Thinking of taking your teens to Las Vegas? When I think of Las Vegas, I think of an adult vacation. We’ve been going to Vegas every summer for our annual “grown-up” trip without fail and have always promised the kids we would take them when they turn 21. So why on earth did we take them with us this summer? Would I do it again? What in the world did we do to entertain them?
Why we chose to take our kids
Last year around Christmas time, we discovered that my daughter’s all-time favorite band (Aerosmith) was going to be playing in Las Vegas. She immediately began a campaign to see them live. Her arguments were reasonable (it’s all I want for Christmas and my birthday; Steven Tyler is 71, who knows how much longer they are touring, it’s a super small venue so it’ll be a great show, etc.). As we also love Aerosmith, we decided to give in and booked a trip. I will say I had a lot of trepidation on this one – I’ve never thought of Las Vegas as a family-friendly location, although I do know many families who love it.
We picked a summer date for the concert and then built the trip around it. Luckily for us, the new ParkMGM (old Monte Carlo) was doing some really amazing room deals, and that is the location of the theater, so we were able to snag a great rate on an excellent room. We were on our way …
What to do with teens in Las Vegas
Our normal Las Vegas trip consists of the pool, gambling, sampling cocktails and lots of walking. Obviously, the gambling and cocktails were out for the most part, so I had to get creative.
Shows – In addition to Aerosmith, we also took the kids to see Michael Jackson One. We picked up inexpensive seats for the 9:30 show and then since we got there early and it wasn’t booked, they moved us down quite a few rows and to the center. Score! There are many other fun shows that are quite family-friendly. Tickets can be easily found at the half-price ticket booths around the strip, but we’ve often done better by going straight to the Box Office. As we are a family that loves live shows, this was a fun way to spend a few of our evenings.
Awe-Inspiring Casinos – The casinos really are pretty cool, and both my kids enjoyed walking up and down the strip and checking them out. They’ve been hearing about our Vegas trips for years, so I think they liked actually seeing the place themselves. Obvious choices are the fountains at the Bellagio (and the smaller version between the Wynn and Encore), the volcano at The Mirage, and the indoor fountains at the Caeser’s Mall.
Shopping – My teenage daughter was a huge fan of the shopping, and it really is limitless in Las Vegas. My son even enjoyed checking out some of the very expensive shoes at Balenciaga and the wallets at Gucci. We don’t have those stand-alone stores in Indiana!
The Pool – Summer is prime pool time in Las Vegas, and the pool at the ParkMGM was perfect. It wasn’t a party scene, loungers were plentiful and it was easy to get chairs with umbrellas to fight some of the hot sun.
The Mob Museum – This was a pleasant surprise. It was a bit pricey, but we spent a good three hours there and probably could have stayed longer if it wasn’t closing time. The museum is very well done and super interesting. It’s an easy walk from Freemont Street, so we were able to check out Old Vegas at the same time. They do offer numerous discounts (teacher, military, student, etc.) so that can help quite a bit.
The Food – There are some fantastic restaurants in Las Vegas and we enjoyed many of them! Of them all, Hell’s Kitchen was our favorite. The food was mouth-wateringly delicious, the atmosphere fun and the service top-notch. We went during lunch which was slightly less expensive, but it is still a very pricey meal. Definitely a splurge. It’s also important to make reservations or you’ll be waiting for hours.
The Verdict
Overall it was a fun trip, and as you can see we kept busy. If I were to take kids again I think I’d rent a car as there were a few other places I wanted to check out, but hated paying the UberXL cost to get there and back (we had my SIL & BIL with us too) as I had never been and wasn’t sure everyone would enjoy them. Walking was also a bit more tiring as typically we stop and gamble at each casino so it’s less consistent walking than we did during this trip.
However, unless another once in a lifetime event comes up, I think this annual trip will remain couples only. The kids enjoyed it, but I think they would both agree it will be more fun once they are older.
Have you visited Las Vegas with your kids? Did they like it?
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Love your post! We started taking our 2 younger kids to Vegas when they were teens! They loved it! That used to be our annual vacation! Now as adults they’ve been so much they only go once in awhile like last year for my son’s birthday. Or like you say for concerts. My daughter George Strait!
I love it! It is such a great place for concerts.
It is great that you are creating memories together as a family.
Thanks! That’s my goal!!
So cool you took your daughter and family to see Aerosmith. We’re so bummed that we never saw Michael Jackson in concert before he passed. Good to know there’s a tribute show in Vegas for him. We need to see Aerosmith too before he retires. 71, really? Wow
Yes, I was sad that I never saw him either – and there is one song during the tribute show that has a “shadow” of him, so that was super cool.
I love the fact that your daughter loves Aerosmith. My kids would barely know they exist. So fun to bring the kids to Vegas. so much always to do there.
Yes, I have to say she has great musical taste – she loves everything from Aerosmith & KISS to Panic at the Disco.
My oldest son is a HUGE Aerosmith fan. I’m sure that concert will be one your whole family remembers forever!
It was so good. So worth it.
Thats great you took your kids there!!! We have not been there yet with ours, but it will probably happen soon. Good to know the options!!
As long as you go with an open mind (and a plan for things to do), it will be lots of fun.
Not sure mine will still be teens when we go back, but I look forward to taking my girls!! So much to do!! Love the live shows!
That might be more fun! I’ll definitely be taking mine back when they turn 21.
What a fun trip! We just went there with our kids (not teens) and there’s just so much to do. We’re interested in doing the mob museum at some point.
This is a great article. I feel like this is something that people always wonder about Vegas. I enjoyed hearing about the different aspects of your trip. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! It was definitely a different trip than our normal Vegas vacation, but still a lot of fun!
How awesome! I have to admit that Aerosmith is my favorite band as well. We went and saw the show in Vegas and it was amazing! What a great experience for your daughter and the whole family.You rock!!
Wasn’t it a great show? The last time I had seen them was in the 2000s with Kiss and after that show, they became one of my all-time favorites – I had always liked them, but they are GREAT live.
I bet it was so hot in Vegas! We took our kids to the M&M store once when we were driving through but our kids are under 12. The hotels are pretty cool, I would like to explore them more!
That is quite a store, isn’t it?