Travelling to Las Vegas with Teenage Girls

Mary Poppins on 22/03/2015 - 22:41

Hello Peeps! Hubby has to go to Las Vegas for business next year and we want to incorporate this trip as a family holiday however, hubby doesn't want to take our twin teenage daughters due to friends who have experienced travelling with their kids to Las Vegas who have suggested that Las Vegas is not the place to be taking kids and is talking about them joining us later (or us going earlier and sending them back) - either way, I am looking for advice and experiences of anyone having taken their teenagers to Las Vegas… are there things to do during the day to entertain kids (hopefully without too much expense so we can save the $$ for say, Universal Studios and/or Disneyland later in the trip) and whether its a good or bad thing and whether we should or shouldn't take them with us? I really want to convince him that it will be a good thing to go together?

Looking forward to your responses.

TIA

Mrs Vee

Travel Las Vegas Nevada North America United States

Comments

  • watwatwat on 22/03/2015 - 23:34
    +11

    I see you're in a tough situation. I am willing to bite the bullet and travel to Vegas with your teenage girls, instead.

    In all seriousness, taking them is a terrible idea. Vegas is 99% casinos. Seeing as they aren't 21, there will be very little to do there. Perhaps they can walk up and down the strip and see some fountains and fire shows but nothing worh it.

    • MelbBargainChaser77 on 23/03/2015 - 00:10
      +4

      Having said that, they will be allowed to enter all casinos, just wont be allowed to play. I dont see why they cant also enjoy the sights and sounds of Vegas, a quick google search will reveal many nearby places and things to do for your under 21's

    • MMM on 23/03/2015 - 16:59
      +4

      "terrible idea?" Chevy Chase thought it was OK, round up time keep'em occupied for hours.

  • turkz1 on 22/03/2015 - 23:39
    +4

    I personally don't recommend it. My parents took me there once when I was 12 and I went again with a friend and my family when I was 17 and both times there really wasn't much to do for people my age. Granted maybe things have changed since then as these trips were in 2003 and 2008 but in my mind vegas really isn't the place for family trips unless you plan to book in a whole lot of <18 shows and the like. Just walking around I don't think you'll find much for minors.

    • r3dfusi0n on 23/03/2015 - 21:34
      +4

      Wow are you me? My parents took me there in 2003 when I was 12.

      On topic though, Vegas is an interesting place because of it's lights at night and the strip. There was some rollercoasters in the hotels but otherwise I was bored out of my brain.
      Would not recommend.

      Also there were people on the sidewalk handing out flyers for adult clubs and porn so there's an interesting image for my childlike mind.

      • turkz1 on 24/03/2015 - 01:15
        +1

        haha whoa what are the odds. for all you know 12 year old me and you crossed paths man, it's a small world like that.

  • BigTed on 23/03/2015 - 00:13
    +3

    It really depends on what your girls are into.
    There are some good outlet malls. There's lots of shows.
    There's outdoor activities. Vegas is a fun destination for any age if you give it a go.
    Fremont St, Circus Circus, Pinball musuem, Red Rock Canyon has some nice hikes…
    Lots of great hotels and resorts. Lots of good food too.
    I say take them.

  • Davo1111 on 23/03/2015 - 00:19
    +9

    Leave them at home, i'll come instead.

    • ProjectZero on 23/03/2015 - 14:23

      I'm assuming you have an extra seat seeing as you have twin girls… so can Davo and I have the seats =)

      • pebee47 on 23/03/2015 - 16:26

        I'm quite slim, so you could spread over my side of the armrest qite easily. I also don't complain

  • RyanMK on 23/03/2015 - 00:23
    +2

    The last time I was in Vegas, We also took a day tour of the Grand Canyon. That's another thing you could do as a family.

