Going Las Vegas with Kids

Updated on November 09, 2013
K.K. asks from Phoenix, AZ
12 answers

Hi all, me and my husband has different point of view on going to Las Vegas with kids. I have two daughters ages 8 (soon will be 9) and 4. We are going with another family who has two boys around same age. They are taking their kids' grand parents with them whom am gonna meet for the first time. I don't prefer to go to Vegas with kids because of the open culture there on the strip. Even in the daytime, vehicles with ads about girls roam on the strip. Cards with inappropriate pics of girls can be seen on the walkway. I am scared if my elder one pops a question why it is written on that truck call for girls at this number. Or why these cards has such pics on them. What would be my answer? I asked same to my husband and he said I don't know what would be the answer. So I am stuck here should I agree to go or just sit at home and ruin my and my husband's mood. What would you suggest if you were me?

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So What Happened?

Thanks you all wonderful ladies out there! I am amused to read everyone's comment. The smile on my face is not going away after reading the true incidents happened to you and how kids reacted. You have no idea how much stress has been relieved from my head. I was worried worthless. I have decided to go ahead with my husband's plan and face my fears in the eye. Who know what's in store for us? Thanks again for helping me making up my mind!!

Featured Answers

R.X.

answers from Houston on

Go. They are not gonna see the ads. My son was about 7 when we moved to Vegas. He oohed over the night lights and Circus Circus.

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R.M.

answers from San Francisco on

Our family went to Vegas three times. Maybe I have a warped sense of humor, but I fondly recall the time my kids made a game of collecting all the 'sexy' cards littering the ground as we walked down the strip. They thought it was hilarious, and they had a pack of them by the end of the walk. They weren't as young as 8 and 4, though. Maybe preteen and teen?

I don't know what I would tell an 8 and 4 year old, though. Maybe "They like ladies in bathing suits in Las Vegas?" (Or are they naked? I can't recall, but in any case the naked body doesn't bother me.)

I'm not sure what I would say to young kids -- it depends on your kids' personalities -- but the cards wouldn't stop me from walking down the strip with my family. Kids see sexy pics of women in ads all the time in this country, sadly, it's pretty ubiquitous. I can say that my kids weren't harmed by it.

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T.F.

answers from Dallas on

We went with our daughter when she was younger and there was no issue. She was fascinated with the lights and all the action.

We went to see Blue Man Group and had front row seats. We had to wear poncho's because of the splatter from the group... GREAT time

Loved the aquarium at Mandalay.

Hoover Dam was very nice.

There is so much to see and do, they probably won't even notice. If they do notice and ask a question... use the opportunity to communicate with them, be honest and set a precedent so they feel they can always ask you anything and you won't freak out about it.

Go have fun!!

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E.T.

answers from Albuquerque on

I took my two six year old girls to Las Vegas this past April and we had a lovely time. We only went to the Strip twice (to go see the New York hotel and the Venetian hotel), and my kids weren't exposed to any of what you're worried about. Some of the billboards are suggestive, but from a kid's point of view all they saw was the colorful costumes. And we didn't have a single person hand us flyers for nude bars. They know better than to hand those to parents with small kids. Plus, there aren't any of those cards lying on the ground anymore.

Vegas has so much for kids to do - the new childrens museum is AMAZING, the Mandalay aquarium, gondolas at the Venetian, Circus Circus (which I thought was really cheesy, just FYI), the Ethel M factory tour, the Mermaids at that hotel south of the Strip... we had so much fun. And there are tons of lovely hotels and condo places that are far from the adult action. I wouldn't hesitate to go back.

