anything to do for teenagers in vegas?

Question

I know it is said a family destination now....should i be comfortable with my 16 year old walking around by himself?

Answer 1

HE will love it.

YOU should have taken him to Disneyland. The answers above are all correct. This is sin city; its no place for kids. There's nothing but trouble for him to find.

Good luck!

:)

Answer 2

I'm not sure where in Las Vegas some of the previous responders have been hanging out, but in all my repeated visits I've never run across hookers in the streets, people asking directions to porn shops, or anything similar! All said, Las Vegas caters more to an adult audience, but depending on the vacation plan there are alot of things a teenager could enjoy there.

First, where are you staying? Most of the resorts on the strip have wonderful pools and it's not a bad place to spend some time hanging out and maybe find some other teens to hang out with (personal favs in the pool catagory from my stays would be The Mirage, Mandalay Bay, Bellagio, and The Palms).

There are some good destination spots for a day getaway for a little hiking at Red Rock canyon and Valley of Fire. Lake Mead is also close by for lake bound activities.

There is indoor Go Karting just off the strip. There is indoor Sky Diving in Las Vegas as well. Many of the resorts have arcades and some entertainment options. There are a couple art shows normally available on the Strip for those with artistic interests. There are also many shows appropriate for all ages. And there are some clubs that are also all ages. And there are also some rollercoasters and thrill rides on the strip (if he likes rollercoasters, maybe worth a drive down to Primm to Buffalo Bills).

If you are planning to go with a teenager, I think you are probably best to try and plan some set activities for your time there. Though some free time where he is on his own probably would be ok too if everyone is comfortable with that.

Answer 3

Scallywag is right... it's not a great family destination. For a time, the Vegas folks were marketing it as such, but it didn't work out financially. So, they went to the "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" campaign. There used to be a pretty cool pirate show in front of the Treasure Island Casino, where pirates would battle the British navy. However, it turned into a slightly different show, where the pirates are scantilly-clad females, and the other ship is all male... you get the idea.

I might let my 16YO son walk around Circus Circus by himself, but it's dirty and crowded there. The Fashion Show mall is OK, as well as the Forum Shops at Caesar's, and the Venetian. If you are staying at one of the nicer hotels on the strip, the pool is a nice place to hang out (But not at the Bellagio, as the previous responder mentioned... it's adults-only there).

I would not recommend walking down the Strip, and especially downtown. There are large hordes of men of different nationalities that hand out flyers for "escort services". Once you take one, a couple dozen more are thrust into your hand.
I wouldn't leave him alone in the room, either, unless you turn off the pay per view.

Answer 4

Are you kidding?
Vegas just moved back into the era of sleaze.
Hookers openly out on the street soliciting business and
pulling patrons into dark places.
Whatever made you think it is a family-friendly place?

Family-friendly brings more people, but less money - thats why they've reverted to the old ways.

Last time I was there, a guy was walking down the street with friends, a bouncer was outside a doorway, trying to call people in. The guy said "no thanks" with an obvious air of distain and the bouncer beat him up - the guy was a mess and more bouncers came out - we all took off.

If you must take kids (the buildings are amazing!) be sure you are inside the hotel before it gets dark.

Answer 5

Definetely NOT a city for anyone under the age of 21. The only place some-what for minors would be Circus Circus, but that gets old quik. I would not recommend Vegas as a family vacation spot. Stick to Disneyworld =)

Answer 6

last time I was there the first person I saw came up to me and asked me where any good porn shops are... and he was drunk.. ewww. Don't go .. it totally sucks for teens...haven't you watched National Lampoons Vegas Vacation?? Literally nothing to do fun and safe... stay away.. got to a family's house for the time and have more fun there.

Answer 7

Oh yea, there are hookers everywhere. He can entertain himself. If that gets boring there are strip clubs, drugs and dark alleys. It will be fine. It is only known as sin city. Don't worry about it.

Answer 8

there r alot of teen clubs

Answer 9

no, better to leave him at home or with a relative.