Bringing a kid to Vegas (8 yr old boy) - Pls, no flames!

[halloweengirl]

Hi Everyone,

OK, so the hubby and I want to go to Vegas (have free hotel nights, gift cards, and a desperate need to get away for a few days this summer), and we also want to take our nephew on a vacation. We also want to FINALLY take a trip to Vegas that's NOT all about gambling (I'm really the only one who likes it, hubby just plays to be near me), and is more about local attractions (Hoover Dam, etc.) The kiddo is 8, he's been to Vegas before (he loves it, relatives live there), he LOVES buffets (LOL) and he's extremely well-behaved (well, not for his mom).....soooo...We're looking at 4 days/3 nights, most likely

1) We're staying @ The Rio, most likely. We know it's not the most kid-friendly, but it's our absolute fave place, has great pools (we know that one is topless, but it's blocked off), great rooms (with fridges so we can stock a few groceries), great food, and is off-strip, so it gets less yahoos.

2) We plan to hit up the Hoover Dam/Lake Mead, Valley of Fire, CC's Adventuredome (specifically for the kiddo), the Bellagio Conservatory, the gondola rides @ The Venetian, rides @ The Luxor, etc., see a Cirque show, and the more family-friendly properties that are fun to explore/hang around.

3) It's a break we all need in a place we all like. I know a lot of people are very anti kids-in-Vegas, and I agree, to an extent. Yes, I know where to avoid "porn slappers". The ads for ladies on billboards are something he cares nothing about. He knows we can't stop in the casino. And no, you won't catch me with him out at midnight on the Strip or anywhere else. Even in Vegas, that monkey's in bed by 9 or 10 (special treat since 8 is his usual time). Hubby and I don't really drink, we're NOT late-night partiers, I'm the only one who gambles (and I will do so early in the AM when the boys are still asleep, LOL), and we've been dying to explore all of Vegas, but we keep just hanging out in the casino the whole time. So this is a great opportunity to see the non-gambler view of Vegas.

We are renting a car, of course

So, anyone have any tips or recommendations? As I said, he's a good kid who likes to explore new places, see lights, and eat a lot :):)

[jr7110]

Hi Everyone,

OK, so the hubby and I want to go to Vegas (have free hotel nights, gift cards, and a desperate need to get away for a few days this summer), and we also want to take our nephew on a vacation. We also want to FINALLY take a trip to Vegas that's NOT all about gambling (I'm really the only one who likes it, hubby just plays to be near me), and is more about local attractions (Hoover Dam, etc.) The kiddo is 8, he's been to Vegas before (he loves it, relatives live there), he LOVES buffets (LOL) and he's extremely well-behaved (well, not for his mom).....soooo...We're looking at 4 days/3 nights, most likely

1) We're staying @ The Rio, most likely. We know it's not the most kid-friendly, but it's our absolute fave place, has great pools (we know that one is topless, but it's blocked off), great rooms (with fridges so we can stock a few groceries), great food, and is off-strip, so it gets less yahoos.

2) We plan to hit up the Hoover Dam/Lake Mead, Valley of Fire, CC's Adventuredome (specifically for the kiddo), the Bellagio Conservatory, the gondola rides @ The Venetian, rides @ The Luxor, etc., see a Cirque show, and the more family-friendly properties that are fun to explore/hang around.

3) It's a break we all need in a place we all like. I know a lot of people are very anti kids-in-Vegas, and I agree, to an extent. Yes, I know where to avoid "porn slappers". The ads for ladies on billboards are something he cares nothing about. He knows we can't stop in the casino. And no, you won't catch me with him out at midnight on the Strip or anywhere else. Even in Vegas, that monkey's in bed by 9 or 10 (special treat since 8 is his usual time). Hubby and I don't really drink, we're NOT late-night partiers, I'm the only one who gambles (and I will do so early in the AM when the boys are still asleep, LOL), and we've been dying to explore all of Vegas, but we keep just hanging out in the casino the whole time. So this is a great opportunity to see the non-gambler view of Vegas.

