They are really over the top about the kid thing in Nevada . When my son was around 10 we were walking through an Atrium type thing that was part casino when he reached out and put his hand on a machine. Almost instantly a security guard came charging over and demanded that we remove him from the area and actually started reaching out to move him. I'm normally quite mild mannered but this really made me see red and I bit his head off basically (probably not a wise move as these guys are minium wage and carry guys ) . He did back down but it just annoyed me that they have such a warped culture over there where they over do the pc culture in some ways and then on the other hand actually go to manhandle someone's child. I know he should not have gone to touch the machine but it still left a sour taste in the mouth.

I would love to go to Las Vegas to celebrate my birthday next year with my husband and 9 year old son. I wonder if anyone can give advice on how child friendly Vegas is. Are there any shows (not necessarily evenings but day time too) which are suitable for kids. We are not too bothered about spending time in casinos but just want to make sure there are a few things which kids are able to enjoy and experience. Any advice greatly appreciated. Thanks.

There are several kid friendly shows, particularly in the afternoon. There is Mac King's Comedy Magic Show at Harrah's which I have seen and it's very good. There are other magic or hypnotist shows and Popovich's Comedy Pet Theater at the V Theater in the Miracle Mile shops if it's still on.

There is also the Adventuredome at Circus Circus with lots of rides and stalls as well as roller coasters at New York New York and the Sahara.

luci

But LV is not intended for kids. It is there solely for adults to feed slot machines and gamble. If you want a holiday suitable for children then go to Disney.

When I went to LV we had our two kids with us. We only stayed 2 days but that was a day and a half too long!

Thanks for all your suggestions. Sounds as if there is plenty to do for kids - shows/amusements/pools, etc. I have now booked the holiday and am so excited. One major interest is for us to visit the Grand Canyon, a lifetime ambition.
Hi De Hi - thanks for your helpful posting - we have already done Florida.

Hiya Jenny. I am off to LV in July (cant wait) and am travelling with to daughters aged 14 and 11. I will post a review when I get back so if there is anything specific you need to ask, i will try and answer them for you. Until July

we are going back,to vegas next feb.we are taking our grandaughter,who will be 7,i personally think,there is plenty,to keep her occupied.she can't wait,and neither can we
tracy

We are travelling to LV with my 18 year old son. Which hotel do you think is best the Planet Hollywood or the Tropicana. I am torn. Also I am intending spending 3 nights in Vegas and 4 nights in San Fran. Do you think it should be the other way? ie. more to do in Vegas. (Want to go to Alcatraz in SF). Any thoughts.

In case you haven't seen them we have Planet Hollywood reviews HERE. If anyone would like to post a review for the Tropicana please do so HERE.

Thanks.

Pippy

I would suggest you do 4 days in LV and 3 in SF, especially if you intend visiting the Grand Canyon while in Vegas. Even without that there is plenty to do in LV.

Bear in mind that your son won't be able to drink or gamble and won't even be allowed in a casino apart from to walk straight through it.

I would also suggest that you stay at Planet Hollywood and it is almost centre strip whereas the Tropicana is at the far south of the strip. PH is also a much nicer hotel as it has just been refurbished and the Trop is quite old and showing its age.

luci

Just come back from LV 12 nights of 100%enjoyment we loved it my wife and I stayed at the MGM Grand casino and the rooms were excellent even though I went last year I found that there were more kids staying at the hotel this year ?? cant do anything Luci is right the security is very strict well it would be there is CCTV all over.

Circus Circus or Excalibur is about the only I can suggest for kids not sure about the rooms in Circus Circus.

Excalibur I saw a lot of kids pool area is ok and the rooms are ok I stayed for 1 night in the wide screen with a view and the rates were good about £38.00 per night would recommend this hotel currently getting remoddled at the moment bigger pool area. I know it is at the south end of the strip but you can use the bus $5 for a 24 hr pass to go up and down the strip.

Don't forget to post your review HERE! Thank you

Pippy

If you are going to alcatraz and it is high season I suggest you book before you leave the UK as the number of places is limited and they fill quickly.

Thanks for the advice, and I have taken it. We are booked into the Planet Hollywood for 4 nights -like you said we will be doing the full tour of the Grand Canyon which will take a full day - and then 3 nights in San Fran. I will take your advice about booking Alcatraz beforehand as that is a definite "must see" on my list.

Thanks this is the best advice site EVER.

girlie

Can I ask what rate you have booked the PH at and what dates you are going? I will see if I can find a better rate for you although many of the offers are for existing player's card holders, but I could see what I could find.

luci

Luci, that is very kind of you. Though I'm not sure if we could get any reduction...as...

I have been very stressed about booking this tour (see my subject of west coast road trip) so I ended up ringing a travel agent, who helped guide me through the mass of options. It's all booked now and I feel much better!!
The price he got for Planet Hollywood for 4 nights over the weekend 19-22 July for two rooms was £716. I think that works out at £89.50 a night per room. (I would have liked a fountain view room but that costs more..!! Though maybe as it is our silver anniversary they may move us???)

I don't quite know how it works, but I gather you can contact the hotel if you see a better price and they match that, but I think that you have you book direct with the hotel first, as we have booked through a third party, I think we are stuck with our rate.

What do you think?

girlie

Yes you're right, if you have booked with a travel agent then you can't call the hotel and get the rate adjusted if you see a lower rate unfortunately. The main thing is that you are happy with the rate you got.

When you get to reception and had over your photo ID, just ask if they have any complimentary upgrades. Depending on the check in clerk, you may be lucky like we were. If they do offer you an upgrade it is customary to hand them a $20 tip when you hand them your credit card.

Good luck and remember to post a review of your hotel when you get back.

luci

We did the Grand canyon flying with King Airways out of Henderson. A very budget operation and they land on the other side to where most of the tourists go. Instead you are taken around by the Native Americans (you are on their reservation) and have lunch there on the rim.

As far as I know they don't do the heli ride to the bottom but you can take one from the air strip when you get there if you like.

Thanks Luci, I will try the 20 dollar tip...though as a Brit it just feels so awkward and embarrassing...but when in Rome (er Vegas)...