Mary Ann Roper

My family is considering a trip to Nevada this summer. We have a seventeen year old son who will take a friend with him. Would there be many things for them to do? Are they even allowed in the casinos? What about side trips? At this point, I am not sure if we will be going to Las Vegas or Reno. Would one be preferable over the other with teenage boys? Any suggestions as to a hotel they might enjoy? Thanks for your help.

Lyndsay

Lyndsay

We took our then 13 year old to Vegas last summer August. We had a great time. We are not big gamblers. Under 21 you are not allowed to gamble. Unfortunetly to ge t to a lot of the attractions and events you have to travel through the casino to get there. There are paths to follow and loitering by underaged is not permitted. So just move along and your fine. My son loved the Game works sega place. There is a ton of stuff to do with the kids, perhaps buy a travel guide book, they list all the things to do and see. There is hover dam, red rock caynon, there are 2 or more all day ride parks with rides, there are good magic shows, tons of buffets to choose from, great pools at the hotels, battle of the ships at Treasure Island, Motion Simulator rides, rollar coasters, statues that come to life, freemont street experience where lasers are projected on to a canopy above the street, theme restaraunts, great shopping plaza's and much much more. We stayed at MGM, the pools were great and was next door to the sega gameworks coke museum so our son could go on his own a bit. We are going again in March and taking his cousin who is also 14 with us this time. It is very hot this time of the year but it didn't stop us from doing stuff. Have fun. There are a lot of web sites for Vegas if you need the addresses just e-mail me. Bye

Marlo

We travel to Las Vegas 2x's a year and
we NEVER bring our child. Although you
could leave a teenager unattended they
are only allowed to walk through the
casinos and are not permitted to stop
or stand. MGM has an amusement park
but only has about 10 rides and shows.
There is Wet'n'Wild ( a water park)
and of course he could lay by the pool
and run up your room charge!The Grand
Canyon and Hoover Dam would be good
side trips.Don't stay at Excalibur it's
full of kids in strollers. Hope this
helps.

cramer

We have gone as a familly to Las Vegas twice and are returning this April. Our two teenage sons really enjoyed both trips and are ready to hit it again. They were able to take off and cruise the big hotels which they found to be unbelievable. We always stay at the Monte Carlo. It a light, airy new hotel--not so monstrous you get lost. They have a great pool area. Our boys liked the fact the "little" kids were at MGM, Excaliber, and Circus Circus. They loved the Monte Carlo. It's central to the New York New York roller coaster ride. The Coca Cola game place is across the street. You can take the monorail to the new fantastic Bellagio, then Caesars and on down the strip. Be sure your boys see the Star Trek show at the Hilton, Lance Burton, the magician, at the Monte Carlo, free pirate at Treasure Island, free statue show at the Forum Shop area at Caesars. Also, they went to the Hard Rock to look at the history of rock n roll. They were able to cruise the hotels, dine, enoy the pool area, shop, hit the numerous game rooms. They just could not stand around to watch the gambling. Also, they saw some terrific live shows. Go to www.lasvegas.com and hit the entertainment section. It will show you upcoming guests for several months. Also, click the showguides to get review of regular Vegas shows. I found this very helpful. Las Vegas is a fantasy for the entire family. My advice is if you are going vacation with your boys and gamble some, you will have a "great time." If you are going to "gamble" it's not the place for the boys.

LVLarry

I am a regular visitor to Las vegas and have visited Reno 4 times in the past year. I would say that Las vegas would be fine as there is a lot to do. The above positngs are very good. However nobody has mentioned Reno. That is probably a good idea because I definitely would NOT recommend Reno. There is virtually nothing to do there but gamble which is fine by me but I am sure that your 17 year old would be very bored. Just make sure that your son does NOT loiter in the casinos. It is illegal.

Rick

I'll second that about Reno..dont even think about Reno with teens..nothing for them!!..But they would have a ball in Vegas even though they cant hang in the casino's..MGM, Ny NY, Luxor, Excaliber,cirus circus..all have great arcades,plus other attractions for teens.Alot of the bigger hotels on the strip have out of this world pools..The Mirage's is fantastic..The new Hotel opens this march next to the luxor, Manaly Bay..going to have alot of water features I understand.Lots of shows that teens would enjoy..IMHO mystr'e at treasure island the best in town..
As A side trip, Hoover dam is great , or Red Rock canyon is cool also.