Las Vegas - safe?
 

I'm planning a trip to Las Vegas for myself, my husband, and my three kids. I know that Las Vegas is an extremely security-conscious city, but I was wondering what everyone's experience in terms of safety has been...I just don't want to endanger my kids....

Kim, <BR> <BR>I was in Vegas for almost two weeks at the end of Augustand had no problems whats so ever even at night on the Strip hand heading towards the LV Hilton. I did not see any trouble either. <BR> <BR>I have read that some areas in the downtown area can be a little dodgy at nigt. I do not know if that is true, but it is probably not an area you would go to anyway. <BR> <BR>The only issue on the Strip was the people handing our the " flyers" but I ignored them. <BR> <BR>Hope you have a great time if you decide to go

Las Vegas has it's crime problems and bad areas like any other American city.(drugs,theft etc.). And, desperate gambling addicts will go to great lengths to get capital to get back into the game. That said, LV for tourists is very safe. Security in the casinos and hotels is as good as it can get. You should have no problems in the area of the strip. Some areas toward town from the strip can be iffy at night but even these are well patroled by police. Other than this you should have no problems with personal safety. <BR>In the casinos you should be aware that they do sometimes have theft. They call them "bucket thieves". They will take your bucket full of coins when you are not watching it.(or your camera, purse etc.). You should be aware of this, not paranoid about it. Security closely watches for this. They have cameras everywhere and photos of the known culprits. Just don't get overconfident and too careless with your valuables. These are petty thieves. It is very unlikely that anyone is going to assault you or your children. <BR>

a little off topic but...are you going to visit someone or just for a vacation? las vegas is no place to take kids for vacations. they will be bored and you will go nuts trying to keep them busy. just my opinion but before you shell out the bucks, might want to do more research.

I agree with Jen. Las Vegas is the last place I would go with kids. They will be bored and tired. I'd worry about that more than security.

Safe from what? Crime, Terrorists, just what did you have in mind? Personally I do not think LV is a place to take kids and that has nothing to do with safety of any kind. It's an adult resort, take the kiddies to Disneyland.

TAKE your kids to Vegas, have a good time, and enjoy your family vacation. As far as your kids being bored, they WON"T be... there is so much to see and do! Just be sure to see the recent post on "family things in Vegas" for ideas. <BR> <BR>Some people resent kids in Vegas because it is where they like to go to get away from kids. My theory is that these are people who like to gamble, and obviously they can't do this with their kids in tow, so they perpetuate Vegas as an "Adults-only Playground." <BR> <BR>Go, have a good time, and don't let anybody deter you from having a fun.

Vegas is as safe as any big city is. Just pay attention to what you are doing and where you go. &lt;-- i.e. use common sense. <BR> <BR>As for kids, we took ours there and had a blast(3 and 6 years old). There are numerous sites to see and fun things to do. Shows like the Tournament of Kings at the Excalibur and such will keep the kids entertained. <BR> <BR>If you are going there to drink, gamble, or enjoy the night life then DO NOT take your kids. If you do not want to do any of those things then there are lots of kid friendly entertainments (circus circus for instance) but Las Vegas is still very much an adult town. <BR> <BR>Use your best judgement. In Las Vegas just like the town you live in there are things that are appropriate for kids and things that are for adults.....

Like Fred said, use caution as you would in any big city, but remember - Las Vegas is one of the world's most security-conscious cities (try gambling if you look under-21 and you'll know what I mean). I've been there several times since September 11 and haven't felt the slightest bit unsafe - in fact, I felt calmer and more secure than I had in weeks...there's something about the sun and a big pool and a gigantic bloody mary for breakfast that'll do that to you! I think Vegas is a fantastic escape, and I hope you and your family have a wonderful time!