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Message
Vegas with Teenagers
Posted on 2/2/23 at 11:19 am
Posted on 2/2/23 at 11:19 am
Our special needs son (spectrum with some developmental delays) is turning 18. We wanted to make it special for him, so we decided to go to Vegas, as he's goofy and into that sort of thing.
Not the idea of a good time for my wife and I (we prefer rustic, outdoor, and older culture). Regardless, I'm looking for tips for a good time for him. He doesn't want to gamble, but he definitely would be into going to shows. Are there ways to get cheap tickets and such like day-of on Broadway? Any tips? Other must sees or must dos. He loves food and likes cheesy shows like Diners Drive Ins and Dives as well as Hells Kitchen.
We're also dragging our 15 year old along on the trip, since he's basically the only "friend" our older son has...
Debating on staying at Circus Circus, Mandalay Bay or STatosphere. The trip is in two weeks (the weekend AFTER super bowl weekend, thankfully). I figure there are some Vegas experts on here, so hit me with your tips. Staying Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Fly out on Sunday.
Here’s the report:
Time for our trip report:
1) We had a fine time. My kid being on the spectrum wasn't really an issue other than one night when some dude was raging angrily down the sidewalk and my son stared at him and the guy yelled at my son for staring at him. It was defused easily.
2) We stayed at the Wyn Encore. It was nice. The smoking definitely bothered us. We visited the MGM Park to check out Eataly, and I would definitely stay there if we were to go back. The lack of smoke in the casino/lobby areas was wonderful. The MGM also seemed to have more teenagers, probably for sports/dance tournaments at the nearby convention center.
3) Went out and hiked Red Rocks. That was fun.
4) Went to the Neon Graveyard, which was cool. Went to the Fremont Street Experience that night, which was insane (in a mostly good way).
5) Went to Seven Magic Mountains, which was okay. There was a Baja style truck race going on right behind it, which was really cool. I saw a truck roll and lose its tire.
6) Went to the Beatles Cirque (Love). It was great.
7) Did the Venetian area a couple of times just to get out and walk. That was fun.
Overall, we had a good time (my family always has a good time when we travel). None of us have much of a desire to go back, but we definitely enjoyed ourselves. Our favorite place to eat was Urth Cafe, which was in the Wyn. We ate breakfast there a couple of times and got a pizza as well. My kids like to drink tea, and they had good tea options, too. Evidently it's a California chain. I wish we would have gone and eaten at the food court in the Cosmopolitan, as that looked like some of the better food... but we just kind of ran out of time.
Not the idea of a good time for my wife and I (we prefer rustic, outdoor, and older culture). Regardless, I'm looking for tips for a good time for him. He doesn't want to gamble, but he definitely would be into going to shows. Are there ways to get cheap tickets and such like day-of on Broadway? Any tips? Other must sees or must dos. He loves food and likes cheesy shows like Diners Drive Ins and Dives as well as Hells Kitchen.
We're also dragging our 15 year old along on the trip, since he's basically the only "friend" our older son has...
Debating on staying at Circus Circus, Mandalay Bay or STatosphere. The trip is in two weeks (the weekend AFTER super bowl weekend, thankfully). I figure there are some Vegas experts on here, so hit me with your tips. Staying Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Fly out on Sunday.
Here’s the report:
Time for our trip report:
1) We had a fine time. My kid being on the spectrum wasn't really an issue other than one night when some dude was raging angrily down the sidewalk and my son stared at him and the guy yelled at my son for staring at him. It was defused easily.
2) We stayed at the Wyn Encore. It was nice. The smoking definitely bothered us. We visited the MGM Park to check out Eataly, and I would definitely stay there if we were to go back. The lack of smoke in the casino/lobby areas was wonderful. The MGM also seemed to have more teenagers, probably for sports/dance tournaments at the nearby convention center.
3) Went out and hiked Red Rocks. That was fun.
4) Went to the Neon Graveyard, which was cool. Went to the Fremont Street Experience that night, which was insane (in a mostly good way).
5) Went to Seven Magic Mountains, which was okay. There was a Baja style truck race going on right behind it, which was really cool. I saw a truck roll and lose its tire.
6) Went to the Beatles Cirque (Love). It was great.
