Trying to plan a trip to Las Vegas. Need Help!

[thinkerbell]

We took our kids to LV several years ago. Our oldest had just turned 21 but is so tight with her money(which is a GREAT thing) that she didn't gamble more than $10. Our son was 16. He couldn't stop in the casino part because someone would immediately come up to him and tell him to move on(which is also a good thing because gambling is not for kids). The kids enjoyed it but we spent the ENTIRE time hunting fun things for them to do. They did enjoy seeing the different resorts but the youngest said that he doesn't want to go back until he is 21 so he can really enjoy things without rushing through the casinos. He really got paranoid about walking through.
One piece of advise I will give you, if you stick with your plan of taking the kids, is to stay at the Mandalay Bay. It is not our favorite place to stay but they have a big wave pool and a lazy river(although you have to pay a hefty price to rent a tube) that the kids would love.
Another thing the kids would like is to see is Lance Burton at the Monte Carlo. He is great. They also enjoyed the dolphin habitat thing at Mirage. Each casino has a game room but they aren't usually very big. Going to the top of the Stratosphere was interesting to them but they wouldn't ride the rides--neither would I. Circus Circus has an amusement type place. I have never seen it though. That place is kind of nasty to me so we never ventured that far in. The free things, fountains at Bellagio, pirate ships at TI, and volcano at Mirage were fun but they really only take up a small part of your day.
Be prepared to spend some bucks to keep the kids happy and busy and the things that will interst them are quite a walk from each other.
All said, if I had it to do over, I would not have taken my kids to LV--even though they were older. I definitely wouldn't want to take my little ones. It was not our most fun vacation. On the other hand, it is our favorite place to go without the kids.

Beware the porn slappers on the streets. They will try to give it to you even if your wife and kids are with you. Also, we had to try to keep our 16 year old sons eyes straight ahead instead of down at the ground where much of the pictures of naked women end up. I can imagine that small children would also be amazed with it.

 

[Hermosa11]

Kindergarders and First Graders are learning so much.......isn't there somewhere you can go (with your local history) and show your little ones and they can "take back" to their classrooms? and share with teachers/classmates , besides during show and tell "we went to Las Vegas and there were really big bright buildings and there were so many people handing things to my parents when we were walking around"
How about Niagra Falls?

 

[RC Fan]

HI!

Just my two cents:

Keep in mind there is a great deal of walking--probably even more walking than WDW depending on your plans.

February may be somewhat windy and chilly. I went last March and wore a jacket the entire time.

I do believe most, if not all of the outdoor pools are closed in February.

 

[Bbgrizzle]

Hi,
I live in Vegas and thought I would pipe in.

It's true that there is not a lot for kids here. But if you're only going to be here a few days, you can find stuff to do with the kiddies! My family's favorite thing to do is go to MGM and see the lions and eat at Rainforest Cafe. Then we walk over to M&M world and watch the cute 3-D movie. Sometimes they give out free M&Ms, sometimes they don't. Coca Cola world is right next door to that.

Kids enjoy the water show in the front of Bellagio. My kids also enjoy the Leid Discovery Museum (for kids). Just walking around and seeing all the tacky decor is fun too! Kids like to see new things. If your hotel has a heated pool, that would be fun too.

Have fun!
Bonnie

 

[thinkerbell]

OK, somehow missed the Feb. part although it is in your very first sentence. I was thinking you had said June. Anyway, RC Fan is correct, it is way too cold in Feb. to swim. We went in April last year and it was still too cold(in my opinion) to go swimming. There were a few other brave cold souls in the pool though.

 

[BelleBoo&AmisMum]

OK, somehow missed the Feb. part although it is in your very first sentence. I was thinking you had said June. Anyway, RC Fan is correct, it is way too cold in Feb. to swim. We went in April last year and it was still too cold(in my opinion) to go swimming. There were a few other brave cold souls in the pool though.

We were there mid-April last year, the pool at the Venetian was packed! We couldn't find seats at all! The pool out at Lake Las Vegas was quieter and cooler, but still busy.

I think it depends on where you're from, Vegas was warm to us in April!