kids in vegas

[brendah]

what can you suggest to do with a 5 year old and a 7 year old in vegas in October? thanks :)

[momviolett]

The tounament of Kings at Excaliber.Theres also lots of free shows & activities for kids. Check out the Excaliber web site.CircusCircus is a must for kids.

[brandy407]

Also try the Lied Museum. It is an interactive museum for children. They will love it. I used to take my daughter all the time since she was 5 and now she is 18. Also the M&M Factory is nice has 5 floors of everything that is M&M. They also have a free 3-D movie. It is right next to the MGM.

Enjoy your stay.

[Serene56]

Ceasars Palace has an animated fire and water show called atlantis.
free

[1slotmama]

The Tropicana has a magic show- my nephew was 5 when we went, and the magician got him on stage- it was a great show!

[krmiller50]

You might enjoy Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay or the arcades at Excaliber, Circus Circus and NYNY. Hoover Dam is another place that most kids enjoy. Hope these ideas help.

[wildpitcher]

My first impulse was to say bring a nanny to play monopoly with them in the room; then my wife reminded me that they are probably too young for monopoly.... :o

I consulted my in-house expert. My daughter spent two nights with us in Vegas when she was 5. The highlights for her were the trapeze acts at Circus Circus (where we stayed) and the skeeball game (and a couple of others) at the very good Circus Circus kids arcade. She says she was bored out of her mind at Caesar's Palace. She thought all the statues and things were dumb. I was having a good run at blackjack there, though, so we might have overstayed a bit on that one. She said she was scared but liked the Pirate Show at TI - however, they've made that much more adult now since we saw it.

On paper, it seems the following would seem to appeal for 5 and 7:

1. Dolphin show at the Mirage
2. White Tigers at the Mirage
3. Lions in the Lobby of the MGM Grand
4. Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay

2) and 3) are free. The others cost bucks.

Also, the Orleans has a bowling alley and a movie many-plex inside the resort.

Good luck. The movement to make Vegas "family friendly" kind of petered out in the late 90's and it's reverting to being the "adult playground" it's always been. However, you should be able to find some things for them to enjoy.

[HedoTom]

My only advice is to bring money...and lots of it.

I spent more on keeping my son entertained than I spent at the tables over the many years that he went to Vegas with us. I think he was about 7 for his first trip. Las Vegas was one of his favorite vacation sites (he ranked it above Florida with the exception of Disney World - we liked going to the beaches).

Some things he liked:

Eating (He loved the fact that he could eat Prime Rib or steak every night - we made sure we went to places with specials). He was not impressed by inferior buffets, but did like the better ones.

Swimming (Mandelay Bay was his favorite place, also the pools at Flamingo)

Circus Circus (this is the place that really hit the wallet)

Ripley's Museum (This used to be in the 4 Queens, but has since moved - not sure of it's current location)

Shows - We always tried to find a show appropriate for his age at the time. One of his biggest thrills was when we went to the Wild Things show and (Thanks to a tip) we were seated right in the location where the magician (I forget who the headliner was) chose his volunteer from. David (I think he was 12 at the time) got to go on stage and be part of the act (he also learned that magic was "staged" since the magician whispered in his ear not to do anything if he heard sounds or felt movement in the bucket he was holding (a duck was inside).

[Robbylou121]

If you take them downtown to see the FSE, then you can try Jillians. It's a big complex in Neonpolis. It has a fantasic game room, bowling alley, movie theaters. (Theres also a Dairy Queen nearby too for a great sundae ;) )

On the Strip there is Game Works. You can buy a "credit card" that you use in the games there. Also nearby is the M&M Factory.

Circus Circus would be great for you little ones too. The upstairs is like a circus midway with games and barkers. It's quite fun. See the circus acts for free too. And don't forget the Superdome Adventure park too. Lots of little rides for the youngins too. Have Fun! :D

[wildpitcher]

When I read the post in this next link, I thought of your post here:

http://www.everythinglv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=328

This post has a trip report and lists all the places the kids had a good time.

Dave

[sonntex]

The Masquerade show in the sky at the Rio is very kid friendly. There are a lot of floats suspended overhead that move from one end of the casino to the other. There are clowns and magicians walking around on the floor, and there are always a lot of kids there. All ages, from toddlers to teenage. It's free and they throw Mardi Gras beads to the people on the floor. I always bring some back for my 8 year old granddaughter and she loves them. You can ride on the floats, but that's not free. Check out the Rio website. It will tell you more than I can remember.

[zoomer]

The Station Casinos have "Kidsquest". Adult supervised play areas for an hourly fee per child. Took my kids when they were in second and first grade and they had a blast. Especially since there were other kids their age there. You can even prepay for "snacks" when they feel like taking a break from playing. Sunset also had a cheesy game arcade but perfect for little ones.

