We're planning a quick trip away from the snow in late February. Pool preferred, but not necessary.

Any suggestions on places to stay where kids can play, swim, wander safely? Do any hotels have outstanding arcades?

What about cool things to do other than the obvious .. roller coasters, etc? Any good shows that appeal to teens?
THANKS!!!

Start over - average daytime high temp in Las Vegas in February is low-mid 60s. I know you are looking for "cool" things, but I do not think that is the definition you had in mind.

Sorry, but I'm almost 99% sure the pools are closed in Las Vegas in February.

My son enjoyed Mystere and "O" when he was a young teen.

We've stayed at Treasure Island, Paris, Bellagio and Planet Hollywood with our son. He enjoyed them all.

Have fun.

I love Vegas but would not take a teenager (I have one). While there are things one could do with kids, Vegas is an adult playground.

Agree - in Feb with the hotel pools shut there will be little for younger teens - or older either - in Las Vegas. They can't go in the casinos, the other "sights" are minimal - and the unpleasant atmosphere (they'll be handed flyers for strip shows and "escort" services) and the shows are very expensive.

Hi pralineaa,

I just returned from two nights in Vegas with two teen boys. They loved all the sights and sounds but it is definitely NOT a place to take kids. There are sex advertisements everywhere - unavoidable. They can not go into any casino nor most of the shows. Pools are closed and there is really nothing great for kids to do IN Vegas, only outside of it...Red Rock Canyon is nice for a few hours. I wouldn't advise anyone bring their kids.

It looks like you're getting some incorrect information. Las Vegas pools are NOT all closed in February. I've sat out by pools in Jan. and Feb. at Mirage and Paris and know there are others that stay open. It is a gamble on weather, though; you could find 70+ temps or it could be coat/sweater weather. You won't find indoor pools on the strip.

And really folks...I get tired of people giving unwanted advice to parents who plan on taking their kids to Vegas. Pralineaa isn't asking us whether or not he/she should take kids to Vegas...not our business. He/she is asking about where to stay and what to do. In my experience, the porn peddlers don't hand their filth to children and pretty much ignore them as they pass by.

I definitely wouldn't take a child under 13 to Vegas (personally) but most teenagers are well aware of what Vegas is all about. Like it or not, our kids are much more sophisticated than we were at the same age. Just be careful where you take them and don't let them wander alone. The one part of your post that's a red flag is the part about kids 'wandering safely.' Vegas is not a playground. There are plenty of scary folks and lots of crowds in Vegas. Unless they're older teens, keep your children with you at all times.

Hotels--It really depends on how much you want to pay for a hotel. Excalibur is more on the budget end of the scale but would probably appeal to kids. We've stayed at Palazzo and Venetian with our teens and love it since the rooms are gigantic and everyone can spread out.

Shows--depends on the age of your teens. My 16 and 19 year olds loved Wayne Brady's audience interactive show this past summer. They've also enjoyed Mystere and Blue Man Group. We all hated Penn and Teller (I actually fell asleep!!).

If they like roller coasters, go to NYNY.

We like just walking up and down the strip when the kids are with us (a caveat--our children didn't go to Vegas with us until they were teenagers. Any younger is no fun for anyone IMO). Plenty of good restaurants that appeal to everyone--Margaritaville, Cheesecake Factory, Grand Luxe--and so much to see. Buffets are a huge hit with teens, especially if you have boys.

Tess, I just got back from the Paris Hotel and pool is empty. I stand by my first statement, 'Vegas is an adult playground.'

Hmmm, I wonder if they sometimes close pools temporarily for cleaning and repairs. I think we stayed at Paris in February the year I mentioned in the previous post. Guess it's always best to call and check ahead of your trip.

I was at the MGM last December and the pool was closed for the season they said. Also, at the MGM the shows were on break. Not sure for how long, so you might want to check that out. I imagine they are up and running again. I am sure someone on the board that goes more frequently can help you out there. Besides arcades and shopping not certain what else the younger kids would want to do. Good Luck.

Matt
Traveler
Geogad.com

Info on temperatures courtesy of weather.com - you must have been lucky to find temps in the 70s - so if the temperature is 63, I do not think it matters if there is water in the pool.

I completely disagree about the sleaze merchants not approaching teens. The last time I was there a family of 4 was walking ahead of us - the parents in front and 2 teen boys (15 or under) behind. And everyone handing out the strip/escort flyers handed them to the boys - who were eager to receive them. After a few minutes the parents must have realized what was going on and stopped the kids from taking them.

I really don;t know what the kids would do - unless you make a lot of day trips or the kids really like shopping.

nytraveler...again, that was just our experience the three times we've taken our teens to Vegas.

