Is Las Vegas child friendly ?
 

Father-in-law wants to visit Las Vegas for 4 or 5 days for his birthday and to pay for his children's families to go out with him (very generous as we all live in UK). Sister-in-law has heard from a friend that Vegas is not child friendly and doesn't want to go. This has put the whole arrangement on hold as FIL wants everyone with him. Is SIL right with her concerns and should an alternative destination be found ? Any help would be very much appreciated to assist in helping an old(er) man live his dream.

Honestly, I don't think there are many places, other than adults-only resorts, where you could NOT take a child. People take kids to Las Vegas frequently. Whether it's a good idea, I can't say. When we were there last weekend there was a big cheerleading competition going on, and most of the cheerleaders we saw were between the ages of 6 and 12, and they were everywhere!

So, what would you want to do with the kids while you're in Vegas? How old are the kids? And what, specifically, would the concerns about kids be?

They can't be in the casinos, other than to walk through if there's no route around the casinos (the case for many of them). If they stop for even a second, someone will be there telling you to move along. There are people all over the streets handing out cards with pictures of naked or nearly naked women with phone numbers to call, and kids will definitely see them, want to or not. The cards are on the ground, stuck in fences, etc. Vegas is popular for nightclubs which, of course, are not child-friendly. But there are plenty of restaurants, shows, attractions that you could take kids to and that they would enjoy.

It's not a place I'd choose to go with kids, because I prefer to have the opportunity to gamble and go to bars, etc. But certainly people do it all the time and have enjoyable vacations. :)

we took our daughter to Las Vegas when she was 5. She absolutely loved the place, and will tell anyone that it's the one place in the world she'd return to. We took in all the free shows/zoo etc., and stayed at Circus Circus for her. Just walking around the Venitian, for example, is an experience in its self.
The only downside to the trip was not being able to stop and play any of the machines. Even when hubby stopped to put a couple of coins in and daughter and i carried on slowly so that we didn't lose him, we were still ushered on by security guards: Children are not allowed to stop (or walk slowly) through the casinos. The only way out of the hotel was through the casino!!!
I'd go back again, definately. If you're in a big group then it'll be easier for a couple of you to take the children while the rest make your fortune in the casino. Have fun : )

No it is not child friendly.

Saying that, it depends on what you want to do. Tour the dam, National Parks, yes it is. That is not Vegas. Do shows, dinner, gamble, stay out late, etc...no way.

Sure you can do it but then it is not much of an adult destination.

Several yers ago Vegas was promoting itself as a family friendly destination. then they found out that people bringing children cut down on their gambling. So - the tables have turned and it is now promoted as an adult desination - what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. (Think of a sort of semi-X rated Disney for adults.)

If you go when the weather is warm the kids could use the pool- but be aware that they are MOBBED - and some have clothing optional sections - or topless - I forget. And the kids cannot be in casinos and willl be exposed to numerous naked "escort service" ads - I have seen them being handed to boys that looked no more than 12.

So - IMHO almost anyplace else is better for kids. If the goal is gambling - why not pick another place with legal gambling - like New Orleans - that also has some other things to do?

I don't understand what's your SIL is afraid of - the childred will be with the extended family, not on their own. Yes, there are places where they will not be allowed: casinos - only to walk through, if needed, or Zumanity show...

I was in Vegas, and saw children of all ages. Just pick a children-friendly hotel (not Bellagio) and call ahead before making a restaurant reservation. Also hire a car and go to Red Rock, Hoover Dam. Watch the fountains and volcano. Don't miss Flamingo's arboretum.

And you will have a whole range of opinions which will confuse you ever further, so make sure your SIL doesn't know this website exists ;)

It wouldn't be my first choice for a family vacation. I think most people that go to Vegas do so to have a fun vacation sans children.

That said, I do think there is enough to hold the interest of most kids for at least a couple of days. You visit the Forum Shops, Canal Shops, the boardwalk area at NY, the volcano, etc and they'll find it interesting.

After more than a few days, I think it might be tough find enough for them to do for a 4 or 5 day vacation.

If it were me, I'd be willing to accept you FIL's offer, but I might suggest that what might work best for the kids is 2 days in Vegas and 3 days at Disneyland in Anaheim. The flights from Vegas to Orange County shouldn't be very expensive. A day or two at Disney with maybe a day at the beach or in Hollywood, could be the best solution for everyone.

PERSONAL OPINION: Vegas is a gambling, adult show destination. You will see kids there right or wrong and people on both sides of the issue have strong opinions. If FIL wants to gamble, Vegas is the place. If he wants to spend time with the whole family, there are much better destinations that can include some adult entertainment including gambling.

I wouldn't care if my father wanted us to meet at the mustang ranch, I'd take it....He is offering you all an opportunity to be together on a vacation, and at no expense to boot.

SIL's kid can certainly be sheltered from the evils for four days, but you won't have grandpa around forever. Trust me, the memories of family together time far outweigh the location.

