First Time in Las Vegas…with Kids

Most people like me would say that Las Vegas is not a place to take the kids and they would be right, well…only sort of right! This article will at least give you some ideas for kid-friendly activities and even provide some links to information on current hours of operation and cost.

On my most recent trip to Las Vegas I made a point to pay special attention to things that I thought kids would like to do and are ‘parent-approved’. The reason I did this is because we are planning our wedding in Las Vegas for September and two kids will be there (ages 14 and 10). This article comes with a disclaimer that I am not a parent but have had lots of kids around; I am a fairly conservative guy and think this list, if nothing else, should give parents some good ideas to evaluate for themselves.

Here are pictures I took of some of the places I will be talking about:

Shows

Sirens at Treasure Island
This is a free show that plays on a regular schedule right in front of TI. You can’t miss the big pirate ship right on the strip. It’s probably only about a 15-20 minute show but when it’s over you can grab a frozen drink right in front of the TI main entrance and walk right over to the Mirage to see the volcano (next). This show is best seen after dark as there are lights and pyrotechnics involved. This show is a swashbuckling pirate themed aerial display. It was revamped in past few years and features some edgier costumes, but is still safe for kids. The show will not play during high winds which is not uncommon in LV.

Volcano at Mirage
For those of you who like to document your trips, the Volcano and Sirens are both good for video and photos. The volcano erupts on a predetermined schedule and is obviously also best seen at night.

Lance Burton
I have seen a good number of shows in LV and Lance Burton was by far the best with children. He does a great job incorporating every single kid into the show. If you will be in LV with kids between now and September 4, 2010, this is a must do!

Here are a few more I’ve seen and can vouch for being both entertaining and mostly safe for kids:

• Blue Man Group
• Mystere – Cirque du Soleil
• Lion King
• Love – Cirque du Soleil
• Terry Fator

The rest of these shows are parent approved, but not specifically geared towards children. You parents will get more out of it that your kids, but the kids will like it and the content is G rated:

• O – Cirque du Soleil
• Ka – Cirque du Soleil
• Viva Elvis – Cirque du Soleil

Just Killing Time

There are plenty of ‘mostly free’ things to do when you want to just walk around and take in the town. You might think that just walking down the strip should be no big deal; however, there are a few things to consider and one warning. LV city blocks are LONG. Things that seem like they should be within walking distance are at times much further than you imagine. This is in large part because of the overpasses which keep you from needing to cross streets, which is great as far as safety is concerned, but comes at the cost of not always being able to walk in a straight line. Expect to have to back track a time or two until you get the hang of it. When in doubt, take a cab. When hailing a cab…actually there really is no ‘hailing cabs’ in LV. Taxis are not allowed to just stop and pick you up. There are designated cab stands in front of all the larger casinos where someone will hail a cab for you, open your door and tell the driver where you are going. $1 tips for these guys are sufficient and a few more for the drivers. Take advantage of your cab driver’s knowledge. Most of them have driven cabs in LV for years so if you need directions or an opinion, just ask (if they speak english).

Warning: At random points along the strip, there are people who hand out fliers for ‘adult entertainment’ and these fliers are not something you want your kids getting a good look at. If you see some one flicking a little flier, steer your kids clear and just say, ‘no thanks’, if anything at all. They are annoying at times, but I’ve never had any serious problems with them.

Bellagio
There are two major stops on the free circuit that are must does for kids and adults alike. These are the Bellagio fountains and the conservatory. Everyone probably knows about the fountains, but the conservatory is a space behind and adjacent to the front desk that is seasonally redecorated in a spectacular array of different flowers, always with a seasonally appropriate theme. Don’t forget your camera for the fountains or the conservatory!

New York
In NY NY, the casino is at ground level and there is an area of shops accessible from outside on the second level. There is a candy store with a 6 foot tall statue of liberty made of candy and other little ‘tchotchke’ shops. Your kids are sure to find something they want to spend some allowance money on. I almost forgot about the roller coaster! NY NY is obviously constructed to look like NYC and it is pretty cool. But what’s even cooler is the roller coaster that goes through the property. I’ve never ridden the roller coaster so I do not know the height restrictions, but it does cost around $8 per person per ride. NY NY also has some more shops and places to eat down on the first level in the back behind the casino if you don’t mind walking past the slots to get there.