We were at Sunset Station(in Henderson) and I know other hotels have it too. It's listed on website of hotel if they offer it.

[Boston_Bill]

Am I the only one who hates kids in Las Vegas? I know its unavoidable but it drives me nuts.

[GlazRhino]

Am I the only one who hates kids in Las Vegas? I know its unavoidable but it drives me nuts.

No, Bill, far from it, please number me in that legion. :( I have to admit that once we brought our son to Vegas, he was 9 at the time. (It was cheaper to fly into Vegas and drive to LA). We flew in spent the night, did wet and wild the next day spent the night got up and drove to LA to do Disneyland and the like. Returned to Vegas saw Copperfield at Caesars and flew home the next day. He was only allowed to pass through the casino on our way to the show and for dinner one night. This was out of respect for the casino's rules and other gamblers. We did gamble one night while he was with us. I gambled and my wife was with him on the second level of Circus and then my wife gambled and I was with him. That being said, nowhere does it say in the parenting book that just because you have kids, you get to or should you take them everywhere you go. In my opinion, if you only have enough money to take one "family" vacation each year, maybe it shouldn't be with the "Gambino family", :cool: and Disney might be the better choice.

Thanks,
GlazRhino

[zoomer]

My kids are now grown but when we took them as 1st and 2nd graders we did have our reservations about whether we were doing the right thing. That was 11 years ago. We knew they enjoyed themselves but didn't realize how much until we saw almost every drawing they brought home from school after returning from vacation was Vegas or gambling themed. God knows what their teachers must have been thinking. But, I'll get to the point here, we take our kids because it is "their vacation" too and frankly, I enjoy having my kids with me even if it restricts me from other things I might have had more time for. My kids were disciplined and always well behaved. Many vacations have come and gone since then including several trips to Disney World and the Caribbean and most of their memories have faded. But their recollection of all things Vegas had made such an impression on them, they still talk about it today.
If you take them to Vegas, it may restrict the things you and your wife can do or places you and your wife can go, but as far as being bothersome to anyone else? I've never seen a kid prevent any adult from enjoying himself in Las Vegas.

[redstar]

Lance Burton puts on a wonderful magic show that kids just love. A little pricey for a large family but it is worth it.

[CeeJayRocker]

I don't know why anyone would take kids to Las Vegas . . . . . I am constantly amazed at the strollers on Fremont at 2:00 a.m.

[Kathi856]

I agree. I live here, and you would NEVER catch my kids out on Fremont street, at 2:00am or any other time. We dont go near casinos, or the strip, or Fremont street on my time off, and It bothers the hell out of me to see the kids sitting near the elevators while mom and dad are at a machine, nearby. I also cant stand it when Dads playing a table, and Mom and kids come walking by to get him, because hes been there forever, and they are ready to eat, or go to sleep. My kids were born here, and I can honestly say that my ex and I NEVER ever did that to them. They are now 10,11, and 12 years old, and they have no desire whatsoever to be near the strip or downtown...they dont care about Circus Circus, or Excalibur. They were bored shitless when we went down that way to pick up my ex mother in law from the airport and she wanted to go to Excalibur. We only stayed a few minutes and then came home...They were not impressed. We bowl, but we go to a place where you can go to the bowling alley without seeing a machine or a table....you dont go through the casino at all. I cant imagine anyone wanting to bring their kids here....it just amazes me. I saw kids with parents out on the strip on NYE....crazy....do you know that more than 20 kids a month go missing in Vegas? I got that statistic from my PTA president. Why would anyone want to bring a kid to the biggest party in the west, where there are over 100,000 people on one street? Not me.

[zoomer]

Simple then......leave YOUR kids home

[fungirl]

The Masquerade show in the sky at the Rio is very kid friendly. There are a lot of floats suspended overhead that move from one end of the casino to the other. There are clowns and magicians walking around on the floor, and there are always a lot of kids there. All ages, from toddlers to teenage. It's free and they throw Mardi Gras beads to the people on the floor. I always bring some back for my 8 year old granddaughter and she loves them. You can ride on the floats, but that's not free. Check out the Rio website. It will tell you more than I can remember.


If you do choose to do this please do it during the day...as the day goes on in Vegas people (myself included) tend to get really drunk and expose certain body parts for beads. I have seen this soooo many times during the evening hours at the Rio. I don't come across it so much in the earlier daytime hours though.

As far as suggestions for activites for kids: I second what lots have said abot the Mirage Garden/Lion Habitat area. It's great. Also M&M world is fun for kids to do some shopping and work on that sugar high!! LOL!

[CeeJayRocker]

If you do choose to do this please do it during the day...as the day goes on in Vegas people (myself included) tend to get really drunk and expose certain body parts for beads. I have seen this soooo many times during the evening hours at the Rio. I don't come across it so much in the earlier daytime hours though.