David, what time of year? Does your FIL wants to gamble (anywhere) or wants to go to Vegas only? I can think of 2 alternative destinations great for families AND having casinos: South Lake Tahoe and Palm Springs.

DavidF,

The new official slogan for Las Vegas (and this is broadcast on TV all over this country) is, "What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas".

The fact that the tourism bureau for Las Vegas is openly using this slogan for advertising purposes should tell you all you need to know. The decision, however, is all yours.

AL ((d))

NO!

It is not child friendly! I read all the negative comments about bringing kids last year when I was planning a trip, ignored them, and thought, oh, my kids are teens, they'll be fine!Turned out to be the worst family trip we've ever taken. We've always had an all around good time on every other trip, but this just felt like a big waste of money!

Las Vegas is for adults! Or at least those over 21!

Las Vegas is also known by the moniker, Sin City. Does that sound like a place for kids? I agree with the others who think there are many more kid friendly places to take a family. How about Paradise Island in the Bahamas?

People don't seem to be taking into account David's original statement that his FIL's dream is to go to Las Vegas. It may well be that anywhere with gambling will do, but I doubt it. No place else is like Las Vegas, and I'm guessing that's where he'd like to go.

I really like lcuy's response - Vegas wouldn't be a place I'd choose to vacation with children in general, but if it's where your FIL wants to go, and he's treating, you'll find plenty to do. I'd jump at the chance for a vacation with the whole family together, even if it meant taking the kids to Vegas. Rent a car and do lots of things out of the city. Even stay off the strip at a Lake Las Vegas resort or something like that if necessary, but enjoy the vacation with FIL. It'll be fun! :)

Realizing this is to fulfill your FIL's dream, I can only say:

Go ahead, but be prepared for the under-21 crowd to be bored witless after the first day, if they stay in Vegas proper. Unless it's pool weather. That might keep them entertained. And the adults will have to draw up shifts to supervise the kids-- Vegas is not a city to let them roam around unsupervised.

Yeah, people bring kids there. Some families manage to have a great time. Thinking back, I've only ever seen tired parents dragging cranky, bored kids to yet another buffet/themed hotel lobby/shopping mall/food court, taking extra care to NOT STOP if passing through the casino area. Remember the Golden Rule of Traveling with Children:

If the kids ain't happy, there ain't NO ONE happy!

Thanks for all the replies. FIL has always wanted to go to Las Vegas specifically. A few years ago a boy's holiday was spoken about but this never got off the ground due to family commitments at the time. This trip is due to be in November of this year.

I'm not a big gambler myself (I get greedy after some luck and blow the lot too quickly!!)and wouldn't choose Vegas as a holiday destination other than to say I'd been - is there enough to keep even a non gambler amused? My usual city break holiday is walking around exploring the 'real' city and drinking & eating at bars & restaurants along the way.

I guess if there is enough to do outside casinos, which it sounds like, then there shouldn't be a problem. Both SIL's have a child each, one of 1 year and the other 2 years.

I like the idea of moving to the coast after a couple of days - perhaps send the women & children a day in advance ;)

David, yes, there IS lots to do besides gambling. Beleive it or not, there is even a Guggenheim museum!

We (30 year old married couple) were just in Vegas last weekend and after 3 days were ready to come home. It was a wonderful time, but that was enough. So combining it with the coast sounds great!

In addition to the Guggenheim there is an art gallery at the Bellagio (which apparently no longer has restrictions against children). There are many animal exhibits that will keep the kids entertained. Plenty of shows to see, but not for the kids. They aren't even old enough to enjoy a magic show at this point. And lots of restaurants to choose from.

Outdoor pools will likely be closed at that point, but some hotels have indoor pools where you can entertain the kids as well, so look for that when choosing a hotel.

Vegas is a fun place to just walk - different from just about any other city, but has a similar feel to the Times Square area in NYC or the Picadilly Circus area in London - lots of neon, fun people watching, and just tons of energy. And the kids are too young to care about pictures of naked women floating about. ;)

Wait a moment... the babies are 1 and 2? And you want to bring them to another side of the globe suffering through a long flight and time change?

I think your SIL is concerned more with the babies well-being rather then the destination.

Lots of people do enjoy traveling with their young children, even that young, and even between the US and Europe. ;)

I would lead the small children at home and make this an adults only trip.

I live in Las Vegas - There is a lot to see on the Strip and surrouding areas- The great majority of the sights are adult oriented. There is ALOT of walking - even between casinos there is alot of walking. There is MEGA traffic (on foot and in cars/cabs/buses, etc) on Las Vegas Blvd. The streets are alive, bustling with visitors from many countries, and strip club hawkers - The casinos are smokey, crowded, and children are not allowed.

Downtown Las Vegas is exceptionally beautiful at night, and it's a very exciting destination- but not for young children. Leave them at home with a reliable sitter!

I just saw your new post- th

Part II- sorry, finger hit the send button.

Your new post says the babies are 1 and 2 yrs old- Nope- don't bring them- or wait til they are 21 yrs old-

Netplayer

Not sure the long haul flight was the issue, she suggested Orlando instead.

