Las Vegas with kids report
 

Just returned with my 10 and 13 year old kids and had a great time.

I read about this topic on this forum before going and thought I would throw in my experience for those considering to go. We decided on LV as we needed a desperate break from our miserable weather(but we aren't big swimmers so it was fine that the pools wouldn't be open), but only had 5 days. We found great last minute flights (prices and times) and my husband loves to gamble (I don't) and so LV was it.

We stayed in the newly renovated part of Paris in 2 adjoining rooms which were both large, beautiful and perfect for our needs. The girls loved the buffet breakfasts and I loved that we could walk everywhere (and we did). The weather was a goregous 70F everyday. We rented a car one day and saw Hoover dam which was very interesting particularily to our daughter who just finished a school unit on electricity. The other days were spent shopping, on rides, in arcades, exploring, and relaxing. Our kids loved the Beatles cirque de soleil and Stomp shows which we bought half price same day tickets for. My husband is a night owl while the rest of us aren't, so he gambled a few hours most nights while we slept and this worked out well for us. Our kids also enjoy fine dining and we had 2 great dinners at Bartolotta (Wynn) and Aureole (Mandalay Bay). These are very expensive restaurants and probably not well suited to the average teen palate.

We discussed the risque nature of some of the shows as well as the signs and cards the kids would see on the streets before going, and this was never an issue for us (for example-husband was never appoached on the street while we were walking). I can certainly understand how this aspect of LV maybe of concern to some parents, so of course, it wouldn't be a great destination for them. For others however you may enjoy it as much as we did.

hat- thanks for posting. It is always nice to hear about someone's "first trip" to ... reports. :)

I love Vegas and loved the Cirque Beatles show, too. Glad the kids enjoyed it. Five days seems just about right!

I hope you get to go back soon! :)

Thanks Sarge56
I think it will be some time before we get back (so many places, etc), but we really did have a great time.

Glad to hear you had a good time. We are considering taking 12- and 14-yr old to Vegas, Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon from March 27-April 4. We heard rumors that there is construction at Hoover Dam that causes two hour delays - can you confirm this? What was your experience there? We are also hoping to see LOVE by Cirque du Soleil - were your half price tickets good? Thanks in advance.

eekfun2008-
There was construction going on and locals were complaining about delays, but we left our hotel on a friday at 10:00 and got to the dam at 11:00 with no problems. I think the problems run at rush hour times and on weekends. The actual 1 hour tour is interesting although perhaps a bit dry and technical for kids, but all in all I think it is definitely worth while. The dam's history is really fascinating.

We have already taken an extensive Arizona trip including the Grand Canyon, so we didn't do it this time around.

The half price same day tickets for Love were a little difficult in that they sell out very quickly and the agent never knows when they will get new seats. We just got lucky in that a new crop of seats came in just as we arrived. We were sold "orchestra" seating, but then had to take our voucher to the box office where we were shown the lay out of the theatre and got to choose from a number of same priced tickets as our voucher. I have to say that it seems like there aren't any really bad seats as the theatre was specifically built for this production. The loud beatle music, large screens and extremely colourful costumes are probably appreciated everywhere.
We met other people who bought their tickets directly from the box office and got tickets right beside same day.

Hope this helps and you have a great time. I'm happy to answer any other questions if I can.