Really . ? . ? . ? Damn. . . . I've seen Masquerade in the Sky about a dozen times and never seen that . . . I've got to pay closer attention.

[fungirl]

LOL CeeJay! Maybe it's just me!! :p

[ZanieOR]

I agree with the Tournament of Kings jousting tournament (w/dinner) at Excaliber ... at least my son at age 14 loved it. Also magician Lance Burton is super good with kids and they seem to love him.

[dragondoll]

what can you suggest to do with a 5 year old and a 7 year old in vegas in October? thanks :)
A year or so ago Las Vegas was trying to advertise themselves as a family vacation destination. Well, people suddenly saw the light and realized it was not. Take your kids to Disney or a resort that specializes in entertaining children. I have been to Vegas too many times and witnessed so many bored, tired children being dragged around by parents who can not enjoy themselves in this fabulous adult entertainment place. :( If it was me, I would find some way to see Las Vegas without the kids. Take them when they are 21. ;) I would hate for you to have a miserable and frustrating time. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[zoomer]

A year or so ago Las Vegas was trying to advertise themselves as a family vacation destination. Well, people suddenly saw the light and realized it was not. Take your kids to Disney or a resort that specializes in entertaining children. I have been to Vegas too many times and witnessed so many bored, tired children being dragged around by parents who can not enjoy themselves in this fabulous adult entertainment place. :( If it was me, I would find some way to see Las Vegas without the kids. Take them when they are 21. ;) I would hate for you to have a miserable and frustrating time. Good luck with whatever you decide.


Las Vegas was attracting so many families it was hurting their bottom line. This isn't supposition, this is fact. The families weren't gambling. It had nothing to do with "people seeing the light"

[wildpitcher]

I have to agree with the previous post. It's all about the gambling. Every decision made in LV takes that into account.

[Jimmyvegas]

I'm playing craps one night about 3am at Binions and <<BAM>> I get smacked in the back of the leg by a fat drunk woman pushing a baby stroller through the casino. The baby was out cold and the casino was packed with the typical booze swilling (that's me), cigar smoking (that's me too) crowd.

There's porn on every corner, drunken fools covering every square inch, cigar and cigarette smoke everywhere. Be a responsible parent and take them somewhere family oriented. Don't try and pawn off your vacation to Sin City as a family vacation. Leave your kids at home or take them somewhere more appropriate. Las Vegas is not a family destination. (JV points to the delapidated MGM them park closed after just months of operation.)

Cheers!

JV

:cool:

[deemaxx95]

Vegas is for adults. Yes they tried to pass it off as family entertainment, however the bottom line is gambling which is for adults ONLY!
I would not want to bring my kids to a place where the booze if flowing and gambling is everwhere. Plus if you are any sort of parent, you do NOT leave your kids in a hotel room, while you go and gamble. The whole point of a family vacation is to enjoy each other and spend time with each other. Not to dump the kids off at an arcade or leave in a hotel room. I for one am happy when I see security talking to and throwing out parents who leave their kids. Wasn't it a few years ago a little girl got raped when her parent were playing the slots for hours on end?
When the kids were little we went camping, yes we had a camper, not tents for me. [I hate bugs} As they got older, we took vacations to Disney, NYC, South Dakota, Florida, etc. And we always had a good time.

[ISing4UnMe]

