Las Vegas with kids question

[Kittyblue]

Just remembered they also loved the Selfie Museum in Linq Promenade
https://selfievegas.com/

 

[Lilsia]

I would avoid the strip like the plague. Years ago it was not so bad, but now, it is a bunch of weed smoking, half naked people shoulder to shoulder. We had a one night layover there and so we walked around a bit. Some guy almost rammed right into me with his baby stroller because he was too busy staring at the fake showgirls with pasties on. If I had not been paying attention, he would have seriously injured his baby.

 

[jdb in AZ]

When I was a kid (back in the dark ages) my family drove through Vegas on vacation and there were very few restaurants that allowed kids to eat there. The place we finally found was so full of cigarette smoke you could barely see across the room, and speaking of barely, there were paintings of topless women on the walls.

While Vegas still isn't considered family-friendly, it's come a long way.

 

[bcla]

When I was a kid (back in the dark ages) my family drove through Vegas on vacation and there were very few restaurants that allowed kids to eat there. The place we finally found was so full of cigarette smoke you could barely see across the room, and speaking of barely, there were paintings of topless women on the walls.

While Vegas still isn't considered family-friendly, it's come a long way.

When was that? I've been to Vegas since I was a kid (in the 70s) and my parents took me along. There's a picture of us in front of the original MGM Grand (now Bally's) back maybe 1977? I don't recall ever having an issue finding restaurants (other than designated bars) that would allow kids to enter. They always had signs saying that any minors must be accompanied by adults and in transit to areas that allowed children. But there were some that had children in mind, like Circus Circus that was there since the late 60s. I remember a trip to Vegas with the extended family, and the natural choice was Circus Circus because they had kids' activities and we could be there without adult supervision.

 

[jdb in AZ]

When was that? I've been to Vegas since I was a kid (in the 70s) and my parents took me along. There's a picture of us in front of the original MGM Grand (now Bally's) back maybe 1977? I don't recall ever having an issue finding restaurants (other than designated bars) that would allow kids to enter. They always had signs saying that any minors must be accompanied by adults and in transit to areas that allowed children. But there were some that had children in mind, like Circus Circus that was there since the late 60s. I remember a trip to Vegas with the extended family, and the natural choice was Circus Circus because they had kids' activities and we could be there without adult supervision.

It was before Circus Circus - circa late 50's.

 

[TwoMisfits]

We got back this summer with tweens/teens - amazing trip.

We stayed right off the strip at the Wyndham Grand Desert - amazing place, and probably the only place I'd stay if I went back. I would not stay directly on the strip - I would just accept that I'm renting a car and paying parking fees, which is way better with a family size group anyway...

Area 15 is a must visit for tweens/teens and Omega Mart is a full 3-4 hour experience.

There's lot for this age group to enjoy as long as the trip is mostly about them, and not about you (my spouse and I did not gamble this trip, although we did take one "lunch" for high tea, which ranks as one of the best high teas I've ever been to, especially since they could and did accommodate "my difficult for high tea" food allergies)...

 

[wenrob]

I would avoid the strip like the plague. Years ago it was not so bad, but now, it is a bunch of weed smoking, half naked people shoulder to shoulder. We had a one night layover there and so we walked around a bit. Some guy almost rammed right into me with his baby stroller because he was too busy staring at the fake showgirls with pasties on. If I had not been paying attention, he would have seriously injured his baby.

That sounds like Fremont Street which is downtown not The Strip. I was stunned by it myself since I hadn’t been there since they created “The Fremont Experience” (and destroyed what was left of old school Vegas IMO.) I absolutely would NOT recommend taking kids anywhere near Fremont Street.

 

[kdonnel]

We have done Vegas twice with the kids.

Once when they were 6 and 9 as part of a Combo Ski/Vegas trip with Brian Head Utah.

The second time when they were 18 and 21 as a strictly Vegas and surrounding area trip.

We had a great time with the kids each trip. There is so much to do that is kids friendly in the area and using the Strip as your base provides so many places to eat!