    • RockyRaccoon on 23/03/2015 - 07:56
      +1

      Also check out Slot canyons at Page - about same time as going to Grand Canyon
      http://navajonationparks.org/htm/antelopecanyon.htm
      And a little further is Bryce Canyon.
      http://www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm

      You can book tours for these (the girls can go alone as they are guided)

      Alternatively and better is to rent a car make an early start save money see the sights and go with them. You are on freeways and major country roads so driving is fairly easy (compared to congested urban areas)

      Vegas is less frendly for kids than in previous times when they targeted families, but there are still plenty of things to do as others have said. It really depends on what you want. Do you want to have them do things on their own while you explore Vegas as an adult. If so its a little more limited.

      You dont say how old they are. If they old enough to travel over on their own I think Hubby makes sense. Have them join you later, that way you can enjoy the sights of adult Vegas, then when they arrive, you can spend the time with them looking at the sights etc. Make sure they are booked with the same airline to Vegas from Australia, that way when they clear customs in LAX the airline will help with the transfers. Or pick them up in LA

      • Mary Poppins on 23/03/2015 - 22:01

        Thanks Rocky…. my girls will be 15 (almost 16 when we go). I will check out the links. It certainly sounds as though there's plenty to do… it sounds like there's as much (or as little) as you want to do… you just have to make the effort :-)

        • YTW on 24/03/2015 - 00:41
          +1

          I've found that's the case with just about anywhere. It is what you make of it (depending also on your $$).

  • inherentchoice on 23/03/2015 - 00:36
    +2

    If they like thrill rides send them to the Stratosphere or the epic roller coaster at New York-New York Hotel & Casino.

    A day trip to Hoover dam could be cool too. It's a lot closer than the Grand Canyon.

    In Vegas the sex industry is a bit in-your-face.

  • [Deactivated] on 23/03/2015 - 01:55
    +2

    As a kid we enjoyed Circus Circus, and from memory McDonalds had incredibly cheap meals like 50cent all-u-can-eat breakfast. As an adult we enjoyed free wine at select casinos for gamblers (nickle slots).
    But no one mentioned above LA is a cheap flight or maybe 8 hour drive and full of theme parks (incl. Disneyland) and other attractions. Great place to visit.

    • MelbBargainChaser77 on 23/03/2015 - 21:50

      I did the drive last month LA-Vegas was 5hrs and that was with heavy traffic getting out of LA

  • zzaps on 23/03/2015 - 08:47
    +15

    Some of the other comments here are total crap. There's a plethora of things to do in Vegas even if you're travelling with people under 21. Don't think that Vegas is just a strip with only casinos — you'll find heaps stuff to check out.

    If you have the time, consider hiring a car and driving around the place. You can drive to the Grand Canyon in about 4 or 5 hours.

    • Adz81 on 23/03/2015 - 09:33
      +2

      Agreed… The trip would be what you made it, if you're hiring a car, it looks like there's some pretty fantastic stuff to do… This was sent to me from a Vegas local:

      http://matadornetwork.com/trips/20-truths-nevada-never-guess…

    • ItsMeAgro on 23/03/2015 - 10:01
      +5

      Absolutely. There are theme-park-style rides, arcades, cool malls, exhibitions and shows:

      http://www.vegas.com/attractions/attractions-for-kids/

      http://www.lasvegaskids.net/las_vegas_attractions/las_vegas_…

      There are awesome shows like the Blue Man Group and Circue de Soliel and singers and so on that they'll love (and can't see here).

      Gambling, drinking, and strip shows are probably the worst things to do in Vegas, honestly. I never have enough time to waste on crap like that when I'm in Vegas, so much better stuff to do that you can't just do at the Aussie Casinos.

    • sparkles on 23/03/2015 - 10:19
      +2

      Completely agree, I'd be perfectly happy and 100% entertained visiting Las Vegas for a week without even stepping foot in a gaming room or bar/nightclub. There are thrill rides, concept hotels to explore like The Venetian, Paris and Luxor, shows, concerts, waterpark type stuff, the Freemont Street experience, outlet malls a bus ride away, day tours to Grand Canyon etc.

