Las Vegas and children.

[caz]

We are going to LV with our children who will be 12 , 10 and 8 in August.We are driving from San Diego with them.We have booked ajoining rooms at the Mandalay bay.A few friends have been suggesting that Vegas is not the place for children but when my husband and I went on our own apart from late at night and the leaflets we were being handed , I didn't think there was anything to be concerned about . Can anyone reassure me and tell me that there will be plenty to do with the children over 4 nights ?

 

[mommaU4]

We live in Las Vegas and I have four kids, ages 14, 12, 8 and 8. They love it here. In fact, we are getting ready to head down to the Strip for a bit right now! The twins want to see the lions and go to M&M World, so off we go.

There is plenty for kids to do and see. It does require advance planning and research, but it can be a fun vacation. Obviously you know your kids best and would know what sort of things would interest them but here is a very good list of attractions that are kid friendly: http://www.vegas.com/attractions/kids.html

I think people get concerned over the moving billboards, which do have pictures that leave precious little to the imagination, and over the cards handed out. This is where each parent has to make their own decision. I don't make a big deal out of it, and it's never been an issue in our family. I had some questions about all the Gentleman's Clubs from my oldest, but I answered them honestly, and that was that.

There are some fun shows for kids too. My two oldest loved KA, and we recently took them to see the Popovich pet comedy show and the Nathan Burton magic show.

In the end, it's a personal decision for each family to make, but there ARE things for kids to do. Have fun planning!

 

[caz]

We live in Las Vegas and I have four kids, ages 14, 12, 8 and 8. They love it here. In fact, we are getting ready to head down to the Strip for a bit right now! The twins want to see the lions and go to M&M World, so off we go.

There is plenty for kids to do and see. It does require advance planning and research, but it can be a fun vacation. Obviously you know your kids best and would know what sort of things would interest them but here is a very good list of attractions that are kid friendly: http://www.vegas.com/attractions/kids.html

I think people get concerned over the moving billboards, which do have pictures that leave precious little to the imagination, and over the cards handed out. This is where each parent has to make their own decision. I don't make a big deal out of it, and it's never been an issue in our family. I had some questions about all the Gentleman's Clubs from my oldest, but I answered them honestly, and that was that.

There are some fun shows for kids too. My two oldest loved KA, and we recently took them to see the Popovich pet comedy show and the Nathan Burton magic show.

In the end, it's a personal decision for each family to make, but there ARE things for kids to do. Have fun planning!

That is a great website thanks for the information

 

[marvel]

Don't worry at all. Plenty of stuff for the kids to do, ours enjoy just shopping and staying by the pool. Mandalay Bay has a great pool. Exacalibur and Circus Circus have great arcades, and there is much worse on TV than we have ever seen on the Vegas strip. Our kids are 10 and 8 and have been to Vegas twice already (we are from Australia) and they love it. The guys handing out the naughty leaflets leave families alone.

We are going again in Sept as part of our trip to Disney and LA and the kids just love the idea of going there again. THere are plenty of shows that are kid friendly. We just made sure we didn't linger near the gambling floors but there are plenty of families there. You will love it.

We also didn't keep the kids up very late, which at time to time you do see in Vegas as with other places which gives a bad impression to those of us that look after our kids properly. No-one likes to see strollers at midnight!!

 

[RyJMom]

We took our 2 boys 11 and 8 to Vegas for Spring Break and had a great time. We were going to the Grand Canyon and Vegas was cheapest to fly into. We spent a total of 3 nights there. Kids liked Vegas even better than the Grand Canyon!!! I have to admit I have a new respect for the porn slappers. Anytime they saw us coming they really drew back their hands. Never tried to hand Hubby anything. Of course that mess is all over the roads in some areas you walk but we knew that going in. Caught the oldest kinda looking down but it was not that big of a deal. We didn't have any issues on the Strip at all. I will say that I was not as comfortable taking them downtown. Had to walk through the casinos alot to get to parking and the restaurant we ate at.
I'm glad we took them but they probably will not go back till they are 21. They've seen all the sights and Mom really missed having a few and sitting in the Piano Bar - Think I'll keep Vegas for me.

