stephfl

We have an opportunity to go to Las Vegas this summer for a few days, but since we would be traveling with a 3-year old, I wonder if it would be worth the trip. I was there once about 5 years ago, and didn't really think it was an appropriate place for young children, although I saw lots of them there. Any thoughts?

jlm_mi

Appropriate is in the eyes of the beholder so to speak, so I'll leave that up to you to decide. But can help a bit:

Vegas is marketing itself as an adult destination. Lots of adult stuff happens there that you cannot include children in.

That said, there is plenty that you can do with children in Vegas and have a good time. There's another thread going on right now about kids in Vegas. The kids in that post are a bit older (7 & 9 I think) but many of the suggestions (pool, animals, bellagio fountains, etc.) would be good for a toddler as well. I posted in that thread, so if you click my name just above my post you should be able to find it.

I think it's unlikely that you'd have to worry about a 3-year-old being exposed to objectionable things in Vegas. I doubt that the people on the streets handing out "girlie" cards would give them to a 3-year-old, and a kid that age wouldn't understand anyway. They won't be exposed to excessive drinking or sex, and don't have any idea what gambling is.

There really is plenty to enjoy in Vegas with kids of any age. The trouble comes in when mom and dad want to enjoy the more adult side of life. You can't take your kids with you when you do.

Stephie

And do understand that you cannot stop and linger/observe anything/anyone while in the casinos. They usher you on through with children, no stopping and watching. So if your husband wants to play a round of blackjack, you can't just hang out with him (tried that.) It can be tough because you almost always have to go thru the casino to get to the hotel room elevators.

We went with a 1 & 3 year old a few years ago against my wishes (for a cheesy family member's wedding), and I really didn't like having them there. If your opportunity to go is in conjunction with friends/family going at the same time or a convention or something, then it might be fun to tag along. But, if just you and your hubby (I'm presuming) are just going to enjoy Las Vegas, you will miss a lot of what it has to offer - the casinos & shows primarily. But, you can enjoy those things the previous poster mentioned and the pool. Most of the decent hotels have lavish pool areas.

Good luck with your decision.

Leona

I am in complete agreement with jlm_mi. There are many things to do with small children, but you won't be able to go into a casino or see most shows with him/her.

aileen679

My main thought is that a child that age is going to get tired and cranky. How much enjoyment would you get with a sleepy, whining toddler that's ready for a nap? I don't know about your child, but mine never took to big changes in schedules, etc. Would you feel good about leaving him/her with a sitter while you took in some shows?

jlm_mi

aileen's concern about the toddler is really true regardless of your destination. Some toddlers travel well and others don't. Some parents enjoy traveling with their toddlers and others don't. I don't think being in Vegas makes that problem any worse than anywhere else though.

beachbum

But 110 degree temperatures might!

janis

If you want to go to Vegas to enjoy the gambling, shows, etc - then there is no place for a toddler. Can't go into the casinos, can't go to most of the shows, and you would have to use babysitters that are strangers. Even IF you are comfortable using babysitters from the hotels - would your child be OK w/ it? There are child care centers - but not my idea of a family vacation.

If you aren't going for the adult entertainment, there are many things you can do w/ kids. BUT - if you aren't going for the adult stuff why go to LV at all? You can do any of those things in much more family-friendly places.

Vegas used to advertise itself as a family destination, but that was a marketing flop and now we get the sleazy "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas".

If anything it is even less a family destination than it used to be . . . .

jlm_mi

janis - I agree that I would not personally choose Vegas as a vacation with kids, but in this case the OP mentioned having a specific "opportunity" to go there. If someone's paying to get you there, or a family event is happening, etc. there's no reason you can't enjoy the cleaner side of Vegas with kids.

placeu2

Vegas is not a kid friendly place. If you have an option, use it!

Scarlett

One of my big worries would be the amount of smoke everywhere. Every hotel has a casino that you have to walk through just to get to the elevator to your room..they do better than they used to but they are still thick with smoke.
The heat in the summer is something to be very careful of, with a small child.
You won't even be able to enjoy the pool for more than 10 minutes at most..
It doesn't sound like much fun to me

FainaAgain

In the summer? It will be baking hot outside, your child will be cranky and whiny, it's not fun to be sunburning and dehydrating by the pool with the temperature in 100s.

Let's say, you rent a car to go somewhere. Inside the car it's fine, air conditioned, outside it's like stepping out in the hottest owen.

Lobenz

I live in So cal. and frequent LV about 8 times a year. half of the time i have had my now 3 and 5 year old boys. they have always loved it and wish they were going when I go for work or pleasure. There is plenty to do for children - more so than nearly any city with 1.5 million people. I would certainly take my kids there and have more options than lets say Cinncinnati, San Antonio, etc...

Just go and enjoy your family in LV. Your kids will thank you.