7) Did the Venetian area a couple of times just to get out and walk. That was fun.
Overall, we had a good time (my family always has a good time when we travel). None of us have much of a desire to go back, but we definitely enjoyed ourselves. Our favorite place to eat was Urth Cafe, which was in the Wyn. We ate breakfast there a couple of times and got a pizza as well. My kids like to drink tea, and they had good tea options, too. Evidently it's a California chain. I wish we would have gone and eaten at the food court in the Cosmopolitan, as that looked like some of the better food... but we just kind of ran out of time.
This post was edited on 2/20/23 at 1:54 pm
20
Posted on 2/2/23 at 12:07 pm to hogfly
Listen to me closely here.
1. I have spent a ton of time in Vegas for work and play.
2. Two of my very close friends have children with similar conditions as your sons.
Do NOT go to Vegas.
Vegas, by design, is extremely over the top. Crowds, noise, flashing lights, complete and utter sensory overload. It is why people say to never do more than two or even three nights there. It's not just the casino floors either. Everything is a sensory assault.
There are lots of places you can go for shows and fun besides LV. Don't do it.
ETA: I know you don't know much about LV because, of the three hotels you named, Circus Circus and the Strat are #'s 1 and 2 on every "don't stay here" list that is published.
1. I have spent a ton of time in Vegas for work and play.
2. Two of my very close friends have children with similar conditions as your sons.
Do NOT go to Vegas.
Vegas, by design, is extremely over the top. Crowds, noise, flashing lights, complete and utter sensory overload. It is why people say to never do more than two or even three nights there. It's not just the casino floors either. Everything is a sensory assault.
There are lots of places you can go for shows and fun besides LV. Don't do it.
ETA: I know you don't know much about LV because, of the three hotels you named, Circus Circus and the Strat are #'s 1 and 2 on every "don't stay here" list that is published.
This post was edited on 2/2/23 at 12:09 pm
Posted on 2/2/23 at 12:08 pm to hogfly
they would probably like the Michael Jackson and Beatles shows for sure
for an outdoor trip, take them to Hoover Dam or Grand Canyon tours
take them up top at Paris casino for the views of the strip
old vegas is neat too
all the foodie stars have restaurants somewhere on the strip - overpriced food though
take them to Otoro in the Mirage - you can cook your food on this hot rock
for an outdoor trip, take them to Hoover Dam or Grand Canyon tours
take them up top at Paris casino for the views of the strip
old vegas is neat too
all the foodie stars have restaurants somewhere on the strip - overpriced food though
take them to Otoro in the Mirage - you can cook your food on this hot rock
Posted on 2/2/23 at 12:12 pm to hogfly
Of the three of those, go Mandalay Bay hands down. There’s a shark reef aquarium there and a great pool area. Check out Flamingo if you want a hotel closer to the action on the Strip.
Resorts on the Strip are far apart. They don’t look like it, but definitely Uber if you stay at MB. Be ready to walk. A lot.
Cirque’s Ka at MGM Grand is awesome. Great for teenage boys.
It’s fun to walk through the different casinos and check out the theming.
M&Ms World on the Strip is a lot of fun.
Sign up for MLife and Caesar’s Rewards and book your stay directly with them once you choose your resort. It’s free to sign up and you’ll save a lot of money.
You don’t need to rent a car. You can Uber or grab a shuttle to your resort from the airport.
Is your son photosensitive? There’s a lot of bling, noise, and flashing lights everywhere.
I think Vegas is fine for a 15 and 18 y.o. I’d be more worried about your son getting overstimulated.
Resorts on the Strip are far apart. They don’t look like it, but definitely Uber if you stay at MB. Be ready to walk. A lot.
Cirque’s Ka at MGM Grand is awesome. Great for teenage boys.
It’s fun to walk through the different casinos and check out the theming.
M&Ms World on the Strip is a lot of fun.
Sign up for MLife and Caesar’s Rewards and book your stay directly with them once you choose your resort. It’s free to sign up and you’ll save a lot of money.
You don’t need to rent a car. You can Uber or grab a shuttle to your resort from the airport.
Is your son photosensitive? There’s a lot of bling, noise, and flashing lights everywhere.