We've been to Vegas numerous times since 1997 with our son. Sometimes we'd bring my MIL to help with childcare, but not always. Sometimes my son would stay with his Aunt and Uncle who live there. You can have fun in Vegas with your kids -- we've done it. It is true, however, that parents with kids can't gamble. (Somebody's got to stay with the kids, and it's illegal to leave them alone in the room if they are under the age of 12, if I recall correctly. I know Harrah's used to have a brochure pertaining to this in their hotel room.)
There used to be so much more to do with kids in Vegas, because, let's face it, locals who live there with kids need to have places to take them for fun too. I was disappointed to find out that Scandia is closed since their land was bought out; Mountasia closed, Wet and Wild closed, MGM themepark closed. :( Some of our best memories were at those places. However, just seeing the sights the casino hotels have to offer can be fun and take up a lot of time. I would recommend the following for newbie parents in no particular order, off the top of my head:
1. Sig and Roy's Secret Garden at Mirage
2. FAO Schwartz at Caesar's used to be a sight to see, if it's still opened, just be prepared to get your youngsters a souvenier
3. The destruction of Atlantis show at Caesar's
4. Excalibur interior/facade along with a so-so arcade
5. Luxor King Tut exhibit -- they have package deals where you pay a certain price and get the Tut thing w/ Imax movie and VR ride
6. Took my son to the Gambler's museum at Trop -- he loved it, but he's a history buff.
7. Magic show at Tropicana (Dirk Arthur; They used to have free spin slot machine outside where you could win tickets, not sure if they still have this.)
8.M&M store and ride
9.Gameworks -- they have much more than just games. They used to have a rock climbing wall, too.
10. Lance Burton at Monte Carlo. My son loved this show!
11. Older kids will like the malls at Venetian, Caesar's and Fashion Show mall.
12. Madame Tussaud's at Venetian
13. Watch the Mirage Volcano go off at night
14. Bellagio Fountains at night are nice as well
15. If you have a car you can take them Horseback riding or to Bonnie Springs
16. NYNY rollercoaster and arcade
17. Stratosphere rollercoasters and rides
18. Circus Circus arcade, rides and acrobats area
19. Plaza hotel has cheap shows with very good acts. The magician there is very good with close up sleight of hand tricks.
20. Larry G Jones, who is now at Fitzgerald's was hilarious, but my son is older, so younger kids may not get some of the impressions/humor.
21. Orleans or Gold Coast has cheap bowling and movie theaters.
22. Any hotel with a pool is fun and relaxing for all.
23. Magic show at Stardust (Rick Thomas; used to be at Tropicana.)
24. Lied Museum
25. Museum of Natural History
26. Jet skiing at Lake Mead
27. Hoover Dam
28. Ice skating at Fiesta
29. Eiffel Tower and Top of the Strat
30. Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix
31. Desperado and other rides at Buffalo Bills in Primm. There is also a shopping outlet in Primm.

There is much to do with kids in and around Vegas. It's a little more challenging than before, but there are places.
Good luck... :)

Vegas is for adults. Yes they tried to pass it off as family entertainment, however the bottom line is gambling which is for adults ONLY!

[cindyinnj]

I agree that LV is not for kids, however as the list states above, there are many things kids can do. I brought my 2 daughters to LV last year, but they are teenagers. I don't think I would bring babies or little kids here. My girls enjoyed the 5 days here, but I'll never bring them again because they've seen and done everything a teen can do here, plus, it did put a crimp in my fun so now my hubby and I go it alone!

[chris5984]

Am I the only one who hates kids in Las Vegas? I know its unavoidable but it drives me nuts.
I totally agree with Boston Bill!!!!!!!!!!!! I love kids but I would never take a anyone under the are of 21 to Vegas. Even though there are some family friendly shows and things to do, Vegas is for adults.
Take the kids to Disney.

[chris5984]

If you do choose to do this please do it during the day...as the day goes on in Vegas people (myself included) tend to get really drunk and expose certain body parts for beads. I have seen this soooo many times during the evening hours at the Rio. I don't come across it so much in the earlier daytime hours though.

As far as suggestions for activites for kids: I second what lots have said abot the Mirage Garden/Lion Habitat area. It's great. Also M&M world is fun for kids to do some shopping and work on that sugar high!! LOL!
PLease let me know the next time you will be at the Rio!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Vegas Queen]

I would suggest you leave the kids at home or take them to DisneyLand. Vegas is no place for children.

[Rgiffen2]

I pulled an all nighter two weeks ago in LV. I was shocked to see how many people were pushing strollers at 3:30AM. What the heck are they thinking?
:confused:

[hockeymom26]

Just got back this AM from a last minute trip to LV. As we were going up to our room at 1:30 AM, the elevator opens up and mom, dad and baby in a stroller are getting off the elevator. Where are they going at that time of night with a sleeping baby?
We have taken our kids to LV too,but they were teenagers. Did all the rollercoasters,10 pin bowling and arcades that LV has to offer, plus we went in the summer so that they could also hang at the pool. The kids love LV, but I am not taking them back until they are 21.

[livinthedream]

Some of you people are way off topic.The question was where is a good place in Vegas to entertain children.Many have usefull comments others want to preach how it is wrong to take children to Vegas.If that is your opinion cool but not sure it is fair to Hijack someones thread where they ask a relevant question.If you do not think it is appropriate for parents to take theire children to Vegas great, do not take yours. I have never taken mine but parents that do should be able to without negative comments from others.They are the parents.JMO.

I have never done it but may want to consider taking them to the Vegas sign boneyard.A couple of the theme restaraunts like the Rain Forest and Margaritaville may be fun.NY/NY has an ESPN zone.If you sign up for a membership on line at either Gameworks or ESPN Zone you get free tokens.

[iam4nd]

There are some websites available on things to do in Vegas with kids. One is www.lasvegaskids.net with info on kid friendly hotels, attractions, etc.

Another place to take kids in Vegas is the Lied Discovery Childrens Museum. Their website is www.ldcm.org

For child care check www.travel2vegas.com/childcare

We didn't take our kids to Vegas until they were 21 but in our experience the problems with children in Vegas (and everywhere else, I suppose) usually lies with the parents---not the children.