<p>School ends Thursday next week for both the college son (18) and the high school son (16) and we all are going to Vegas for a couple of shows (Spamalot, Bill Maher) that weekend.</p>
<p>We passed thorugh overnight there a couple of years back and I gave them my “evils of gambling” speech. So I think that’s covered.</p>
<p>Wanted to canvass this group to see if they could recommend anything (legal, please) to do while we’re up there. I have some ideas but would like to hear more.</p>
<p>I’m not much of a gambler and can actually walk right past all of the beckoning machines and hoopla card tables but it can be fun to check out the newest and grandest casinos. They often are trying to draw people in. </p>
<p>Stay in a sweet hotel with a great pool for daytime. Me and H stayed at The Venetian a year ago and I loved the spa/exercise gym (girl thing) and the pool. They also had an Egyptian exhibit that was good. Otherwise, look around the big hotels, window shop, take a side trip to the desert. They won’t let the kids even stop for a minute at the machines!</p>
<p>Your kids won’t be able to get close to gambling. </p>
<p>We went about 5 years ago. For serious thrill seekers, check out the rides at the Stratosphere. We also did New York, New York and the indoor rides at Caesers Palace.</p>
<p>We took a morning and went to Hoover Dam. Did the little Eiffel tower.-Saw
a bunch of shows. Cirque de Soliel is amazing. “Love” is the new show.</p>
<p>I should expand a bit - many of the large and especially the new hotels have free and low cost attractions to attract people. These attractions are suitable for all ages - an erupting volcano, a pirate battle on a ship, motion rides, amusement parks, etc. Check out the Mirage, Treasue Island, Excalibur, Circus Circus, Luxor, and more.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, kids can get close to the gambling. Try taking a walk between the parking garage, the front desk and your room without walking past some action.</p>
<p>You have to walk thru casinos to get anywhere true. But just TRY stopping and loitering if you are underage, the security people will be on you in a second.</p>
<p>Rule is- keep walking. look straight ahead. no pauses.</p>
<p>I would definitely recommend a side trip into the desert. There is great hiking and it’s a great antidote to all the commercialism of the city. (Or so my D tells me–she’s the one who’s actually been there.)</p>
<p>Dadguy, are you driving or flying in? Either way, I’d advise to stop by a grocer and buy lots of drinks, bottled water, whatever. You’ll pay out the nose for water in those big hotels.</p>
<p>Here’s the deal on the gambling if you’re under 21, as reported by my under-21 son. No one attempted to stop him from gambling. BUT if he’d won anything, it would have been taken away–because you can’t gamble if you’re under 21. He was with a group of over-21 friends; one of them cashed in the chips.</p>
<p>He also had no trouble being served drinks in Las Vegas.</p>
<p>Mind you, I have been at a restaurant with him (in Boston) when my over-21 daughter was carded and he wasn’t.</p>
<p>My favorite side trip from Las Vegas is to Death Valley.</p>
<p>My 21 year old S is only carded in casinos, never at other restaurants or bars (in AC last weekend, he got his hand stamped so he didn’t get carded every time he sat down at a table.)</p>
<p>is famous the world over for showgirls and legal prostitution nearby. Some shows more risque than others, of course. These items could be a pro or a con depending on your perspective!</p>
<p>We’ve already been to Death Valley and it’s not I trip I’d make in June, anyway. And rest assured I am not taking my sons to go see a prostitute!</p>
<p>I’ve been to Vegas lots of times with other adults, never noticed what to do with the family. I think we’ll end up going to Boulder Dam for one thing.</p>
<p>Dadguy
D and her friends made many underage trips to Vegas when she was an undergrad at ASU.They can be on the casino floor but will be hounded by security if they try to loiter,gamble, or order drinks.
They loved the thrill ride on top of the Stratosphere that makes it seem like you’re going over the edge.
Are your S’s athletic or bike riders?
H is a mountain bike rider and rented a bike in Las Vegas and did a ride in the desert.He said it was great.</p>
<p>Fountain show @ Bellagio
Pirate show @ Treasure Island
White Lions @ MGM
I forgot the names, but free shows at Excaliber, Caesar’s Palace, Luxor, and Aladdin.
Mardi Gra experience @ Rio</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Head out for a day of hiking (not very strenuous) at Red Rock Canyon, which is about a 45 minute drive from the Strip. A wide variety of hikes are available. Keep you eyes peeled for wild burros.</p></li>
<li><p>Drive to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Not as developed, or crowded, as the South Rim in Arizona.</p></li>
<li><p>Go to Hoover Dam and take the tour.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Unless you are a smoker, be sure to bring face masks. The whole town is like smoking a cigarette, nonstop. L’eau is the best Cirque de Soleil in town. Unbelievable and not to be missed.
If you are staying in a nice hotel, The Mirage has suites and plasma tvs for the same price of the other hotels - 2 rooms for one. If you want nice and cheap, there is a Marriot Regency one block over from the main strip. It doesn’t have a casino, however to get to a casino from your room in most hotels is just as far a walk. There used to be a Monet exhibit in the Bellagio. Buffets everywhere are wonderful. My car broke down passing by Las Vegas, otherwise I wouldn’t have stopped. It is impossible to visit if you are bothered by cigarette smoke.</p>