We are renting a car, of course

So, anyone have any tips or recommendations? As I said, he's a good kid who likes to explore new places, see lights, and eat a lot :):)

It sounds like you have everything pretty well mapped out - you have a lot of really great activities planned that your nephew will remember for a long time to come. I think most people object to kids in Vegas when it is obvious that the parents are just dragging them along selfishly and they are pulling an exhausted child along at midnight through the casinos or even worse, pushing a stroller through at midnight. There are many non casino activities that your nephew would probably really enjoy: In addition to the activities you mentioned there is Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden at The Mirage; The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay; and there is even a video game arcade at The Bellagio (it is kind of hidden - it is right between Cafe Gelato, which is near the pool area and the Bellagio Art Gallery - it is a small entrance and you can go in and your nephew can have a blast in there).

[Nancy from Indiana]

What jr said - I thought of those, too - has he seen the lions at MGM, or taken a boat cruise on Lake Mead? There are a lot of fish at the dock & they're looking for food & if someone tosses popcorn in the lake, they're all over it. I have sons who were once 8 & they would have enjoyed all those things at that age. And the volcano at Mirage.

[jr7110]

Nancy added a lot of really good ideas!

The one thing I want to mention is you said something about "rides at The Luxor" in your original post. With the "de-theming" of the Luxor, the entire interior of the casino has been remodeled and all of the attractions like the King Tut Exhibit and all of the rides are all gone. However, they do have the Titanic exhibition and it is really interesting. I am not sure how interested an 8 year old would be because it is like a museum - a lot of looking at artifacts and reading....if he is not interested in the Titanic it may be boring for him. The is also the "Bodies" exhibition but I am not sure it is right for an 8 year old - I don't even think it is right for me lol - it just seems gruesome to see real human bodies stripped to the muscle....uh....no.....

By the way, Imperial Palace also has a car show with classic cars including Herbie The Love Bug and a whole lot more - it is $6.50 admission but I think someone on this forum will be able to tell you how to find free passes...
There is also Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum at The Venetian, the roller coaster at NYNY (and one at the Sahara) and you can also take a ride up to the observation deck at the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris and snap some great pics and enjoy a panoramic 360 degree view of Vegas.

[Tweeets]

Hi Everyone,

OK, so the hubby and I want to go to Vegas (have free hotel nights, gift cards, and a desperate need to get away for a few days this summer), and we also want to take our nephew on a vacation. We also want to FINALLY take a trip to Vegas that's NOT all about gambling (I'm really the only one who likes it, hubby just plays to be near me), and is more about local attractions (Hoover Dam, etc.) The kiddo is 8, he's been to Vegas before (he loves it, relatives live there), he LOVES buffets (LOL) and he's extremely well-behaved (well, not for his mom).....soooo...We're looking at 4 days/3 nights, most likely

1) We're staying @ The Rio, most likely. We know it's not the most kid-friendly, but it's our absolute fave place, has great pools (we know that one is topless, but it's blocked off), great rooms (with fridges so we can stock a few groceries), great food, and is off-strip, so it gets less yahoos.

2) We plan to hit up the Hoover Dam/Lake Mead, Valley of Fire, CC's Adventuredome (specifically for the kiddo), the Bellagio Conservatory, the gondola rides @ The Venetian, rides @ The Luxor, etc., see a Cirque show, and the more family-friendly properties that are fun to explore/hang around.

3) It's a break we all need in a place we all like. I know a lot of people are very anti kids-in-Vegas, and I agree, to an extent. Yes, I know where to avoid "porn slappers". The ads for ladies on billboards are something he cares nothing about. He knows we can't stop in the casino. And no, you won't catch me with him out at midnight on the Strip or anywhere else. Even in Vegas, that monkey's in bed by 9 or 10 (special treat since 8 is his usual time). Hubby and I don't really drink, we're NOT late-night partiers, I'm the only one who gambles (and I will do so early in the AM when the boys are still asleep, LOL), and we've been dying to explore all of Vegas, but we keep just hanging out in the casino the whole time. So this is a great opportunity to see the non-gambler view of Vegas.

