Been to Vegas with kids?

[Heidi]

We are going to Vegas with our 15-month son, for a wedding. Needless to say, we're a little nervous about the long plane trip and about how in the world we're going to entertain him in the hotel room, with no VCR! Luckily, my folks are meeting us there and we'll be taking 'baby shifts'. Has anyone been out there with kids? Do you recommend any attactions or places to eat that are baby/kid-friendly? We are staying at the Excalibur.

[Kat]

Hi, Heidi.
Yes. We were in Vegas last September (so that would make my DS 17 months old). We actually drove there, since we live in California. We stayed at Paris and had a blast!
We initially thought that we would be very limited as to what we can do, but we ended up doing a lot of fun stuff. Every day we were there, we took DS in a stroller for a ride to tour all the different hotels and shops. Most hotels are baby-friendly, except I had heard that Bellagio didn't allow kids unless they were hotel guests. We went in, but nobody stopped us. How would they figure out who was staying there and who was just visiting anyway??

As for fun stuff for kids, Circus Circus might be worth going to. But to tell you the truth, at that young of an age, my DS enjoyed all the lights and sounds around him (especially when passing through the casinos!). One thing you can't do is gamble in the presence of your child. They will tell you to go away.

We did a lot of room service, just so that DS can have freedom in the hotel room instead of being confined in a strange high chair at a buffet.

Let me know if you have anymore questions!
Have fun!!!

Kat

[Crafty Amanda]

I used to live in Henderson, next door to Vegas. Even though I didn't venture downtown to the strip too often, I've been to many of the hotels/casinos.

Excalibur has some good kid stuff, fun things to look at, a dinner that your little one will fit right in at (you eat with your hands LOL!).

Circus Circus has all the games, a midway, baby rides in the fun park (in the pink dome) and a circus act. I DO NOT recommend the buffet at Circus Circus, it's GROSS! However MGM has an awesome buffet as does the Rio (Rio is a bit off the strip). I'm not certain what New York New York has to offer as I moved out of there before I had time to get to know it.

It's still not warm enough for the swimming pool, but I believe a couple of the hotels may have indoor pools, you'll have to call around on that.

Of course, your little one will enjoy the stroller rides the most, since walking is the transportation of choice out there However, you are not allowed in the casinos at all with kids under 21, so don't even consider walking with him AND planning on gambling at the same time. He cannot even sit in the stroller when you sit at a slot machine, they will let you walk through the casino, but don't stop! They will say something to!

Have fun, but keep in mind your little guy may be too small to really enjoy any of the attractions, so you may want to just stick with the buffet or McDonalds and let Grandma and Grandpa enjoy his company

[Heidi]

Thanks for the input. Makes me feel better to know that others have gone been there with little ones and actually enjoyed themselves... My ds is quite a trooper and I'm sure he'll adjust fine. We'll tire him out so he'll just pass out in his crib. That's funny - I have heard the same comment about the Circus Circus buffet from so many people. Unfortunately, the Excalibur buffet is said to be lousy too. Figures.

[Crafty Amanda]

That's true, Excalibur is gross too LOL

But the plus is that MGM has a great one and it's right across the street!

[Kat]

Yes! Amanda is right about the Rio Buffet. It's really great!
It is off the strip, so you will have to drive there, though. It's a long walk (too long for me with stroller).

You'll have to tell us your Vegas experience when you return.
When are you going, and how long are you going for?
The last time I was there, we stayed at Paris for 5 nights. It was a no-rush, relaxing trip.

Have Fun!!!




Kat