 

[RyJMom]

Had to add 1 more thing. We took the kids to the Mac King magic/comedy afternoon show at Harrahs and we all LOVED it. Go to the player card sign up window and ask for discount tickets to the show. They gave me a coupon that made the show free with a $9.99 drink (cokes for us). Best bargain on the strip and very family friendly.

 

[DisneyLover111]

We plan to see Lion King at Mandalay bay, sharks reef at Mandalay, ride the gondalas at Venetian, do the star trek experience at the Hilton, stop by the lion habitat at MGM and the dolphins (Mirage I think?) see the fountains at bellagio, the pirate thing at treasure island, the roller coaster at NYNY... maybe the rides at strasosphere but I don't really like that hotel or area. We might do a day trip to the grand canyon and maybe anoterh time the chocolate factory.

 

[caz]

Wow seems I have done the right thing then ! Loads to do ! Thanks everyone I am really excited now

 

[kylieh]

We didn't have a problem with our DD, then 6 last October. Infact it's one her favourite places, and can't wait to go back in hopefully October 2010. There was plenty for her to do. We saw Pet Theatre, visited lots of casinos, and she walked through them without any problems.

DH and I didn't gamble when we were there, we can do that easily at home.

DD had trouble adjusting to the time zones, and so we did take her out at night, returning to the room around 9.30/10pm. We only found it starting to get rowdy around that time.

I think some drunk guy said something negative about having a child there, but I had too a a time to be bothered about it.

 

[jlima]

We plan to see Lion King at Mandalay bay, sharks reef at Mandalay, ride the gondalas at Venetian, do the star trek experience at the Hilton, stop by the lion habitat at MGM and the dolphins (Mirage I think?) see the fountains at bellagio, the pirate thing at treasure island, the roller coaster at NYNY... maybe the rides at strasosphere but I don't really like that hotel or area. We might do a day trip to the grand canyon and maybe anoterh time the chocolate factory.

You may want to do some research before your trip . . . the Star Trek Experience closed last year; and the Lion Habitat at MGM Grand will be entertaining for about 10 minutes.

If you like roller coasters, consider going to Circus Circus Adventuredome, or the NASCAR restaurant at The Sahara for their rides. And if you are going to Bellagio, you must see The Conservatory. Check their website to be sure your dates aren't when they are changing an exhibit.

 

[marvel]

Also, the pirate thing at treasure island is now called Sirens and is not appropriate for kids. Treasure Island has gone away from the pirate theme and is not a party resort more directed to college students etc.

 

[Kennywife]

Vegas is a popular stopover to/from Disneyland apparently as my hubby and I found out when we stayed there last fall. Every hotel we walked through, in the check-in line, we would see kids with Disney hats on.

Here's waht I saw would be good for kids:

Excalibur....it looks fun. They have a midway and it has some fun restaurants

Luxor.......it's really cool. We stayed there and would think of staying there again. It's got cool theming and if your kids like magic, Criss Angel performs there. .

NYNY.....that rolercoaster! Me? Too chicken!

MGM....the lion exhibit

Bellagio.....fountains....a must-do and it's free!

Paris Las Vegas.....you gotta see the "Eiffel Tower"

Stratosphere........they have rides at the top. Me? Again chicken.

You gotta check out Freemont Street! It alone is worth the trip! At night, it lights up to music and you can walk around and snack on food and look at the lights!

Tip: If you don't make eye contact with p*rn slappers, they won't bother you.

Anna

 

[itradehilton]

We take the kids every year to vegas. They love video games so we go on a weekday to Game Works, near MGM, and for $35 they get an all day game card. Unlimited games for as long as you can handle the noise. We usually do 2 hours leave for lunch, ESPN across the street and go back for another 2 hours. Also we get tickets for a show at the half off ticket booth. Vegas pools are great. If you have a car Red Rocks is only about 30 minutes away. They have a cool visitors center and a variety of walking trails. One trail leads you to some pictographs. In addition Hoover Dam is a short drive and the tours of the Dam are interesting. There is so much to do that doesn't involve a casino.