We are renting a car, of course

So, anyone have any tips or recommendations? As I said, he's a good kid who likes to explore new places, see lights, and eat a lot :):)


There will be no flames from me as long as you keep the 'kid' out of the casinos. :) These sites will give you more ideas than you ever want:

http://www.lasvegaskids.net/las_vegas_activities/las_vegas_activities_landing.htm

http://govegas.about.com/od/familyfun/a/kidsinlv.htm

http://www.vegas.com/attractions/kids.html

http://travel.latimes.com/destinations/las-vegas/clm/attractions/especially-for-kids

Have fun!

[Roy L. Flush]

Having done the Secret Gardens and Dolphins exhibit I agree this would be right up a kids alley. Speaking of alleys, since you are staying at the Rio you might like to know there is a bowling alley at the Gold Coast and the Orleans has a movie theatre.

8 might be a bit young for roller coasters but Speed the Ride at Sahara might be an option. They also have simulated 7/8 scale Nascar's there with a virtual track. My kids did this for hours but they were a bit older. I would wait a few years before taking up on top of the Strat for those rides.

With all due respect I think your "kiddo" will think the Bellagio's Conserveratory is a total snoozefest.

[ClintP]

1) We're staying @ The Rio, most likely. We know it's not the most kid-friendly, but it's our absolute fave place, has great pools (we know that one is topless, but it's blocked off), great rooms (with fridges so we can stock a few groceries), great food, and is off-strip, so it gets less yahoos.

You mention that its going to be a few days in the summer: of note the World Series of Poker goes on at the Rio from the end of May to the middle of July so if you are going during that date range and looking to avoid the yahoos that might not be the best choice.


As far as kids in Vegas and flames and all that goes I don't think you have too much to worry about...

Most of the flaming about bringing kids to Vegas is because the majority of people don't know what to do with their kids when they get there and just end up having them sit off to the side of the casino or in the lobby of the hotel for hours on end while they go in to the casino to gamble.

It sounds like you have a pretty good plan laid out for what you are going to do and how you can keep both yourselves and your nephew entertained on this vacation.

[shokhead]

IMO Vegas is boring for a kid unless you spend all your time keeping them busy. Then why bother being there for you? My dad took me at least 25-30 before I was 15. BORING.

[MissCyn]

We used to take my cousin's eight year old to Vegas- then at nine and again at ten. It has been a few years (he's now 13) but the Gold Coast used to have a activity center that you can pay for hourly. He didn't like that one too much, but there was also one at the Orleans that he didn't want to leave! Like I said, it's been a while so I don't know if either place is still open.

M&M World might be cool to him. NYNY used to have an arcade- don't know if it's still there either.

http://www.kidsinvegas.com/activity-guide.html has a great list of activities.

One night when we were planning on going out, we hired a babysitter to come to the room to sit with him. He was asleep before we left and didn't even wake up to meet the sitter. He knew she was coming, but was so exhausted, he couldn't stay up! She was paid hourly and all of the hotel staff and security knew her well.

http://www.vegaskids.info/ has some cool ideas and tours too.

[AppleGreenJade]

If you'd like to take him to a show, I recommend KA. Also, don't forget to take him to see the Chocolate Fountain at the Bellagio. It's to the right and down the hall from the Conservatory.

[nchikk]

How about the top of the Strat? Can't see more lights anywhere else in LV. There's also the Eiffel Tower with a great view of the fountains.

[SteveSlot]

The last time I was at the Rio I noticed that they had put in a very interesting looking bowling alley across from the buffet near the back of the property at the west exit. That should be fun for a while for a little one. People in this group don't flame people much. It's a good group.

SteveSlot

[Steve]

I don't think you had to request NO FLAMES..I don't think you would have received any from our members. :)

As far as The Bellagio Consevatory, I can't even get past the smell to view the exhibit.

