Vegas...eh

[bright eyed]

So we're heading to Vegas for a whopping 6 nites, 7 days (not by choice), but I'm hoping to make the most of it.

It's not my ideal place - aside from the fact it was 113 friggin degrees on Saturday!

Any suggestions? I will be with the kiddos, but will also have opportunities to go out w/ adults since my family and friends are also going...

I don't want to spend a ton so will bring lots of food with me (esp for snacks for the kids) and I can't stomach 3 buffets per day for that long!

For now I plan on staying indoors until 4pm or so, hit the pool for a few hours, and maybe go "see" something in the evenings - but what is worth the effort?

Any tips or advice appreciated, kid friendly, heat friendly, etc etc...i haven't been for 10+ years so everything's pretty new to me...if i'm not back here after the 10th, don't look for me, I evaporated...

 

[Rambler]

If you don't gamble, what do you do in Vegas for a whole week?

 

[Leonidas]

Took the whole family to Vegas last Summer. Kids were 15 & 18 at the time.

It was my first time on the Strip, as I always stay downtown and do the cheap gambling. It's been a few years since I was there last myself.

I'm not sure if it was because we were on the strip, or if the Vegas business model has changed, but I didn't see any of the great food deals like I was used to. We ate at only one buffet and it was pretty pricey compared to what I have had there in the past. Most of our meals were at the hotel we stayed at (Venetian) and the food was good but not inexpensive.

Good stuff - The shows. We saw three of the Cirque du Soleil shows, all were fantastic. We also saw Penn & Teller. Oldest kid loves magic and he got to be in the show.

Take the bus that runs down the strip unless you're in a hurry. Buy the all day ticket. Taxis are generally not that bad. Traffic is pretty bad, drive at your own risk. We didn't mind walking, we live in a hot climate and found the dry heat a pleasant change, but the sun will burn you before you realize it.

In general, there is a lot of trash on the Strip. Most of it walks around on two-legs. Seriously, I've never seen so many trashy people in one spot before. The shops at the Venetian and Caesars were fun to stroll through. The Venetian shopping area has a food court if you're looking for somewhat less expensive food. The buffet at the Wynn was not too shabby.

There is a nice collection of antique cars at one of the hotels on the strip. Look for coupons in the ever-present coupon books found for free in the casino for free/reduced entry fee. We used our AAA card and got the same deal. We spent a couple of hours in there.

 

[kumquat]

I think Vegas has a Triple A ball team?

 

[clifp]

I was in a Vegas a couple of weeks ago for a week and typical spend 10 nights a year there. Other than playing poker one of the most interested experience was visiting the Atomic testing museum right near the strip.

Ok, maybe the kids wouldn't like but it, if they are boys watching super big bombs blow up things is pretty cool. I got a kick out of the 50s commercial touting our friend the atom, duck and cover movies. An atomic testing simulator isn't half bad either. Look for $2 off coupons I think there are even 2-1 for coupons around somewhere

Imperial Palace has a free auto collection not the best I've ever seen but the price (free) is right.

I'm a sucker for the star trek exhibit, corny but pretty cool if you are a trekie. If you aren't fan obviously don't go.

Virtually all of the top end new casinos, Mirage, Wynn, Bellagio, Venetian, and Treasure Island have some type of free or relative inexpensive attraction, pirates, art collection, Tigers etc.

Vegas has some great restaurants, unfortunately the days of cheap food in Vegas are pretty much history. Still it is worth signing for players cards at most casino since they do give you discount coupons on attractions, shopping and on some foods.

Definitely worth spending some time with Google if you are looking for bargains.
If you do gamble make sure to give them your players card before putting a dime in a slot, or dollar on a table and concentrate your gambling on one property or group like Harrahs. Of course the smartest thing isn't to gamble but you knew that...

 

[happy2bretired]

When we were there (quite a few years ago) we took a bus tour to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. That was fun for us. It took a whole day, so that was a nice relief from being IN LV the entire time.

 

[haha]

It might not appeal to everyone, but a bus out to Boulder Dam IMO is a nice afternoon. Along with Coulee Dam in Washington it is one of the real achievements of America in the 30s. It can be thrilling to stand out on the dam and feel the generators spinning down below. As I remember it is a cheap trip.