    • mr_nismo on 25/03/2015 - 11:02

      Totally agree I have been to Vegas twice and Hardly spent anytime in the casinos. Just walking around the amazing hotels is fun. Go to the skybridge on the south rim of the grand canyon. There are shopping malls and an enormous amount of shows to go see. Take them and do your research they will enjoy it.

  • backpaqer on 23/03/2015 - 08:56
    +3

    Vegas is awesome. There is plenty to do for teenagers. Millions of malls (The Miracle Mile is probably the best value of the lot within The Strip), and the Northern Premium Outlets we probably spent the most, the Southern Premium Outlets was nicer because it was indoors and airconditioned unlike the Northern one). There is M&M world, Coke world, the fountain shows, amazing atriums, plenty of shows (we saw Cirque De Soleil's "O" and the Blue Man Group - both awesome shows (in fact, if a show wasn't awesome it would die very quickly in Vegas). There is also Circus Circus (bit to Carny for me…but my daughter (14) went and loved it), we didn't do Stratosphere. We did go up to Fremont Street with its massive video-screen-roof with the zipline running right down the middle of the street (which I did, but my daughter didn't). We were there 6 days and only just scratched the surface.

    • mparf on 25/03/2015 - 18:19

      I loved O when I went!
      I think I was 19 or 20, and the 4 days I was there was just no enough at all.
      Shop all day, eat til I could puke, watch amazing shows I could never here in melbourne, repeat the next day.

  • undercut on 23/03/2015 - 09:17
    +4

    Agree with the posters above, there is much more to do in Vegas than just casinos. Take your girls, they will have an absolute ball. There are shopping malls, indoor rollercoasters, buffets for days, awesome free shows (A real fake volcano! A real fake indoor rainstorm!). It's so kitschy and over-the-top, but so much fun.

  • anna10 on 23/03/2015 - 09:46
    +2

    Did someone also mentions the pools…

  • Hellfire on 23/03/2015 - 10:18
    +1

    Heaps to do for teenagers in Vegas. The only problem is that you need to supervise them the whole time.

  • jason101 on 23/03/2015 - 11:26
    +1

    Agree with many above Vegas is fun for kids and teens too. Amusement arcardes, theme shops, cool museums, outlet malls, aquariums, theme restaurants, views, helicopter flights, street performers etc. when I went years ago I spent $10 on gambling and thousands enjoying everything else. I can't wait to take my kids!!!

  • inherentchoice on 23/03/2015 - 12:02
    +1

    For cheap airfares try Jetstar to Honolulu and then Allegiant to Vegas. A night in Hawaii will break up the trip nicely too.

    • Mary Poppins on 23/03/2015 - 21:50

      Sounds great… thanks for the tip!

  • Scrooge McDuck on 23/03/2015 - 13:47
    +2

    Aaand breathe! *Phew* That was a long sentence.

    Teenage daughters in Vegas? Sure, what could go wrong?

  • marieviv on 23/03/2015 - 13:50
    +1

    Three days in Vegas for us as a family with 2 teenagers and 2 tween girls was not enough…the kids complained that we had too little time. LA Disneyland was a waste of time and money - if you have any plans in the future to visit Orlando, Florida - just do amusement parks there to get yr time and money's worth. We have been to both and the kids were unanimous in voting Vegas and Orlando as the best parts of the USA.
    Good luck and have fun

  • nekro on 23/03/2015 - 14:43
    +1

    Blast off a few rounds at the gunstore

  • 2big4u on 23/03/2015 - 16:17
    +5

    if you want to save big on Hotel Prices then i advice to use Priceline.com and name your own prices…
    When we were at Vegas we were able to stay at Rio for 30 $pn and Circus Circus for 12$
    Also works out well for Car hire if you search for coupons online. Was able to get 15$ per day + insurance for a SUV

    • Mary Poppins on 23/03/2015 - 21:47

      Thanks for all the GR8 advice… I am making notes and even more convinced than ever now that I SHOULD take them… I just have to convince hubby to trust me now! :-/

      • ahly92 on 24/03/2015 - 08:45
        +1

        Also one more thing…say you booked a cheap room at Rio, Now when you check in, it is common that if you ask nicely, that they will upgrade your room to suit or higher for free. Tell them a fake excuse like its your anniversary or daughters' birthday….worth a shot!