Gameworks Arcade
Across the strip from the Monte Carlo is a pretty large arcade that should be totally cool for kids. I have never been there but would be remiss to not mention it.

Lion Habitat at MGM
Inside the MGM Grand, there is a state of the art lion habitat. There are always lions there, but you may have to walk past the slot machines to get there.

** – In one day, it is totally realistic to be able to take a taxi to the Bellagio after breakfast one morning and then leisurely make your way (on foot) to the NY NY shops and coaster, Gameworks, and the MGM Lions.

Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay
If there is time to spare after all of that and you’re not tired yet, head up to Mandalay Bay and see Shark Reef. Save yourself $20/person and an hour or two without travel time, if you want to take your time. Also, consider staying at Mandalay Bay with kids. The pool area is probably the best for kids and adults alike. There is a lazy river, a huge wave pool, several satellite pools and hot tubs and beach sand! Mandalay Bay will sell you an inner tube for around $20. It’s not really worth the money, but it’s kind of a ’must have’ for the lazy river.

Excalibur
If you make the stops listed above, as you get nearer to MGM, your kids and you will most likely be drawn to Excalibur. It looks like a huge white castle with neon colors. There is show in Excalibur called ‘Tournament of Kings’. I’ve not been, but imagine it to be like the ‘Medieval Times’ chain. If you are into that, go for it but there will be certain show times and advance tickets you will need first. Other than that, I am not a real fan of the Excalibur.

Fremont Street Experience
The first hours before dark are the best time to head to downtown LV and see the Fremont Street Experience. This area is party central as the street is closed to through traffic in most places and the place is full of street vendors, performers and, of course, lined with casinos…lights galore adorn this area and then the canopy. The canopy spans several city blocks and is actually a huge video screen. On a regular schedule several times per hour, the screen lights up and moves to beat of the blaring music. The later it gets, the crazier it gets. If you get there early, you’ll be able to judge for yourself when it’s time to head back south to the main part of the strip.

Excursions

Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is the #1 must do thing while in LV with kids, if you are staying for more than a day or two. There a myriad ways to see the Grand Canyon from helicopter, airplane, bus and even boat or all of the above. The excursions range from 4 to 8 to 12 hours or even multi-day trips. In my opinion the best way to see the Grand Canyon is from the air. You can get a trip that will pick you up at your hotel (some of them in limos) and drive you to an adjacent to the airport only a few minutes away from the strip. From there you board a helicopter that will fly you over the Hoover Dam and on tot he south rim of the grand canyon. You are given headsets to talk to the pilot and asks questions along the way. You can take as many pictures or as much video as you want. The best part is that when you reach the rim, you decent in tot he canyon itself and land on the floor. After given about 45 minutes to an hour to explore around and some come with a champagne ‘lunch’ under a little picnic area. It’s more of a snack, but might fill up a child. Then you re-board your chopper and head back to the airfield. The chopper itself is pretty comfortable even for a big guy and definitely well climate controlled. Your are then dropped of at your hotel again, ALL WITHIN FOUR HOURS. For that last part is the best part. I’ve heard from others that took a bus that it was 12 hour commitment without he majority of that time spent on a hot and dusty old bus with a 30 some odd other strangers, that by the way, you are completely dependent upon to be on time…ugh. I am not too sure how much the bus trip costs, but the helo tour I described can be purchased for about $400/person or less. Check into kid rates too. I also know that there are other helo tours with less bells and whistles for under $400, but probably not a lot less.

Red Rocks Canyon
If 400/person is more that you want to spend. Another alternative would be to go to Red Rocks Canyon. If you live or have lived near mountains, you will not be impressed. Now, I am not talking about Appalachian mountains here, more like Rockies. Anyway, you can get a pick Jeep tour for a very reasonable price and a similar time commitment. What is Red Rocks Canyon? It is a mountainous desert wilderness area that used to be inhabited by American Indians. Your tour guide will tell you the rest!