" sure aren't an issue for me!
1. Nudity doesen't freak me out to start with
2. Since my DD and i usually are there together, no one usually even bothers to hand us anything
3. If they do i smile and say "no thank you" and keep walking.