Looking for Vegas advice (kid friendly if possible)

hang-the-9

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
So next week is me and my son's Jr Nationals trip.

The only two things we have planned for sure is to play pool (well duh!), eat at the Rio buffet and go on the rollercoaster in one of the hotels (first roller coaster for him and first in a LONG time for me).

I am guessing there are no PG rated strip shows ;):D so anyone have any advice on where to take a 13 yr old in Vegas? Also keep in mind that said kid may be really pissed off that he lost two in a row during the Nationals and was done, although with how he's bee playing lately that is not too likely.

I do have to say that by order of the Wife, we Are Not Allowed To Visit National Parks and such Without HER Being There. Capitals are there based on how strongly she said that to me LOL.

So Hoover Dam is out, and places like that. Too bad, I was hoping to go on the Dam tour with the Dam guide.

I do plan on bugging the hell out of Justin from TAR to visit the studio with my son and see if can play a bit on that table, since he's going to be doing the live streaming for the Jr Nationals he'll have to put up with me at least for a little bit.
 
So next week is me and my son's Jr Nationals trip.

The only two things we have planned for sure is to play pool (well duh!), eat at the Rio buffet and go on the rollercoaster in one of the hotels (first roller coaster for him and first in a LONG time for me).

I am guessing there are no PG rated strip shows ;):D so anyone have any advice on where to take a 13 yr old in Vegas? Also keep in mind that said kid may be really pissed off that he lost two in a row during the Nationals and was done, although with how he's bee playing lately that is not too likely.

I do have to say that by order of the Wife, we Are Not Allowed To Visit National Parks and such Without HER Being There. Capitals are there based on how strongly she said that to me LOL.

So Hoover Dam is out, and places like that. Too bad, I was hoping to go on the Dam tour with the Dam guide.

I do plan on bugging the hell out of Justin from TAR to visit the studio with my son and see if can play a bit on that table, since he's going to be doing the live streaming for the Jr Nationals he'll have to put up with me at least for a little bit.

While it ain't no damn dam...Best Billiards LV is pretty damn cool. There is a shimmed Diamond in the back and if your boy can break/ run a rack on that then I will send him a
 
And there are famous people there too:
prince-harry-leaked-photos-2012-scandal-las-vegas.jpg
 
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Not really an expert on Vegas myself but there is a ton of free things to do or look at.

I am sure that when you get to your room, there will be lots of brochures to let you know whats happening around town.

A little further back from the Riv, there is one of those parachute deals. You know, where you jump inside and float around like you're sky diving.

I believe there is a very long zip line somewhere around Vegas. Could put him in the pit at Pool Sharks.

I'm sure you will find lots of reasonable kid friendly things to do.

Even a walk down Fremont St, can be fun. They have the music videos on the roof every night.

And the Double Decker buses will take you right to Fremont St. Very cheap for a 24 Hr pass. From one end of the Strip to downtown and back.
Lots of cool stuff to look at from the top of the bus.

Oh, I saw the coaster. Wouldn't get me on that if my life depended on it. I jumped out of a plane (pushed actually), and decided that heights were not my thing.

Terry likes dem buck fiddy Heinekens very much.
 
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Its been many years since I was in Vegas. I was young, had a couple of kids and the wife was in college. So we were on a shoe string budget to say the least lol. We actually spent one of the days just walking the strip visiting the hotels and picking up the free souvenirs the hotels gave out. It was very entertaining just seeing the architecture and details that went into several of the casinos. Its been too long to even remember the names, but I can remember walking down a long hall in one of them and the mural on the ceiling was unbelievable! I could have sworn I was outside on a beautiful day, the details were unreal.

I was going to suggest the Dam, and still will LOL. Just explain to your wife that this is a chance for your son to see something he may not have a chance to see again for a long time, if ever. You can always go back and do things with her. This is a trip for your son, and should be treated as such. So play the Son card on her and everything should be just fine :D

They may not be G rated, but hanging out at the hotels pools can also be entertaining :)

No matter the outcome of the tournament, tell him to be sure and enjoy it. Remind him that win or lose, tournaments like that is why he practices and plays so soak it up and learn all he can from the experience.

