Kids?

[gamalicious]

So I have no kids. Nor do I plan to for a long time. However, I do wonder what people (either yourselves or others you have seen) do with their kids? Do they just let them roam around? Do they try and sneak them in the Casino? I just remember asking my parents about going to Vegas when I was younger (curiousity, not desire) and they always said, "You wouldn't have anything to do". It even seems most of the resorts are starting to realize having kids drop their parents money into a video arcade isn't half as successful as having adults with their own money dropping it on something with way worse odds (you always win with video games). I think the best example I've read about is how they replaced the British with the Sirens at Treasure Island. I mean, God bless them, and their skimpy outfits (as I've been told and continually look for more pictures of), but man, Vegas ain't no kiddie pool. Peace.

[chris5984]

One of the funniest yet slightly disturbing things I saw on my last trip was a group of what looked to be pre-teenage boys accepting escort cards and flyers from the guys/gals who pass them out on every corner on the strip. I got a good chuckle out of it because I could see myself doing the same thing at that age.
Leave the kiddies at home they’ll grow up soon enough.

[wildpitcher]

What do parents do with kids in Vegas?

We spent two nights at Circus Circus once about 8 years ago with our kids. It was at the end of a driving trip through the Southwest and we were on our way back to Seattle area.

My wife and I took turns staying with the kids at the CC Arcade while the other one gambled. We took them around the strip a bit to see the sights and bored them to tears.

At the end of the trip we told all three that we'd take them to Vegas again.... when they're 21.

Dave

[kestral]

What parents are Supposed to do: It is against the law for minors to be in a casino, unless they are accompanied by their parent and in the casino for the purpose of going from point A to point B - from the hotel room to the restaurant for example. So you will see children in the casino, but theoretically they will be on the move... and friends who took their 11 year old with them to a family event in Vegas said that was enforced. They were crossing a casino floor and their son pointed to something on a slot machine (he's curious about mechanical stuff) and asked how it worked. Dad stopped to briefly explained, and a voice came over the loudspeaker informing that minors may not stop on the casino floor(think it was the Riviera)

However I've seen kids waiting in lobbies or on the public walkway while a parent played a game.

There's lots to do with kids in Vegas, but it requires parents who are willing to forego playing the games to play the stuff their kids can do.

[Vegas Vic]

I have no problem with kids in Vegas as long as they are properly supervised by their parents. If the parent is going to let them just hang out, then it is better the kids be left at home.

If the parent is going to take them to Valley of Fire, Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, amusement parks or to any of the appropriate kid venues, then its great.

Hint for adults without kids: Stay away form Circus Circus and Excalliber especially when school is traditionally out.

Best place to avoid kids: Belliago

[BobK]

I have three young children (6, 4 and 19 months) and I love Vegas. BUT, kids and Vegas Casinos DO NOT MIX!

IF you bring your kids to Vegas, stay in a hotel with no casino, and spend time with them. Children do not belong in casinos. Period.

[Deb]

as long as,someone else already pointed out, parents are responsible!
We never took our kids when they were under 21, and in fact I was a big anti
kid in LV type. Then we took our grown kids and our grand-one. We did all the things during the day that have been pointed out: shark reef, Secert Garden, the wax museum, Gameworks. In warm weather a pool is a big hit with the whole bunch.
Our daughter has a friend who lives in Las Vegas, and we took over parenting for a night so she could visit with her friend, and have a break.
I know it is not the same as a mom-pop-kids vacation, but with planning, it can work ok.

[krisfarnsworth]

As a mother of Twin 11 year old girls who by thew way would rather go to Vegas than Disneyland. There are lots and lots of things to do while in Vegas. During the day you can go places that aren't in the casinos or go to the hotels that have kid apprroiate things. If you want to gamble but the kids are keeping you away from the games there is a great thing called Kid's Quest it's at the Palms, Station Casinos and the Orleans. You pay a flat rate per hour and the kids are safe and have more fun there than with you. If you need a great place to look for things kids can do in Vegas check out Vegaskids.com.

:cool:

[Play2Win]

I agree that for the most part you should not bring your kids to Las Vegas. Although this time my wife and I are flying from Mi, and wanted to see my sister, brother-in-law and her kids(driving distance for them). So we asked them to join us. She's a responsible parent who could careless about gambling and going out at night(while the kids are around). So take your kids if you like, but do not neglect them. Never leave them alone ... even when they are sleeping. So I guess it comes down to a responsible parent. It's not the kids that have the problem ... its the parents.

[sonntex]

Kids don't bother me, but I can't figure out why anyone would bring an infant or toddler who has to be pushed around in a stroller. Unless you are just going to sightsee, what can you do with a child that young? I once saw a young mother with a toddler in a stroller sit down to play a slot machine at the Rio and a security guard was there instantly telling her to move on.

[Jilara]

I'm basically a 51-year-old kid, who likes interacting with children, so I can tell you about some of the kid-friendly stuff at Vegas. The Rio has an arcade and seems to be pretty-kid friendly and the kids love the Masquerade in the Sky. I always try to let them in to the rail on the upper level, near me, and help catch carnival beads for them.

As has been mentioned, there are a lot of amazing day trips out of Vegas, that are great for kids. (I usually do several, because I like balance in my life.) It's not all casinos!

The Dolphin Habitat/Secret Garden at the Mirage is a great way to spend a family afternoon. Ditto Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. The birds at the Flamingo are great, and the Venetian has great things like live statuary and of course watching the gondolas, and occasional music hall in St. Mark's Square (it's not all opera, and besides, if you're like my goddaughter, some kids LIKE opera!) And of course the free shows along the strip. (Though I admit I haven't forgiven them for replacing the pirate show with that second-rate piece of softcore S&M (nudge, wink) drek they call "Sirens of TI" -- and I say that as a woman who enjoys dancing, production values, and even half-naked showgirls! And I wish to remind the current management of TI that most the pirate fans I know are ADULTS with MONEY. Arrrh! Ye'll never understand us, matey!)

[Pops904]

Wife and I are going second week of November without our son,going again 3rd week of March with our son. The difference? He turns 21 March 12th!
Vegas just isn't fun unless you can experience the whole thing!