        • neil on 25/03/2015 - 01:45
          +2

          I was in Vegas last month and there's a lot of talk of the $20 trick. Basically while you are checking in slyly slide them a $20. I ended up getting a vastly better room at the Luxor that I got for free in the first place. Haven't heard of that not working.

      • backpaqer on 24/03/2015 - 09:27
        +1

        We stayed at The Jockey Club…quite a tidy hotel right next door to the Bellagio. If you're lucky you can get a fountain view room (pay extra if you have to…we ended up with a view of the Cosmopolitain's aircon grills which we're pretty noisy, but we convinced ourselves that it kinda sounded like we were in a log cabin with a view over an amazing waterfall and it didn't interrupt our sleep at all…but still, a view of the Bellagio fountains would have been nicer. It is a tired old hotel, but it is almost impossible to beat it for location. Right over the road from the Miracle Mile…it is dead center for everything. Even the free parking works well. But finding the parking and the entrance to the hotel is known to confuse many - but there is plenty of help on google.

        As for car hire…we chose something through hotwire.com which lists all the cars with full insurance with $0 excess. If you do your research of reviews of any car hire place you will have people who either love or hate a rental company, there seems to be no middle ground. The haters seem to pick on things such as being charged extra for stupid things like stone chips on their windscreens. All I can suggest is to take a good camera and walk around the car and photograph every angle of it and go over the windscreen carefully and ensure that every single chip is noted on the contract BEFORE you start the car and drive off. We chose Thrifty…we flew in to LAX and they have the closest rental lot to the terminal, they are right over the road from a petrol (gas) station and it's the easiest access onto the freeway system from there. Despite booking a car with $0 excess and full insurance - they still ask if you want extra insurance (WTF?!?!?!) just politely say it isn't required. Over here if you rent a car - they give you keys and you go find your car…over there, they tell you what section you can choose a car from and you can pick any one you like. We chose one with the lowest kms on and the best tyres (tires).

    • MelbBargainChaser77 on 23/03/2015 - 21:54
      +1

      agreed with priceline….got me a really really cheap car hire price….less than 1/2 of what the big name chains were asking. Also dont forget to add the optional daily insurance cover for about $10.

      • ahly92 on 24/03/2015 - 08:41
        +1

        +1 for insurance…MUST HAVE

  • anna10 on 23/03/2015 - 16:28
    +1

    You may want to choose a hotel that is not a casino and has no smoking, such The Carriage House. Forgot to mention, it has kitchens for eating breakfast and left overs ;)

  • pebee47 on 23/03/2015 - 16:30
    +1

    The votes are in, Mrs Vee! Looks like you take the kids!

  • goosegog on 23/03/2015 - 17:33

    NO !! _ Leave them at home with their grandparents whilst you 2 have a second honeymoon. You may even come home with an extra present to them - in your tummy!!

    • Mary Poppins on 23/03/2015 - 21:44
      +2

      LOL… Not sure about that one :-/

  • Sira on 23/03/2015 - 18:24

    I went there as an 18 year old with my father. Having had the ability to drink and gamble in Australia and not do so in Vegas made the whole thing very boring (and I was only there 4 days). I would suggest against taking them. Let them go later in life when they can enjoy everything Vegas has to offer.

  • TheAviator on 23/03/2015 - 19:06

    I went to Vegas with parents twice before I turned 21. If you're in to theatre shows, shopping, rides, dining and all the various attractions within the casino that don't involve actual gambling (as we were) then they will have a great time! Also keep in mind that under 21s are allowed to walk around on the gaming floor in the company of an adult, so it won't stop you from getting from place to place and at least they'll get to see all the slots machines and the tables.