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K.D.

answers from Milwaukee on

Go and have a good time-you don't have to spend any time on a casino floor if you don't want to. I know others mentioned the Hoover Dam but I also hear there is a very good chocolate factory tour of the Ethel M facility on the way and there is the Red Rock Canyon. Watch Living Social and Groupon for things to do on the cheap. I just bought a go-kart deal for our group (no kids but I think it will still be fun). There was a trapeze school there too and the simulated skydiving is a blast for all ages! We did that in Florida and my kids were 8 and 9-they loved it. You could do a helicopter tour of the city-very cool to see the lights. Lots of aquariums and gardens. Fremont Street is very cool with the lighted canopy and they have ziplining and the artists downtown paint pictures right in front of your eyes. Quite a few hotels also have roller coasters and games rooms-and the hotels by themselves are amazing. The water show at the Bellagio, the Treasure Island pirate show, the volcano at the Mirage. They used to have lions at the MGM and I believe right out of town you can go visit where they actually live. Not sure if they are still in the hotel or not. Circus Circus has the adventuredome which is an indoor theme park too.

Just lighten up a bit and don't ruin anyone's good time. I don't think the 8 year old is going to be noticing the vehicles with all the other action on the strip or downtown and if she does, deal with it in an honest vague sort of way. It's not like she needs to know about brothels or strip shows-for goodness sakes.

Oh and depending on when you go-the pools may be closed so keep that in mind. We are going in January and they are closed. We are not taking the kids but I would not be averse to taking them some other time. We are going with another couple to have a good time-gamble a little, drink a little, sight-see a little. Can't wait!!!

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J.A.

answers from Las Vegas on

I live in Las Vegas. We moved here when my kids were 3 years old and 4 months old. They are now 11 and 8. It's really never been an issue. There are loads of places to stay other than the strip. I would stay at a place that caters more to locals, because we all avoid the strip. Even when you are on the strip, there is so much to see that kids don't really notice the smutty stuff. The only time my kids have noticed was once when a cab with a Jubilee ad went by and my son laughed "Heh heh, it's a BUTT car." A while back, they started a new law that the smut peddlers have to clean up their areas so there shouldn't be all the girl cards on the ground, but to be honest, I haven't been on the strip in a couple of years, so I don't know how well that's working.

I would say go, and have a good time, and stay off the strip.

Edited to add:
Someone mentioned Red Rock Canyon, and I agree, go there. It's gorgeous, and you can hike there all year. Even if you just want to do the scenic route, it's worth the trip.

Also, someone mentioned Red Rock Station's child care. It's called Kids Quest. It's really fun, and my kids have asked to go there just as a treat, so we have let them go there while we see a movie by ourselves. It's like Chuck-E-Cheese, but more fun, and it's totally secure, so there are no weird adults around your kids. I believe they require shot records. Santa Fe Station also has a Kids Quest, but my kids like the one at Red Rock Station better.

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G.L.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I'm very interested in the responses you get to this question, because I'll be going to Las Vegas with my kids (9 and 12) next month. It's not my first choice of places to go with my kids (okay, left to myself I'd never take them there - my favorite view of Vegas is in my rearview mirror as I head to the California coast), but my mom and her new husband are going to be there, and seeing them there is much easier than crossing the country to go to their house.

We are not staying on the strip. There are numerous places to stay off the strip that offer shuttle service to the strip for those who wish to go. I intend to keep my kids off the strip for the most part. I've been searching for things to do with my kids during the week we're there, and I've actually come up with a pretty good list. AAA has several articles on their website, and if you google "Las Vegas with kids" several more informative articles and blogs come up.

Here's what I've found so far:

- The Fremont Street area looks worth exploring. There's a market/park area there built out of repurposed shipping containers, restaurants, shopping, etc. There's also an art museum in what used to be an emergency medical facility called Emergency Arts.

- There is a place called the Pinball Hall of Fame (I think) that is an arcade featuring vintage pinball machines and early video games. You can introduce your kids to the games from Wreck It Ralph. My friends who have done it with their children have had a blast. According to them, one afternoon's amusement for a family of four will cost you about $30 and a bad case of gamer's thumb.

- My kids enjoy art museums, so I plan to take them down to the Bellagio. There's an exhibit there right now called Warhol Out West. The Venetian is hosting an exhibit of the 50 Greatest Photos of National Geographic.