I think Vegas is fine for a 15 and 18 y.o. I’d be more worried about your son getting overstimulated.
This post was edited on 2/2/23 at 12:16 pm
Posted on 2/2/23 at 12:23 pm to hogfly
quote:
He loves food and likes cheesy shows
Pawn Stars?
Also, might be of interest: https://www.foodnetwork.com/restaurants/shows/diners-drive-ins-and-dives/nevada/all-the-diners-drive-ins-and-dives-in-las-vegas
Posted on 2/2/23 at 12:53 pm to hogfly
Based on what others have said, may consider NY as an alternative. It also has lots of what you're looking for.
But if you go to Vegas:
Helicopter tour into the Grand Canyon is awesome. Get to eat lunch by the CO river
Go through the Mirage to see the tigers
Fountains and Gardens at Bellagio
Gondola rides at the Venetian
Rides at New York and Stratosphere
There're stands on the strip where you can buy discounted tickets the day of for most shows.
But if you go to Vegas:
Helicopter tour into the Grand Canyon is awesome. Get to eat lunch by the CO river
Go through the Mirage to see the tigers
Fountains and Gardens at Bellagio
Gondola rides at the Venetian
Rides at New York and Stratosphere
There're stands on the strip where you can buy discounted tickets the day of for most shows.
Posted on 2/2/23 at 1:05 pm to bluestem75
quote:
Is your son photosensitive? There’s a lot of bling, noise, and flashing lights everywhere.
He doesn't really have a major issue with sensory overload. He can get distracted/fixated by things, but it doesn't freak him out or wear him out. He's more social difficulty and fixation with some anxiety thrown in. I don't THINK that the bright lights and crowds and such will stress him, as long as it isn't stressing us.
This post was edited on 2/2/23 at 1:08 pm
Posted on 2/2/23 at 1:28 pm to hogfly
If he’s 18, take him to a brothel.
Posted on 2/2/23 at 1:40 pm to hogfly
quote:
Vegas with Teenagers
...is the last thing I would do.
Posted on 2/2/23 at 2:34 pm to hogfly
quote:
He loves food and likes cheesy shows like Diners Drive Ins and Dives as well as Hells Kitchen.
Take him to Heart Attack Grill. It's been on DD&D and other food show. They dress you in hospital gowns and serve gigantic, over-the-top burgers and such. It's a total cheese fest, but sounds like it might be up his alley.
Your hotel choices are a bit sketchy, but of those, I would say Mandalay Bay.
Posted on 2/2/23 at 2:54 pm to jfw3535
Totally open to other hotels. I basically just googled “best hotels for Teenagers in Vegas” so I’m not married to anything.
Posted on 2/2/23 at 2:59 pm to hogfly
Definitely pick MB out of those hotels....
Carrot Top might be a good choice for a show for the family.
Obviously Hell's Kitchen for a meal. Nacho Daddy would be a good spot as well. Yardbird at Venetian is good. Also try a unique Vegas spot like Peppermill...I prefer it for breakfast.
Not sure if he's into the mob or not but the Mob Museum is a good time......and if he is I'd eat at the old mob hangout Piero's. It's one of my favorite Vegas spots. Their ossobuco is the best I've ever had.
As far as outdoor activities we really like the Valley of Fire. Hoover Dam tour is cool too.
Carrot Top might be a good choice for a show for the family.
Obviously Hell's Kitchen for a meal. Nacho Daddy would be a good spot as well. Yardbird at Venetian is good. Also try a unique Vegas spot like Peppermill...I prefer it for breakfast.
Not sure if he's into the mob or not but the Mob Museum is a good time......and if he is I'd eat at the old mob hangout Piero's. It's one of my favorite Vegas spots. Their ossobuco is the best I've ever had.
As far as outdoor activities we really like the Valley of Fire. Hoover Dam tour is cool too.
This post was edited on 2/2/23 at 3:05 pm
Posted on 2/2/23 at 3:17 pm to hogfly
I don't know what your budget is, but I've always like the Venetian.
Posted on 2/2/23 at 3:43 pm to hogfly
vegas is a great option. there is soooo much to do. its not the cheapest destination but its a great place. I have been 8-10 times now and still havent seen everything there is to do.
