Las Vegas for a family?
 

I haven't been to Vegas for over 25 years. Wondering if is really a place to take the kids now? (Ages 15, 10 & 7). Looking for suggestions. Thanks

Las Vegas has deliberately changed itself and now has several attractions, shows, and entertainments designed for children and families. When your children ask "How do slot machines work?", tell them, "After I give a slot machine twenty coins, it makes a lot of noise and then gives me nineteen back. This continues until I've lost all my money." :^)

Last year we held my father-in-law's 80th birthday celebration in Las Vegas. None of us are gamblers, the age range is was from 1 year to 80 years old, and we all had a marvelous time! <BR> <BR>There's lots of stuff for kids of all ages to do. Just remember, the hotel management is VERY strict about keeping them out of the casino areas.

I to returned to Vegas after a 25 year absence and I was pleasantly suprised. I took my kids ages 17 and 15 to Vegas Aug 1998 and they had a fantastic time. There is plenty to do for both adults & kids in and around Vegas. A number of hotels on the strip have indoor or outdoor amusement parks. Some like the EXCALIBAR cater specifically to families.There is a book called the Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas which contains down to earth, plain-talking ratings on hotels, shows and attractions. Rent a car and explore the canyons and Lake Mead. A lot has changed in 25 years and remember..the summer months are VERY HOT. <BR>

It sounds crazy but our boys really had fun over spring break in Vegas. They are 16 & 19. This was our third trip there. I would suggest you stay at the Monte Carlo or MGM because of the age of your kids. The Monte Carlo is our favorite. It's beautiful but not HUGE. They have a great wave pool, fast food court, brewery,and Lance Burton, the magician. The MGM, Luxor, and Excaliber, are all close. They have a great Coco Cola game place right across the street. The boys enjoyed their fantastic rock climbing this trip. You must take the kids for the free show at Treasure Island, and to the Forum shops at Caesars. They have unbelievable free shows too. MGM has a nice theme park for your younger kids. WE spent a lot of time resting, relaxing, sight seeing, and hitting the shows with the kids. We did manage a little gambling, but it can certainly be a family vacation. e-mail if you have qustions.

YES YES YES, and those who say no, do not understand.

No. I've been going to Vegas on a regular basis (at least once a month) for about 7 years and here are some things to think about: <BR>In every hotel or casino, there are free fun books for anyone to pick up, and in the back, nearby brothels are advertised, right next to ads for helicopter rides over the Hoover Dam. People wander the streets drunk and rowdy. Homeless people pass out flyers for strip bars and call girls. Photos of naked women, presumably prostitutes, litter the streets. If you have daughters, this might be particularly disturbing (I'm 27 and it bothers me). <BR>If I had kids, I would leave them at home. <BR>On the other hand, it's a cheap vacation in an exciting city, which is why I return!

Hi Vicki, <BR>Our family visited Las Vegas three years <BR>ago and had a marvelous time. We stayed <BR>at the Monte Carlo, which was beautiful and the pool was awesome. My son would rise early to go swimming and didn't get back to the room until midday. We went to the Lance Burton magical show and it was awesome. My son got to go on stage which was a memorable experience for him. We visited the Hoover Dam and a candy factory(don't remember the name) and Red Rock Canyon. <BR>At one of the hotels there is a car museum with Liberace's car (this was interesting) The shows at the hotels are all worth the money. And by all means, go to the buffet at Rio Suites. One thing about Vegas, the food is cheap. We are not gamblers, so I guess we didn't spend but $50 gambling, but it was kind of exciting, but I don't like loosing money. My son, now 12 and daughter now 16 talk about going back. This is something we are considering for the holidays. Oh yes, we went in July and the temps were at least 112 degrees. Anyway, I think you will enjoy it. Have a great time! <BR>Mame