What is the difference between family friendly and not when the kids are only 1 and 2 years old? They won't really know whether they're in Disneyland or Las Vegas, nor will they care. Do SIL and FIL get along?

Like most others, I would say that Vegas is not kid-friendly, but it is certainl a destination where you can take children and still have an enjoyable time. My husband, sister & brother-in-law, and I went with my then 10-month old son. My son was enthralled with the lights and the different things to see in the casinos. We took him to the show at the Excaliber, which he enjoyed as much as a 10 month old could. We did switch off so that each couple had a night out without the baby, which was fun.

As far as the flight with young kids - it will be long but it's certainly doable, especially if you have extra adults to keep the kids entertained.

I would say go for it - it's a great opportunity for the whole family to get together.

I originally thought we were talking about older chidlren. LV is definitely not a great place for older kids - but at least they could go to the video arcades, swim, etc. But with two toddlers It wouldn't even be a good place for the adults. You cannot leave the little ones on their own to swim or anything and you cannot take them inside the casinos. You will be stuck w/ strollers on looooooong walks between hotels and once you get to them you can't go in any of the gaming areas.

Try to convince the FIL to go to LV for a couple of days and then meet up with everyone else in a more family oriented place.

It does not matter at all where you go with kids that young, as long as the amenities and logistics work. Issues we had with traveling with kids that age were ease of getting to destination, type of rooms (we liked a suite, refrigerator and microwave), etc. No matter where you go, the kids are obviously not going off on their own. Life is short and family is important. If sister-in-law is daughter of father-in-law, let them work it out. If she is sister-in-law by marriage, I sense a family war starting here.

No. I bought into the "family friendly" it is okay mentality and deeply regreted it. We did not see anyone naked or doing obscene things but I HATED having to take my children through smoke filled casinos to get to our room, go to a show, to the pool etc.

I guess it all comes down to the fact that taking kids to Vegas is a big pain in the neck :)!

Hi.

I am not a big fan of kids in Vegas and have no intentions of ever bringing one myself, but I think you can make this trip work. Investigating it 9 months in advance is a great first step.
The kid's ages are important here. Since they are 1 and 2, it should be less of an issue than if they were 9 or 10. At one or 2, the kids don't have the mobility to get into too much trouble by themselves. I suspect you will be carrying them or using a pram most of the time or someone will be in the hotel room with them.
There are a lot of non-gaming things to do. You are not going to run out of options in 5 days. I typically gamble less than 2 hours a day. I get bored with gambling, not with Vegas. I spend a lot of time wandering, checking out casinos I haven't visited before, seeing shows (free shows and pay shows - concerts, comedy, theater, 'Vegas' reviews and production shows, etc.), checking out the restaurants and clubs, seeing some of the natural wonders ... you get the idea).
Beware that even the common areas in the casinos/hotels can be noisy and might frighten the kids from time to time.

YOU CAN MAKE A TRIP TO VEGAS WITH A KID JUST LIKE A TRIP TO ANYWHERE ELSE WITH A KID. The drawback to doing this is that the trip becomes more like a trip to anywhere else instead of a trip to Vegas. I still think you can make it work in this case and not run into any problems that you wouldn't run into anywhere else.

There are other threads about more specific non-gaming activities as well as things to do with kids (although typically older than 2). You may want to do a search for them.

Have Fun.
I hope you have a great trip to Vegas!
Mark

"I guess it all comes down to the fact that taking kids to Vegas is a big pain in the neck!"

so you think the hour long lines at disney are better? or, where would you take a 1 and 2 year old that you think they wouldn't be a "pain in the neck"?

"where would I take a one or two year old that wouldn't be a pain in the neck?"

An excellent question. I have an 11 month old that I love very much, but I haven't discovered the place that isn't a pain in the neck! If anyone finds this mythical place -- let me know!

I think taking a 1 or 2 year old to Disneyland would be a big pain in the neck, too!
In fact I'm with the last poster! And I'm kinda thankful my kids are teens, now! xxxooooxxx!

Kureiff - I know! For me it was the grandma's house ;)

Will be at a convention in Las Vegas in March. I have to bring my son and need a reliable baby sitter for a night or two while I go out with a client.

Do you know of any babysitters you can recommend?

Thanks.

My personal opinion is that if I'm having to hunt down family activities, guard my kids from some sites (or sights, either way),have security ushering me and my kids throught the casinos, and have people telling me not to take my kids to Vegas, then some red flags would be flying.

I would not plan on taking kids to Vegas.

Why not just split the party up, have FIL and the guys spend a night or two in Vegas and then catch up with the rest of the family in Disneyland in Southern California?

It really never occured to me to take my stepchildren to Vegas even though two are of age.

Dve5410 as a Las Vegas resident I will tell you to please do not leave your child with a babysitting service in your hotel room in Las Vegas. If you are desperate than you can try a place where you can drop the child off in a day care center but it's too dangerous to let a stranger watch your child alone in your hotel room.