Las Vegas or Atlantis Bahamas with 3 year old?

[WaDiWo]

hi all!

yes, I know it's probably obvious that the Bahamas (especially the Atlantis resort) would be more kid-friendly than Las Vegas, but the big difference is price!!

even looking at packages right now, a 4 night trip (including air) to Atlantis would run in the $700-1200 per person or more, whereas a similar trip to Las Vegas (and staying in a nice hotel like the Wynn, MGM, Planet Hollywood) would be less than 400 per person ... and even much less if you stayed somewhere like Excalibur or Circus Circus.

Maybe I'm just trying to justify a trip to Las Vegas with a kid.

do you see families with kids running around Vegas? I know Excalibur and Circus Circus are supposed to be more family-oriented, but the reviews aren't that great. any opinions? what other hotels in vegas would you recommend with children?? I know about the lions at MGM, the aquarium at Mandalay Bay, etc. but especially would like to know how the staff's attitude are towards children. Thanks a bunch.

 

[raysnkaysmom]

Although I personally dont' want to take my kids to Vegas, I've heard many families loved the trip. Research both and spend wisely

 

[blissventure]

I average 3-4 trips to Vegas per year due to work. I don't see many little kids there. It really isn't a kid friendly place.
Can you (with some effort) find things to do? Sure. But keep in mind much of the year it's sunny, hot, and busy! You do a lot of walking on the strip.
I've stayed at Caesars, Encore, MGM, Flamingo, Bellagio and Mirage. While there are some things to look at with a child at all of these places, I'd think you'd run out fun things to do very quickly. And there are rather grumpy guys that work in the casinos that move along folks that show up with a child in a stroller. That I have seen.

My advice, only--go with either the Bahamas, or maybe something closer to home. Save Vegas for an adult getaway.

 

[RichNKatHolly]

I've done both trips with my kids. My DD was newborn when we went to Atlantis the first time and my DS was 3. He had a blast. Doesn't remember much from that trip, but he really liked the beach and water park area.

That being said, we just got back from a family trip (wedding) to Vegas. Both of my children had a super great time! They are older than yours, but there is tons to look at with all the lights and glitter. I would suggest staying off strip - maybe towards Red Rock Canyon or towards Lake Meade. You can go to the lake, visit the parks in the canyon, the Hoover Dam, etc. There is tons to do. Circus Circus has a few rides suitable for your child's age as well. And cheap eats are everywhere - you will NOT find that at Atlantis unless you leave the resort.

In Vegas, we stayed at Red Rock Resort and there were many kids there. Green Valley Resort near Lake Meade is similar.

Anyway, you can't go wrong with either one. Oh, and not sure when you are going, but July and August in the Bahamas = tons of jellyfish. That is when we went the first time.

 

[Nik's Mom]

I've been to both places. I'd say that Atlantis is much more family-friendly than Vegas. They have that huge aquarium and water park area, plus a beautiful beach to enjoy. But if you can't afford the extra expense, then it rules out Atlantis. It is not cheap.

 

[EthansMom]

Not to make your decision more difficult, but have you looked at cruises for a vacation? For a price comparable to what you're quoting for 4 days at Atlantis, you can take a nice cruise out of NYC or Cape Liberty, NJ. Plus, the kids' programs are free so you and DH can get a little alone time.

We've cruised out of both NYC (on NCL) and Cape Liberty (on RCCL) with our kids and they LOVE cruises.

Just thought I'd throw that out there.

 

[raysnkaysmom]

Not to make your decision more difficult, but have you looked at cruises for a vacation? For a price comparable to what you're quoting for 4 days at Atlantis, you can take a nice cruise out of NYC or Cape Liberty, NJ. Plus, the kids' programs are free so you and DH can get a little alone time.

We've cruised out of both NYC (on NCL) and Cape Liberty (on RCCL) with our kids and they LOVE cruises.

Just thought I'd throw that out there.

Thats a good idea..
I was also wondering why those are the only two choices... If Vegas isn't necessarily the most kid friendly place...why is something nearly out of budget the next option??
But, as I said before... some families have enjoyed vegas with their kids...so if thats what you are wanting to do most. Go for it.

 

[FergieTCat]

My friend took her 3 year old along on our Vegas weekend. It is not THAT friendly for a kid of that age. We saw EVERY animal habitat on the strip (lions, tigers & dolphins ... no bears). We ended up in Excalibur, but he was really too little to enjoy the games arcade. All in all, I do not recommend taking a child that age to Vegas; it won't be too much fun for either one of you.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Currently Vegas has given up the family friendly image. That was a marketing thing in the past.

Now it is about PARTY CENTRAL and upscale shows.

If I am going to Vegas it is going to be adults only.

 

[alexandria674]

I think Atlantis, Las Vegas is ok...but not what I call child friendly.

 

[RichNKatHolly]

LOL - guess I'm the lone voice for Vegas. Just keep in mind that LV is more than the strip.

FYI - I see you are from NJ. We paid $1600 for the 4 of us through Expedia which included air, upscale hotel room and full size rental car for 5 nights. You could probably go to Atlantis for a similar cost because you won't need a car - and you could stay at the resort next door that offers use of the Atlantis water features and it's MUCH cheaper (someone please correct me if they are no longer offering this).

 

[Pakey]

I've been to both and Atlantis is much more kid friendly.

I go to Las Vegas often and I agree that the strip and the casino hotels are not really friendly for children. Your child is only 3 so you probably won't have to explain why people are vomiting on the street. I've witnessed some interesting fights/arguments, even midday, that would be fun to explain.

Also, Excalibur and Circus Circus are not very nice hotels.

 

[MoniqueU]

I live in CA and have been to Vegas with Kids and the bahamas without. I would not want to push a stroller up and down the strip in the heat. If you go there use valet parking. The Orleans has a great kids babysitting club similar to disney if your child is potty trained It is awesome, my kids loved it. The best place IMHO to stay with that age is Monte Carlo, they have a baby wave pool, a lazy river and a food court and pool entrance where you don't have to go through the casino. We usually stay at wynn but would never consider it even with our older kids.

Atlantis is nice and fun too. Just depends what you want.

 

[princesspumpkin]

If you really want to do Atlantis cheaply, do a short cruise that stops in Nassau overnight and buy a day pass for Atlantis or book a room there overnight to utilize all of the facilities. A friend got married in Nassau a few years ago and it was cheaper for me to fly from Philly to Florida and do a three night cruise, which stopped in Nassau on the day of her wedding, than it was to fly into Nassau and stay for two nights. Plus, all my food was included!

 

[LuvOrlando]

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[WDWDancer]

I'd vote for Vegas....I've been to both and well I honestly didn't care for Atlantis (rather do Hawaii)! My parents took my sister and I to Vegas almost every year since we were 8 and 10; we always had a blast. Like another poster said Vegas is more then the Strip....we've stayed at Excalibur, Treasure Island, Mirage, Ceasars Palace, Monte Carlo, Wynn, MGM Grand, Venetian. None of the hotel workers were ever rude to use when we were younger. There is alot to see inside the hotels; from animal exhibits to shops we always went to a couple of shows (Siegfried and Roy, comedy shows, Cirque).

 

[LauraAnn630]

It depends, Do you want to spend a lot of time gambling? If your going to see the sights, shopping, swimming and going out to eat. I think that would be fine.

We did see people a lot of people with children last June. I know a lot of people do not have someone to watch there kids while they go on vacation.

Remember you are allowed to smoke inside the casinos. We overheard a lot of parents complaining about this. They have great ventilation.