Steve

[Jacqui, Duskette8]

You could take him out to Ethel M's Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden on your way to Hoover Dam/Lake Mead. Where else in the world will you get to see 'Oompa Loompas"?!

[Tweeets]

I don't think you had to request NO FLAMES..I don't think you would have received any from our members. :)

As far as The Bellagio Consevatory, I can't even get past the smell to view the exhibit.

Steve


Steve is it the plant/floral "smells" that bother you, or that gawdawful, albeit very expensive, perfume that's sprayed throughout the casino and gives migraines?

[jr7110]

Steve is it the plant/floral "smells" that bother you, or that gawdawful, albeit very expensive, perfume that's sprayed throughout the casino and gives migraines?

I never noticed that kind of a heavy perfume at Bellagio - and that is where I always stay and do a lot of play in....I will have to pay attention on my June trip! Well luckily I have never had any kind of headache or migraine in my life - it must be terrible to be on vacation and have a strong fragrance set one off....

[jr7110]

Where else in the world will you get to see 'Oompa Loompas"?!

I am pretty sure I have seen quite a few walking through the various casinos lol

[Steve]

Steve is it the plant/floral "smells" that bother you, or that gawdawful, albeit very expensive, perfume that's sprayed throughout the casino and gives migraines?

All of the above,

Steve

[MHIROTSU]

IMO Vegas is boring for a kid unless you spend all your time keeping them busy. Then why bother being there for you? My dad took me at least 25-30 before I was 15. BORING.

I think for an 8 year old, the lights would be fascinating. For a 10 year old or older, maybe not fun at all.

Has he seen the Fremont Experience? I still like it and I'm just a little bit older than 15 years old (you can all stop laughing). If you can sneak yourself a room key from the Golden Nugget, they have a fun water slide at their pool. Plus, you get to slide through their aquarium which has sharks in it. The problem with downtown, is that there isn't much else for kids there. Except (and don't tell his parents) you can try the deep fried Twinkies/Oreos at Mermaids.

My opinion on the billboards and porn slappers is to just ignore them. Don't pay any attention to them, just keep walking as if they don't exist. I think if you make an issue out of it, the 8 year old will start to wonder why. And if he asks about it, just say it's for adults and that's also why the kid can't be in the casinos.

I think the kid will have a grand time at the Rio's buffet. You could probably go there every day and the kid wouldn't mind. If the kid likes Chinese food, there's a decent restaurant at Gold Coast, otherwise go to KJ's Kitchen in Chinatown.

Does the Rio still have that parade in the sky? But I will say that a day at the pool will pretty much wear out most kids (and adults), so you might want to schedule that accordingly.

And one thing I always like doing, is cruising down the Strip at night. It will take you a long time, but I like seeing all of the lights.

And maybe throw in a magic show. I like Lance Burton for a good kids show. Penn and Teller was fun, too, but I'm not sure whether it would be good for such a young kid. Their big thing was to show how they do the tricks.

Mike

[jr7110]

[QUOTE=MHIROTSU;71342]Does the Rio still have that parade in the sky? But I will say that a day at the pool will pretty much wear out most kids (and adults), so you might want to schedule that accordingly./QUOTE]

Mike, the RIO does still have the Masquerade in The Sky show, however it now only shows Thurs to Sun later in the evening and has been completely overhauled so it is now a more risque adult type show. I am not sure if it would be good for an 8 year old.

As for the porn slappers - they are easy to ignore but the cards littering the sidewalks depicting a smoldering low rent harlot in all her glory may be too difficult for a curious 8 year old boy to resist!

[SmeagolsMathom]

We took our 5 (going on 15) year old this past August. She loved it... prefers it over Disneyland (!!) and is convinced she'll be living there in a condo when she's "big" (apparently I am invited to visit at the condo while Daddy stays home to watch over the pets).

She loved Blue Man Group the most... and also Cirque and the malls. She liked the Rain Forest Cafe. She was just so-so about the Shark Reef.

We took a break for dinner and drinks one evening and called in Artsy Nannies... great service if you were looking for a few hours of adult time.