I am totally with Tess. OP wasn't asking whether or not is was appropriate. We attend church 3 times per week and are in the bible belt. Our daughter now 14, has been to Vegas 5 or 6 times. Most of the time we only stayed one night as we headed to Grand Canyon, Death Valley, or Zion. Yes, she feels a little uncomfortable and we do as well. We don't gamble or drink. There is some good shows to see. Any of the "O" productions, Blue Man Group. She has seen most of the O and the Blue Man. There is tons of great places to eat. And of course, stratosphere etc is cool. We watched fireworks from the Stratorsphere while Dining on a 4th of July 6 or 7 years ago. It was great. Is Vegas Sin City? You bet!! But, I still think it is something to see and is an education in itself.

My brother took my then 15 year old son to Gameworks and they had a blast. 4 stories of games. I also remember the arcade at the Luxor was pretty cool. We stayed at the Mandalay Bay for the pool (in April) and while my son went swimming, it was very cold!

Pools are open or closed depending on the weather. The odds would certainly be against you (as would everything else in Vegas). I agree w/some others - I would not take my kids there & I have taken my kids to Nola, Key West & other not so kid-friendly places. Why not try Tucson ? Or the Keys ?

It looks like some pools may be open and heated: http://www.vegas.com/resorts/pools/excaliburpool.html Of course, it's always better to check with the hotel before booking if this is a priority.

Regardless of what others say, there are still a few family friendly attractions in Las Vegas. In fact, (be prepared to be surprised) families with teens live here too. Gasp! Obviously, Vegas is an adult destination, so I wouldn't let my kids wander anywhere, but I would probably do the same in most vacation destinations.


Here's a list of places I would take teens if I had them:

Shark Reef (Mandalay Bay)
Arcade (Excalibur) - they have one of the largest arcades with midway games as well.
Adventure Dome (Circus Circus) - this is an indoor amusement park with lots of rides. I'm pretty sure it's good for teens, but you might want to check.
Circus Circus also has live circus shows and midway games. It's not great, but it could be midly amusing if you're there.
Secret Garden (Mirage) - unique animals and dolpins. It would be good if you have an animal lover in the group.
Stratosphere - there's a few rides at the top. I've lost track of what's up there now, but there's also an observation deck which is kinda cool.

As for shows, it really depends on what your kids like. I think across the board, Blue Man Group would be appealing. They're fun, innovative, and a little messy. I also like the Knights of the Roundtable at the Excalibur. It's a dinner show (the food is surprisingly good) that's a bit cliche, but fun if you can get into the spirit of cheering for your knight.

As for more artistic shows, you have your choice of cirque productions. My favorites are O and Le Reve, but there's also LOVE (if they like the Beetles), Mystere, or KA.

Last, you have lots of comedy and magic as well. There's also a good variety show at the V theater located in the Miracle Mile shops at Planet Hollywood. Oh, that brings up one more thing - shopping... There's plenty of that.

I hope this helped!

www.lasvegaskids.net/ will ahve good ideas on what to do with your kids. You mention something about letting your kids wander, you don't mention their ages. The Strip has a curfew for minors. Not knowing the ages of your children or their maturity levels, I would not let them out of my sight unless they are at least 18.

Some of the Off Strip hotels will have more for them to do than The Strip hotels offer for kids. Orleans has movie theaters, bowling alley, arcade and Kidstyme child care. Gold Coast has bowling alley. Palms has theaters. Sunset Station has movie theaters, bowling alley and childcare. Green Valley Ranch has movi theaters and arcade, The District next door has restaurants and shops.

Thanks so much for all of great suggestions...

Thanks also for those who understand that I was not asking if should take the kids, but where. I like the idea of staying at the Orleans or Excalibur where there are great arcades.

For anyone who thinks 60 degrees is a bad idea, you must live in the south. 60 is 80 degrees higher than our current temp... it will feel great!

I've been to Vegas several times, so I'm well aware of the "sleeze" factor. We're making Vegas one of our stops with Grand Canyon, and Hoover Dam being the others.

We also travelled to Key West last year and it doesn't have much that teens enjoyed except the Dry Tortuga excursion.

Like it or not, Vegas has the most concentrated area of entertainment options around. I was looking to hear from those who also had taken teens, what they liked.

Again thanks all!

pralineaa- My family and I went summer before last and my kids were 10 and 15! Vegas was a 4 might stop in our 3 week excursion out west! My kids loved it(except for the 115 degree temps)! We camped in our motorhome at Circus Circus! We saw the Blue Man Group and Mystere and visited all the hotels! The kids loved NYNY the best and want to stay there on our next trip! They have a great rollercoaster and an awesome game room!

We had no problems with anyone handing out flyers nor did we see anyone doing it! It was probably to hot for them! HAHA

Have fun planning your trip!