Ha

 

[Shawn]

I was there last month for work. Go to the top of the Stratosphere and ride the three rides. They go into the night. There are lot of outdoor activities, but it will be more difficult with the summer heat and if you plan to stay indoors until 4:00pm. There are still a few cheap food deals, but they will be off the Strip.

 

[DangerMouse]

We were there a week ago and boy was it hot.

We did not do much besides play the slots for a bit (got the MGM card) as we were staying at the Bellagio. DH did a sunset helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon (goodbye $500) and we had dinner at the steak house at Bally's. We did a bit of window shopping at Caeser's Palace and took a monorail ride.

Not sure how you would stay amused for that length of time in the current heat being experienced.

 

[bright eyed]

thanks for the ideas!

I don't gamble, but will put a few coins in a machine here or there...

The day trip to the canyon sounds interesting - but hot ! and i think we'll have to watch at least one show, prob cirque...

 

[Leonidas]

Imperial Palace has a free auto collection not the best I've ever seen but the price (free) is right.

That's the car show I was talking about. If you're out on the strip it is a good place to take a break from the heat.

The dam tour is not to be missed, especially if you have kids along.

Don't forget the dancing water fountains in front of the Bellagio.

 

[mh]

Something besides the same old L.V. junk.

Something besides the same old L.V. junk.

Springs preserve

Springs Preserve - Official Web Site


Valley of fire state park

Nevada Division of State Parks - Valley of Fire State Park


If you like english style brass bands. These guys are fun to see it they are playing when you
are there.

Las Vegas Brass Band

 

[HFWR]

I'd recommend Blue Man Group :: Las Vegas Ticket.

 

[bright eyed]

i'm suffering sticker shock at some of the ticket show prices! $165 per ticket for cirque?

 

[ChrisC]

i'm suffering sticker shock at some of the ticket show prices! $165 per ticket for cirque?

There's a same day discount ticket price booth at two places on the Vegas Strip; one was right across the street from the City Center project under development near the Monte Carlo. Some shows I would pay a lot to see -- maybe even Cirque if I hadn't seen it before at Vegas or at other venues. I saw Blue Man Group last year in Vegas; I could not recommend this to anyone of the Baby Boomer generation -- there's a lot of noise and stupid humor stuff to this show and you need a certain, off-beat humor to appreciate it, which I lack for $100 plus tickets.

 

[clifp]

There's a same day discount ticket price booth at two places on the Vegas Strip; one was right across the street from the City Center project under development near the Monte Carlo. Some shows I would pay a lot to see -- maybe even Cirque if I hadn't seen it before at Vegas or at other venues. I saw Blue Man Group last year in Vegas; I could not recommend this to anyone of the Baby Boomer generation -- there's a lot of noise and stupid humor stuff to this show and you need a certain, off-beat humor to appreciate it, which I lack for $100 plus tickets.

That's too bad Blue Man group was one of the few Vegas shows on my list to see. My general problem with Vegas shows beside the outrageous prices is the shows are abbreviated to so they can run 2 a night. I loved the production of Phantom, but it was a good 1/2 hour shorter than other productions of seen. On the other hand Beach Blanket at Vegas (which has mercifully ended it is run, and I pray will never returns) was a good 1 hour 20 minutes to long!

Next time I will definitely check out the discount ticket window.

 

[Goonie]

I'd recommend Blue Man Group :: Las Vegas Ticket.

I haven't seen the Blue Man Group in Vegas, but based on their shows in Chicago, I'd recommend them also. It was a fun time for young and old.

Since you don't plan to venture out until the early evening, you might want to go check out the Fremont Street Experience, (click on the "VIVAVision" icon toward the bottom-center of the page to read about it and see shots of it). It's a GIANT continuous 3 or 4 block long big-screen....overhead! They have a show on it, IIRC, at the top of the hour that lasts about 5-10 minutes......lights and sound! Everybody just stops walking and stands there and watches and listens to it. The best ones we saw when we were there were an alien invasion, and a NASCAR race. BTW, those blocks of Fremont St. are a pedestrian only area, and is shaded all day by the huge overhead screen. It was upper 90's to low-100's, and with the 5% (or less) humidty, while we were there, I found it was very comfortable! And I HATE hot weather!!!