Woody
 
I'm heading out there also with my wife and son for the Junior tournament and one evening, we're planning on hitting up Margaritaville and then go watch the show at Treasure Island and then down to the Fountains and Bellagio. I'm also hoping to check out Count's Kustoms and Rick's Recovery from the Discovery Channel if time allows. And then Saturday night, I think we're going to head down to Freemont St. These are just a few of the things that we've found to do.
 
I can suggest the Mac King Comedy Magic Show as it is PG13 or thereabouts. I saw him last year as my company was considering him for an act for our sales meeting.

www.mackingshow.com is his web site.

Have a good time!

Brian in VA
 
Want to take him to a show -- go see Mac King Comedy Magic Show at Harrahs. It is a daytime show - two shows daily and $30 plus tax. There will be plenty of kids in the audience and he calls a few up on stage to help him. I highly recommend this. (edited - looks like brian also suggested this.)

There are other kid friendly shows that are more expensive that he would enjoy such as LeReve or Love. These are more pricey. Some of the cirque shows are not for kids. You can read reviews to pick it out.

Beyond that, you can take him to see the fountains at the Bellagio at night. Treasure Island battle. These are obviously free. Just don't have him look back at the strip and see the billboards driving by for a 'girlfriend for the night' and keep him away from the Mexicans handing out girlfriend pamphlets as well.

Mark Wilson will be out in Vega$ on July 25th. Find him and talk about your son's future as well.
 
Carnival games and shows at the Circus Circus he would probably enjoy. They have a shark exhibit at Mandalay Bay. Also the lions at MGM. There is a neat "state" park about 20 minutes west of Vegas called Red Rock Canyon. Then you have the M&M store etc on the strip.
 
Everyone wants to swim with the dolphins. I heard that swimming with the sharks can be a challenge.

Have to sign a waiver tho. I tried to get my ex wife to do it. Darn, and I could have got a refund on her return ticket too.
 
I lived in Las Vegas for 3 years and am there a lot. I think Circus Circus trends more to younger kids... There is a great roller coaster at New York New York....... I would suggest doing it at night. For one it will be much cooler, though still hot. There are other attractions that will interest kids his age.....

A must DO There is a Zip Line that goes through the canopy downtown on Freemont street. Its between 20 and 30 each .... it will be an experience you wont forget .... also do it at night
 
A lot of good suggestions have been made already but I would highly endorse the Shark Reef at Mandaly Bay. Also downtown they have a zip line down Fremont Street which might be of interest. It would scare the sh*t out of me but I don't know how adventuresome you two are. The Bellagio fountains are nice and the price is right. There is also a Go-Kart track west of town that could be something your son might like. I'm sure you'll have a blast ... hey, it's Vegas baby!
 
If you go to Best Billiards (recommended if you haven't had enough pool by that time) you can save $50 and take the bus from Fremont and West Flamingo, down West Flamingo and it stops right across the street from the strip center where Best is located. I forget the bus number but any hotel concierge can help you.

The Cirque du Soleil shows are quite an extravaganza and kid-friendly. There are probably 5-6 different Cirque du Soleil productions in Vegas right now. I think tickets run about $100+.
 
OH also The shark experience at Mandalay Bay IMO is not worth the money unless you have never done something like that...
 
Zip line on Fremont street as well as checking out the street performers and the atmosphere there. Stuff on top of the stratosphere. Coaster at New York New York. See all the touristy stuff like the Pirate show at Treasure Island, the Volcano at the Mirage, the fountains at the Bellagio. Find a show that interests you and see it. Walk the mall in the Venetian.

The great thing for a Vegas newbie is that there is tons of interesting stuff to see that is all ages and free.

Definitely rip up one of the awesome buffets...
 
Go see Blue Man Group if it is in your price range. I enjoyed it and I feel it is for all age groups.
 
If im not mistaken, theres a couple of fairly cheap magic shows in the afternoon, Mac King comes to mind, put on a great show for like $20 or something like that.
Can always go to Discount Firearms and shoot some full auto weapons or some suppressed ones, if you like that sort of stuff.
 
No more lions at MGM. Double check on the Carpenter 1 fire if going to Red Rock. Mt. Charleston would be the seasonal outdoor spot but is for sure closed by the fire. Lake Mead also a (hot) option.

Atomic Testing Museum, 755 E Flamingo. Other magic shows that would work are David Copperfield and Penn and Teller. Avoid Criss Angel. Pool Sharks, Best Billiards, Mickey's, Cue Club. Many movie theaters. Bowling at the Orleans.
 
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