    Also plenty of day trips available from Vegas, e.g. the Grand Canyon (must see!), Hoover Dam etc.

    But if staying in Vegas is just not an option, San Fran or Anaheim are great :)

  • SydStrand on 23/03/2015 - 20:45
    +1

    I went to Vegas as a kid twice. Your friend is grossly over-stating how 'bad' Vegas is, it's not a cesspool or meat market like Pattaya. Vegas is just like any other strip, except with casinos. There are also plenty of touristy things like stage shows for the family.

  • Mary Poppins on 23/03/2015 - 22:10

    Well thank you everyone… its great to be able to post questions to OzBargainers? knowing you can get the answers you seek… you have all certainly been a great help! I'll be checking out everyones links and suggestions now and trying to convince hubby that we should be taking our girls! I think they would be more than happy to just wander around all the shops and malls with me during the day (but will make sure we fit in a show or two) and watching a movie or two during the evenings while hubby and I check out the casinos… can't wait!! :-)

  • Dionnnn on 23/03/2015 - 22:45

    I went when I was 18 and 20. There are many comedy gigs. Make sure you go on the giant roller coaster at the new York hotel!

  • Mary Poppins on 23/03/2015 - 23:32
    +1

    How could anyone possibly think there's nothing for kids to do in Vegas… just came across this web page… http://www.vegas.com/attractions/attractions-for-kids/
    WOW!

  • Ols on 24/03/2015 - 04:45

    They don't even ID when I was in Vegas this year, I'm in my early 20ies and didn't get checked once! Your twin daughters are going to have a great time. Also check out downtown, I had a lot of fun walking around and checking out all the old places. I enjoyed the thrift stores and some of cheaper food you can find. From what I've heard it's a lot more expensive that it used to be. My parents where telling me you used to get free food at most places. But times have changed I guess.

    • Targaryen on 24/03/2015 - 08:00

      This is the Fremont which Mrs Vee may want to check out as well. Lots of entertainment for free for the family like bands, laser shows,etc.

    • lewislardboy on 24/03/2015 - 10:56

      You must have some kind of old-man face, mate: I'm in my 30's and couldn't sit down at a table without being ID'd. One of the most stringent locations for ID checking in the US.

    • anna10 on 25/03/2015 - 08:17

      Did you say THRIFT stores? :) where do you find those, plse be specific!
      Sorry, meant as reply to Ols, a few comments up.

  • Japius on 24/03/2015 - 10:15

    There is plenty to do besides gambling. Kids won't be bored unless you don't let them do anything fun lol. There's rides, pools, malls, plenty of shows, the casinos all know that entertaining kids will help get families there to gamble.

  • lewislardboy on 24/03/2015 - 10:59
    +1

    I'd question your husband's real intentions for trying to get you to meet after Vegas… jokes. But Vegas is way more fun without kids. Or a wife.

  • TheAccountant on 24/03/2015 - 11:33

    My sister is going over with her 16-yo son this weekend. I'll update with their opinions when they're back in a month.

  • obses2ion on 24/03/2015 - 18:12

    Hit up the outlets.

    I went with a group of girls recently (all aged 21+) and the first thing we did in Vegas was head straight for the outlets. There's the south and north outlets, quite similar range of stores although we only visited one. Browsed the Venetian the following day and my friends visited Madame Tussaud's wax museum. Hard Rock cafe for dinner later that night. You can also check out the ferris wheel or even go ziplining with a view of the strip. I actually missed out on gambling/clubbing in Vegas. In short, yes — there are ample activities outside of the standard Vegas must-dos.

  • konazz on 24/03/2015 - 19:15

    We went about 15 years ago. I was 13, my brother was 9 - we both remember it really well (for the wrong reasons for my brother).

