Vegas with Kids
 

Just returned from Vegas, and I'd like to know the reasons some families go to Vegas. I know it's a sore topic on the forum, so this isn't to judge or criticize, just curious.

So...do you go on vacation; convention; weddings?

We saw a few little ones on our trip, but not as many as last year.

When i have taken kids to Vegas, it was usually either part of a convention or on the way to another vacation spot. With one exception: when my son was 13 we obtained 1/2 price tickets to Lance Burton via a local tv auction as my son was into magic. So we did a 2 nighter there around it.

Oh, we are having a family reunion in June. Out of 44 of us, 12 are under 21. So we are planning activities for them.

I meant to say a famy reunion in Vegas.

My husband's family lives in a very rural area out west, and one that we do not care to visit. So, we all meet (with the kids) in Vegas as it is convenient for all and plenty to do. The kids seemed to enjoy Hoover Dam, boat ride on Lake Mead, pool at the hotel, Shark attraction at Mandalay, wildlife at Flamingo and Mirage, dinner and jousting at Excalibur, archade at Luxor, any buffet, IMAX movies, Madame Toussad's, etc.
The oldest one is 17 and she babysits after dinner so the adults can run around and act like the idiots that we are when presented with alcohol and gaming chips.

How did ya'll feel about and handle the porno promos that are littered, dropped all over the strip?

Wondering how many a 13/14 year old boy would pick up when your back is turned...

I would take kids to Vegas without thinking twice -- so much to do with the hotel pools, M&Ms, Ripley's, "Eiffel Tower," theme restaurants, roller coasters, and so on.

Coolcamden -- as far as the "hooker baseball cards," as my husband and I called them...I wouldn't let that deter me. The younger ones won't get it, and the ones who do get it already know what there is to get about it! ;)

in this day and age, even my nephew from rural america has more access to porn than I ever could have believed possible. Sad to say, but I don't even think that stuff would faze him at all.

I don't like Vegas, but we spent a night here with our kids last month. We were exploring the red rock country of southern Utah and Arizona, and Vegas is a great place to fly into.

We had fun riding the roller coaster at NYNY, saw the 3D show at M&M World, ate at ESPN Zone and walked through several of the casinos (Venice, Paris, Ceasers). One night was enough, but we had a good time when we were there.

I would not take kids to Vegas as our only vacation stop.

Las Vegas is a great place for kids, especially those youngsters who are attracted to the ironic, bombastic, overbaked, glitzy, and cynical.

I only had an issue with flyers once, and that was near the Riviera. Other spots I didn't notice it. By the way I saw what they had and I quickly did a detour with my 13 year old.

When I was in Las Vegas in April there seemed to be more people than ever promoting prostitutes on the streets. They stood in the middle of sidewalks, narrowing the passageway--very obnoxious.

I assume they are exercising their Constitutional rights in much the same way others promote the private ownership of machine guns and other artillery.

When we spent one night there a few years ago en route to Grand Canyon, our teenage son, upon seeing huge hotels with pyramids and canals, reminded us he had seen the real thing in Cairo and Venice - so asked why would anyone want to see fake ones here.

I haven't been there but I ran across this site that details lots of family friendly activities: www.lasvegaskids.net

We have taken our children to Vegas a few times - my 10 year old has a cheer competition every year there - my dh has had business trips there - we stayed out at Lake Las Vegas with them.
They actually enjoy it a lot - but they are not toddlers - we see shows, they enjoy good resturants et - I enjoy it with them but also without them. :-)