David blaine is doing a show a couple of times a month. I havent been yet but is on my #1 thing to do list for a weekend that I go that he will be in town for.
another great show is shin lim if you like magic/sleight of hand. He is very good.
mad apple is a great show and alot of fun and energy. some of the comedy act is a little vulgar not sure how sheltered the kids are. The show itself is one of my favorites. put him in STGR row a seat 6. that seat is the best value in las vegas. it is so cheap and you feel like you are in the show. all the others I recommend are 100% kid friendly...
There are very good arcades at pretty much every resort.
dont stay at circus circus but the adventuredome is kind of fun.
paranormal is another decent magic show
mat franco magic reinvented is decent
banachecks mind games was decent
the mentalist was decent
Only cirque show I have seen besides mad apple was mystere and it sucked.
The venetian is a great spot to walk around for an afternoon.
I have been staying at excalibur the last few times. Its a decent option price wise and is clean enough.
also fremont isnt a bad afternoon or night. there is usually something going on down there.
David blaine is doing a show a couple of times a month. I havent been yet but is on my #1 thing to do list for a weekend that I go that he will be in town for.
another great show is shin lim if you like magic/sleight of hand. He is very good.
mad apple is a great show and alot of fun and energy. some of the comedy act is a little vulgar not sure how sheltered the kids are. The show itself is one of my favorites. put him in STGR row a seat 6. that seat is the best value in las vegas. it is so cheap and you feel like you are in the show. all the others I recommend are 100% kid friendly...
There are very good arcades at pretty much every resort.
dont stay at circus circus but the adventuredome is kind of fun.
paranormal is another decent magic show
mat franco magic reinvented is decent
banachecks mind games was decent
the mentalist was decent
Only cirque show I have seen besides mad apple was mystere and it sucked.
The venetian is a great spot to walk around for an afternoon.
I have been staying at excalibur the last few times. Its a decent option price wise and is clean enough.
also fremont isnt a bad afternoon or night. there is usually something going on down there.
This post was edited on 2/2/23 at 3:55 pm
Posted on 2/2/23 at 4:33 pm to hogfly
Of the 3 hotels you mention, the Mandalay Bay is by far the nicest, but I don't like being on that end of the strip. I like staying in the Caesar's Palace area. If price is a consideration, look at some of the others around there such as the Paris. But Mandalay Bay would be fine. I have stayed at the MGM Grand before and it was fine. I just prefer being close to the center of the strip. I would not want to stay at Circus Circus or the Strat.
Posted on 2/2/23 at 5:31 pm to geauxpurple
If you want to give him a gambling experience look up casinoquest.biz
I watch these guys on their youtube channel ceg dealer school. You can pay like $25 an hour to get lessons on the different games. Im prob gonna domit next time I go. I watch the 2 guys do roulette videos and they are really entertaining.
I watch these guys on their youtube channel ceg dealer school. You can pay like $25 an hour to get lessons on the different games. Im prob gonna domit next time I go. I watch the 2 guys do roulette videos and they are really entertaining.
Posted on 2/3/23 at 9:29 am to hogfly
I took my whole family on a Vegas Vacation once in the 90s. Stayed at the Mirage around when Wayne Newton was really big there. My son claimed there was nothing to do there but actually had a great time. Won 4 cars on slot machines with his fake ID. The daughter hung out with her cousin and seemed to enjoy herself too. I lost most of our savings there but it was the last Vacation we took as a family so it was special. Ended up renewing the wedding vows on our last night which was cool.
Posted on 2/3/23 at 9:46 am to Clark W Griswold
I chuckled.
Posted on 2/3/23 at 10:58 am to hogfly
quote:
Totally open to other hotels. I basically just googled “best hotels for Teenagers in Vegas” so I’m not married to anything.
Good, because the Stratosphere and Circus Circus are very old and just reek of smoke. I avoid Circus Circus completely and just go to the Strat to go up in the Tower to the Lounge sometimes when taking someone who has never been to Vegas. You pretty much picked the worst hotels on the Strip.
Posted on 2/3/23 at 11:09 am to hogfly
quote:
He doesn't want to gamble, but he definitely would be into going to shows.
You know they legally can't, right? Must be 21+ to gamble in vegas
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