Wondering whether bringing the kids to Vegas is a good idea? Don’t worry, Vegas has something for everyone.
Q: My teenage nephew and a couple of his friends are coming to Vegas and are athletic/outdoorsy types. What do you recommend?
A: That’s why we love Vegas. Not so far from the adult playground of the Strip are some very amazing natural wonders. Take them to Red Rock Canyon, Mount Charleston or the Valley of Fire for hiking or hit the sand dunes on one of our ATV tours. If you’re looking for some adventure, explore one of our tours of Lake Mead, the Grand Canyon or the Colorado River. The Springs Preserve houses entertainment, exhibits, galleries, trails and gardens that provide recreational and educational opportunities.
If it’s sporty activities you’re after, you also might want to hit the rock-climbing wall at GameWorks or try Flyaway Indoor Skydiving. If you’re coming during the summer, you can’t beat the pool at your hotel for the best place to cool off.
Q: We’re bringing our teenagers to Vegas. What fun things can they do that won’t bore them to tears?
A: In Vegas, we don’t do “boring.” We’ve got GameWorks, which we hear even keeps the adults entertained. Also, many hotels have arcades full of the latest video games. If they like the thrill rides, take them over to Speed at the Sahara, The Roller Coaster at New York - New York and the Stratosphere, which has several scary rides including the famed Big Shot. They may have tears afterward, but it won’t be from boredom. There are even more rides over at Circus Circus’ Adventuredome, and if your kids are into science fiction, you can’t miss the Star Trek: Borg 4D and Star Trek: The Experience at the Las Vegas Hilton. If you’re still feeling the need for speed, why not channel your kids’ inner race car driver at Pole Position Raceway or the Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix ?
If scary rides aren’t your thing, how about scary animals? Take the kids to see the kings of the jungle at the Lion Habitat at MGM Grand, the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at Mirage or the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. And finally, if they can handle seeing real-life organs and skeletons on display, Bodies…The Exhibition would be perfect.
So the kids were hoping to see Angelina Jolie or Brad Pitt while they’re in Vegas? You might get lucky and see the real thing, but if you don’t, just take them over to have their picture taken with the wax versions at Madame Tussauds. They’re so lifelike, the friends back at home will never know the difference.
Q: We’d like to take our kids to a show while in Vegas. Is there anything that both parents and kids will enjoy?
A: The ” Blue Man Group” or Cirque du Soleil’s “Mystère” and “KÀ” would be excellent choices for the whole family. There also is Lance Burton the magician, Nathan Burton Comedy Magic at the Flamingo and Steve Wyrick Real Magic at the Miracle Mile Shops. The “Tournament of Kings” dinner theater gives kids a place where they can eat with their hands. You also might want to take the aspiring star in your family to see the impersonators in “American Superstars” at the Stratosphere or Danny Gans at The Mirage. The V Theater in the Miracle Mile Shops has something for everyone: V- The Ultimate Variety Show provides a Smorgasbord of entertainment while teens especially will appreciate the way the performers in Toxic Audio make music out of bodily noises.
Q: My daughter and I love to shop. Where should we go?
A: Check out the Fashion Show Mall, the Forum Shops or Miracle Mile Shops. For some deals, you also can head over to the Las Vegas Outlet Center. Shoppers could easily spend the whole day at Town Square with its mix of retail shops and restaurants as well as a movie theater. If it’s more unusual wares you’re in the market for, check out our page on some unique stores in town.
Q: I know people under 21 aren’t allowed in clubs or casinos, but can my teenager go out anywhere on the Strip at night?
A: Sorry, but Clark County ordinances forbid anyone younger than 18 from being on the Strip after 9 p.m. on weekends and holidays without a parent.
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