    Grand Canyon flight/tour was awesome, except my brother had the fish @ the buffet lunch = gastro for 3 days.

    I got to go everywhere with my dad, and loved it - the IMAX, VR formula 1, the tigers, etc. Its a pretty fun place - I still have the area 51 number plate i bought in Las Vegas on the strip on my work cubicle… 15 years later.

    As others have said - go nuts shopping… although depending on how you're travelling, might be better to go in LA (more choice, and better luggage allowance for international flights on the way home)

  • inherentchoice on 24/03/2015 - 22:32

    Just remembered a place in Vegas that was full of teenage girls…

    M&M world!

    https://www.google.com.au/search?q=m%26m+world+vegas&rlz=1Y3…

  • porquoispas on 24/03/2015 - 22:56

    We recently went to Las Vegas with a ten year old. He had a blast! Las Vegas has a lot to offer to children if you make a bit of an effort. It has lots of gaming arcades and bigger than life architecture and lights which impresses young people. Make sure you take them to shows such as Cirque du soleil, they'll love it

  • cuteseal on 24/03/2015 - 23:10

    Was there recently on a business trip. I don't drink or gamble so I imagine your girls would view Vegas with roughly the same frame of mind as me. I filled up the time with stage shows, magic shows, Cirque du Soleil, gun shooting, day trip to Grand Canyon and just walking the strip, checking out the various Casino attractions (Bellagio fountain, New York New York roller coaster come to mind). The strip at night and the casinos are an amazing sight to behold but yeah there's only so much you can take in before it starts to look the same. There were a lot more I didn't get to do and wish I had - Freemont, Red Rock Canyon, museums, even cool stuff like segway or bike tours.

    The only problem is that all those activities cost a bit of money. Also as others pointed out, the hustlers on the strip get really old, fast, and the whole place starts to feel really seedy after a while. My own kids are much younger, but If I had teenage daughters, I would keep a real tight leash and wouldn't want them wandering the strip by themselves.

    The other consideration is what you and hubby are expecting to do - are you wanting to gamble while the kids just go off and "fend for themselves"? Or are you going to skip the casinos and do activities as a family?

    If the former, then I recommend you leave them behind. If the latter, then it could be worthwhile.

  • [Deactivated] on 25/03/2015 - 04:19

    My friend lives in Vegas. Say hi from me! :)

  • anawth on 25/03/2015 - 15:30
    -1

    I just don't think Vegas is a place you want to take your wife, let alone your daughters.
    I went there with my fiance and we were both bored after 3 days - and I'm quite into gambling.
    I think you'd be better served doing family stuff elsewhere in the states. Have them join you after.

  • raffaharley on 25/03/2015 - 15:52
    +1

    Mrs V, We just got back from Vegas with 2 teenage kids, and I can really understand your concerns. I was in two minds but I was glad I took them. It is a life experience and as long as you educate your kids, before, during and after your visit you should be right. It is a life lesson on what the world is all about and make sure they understand this. You see rich,poor,extravagance, drunks, sinners, losers, etc, as well as all the good things, so thats what to be aware of. Anyway you don't have to spend a cent gambling, there's so much to do in and out of the Casinos. Theres shows 24x7, theres shopping outlets, large shopping centres and stores, sight seeing, museums, and other outdoor activities. If you hire a car you can go to places like Fire Valley where the colours and terrain is unbeleivable, one thing, dont fall into the trap of going to see the Grand Canyon on a day trip….you will spend all day driving, and I mean all day. We stayed at Ceasers Palace in a massive suite…..somehow we managed an upgrade for just an extra $50 a night….see what you can get out of them…I noticed most are very flexible with their rates and what they can do. Personally I would have no hesitation taking my kids there again, just make sure one of you is with your girls at all times to guide them and make sure no-one tries to sell them something or invite them in anywhere.
    Basically if this is likely the only time you will get the chance to go as a family, then I would go.

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