What to do with 18 year old girls in LV.
 

We are taking our 18 year old daughter and friend to Vegas for three nights beginning March 18. Any suggestions for age appropriate dining options, shows and other attractions would be greatly appreciated. My husband has never been to Vegas and I haven't been there in years. Suggestions for mom and dad (we really need a break) are also welcome. Our 2 and 3 year olds are staying home with grandparents!!!!

We are staying at Treasure Island.

In my honest opinion, I'd leave the girls at home or choose another destination. I'm no prude but I've been to Vegas once several years ago and was completely disgusted with lowlifes throwing porn flyers in your face every step you take while walking around. I know the problem has only worsened, let's not even mention the billboards. Vegas is a true lesson in total debauchery and is no place for 18 year old girls who might be seduced by the so called "glamour" of the place.

See if you can purchase day passes at the pool for them at either the Hard Rock Hotel or The Palm.

Let them spend the day at either.

Could you possibly move to either the Hard Rock or the Palms?

Both hotels cater to a young crowd and have a chance of celebrity sitings.

That way mom and dad could do what they want during the day and the girls could enjoy themselves by the pool.

I agree on keeping an eye on them at night.

Do NOT let the girls go out alone at night!

If you really want a break, leave the teenagers at home. As Rosemary1 said, LV is really not the best place for impressionable young girls.

I would suggest seeing "O" at the Bellagio or "Mystere" at Treasure Island--both Cirque Du Soleil shows. They are EXCELLENT and good for all ages. I've heard Mamma Mia is good, too. I know 18 year olds like to shop, too, so set them loose at the "Inside Passage" mall in the Alladin...great shops and not all too expensive. Cesaer's Palace Forum Shops also are fun, but more expensive on the whole.

I'd definitely do a meal at least at the Hard Rock..very hip. I'm not sure if these places let those under 21 in (even with a parent), but if they do, try the Voo Doo lounge at the Rio and Ghost Bar at the Palms...they can see the night life and order a non-alcoholic drink. Definitely go with them for this!!!

We too, are taking our teens to Vegas, in April. We changed our res. from the Venetian to Thehotel at Mandalay Bay because of the pool. I hope they will enjoy it. I don't think getting porn flyers stuck in their faces will faze them at all, probably less than me!! We're planning on the Venetian, the art museum there (if I can drag them in!), the fountain at Bellagio, and the new ride at the Stratosphere. (yuck ;)! And shows...

From Treasure Island take a short taxi ride (or long walk) north up the Strip until you pass the construction site for the new Steve Wynn casino. Just beyond on the right side is the old Desert Inn - walk right through the quiet lobby and turn right down the corridor to Steve Wynn's personal art collection. You will see a dozen masterpieces narrated by Steve Wynn himself for $10/person. When it is over send the girls across the street and back down the Strip a block to what looks like a giant flying saucer - it is the entrance to a great shopping mall. The previous poster's idea about the Aladdin shopping area sounded great as well. If you don't want to ask your concierge about 18+ dance clubs you can just get them too tired to party by renting a car and going for a hike in the Red Rock Canyon. The Cirque shows are wonderful but awfully expensive. So are most of the major restaurants - but you should call ahead to book a table with a view of the pirate show at the Buccaneer Bay Club. FYI - they've changed the pirate show to make it a lot more risque. But if the girls have seen MTV then they've seen worse.

While I'm not a big proponent of LV for kids (even late teen kids), won't 18 year olds be out in the world and on their own later this year anyway (i.e. college)?
They should enjoy the Fashion Show Mall right next to Treasure Island (has Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, etc etc).
Unfortunately weather in mid-March is unpredictable. Some days will be pool-worthy, others too cold.

I'd also point out that you'll be there during one of the busiest guys' weekends of the year as the NCAA basketball tournament starts 3/18/04.
It's crowded with a capital C.

If these girls are 18 shouldn't they be figuring this out for themselves? Aren't they in college yet and running their own lives? Good lord, they're 18 and legally adults - not 12.

Sorry if I sound harsh but I don;t get this infantilizing of young adults.

In terms of bringing impressionable young girls to Vegas - I say great. Take them through some of the nastiest places on the Strip where people are using their rent money on the nickel slots. That should give any young person the motivation to excel in school or their career! (Think of it like one of the Scared Straight programs for troubled youth)

There is PLENTY for them to do. Teenage girls love malls. You've got four of them reasonably close to your hotel. The Forum Shops at Ceasars, The Canal Shops at the Venetian, Desert Pasage at Aladdin, and the Fashion Show Mall. In addition, there are several places with rides, like NYNY and the Stratosphere, and multiple places with virtual reality type rides.