- You have daughters, so a visit to the American Girl store might be in order. (I'm debating this one. My daughter is obsessed, so such an outing could prove dangerous.) Evidently you can have somewhat overpriced lunch or snacks in their in-store cafe with your doll seated at the table with you. I do have friends who have done it, and their girls are still talking about it a year later. If you do decide to do it, call ahead and reserve.

- The Valley of Fire State Park is one hour away, and is supposed to be amazing. Death Valley National Park is 2 hours away. Zion National Park is 3 hours away.

- Hoover Dam is close by, and worth the visit, from what I've heard.

- There is a place in Vegas where you can do simulated sky-diving.

- The Aquarium at the Mandalay is supposed to be amazing.

- I don't remember details, but either the city or the county has a park/nature center that looks fun.

- There are several shows that are family friendly, such as most Cirque du Soleil shows and Blue Man Group. Their prices aren't family-friendly, though. I've heard that it's worth getting onto Groupon and Living Social and cruising the Las Vegas deals for show tickets because they do pop up, and at affordable prices.

I've already talked to my kids about casinos - what they are, why some grown-ups find them fun and interesting, and how some people have trouble thinking clearly and knowing when to stop. I figured I needed to talk to them about it beforehand because grandma and her new hubby will be going out to gamble, and we're all staying together.

As for the really seedy stuff, I haven't gone there. I'm kind of hoping I don't need to, but both of my children have sharp eyes and minds, so even minimizing exposure to the strip might not be enough. If things get noticed and questions come up, I'll do my best to give informative but age-appropriate answers.

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M.P.

answers from Portland on

I suggest that all of that will go over their heads. A good way to answer difficult questions if they arise is to ask back "why or what do you think." This will give you an idea of how to answer. Keep in mind that at this age sex is not much in the picture for them.

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A.J.

answers from Philadelphia on

Oh go and have a fantastic time! We were married in Vegas so it hold special meaning to me now. When my husband was alive we went at least once a year but usually twice with the kids! The hotel's alone are with the trip. Mandalay bay has an awesome aquarium, the secret gardens, gondola rides....Red Rock casino has a whole child care center the was fantastic we dropped the kids there one night and had a wonderful adult dinner. M&m store....There is plenty to do for them. As for Freemont street just be careful and hold them tight we did it once alone and I felt unsafe, and I take my kids on a train alone to NYC yearly and ride the subway as transportation so me feeling unsafe says a lot! If you go just be cautious and watchful! As for the cards I have been hounded to take them when we are alone but they usually respect the families and people are right the kids eyes are usually up at the lights not the ground! Oh and the roller coater at new York New york.... mine love it because you are inside and outside on the same ride. Go have fun!!!

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D.S.

answers from Phoenix on

I find it funny that a few have never been to Vegas and still feel qualified to tell you not to go.

We took my 6 year old daughter last year to see Cirque's Mystere. She LOVED Las Vegas. We stayed at Treasure Island and she loved all the stuff on the strip at night...the pirate show, the volcano, the dancing water show. She had a great day at Circus Circus riding rides (I wasn't impressed, but she enjoyed it). So much has been added to Vegas to make it kid friendly over the years. We walked Fremont street during the day, other than the zip line not much interest for her. We plan to return to see more Cirque show's with her (that is her favorite). Is this our first choice of vacation location with her, no way. Disney and beaches are preferred, but it was fun and different and definitely to be repeated.

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B.P.

answers from Cleveland on

I don't think Vegas Is a place for kids. My In laws have been twice and they said they don't think kids should go to Vegas especially if you plan on going to the strip.

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G.B.

answers from Oklahoma City on

Kids do not belong on a family trip when it entails going to Vegas. It's an adult city. The kids won't even have anything to do except sit in the hotel room and watch TV with parental controls set very high.

My friends that lived in Vegas stayed until they started having kids then they moved away. They say it's just not a kid friendly place.

I can think of a dozen places that would be more family friendly. Take the kids on a family vacation then try a couples trip with these friends. Let the kids stay at home with a babysitter or family member.

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