For the 6 and 9 trip we stayed at the Luxor. The kids really got a kick out of staying in a pyramid and using the inclinators. To this day neither kid has asked why the lady was dancing on the table in her underwear each time we came or went to the inclinator. Our inclinator was located right next to what was then the Pleasure Pit.

We walked the strip during the day one day to let them see some of the hotels. We went to the Blue Man Group as a family and everyone enjoyed the show. The other days we were off at many of the activities others have listed.

For the 18 and 21 trip we stayed at Park MGM. It is a smoke free resort with an upscale Italian themed food court called Eataly attached. A great place to grab a tasty lunch.

Again we only used it as a base to do other things. The Seven Magic Mountains, Omega Mart, Atomic Museum, Grand Canyon West, etc, etc, etc.

For on strip activities we again walked the strip with them, this time during the night, and let them take in the sights. We did Fremont Street but timed it for early evening before the majority of the debauchery starts and for a night were it was not 21 and up. Still got to see overweight diaper man and BDSM cops and a few other risque buskers. The risque buskers are not out during the day if you want to visit Freemont Street without their presence.

This trip we went to V The variety show. It is similar act wise to Absinthe, OPIUM, and Atomic Saloon but without the sexualization. I am just not comfortable at this point with what typically happens to me at those other listed shows. I always end up on the stage and part of the show. Even as a very open minded man not sure I am ready to get a lapdance from a scantily clad man in front of my kids, ala Atomic Saloon. Or when I was brought up on stage to reenact the Lady and Tramp spaghetti scene with another man. My wife says she thoroughly enjoyed my experience though and loves to laugh about my predicament to this day.

As for the weed, it is everywhere on the Strip and Fremont street. But now that I have been going back into the office I have found it is apparently everywhere in Gwinnett County Georgia, a state that has not even legalized medical marijuana. We only have low THC oil and then only for a very short list of approved ailments. Yet it seems every day coming home from work the smell of weed permeates the air. Lots of people appear to be dealing with the stress of the day and the commute home by smoking some weed.

Your kids are not going to be shocked by the smell of weed. It will not be the first time they have smelled it. At their ages it will be present in their school. Whether they will admit it or not they will know people who use and where to buy it.

I will warn you to keep weed in mind when selecting your rental car. In some of the last few trips I have ended up with cars that reek so badly that I assume I was getting a contact high just driving the car.

I love Las Vegas and am happy I have brought my kids twice. They are two trips that are different than trips with just my wife. As others have said make sure to center the trip around activities for them and you will all have a great time.

 

[Lilsia]

That sounds like Fremont Street which is downtown not The Strip. I was stunned by it myself since I hadn’t been there since they created “The Fremont Experience” (and destroyed what was left of old school Vegas IMO.) I absolutely would NOT recommend taking kids anywhere near Fremont Street.

Neither of those 2 places are where I would take children. Vegas is for adults. My husband and I went about 10 years ago and it was not as bad as it is now. It seems like they type of person that goes now is different. Back then, it was mostly middle aged couples walking up and down the strip and everyone was courteous. Now, it is a bunch of groups of young people, many smoking weed, that have no regard for those around them.

 

[_19disnA]

I absolutely would NOT recommend taking kids anywhere near Fremont Street.

I agree. Even as an adult I would not recommend Fremont St regardless of what time of day it is. We enjoy the Las Vegas strip and some friend we were with last time wanted to see Fremont St. so we drove there during the day. You can't valet park unless staying at one of those hotels. We parked at a surface lot and had to walk by many homeless/sketchy people to get to Fremont St. Casinos are all tiny/dingy places. There was nothing about it we found appealing and just felt uncomfortable the entire time we were there. We will NEVER visit Fremont St. again.

Las Vegas tried to market itself as a family destination a few years ago and they didn't change the fact it is mostly a place for adults. Those under 21 can only walk through the casino (they can't loiter on the gaming floor although some clueless parents still try to do that) when going to somewhere else like a restaurant, pool or hotel room. Driving the Strip is preferable to walking to avoid those handling out sleazy pamphlets or selling drugs. Depending what time of year it can also be so HOT outside in the summer you will feel like you have walked into an oven making walking any distance impractical. Strip casinos/hotels are also MUCH further apart then they first appear.