[jr7110]

We took our 5 (going on 15) year old this past August. She loved it... prefers it over Disneyland (!!) and is convinced she'll be living there in a condo when she's "big" (apparently I am invited to visit at the condo while Daddy stays home to watch over the pets).

She loved Blue Man Group the most... and also Cirque and the malls. She liked the Rain Forest Cafe. She was just so-so about the Shark Reef.

We took a break for dinner and drinks one evening and called in Artsy Nannies... great service if you were looking for a few hours of adult time.

Your 5 year old sounds amazing and wise beyond her years - why don't you just save yourself the trouble and sign her up for this forum now - it sounds like she has Vegas in her blood! lol

[ChicChas]

Your 5 year old sounds amazing and wise beyond her years - why don't you just save yourself the trouble and sign her up for this forum now - it sounds like she has Vegas in her blood! lol

While you're at it, why not buy her a condo while the prices are cheap! :D

[krisfarnsworth]

How About the pinball museum Most kids would love it

[MHIROTSU]

Mike, the RIO does still have the Masquerade in The Sky show, however it now only shows Thurs to Sun later in the evening and has been completely overhauled so it is now a more risque adult type show. I am not sure if it would be good for an 8 year old.

As for the porn slappers - they are easy to ignore but the cards littering the sidewalks depicting a smoldering low rent harlot in all her glory may be too difficult for a curious 8 year old boy to resist!


jr,

Thanks for the info. You are right that it sounds a little too much for an 8 year old. I remember before when all they would do is ride that bucket in the ceiling and throw their beads. And if it runs too late, that's the double whammy for an 8 year old.

Question for all of you parents out there (obviously not me): How do you handle your 8 year old seeing some of these scantily clad pictures of women? Do you hustle them away, do you explain that it's for adults not for children, or something else? My thought is that if you make it sound so taboo that it might raise their curiosity even more. Maybe you mothers out there say to the kid, "your mother is hotter than those women."

Mike

[ScribAL]

A kid will see just as much, but not as frequent sexy woman on a magazine rack in supermarket or at a beach. If you make an issue of it when the kid don't ask any questions, you just are making it into an issue if you try to hide them from it. We took our 2 yr old out to Vegas to meet his grandpa for the first time in 2004 and was also my first time there and it was NO fun! We did the Secret Garden and that was our highlight. I definitley wouldn't take a kid there again. Disney is for families and Vegas is adult playland.

[Casinobob61]

i think for an 8 year old, the lights would be fascinating. For a 10 year old or older, maybe not fun at all.

Has he seen the fremont experience? I still like it and i'm just a little bit older than 15 years old (you can all stop laughing). If you can sneak yourself a room key from the golden nugget, they have a fun water slide at their pool. Plus, you get to slide through their aquarium which has sharks in it. The problem with downtown, is that there isn't much else for kids there. Except (and don't tell his parents) you can try the deep fried twinkies/oreos at mermaids.

My opinion on the billboards and porn slappers is to just ignore them. Don't pay any attention to them, just keep walking as if they don't exist. I think if you make an issue out of it, the 8 year old will start to wonder why. And if he asks about it, just say it's for adults and that's also why the kid can't be in the casinos.

I think the kid will have a grand time at the rio's buffet. You could probably go there every day and the kid wouldn't mind. If the kid likes chinese food, there's a decent restaurant at gold coast, otherwise go to kj's kitchen in chinatown.

Does the rio still have that parade in the sky? But i will say that a day at the pool will pretty much wear out most kids (and adults), so you might want to schedule that accordingly.

And one thing i always like doing, is cruising down the strip at night. It will take you a long time, but i like seeing all of the lights.

And maybe throw in a magic show. I like lance burton for a good kids show. Penn and teller was fun, too, but i'm not sure whether it would be good for such a young kid. Their big thing was to show how they do the tricks.

Mike

how about mac king? Maybe mac will get him on stage into the bear routine........

[Casinobob61]

I am pretty sure I have seen quite a few walking through the various casinos lol

I always wondered what THEY were..........lol