 

[Spacepest]

I know I'm going to probably get flamed for this, but someone has to say it.

I live in Las Vegas, and there are plenty of things to do with the kids, with one caveat...get them back to the room by 10p.m.ish!

Most of the rowdy stuff starts happening after that time. I've also noticed more of the naughty billboards, porn slappers, and ladies with hourly fees start coming out around that time. And people start getting drunk and start doing stupid stuff (like people in limos mooning the crowd as they go down the Strip).

Most of the people who live in Vegas don't have a problem with children as long as the kids get into bed at a reasonable hour so adults can have their adult time.

Please, please, don't become one of these people...you know, the parents pushing their kids through the casino in a stroller after midnight.

 

[jpeppers]

I'm positive I will get flamed but I can't believe anyone would take there child to Vegas for a vacation. I can't imagine a more negative place to go! I love Vegas but not with my child. I can't imagine walking the strip with my child and have the local Mexican flip his hand at me with his porn card while I have my kid or to be approached by the local hookers while walkin with my kid. Be a real parent and take your kid to Disneyland!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[kylieh]

I'm positive I will get flamed but I can't believe anyone would take there child to Vegas for a vacation. I can't imagine a more negative place to go! I love Vegas but not with my child. I can't imagine walking the strip with my child and have the local Mexican flip his hand at me with his porn card while I have my kid or to be approached by the local hookers while walkin with my kid. Be a real parent and take your kid to Disneyland!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've been with and without my daughter - they tend to leave you alone when you have kids with you.

 

[EJKorvette]

There, I said it. When I am drinking myself silly, I don't want to have kids around.

If you must bring your kids to Vegas, please stay at Excalibur or Circus Circus. I don't ever see myself ever going back to those two properties, so those are good places for kids.

I realize most of the parents on this board are good parents and understand that Las Vegas really doesn't cater to kids. I also realize sometimes you can't find a sitter.

As two other posters said, get 'em back in the rooms by ten (no Stacy to watch in the Vegas hotels, but there must be something). Also, the Popovich Cat Circus is about the best thing you can take kids or adults to in Vegas.

Also, you can take them to the Coke place down on the strip across from New York NY, and then to the M&M store next to it.

Or further out to the Ethel M plant to watch candy being made, and then stroll through the cactus garden.

Or you can teach your children how to play Keno, buy a bunch of games, and then let them watch the tv in your hotel room and they can see if they win.


EJKorvette mka Evan

 

[jlima]

I'm positive I will get flamed but I can't believe anyone would take there child to Vegas for a vacation. I can't imagine a more negative place to go! I love Vegas but not with my child. I can't imagine walking the strip with my child and have the local Mexican flip his hand at me with his porn card while I have my kid or to be approached by the local hookers while walkin with my kid. Be a real parent and take your kid to Disneyland!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Um; do that already; see my sig.

Wonder what you think of the people who live here . . .

No one who lives here spends very much time on The Strip, even if they work at a strip property. But if you do raise kids here, they quickly realize that there's fun stuff to do in the tourist areas. When we take our kids to the places they like to go, it is a challenge to keep them away from the seamier side of LV. We live on the West side and it's easier to park at NYNY when we go to Gameworks and the M&M store; but you have to cross the strip to get there. I make eye contact with these people and put on my game face and they stay away.

 

[cadchick]

The only place that interrupts our vacation schedule to Disney is Vegas. Our children love it. When we want an adult experience we go alone. We stay up all night and experience the wilder side of Vegas. When we take our kids we plan very carefully where we're going to stay. Mandalay Bay, Bellagio, the Wynn have beautiful more subdubed pool areas that are more appropriate for children. There are plenty of places in the light of day to take kids. Plenty of museums, arcades, movies, amusement parks, water parks, etc. More importantly go off Strip. Its a 45 minute drive to Hoover Damn. My kids absolutely adore Red Rock Canyon and a nature walk where you can see a far away Vegas off in the distance. I do believe that you shouldn't have your kids walking the strip after 10 or 11 at night. Take them back to the room and its movie time.