I wouldn't choose LasVegas as a destination if traveling with children. Many other places have far more to do for children and are more family oriented. LasVegas remains primarily a place for adults who enjoy gambling.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Neither of those 2 places are where I would take children. Vegas is for adults. My husband and I went about 10 years ago and it was not as bad as it is now. It seems like they type of person that goes now is different. Back then, it was mostly middle aged couples walking up and down the strip and everyone was courteous. Now, it is a bunch of groups of young people, many smoking weed, that have no regard for those around them.

Are the porn slappers still there?

 

[1GoldenSun]

My two teens and I took an 8-week road trip this past summer (husband flew in to join us when he could). It was primarily to see the national parks but we also spent a few days in Vegas waiting for my husband to fly in so he could go to the Grand Canyon with us.

Vegas was my 13-year-old son's favorite part of the trip. We saw/did a ton of amazing sights/experiences at 21 incredible national parks, but my son loved the Vegas strip!

 

[kdonnel]

Are the porn slappers still there?

No. Haven’t been for about 10 years.

 

[Dan Murphy]

No. Haven’t been for about 10 years.

Good news.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Are the porn slappers still there?

No. Haven’t been for about 10 years.

Good news.

I asked because this year, back in July, @Kittyblue, a somewhat frequent visitor to LV, said that they still were there, though not as aggressive as they used to be. Good to hear they cleaned them up in the past few months.

Porn slapper presence

 

[kdonnel]

I asked because this year, back in July, @Kittyblue, a somewhat frequent visitor to LV, said that they still were there, though not as aggressive as they used to be. Good to hear they cleaned them up in the past few months.

Porn slapper presence

I have not seen them in years. There have not been the cards all on the ground.

There are lots of topless showgirls though on most of the pedestrian bridges on the weekends.

 

[wenrob]

Neither of those 2 places are where I would take children. Vegas is for adults. My husband and I went about 10 years ago and it was not as bad as it is now. It seems like they type of person that goes now is different. Back then, it was mostly middle aged couples walking up and down the strip and everyone was courteous. Now, it is a bunch of groups of young people, many smoking weed, that have no regard for those around them.

I agree that Vegas is geared toward adults but I would argue that there are lots of places on the Strip that pander to the “family experience” with minimal exposure to the seedier side of things. I mean, if you’re bringing kids you’re not bringing them to walk the Strip or visit Fremont Street or at least I hope you’re not. I live in Las Vegas but I don’t “do” Las Vegas, my life is far removed from Downtown and the Strip but I have successfully taken my kids to places like The Shark Reef, Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden etc. without them being scarred for life. Heck, I’ve marched my kids past some pretty shady folks on the way into Disneyland. It’s just going to depend on how much control you want to have over the situation and what hoops you’re willing to jump through to do it.

As far as weed, it’s not something I find taboo and not unique to Las Vegas. I’ve walked past kids smoking weed in St. George, Utah and pretty much any city I’ve visited.

 

[nicolita3]

I have not seen them in years. There have not been the cards all on the ground.

There are lots of topless showgirls though on most of the pedestrian bridges on the weekends.

I saw the card slappers when I went this October. There were a lot fewer of them and they didn't try and pass them to everyone.

 

[GAN]

It’s doable as a day trip. I think that would come down to how much of they want to see and how much driving they’d want to do after a full day of hiking.

It's "doable" but I can't see driving there and not spending at least 2-days. One hike could take 4-6 hours. Now if someone just wants to go to say they were there and do a couple easy hikes then sure. But in my opinion, the only reasonable site mentioned by the OP is Hoover Dam.

 

[GAN]

As far as weed, it’s not something I find taboo and not unique to Las Vegas. I’ve walked past kids smoking weed in St. George, Utah and pretty much any city I’ve visited.

Plenty of weed in Zion...