Las Vegas - 3 kids and no time
 

I am in the process of planning a summer trip to S. Utah (bryce, zion, n. rim) for my family. We are flying into and out of Las Vegas. On the front end, we will land and take off for S. Utah. On the back end, we will arrive in LV around 6:00pm and have until 3:00pm the following day to see the sites. My children are 10, 13 and 17. <BR><BR>Can anyone recommend some fun, exciting, and inexpensive experiences we can squeeze into our short time there. <BR><BR>Also looking for a dinner buffet that would wow the kids, provide decent food and not cost too much.<BR><BR>We were planning to stay at the Marriot Courtyard on Paradise Road (free Marriott points). Is this hotel in a convenient location?<BR><BR>Any info/advice would be greatly appreciated. We have never been to LV and although this is a small amount of time, I'm hoping we can make it fun.<BR><BR>

Here's what our kids (10 &amp; 13 at the time) enjoyed: <BR>each of these had a minimal fee:<BR>- race to atlantis ride at the forum shops at ceasar's (my kids LOVED this ride, it's one of those universal studio virtual reality type things)<BR>- dolphin and tiger habitat at Mirage<BR>- shark acquarium at mandalay<BR>- Mystere (this was pricey)<BR>free attractions:<BR>- volcano eruption at mirage<BR>- pirate show at TI<BR>- dancing fountains at Bellagio<BR>- various themed hotel lobby areas (venetian, paris, NYNY, mgm, etc.)<BR>- statue lazer shows at the forum shops<BR><BR>For buffets, we ate at Mirage and TI. Both very similar, TI is a little cheaper but didn't have the crab legs. They were both decent.

Las Vegas is kind of a theme park in and of itself. The kids would enjoy the Fremont Street Experience after dusk downtown (free). Any of the mega casino shoppes (Caesar's, Venetian etc. all free). The Treasure Island and Mirage outdoor experiences (volcano and pirate fight, free). I don't know about your kids and eating, but mine basically eat pasta so any buffet is pretty expansive for a kid. Ask around what people think when you arrive and how much you are willing to spend on that.<BR><BR>I think your kids would enjoy the stratosphere space shot if they like the H___ scared out of them... lol. They seem about the right age for that. <BR><BR>Have fun, look around lots going on that amaze kids and adults. :)

JCee-just stayed at the Courtyard/Paradise Road last weekend-reward points as well! It's directly across from the Convention Center and about a mile of so off the strip. If you walk down Convention Center Drive, you'll dead end at the StarDust hotel, on the fringes of the 'strip'. No slot machines/casio on the property, but a refreshing change of pace from the noise and traffic on the stip. Their buffet breakfast was about $9.00/ea, and although not nearly as many offerings at some of the bigger, pricier buffets, was adequate for breakfast. <BR><BR>You didn't mention if you'll have a rental car-if you do, getting around Vegas will be easier (and cheaper) than a taxi-just brace yourself for the traffic, which is incredible.<BR><BR>Previous posters recommended some great things for your kids to see. I would definitely head to FSE(downtown)for the laser show. Caesar's Palace is another great place. It also has a Planet Holleywood restaurant, which your kids might enjoy. There's also a Hard Rock Cafe off the strip. ENJOY! <BR><BR>

My kids thought the Race to Atlantis was &quot;Totally lame&quot;. They liked the Big Shot on the Stratosphere, the Pirate Show, and the Star Trek Experience (at the Hilton).