Should I take a baby to Las Vegas?
photos and story by John Wilson
My wife and I had this conversation several times, all the way up to the minute before we boarded the plane. Now that we are back, I would say you can definitely have a good time with a baby in Las Vegas, but it is a different kind of vacation. Here is what to expect:
When we were trying to decide where to go on family vacation, our criteria was simply – have a good time, spend time together, get out of our current town. We typically try not to go to beaches since we live at one. I have always enjoyed Las Vegas, and have been there now five times. It fit all of our criteria and gave us a chance to do something you don’t typically do when visiting there, actually explore the city. It was also something we thought we could do with our five month old.
When most people think of visiting Las Vegas, I don’t think they consider it a “vacation” but more of a “getaway.” By that I mean most people go to Las Vegas with a mission – get drunk, gamble, find girls/guys, stay up all night. Our approach was different – let’s see what Las Vegas is like during the day. We planned trips to Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon and the West Rim of the Grand Canyon (we didn’t make it) as well as side trips to see the World Series of Poker, The Ultimate Fighter Training Center and the Pawn Stars pawn shop.
If you are taking a baby to Las Vegas, I highly suggest you rent an automobile and take your own car seat. The car seats offered by rental car companies, that I saw, are pretty raggedy. With the car, we had the opportunity to explore the outskirts of The Strip, something that would cost you a fortune (or your life) without transportation. Driving through Summerlin, up and down Paradise and Spring Valley Road, as well as making it to Hoover Dam are all things you can enjoy with a car. Paradise and Spring Valley Road are two of the “side roads” that you can use when trying to avoid the traffic on the strip.
There are some other things you can expect to do (or take advantage of) when traveling with a baby in Las Vegas:
- Taking naps and resting more than usual (this makes Las Vegas much more enjoyable)
- Carrying around bottles, diaper bags, toys, etc.
- Searching for the elevators in Casinos (see future post)
- Saving money by gambling less
- Getting stopped to have people tell you how cute your baby is
- Not being hung over every morning
- Visiting more free attractions/exhibits/museums/parks
- Saving money on alcohol and night clubs
Most of the above are positive. We really enjoyed the time we had in Vegas with our five month old and I wouldn’t have traded it for a month of babyless Las Vegas – just expect a different kind of Las Vegas.
My husband and I are planning a vegas trip with our children (5 month old and 5 year old). Can you please tell me what activites you did and where you stayed that was infant friendly? Thanks.
These are some activities that would be fun with an infant (not necessarily FOR an infant):
– Red Rock Canyon
– Hoover Dam (take sunscreen and an umbrella – there’s no where to hide from the heat)
– Swimming at any of the hotels
– (Free) Standing exhibits at many of the hotels – Lions at MGM, Circus acts at Circus Circus
– (Paid) Standing exhibits at many of the hotels – Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, Secret Garden at The Mirage
– Light show on Freemont Street
– Talking statues at the Forum Shops (could be scary for kids)
– Lion King at Mandalay Bay
Also, check outside of the Strip for more activities. Also – RENT A CAR. You will thank me when you return.
Consider staying at a hotel with non-smoking rooms and with restaurants that are child friendly. Consider:
– Tournament of Kings
– Hard Rock Cafe
– Rain Forest Cafe
– and many more – that are child friendly or cater to kids.
Good luck – come back and let me know how it went.
Also – take your own car seat. The ones the rental car folks have are gross.