Also we had a very nice prime rib dinner with all the trimmings for $4 at one of the casinos there on Fremont St.....no coupon needed.....just walk in starting about 4 or 4:30pm. I think it may have been at Binion's, but I don't recall for certain.

Just a short trip away.....and they have shuttles.....is the Grand Canyon Skywalk. I really wanted to go there when we were out in Vegas a few years ago, but it wasn't open yet. I think that would be awesome! There's other stuff to do and see there also.

Happy Travels!

 

[Vinnyfrombrooklyn]

I agree the car show at the Imperial palce is cool place to take a break from the heat. It is 6.95 but like said above the coupon books all have 2 for 1 admission. If you have a players card from Harrahs (they also own imperial) you go to the rewards booth at imperial and they will give you FREE admision. I go there 4 times a year. Cadillac's at Las Vegas Car Show

If you want to listen to a band they have free concerts in the Harrahs "carnival court" its outside and they have excellent cheeseburgers. The watershow at Bellagio is a must see and if you feel like paying time it and see it from the top of the eifeel tower.

The shark reef at Mandadly bay is excellent there is probably coupons for that also. You can see the lions at the MGM (free) and there is a cool rainforest cafe that has good food at ok prices. Good for the family.

If you like rollercoasters you need to do the one on the roof of NY NY

 

[Westernskies]

Drive up to Mt. Charleston- it is very scenic and up out of the desert heat.

Lake Mead- rent a boat or jet skis for the day. Lots of territory to explore.

Grand Canyon- crowds are off this year. Definitely worth seeing if you are that close.

Hoover Dam Tour. Great experience.

I despise the casinos, and always look for other activities when I am there on business, usually 1-2 trade shows/year.

 

[HFWR]

...and you need a certain, off-beat humor to appreciate it...

Check...

FWIW, I too saw the Chicago version. The music, effects, lights, etc, were innovative and well choreographed, and those guys and gals are talented in many ways. Like smurfs on acid...

 

[Goonie]

....Like smurfs on acid...

.

 

[haha]

I despise the casinos, and always look for other activities when I am there on business, usually 1-2 trade shows/year.

Too bad. Poker and sports betting are God's training camp for investing.

Plus the AC is turned up, the chairs are comfy, the lights are dim, the cocktail waitresses are cute, and best of all there are banks of the worlds biggest TVs.

No better place on a Saturday in early fall. Due to time differences you can sometimes get started while you are having breakfast. Watch BC and Rutgers while you eat your bacon and eggs and fill out your parley cards for later games.

Ha

 

[Caroline]

DH did a sunset helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon (goodbye $500)

I took a plane trip over grand canyon on the way to a river trip once -- I was ok but for everyone else it was goodbye LUNCH.

I second the recommendations for Hoover Dam and North Rim of the GC. The dam tour is pretty interesting. If you can get to Zion National Park hike a little way up the Narrows -- you'll be wading in the river, and the canyon walls shade and cool you.

I've driven to Bryce and Cedar Breaks also. These parks are higher in altitude and hence, cooler -- the latter had snow on the ground in June. I don't know if busses run there.

I was in Lost Wages on business once and a client took us to the jousting tournament at Excalibur. Avoid this like the PLAGUE!!!! Nauseating food, too much noise, and a crowd you don't really want to rub elbows with.

Lastly, have a good time! Let us know what you did and how it went!

 

[bright eyed]

thanks for the tip on the discount tickets! i will definitely check that out!

the excursions sound fun, but i'm still wary of the heat...maybe if we go back in the winter or spring? although it might "only" be like 108 instead of 113...hehe

i did see there is an M&M factory, so the kids will probably enjoy that (ya think?)!

 

[haha]

How do people who live so cheaply develop such patrician tastes?

I think I would rather not rewash refrigerator bags but settle for an ordinary level of entertainment opulence.

I saw the Lippizaners when my youngest son was little- we both loved it! I can't remember the crowd one way or another. I don't recall anyone wearing a tuxedo.

Ha