Hi Doug - Of course a lot of kids live in Las Vegas, but I don't think families that live there stay on the strip with their kids. I think LV is fun for adults, but I think it sends the wrong message to kids. That's just my personal opinion, and you don't have to agree with me, but I have the right to express my opinion - as do you.
Some of the posters in this thread have attacked other posters who don't agree with their point of view. That's not tolerated on TUG.
Attack the issues folks - not other posters.
Most locals stay away from the strip due to traffic. I have family that lives in Vegas and know a few others that live there as well. Some head for the stip on occasion to see the lights but, just like any other big city, who wants to go see the tourist stuff every day of their lives. It's just something that's there and tourists pay money to come see it.
I don't believe I'm attacking anyone on this thread. My only intention is to post another view. We HAVE taken teenagers to Vegas and, despite the horrible picture painted of kids in Vegas, it wasn't that bad. They had a great time seeing all the mega resorts, the rides on top of the Stratosphere, the many different restaurants we ate at et..... We were parents on this trip and didn't gamble. Sure there are some pictures of half naked women but, have you opened a Cosmo, Self or other womens magazine lately? A teenager can pick up a magazine in the local grocery store that gives instructions on how to please her man.
Is Vegas a family destination? I'd have to say no, it's definately not a family destination. Can kids have a great time in Vegas. Sure they can. Is Vegas an evil place for families? No it's not. Just like any other destination, you have to pick and choose where you're going and what you want to see.
There's Sigfried and Roy's Secrete Garden, the Conservatory at the Bellagio, The Canal Shops at the Ventien, The Forum Shops at Ceasers, the Fountain Show at Bellagio, a number of themed restaurants, more Cirque shows in one small stretch of pavement than anywhere else in the world, the worlds largest free standing atrium with the Luxor, Lake Mead Recreational Area, slow water rafting down the Colorado, day trips to the Grand Canyon, night helicopter flights to see the Vegas lights, an indoor amusement park at Circus Circus, Mount Charleston, Valley of Fire State Park et.....There are a LOT of family things to do in and around Vegas. One does not have to go down to Freemont street to see the hobo's holding up walls. You don't have to take in a burlesque show. You don't have to gamble while the kids stand at the casino enterance waiting for you.
It's all in how you look at it and what you want to do. If all you want to do is see the bad things, then you better walk through life with your eyes closed. There's plenty of bad things to be seen in every town in America. Even small towns where housing has been depressed for years have issues with meth labs popping up. There's enough bad anywhere you go. Vegas is no better and no worse.
So, to the original quesiton, I still say the LV Strip location is the best for families. More of a resort feel with better pools conducive to family time. I think it's a shame when someone purposely attempts to scare someone away from a vacation spot based on their personal beliefs and morals. I'm not so certain that this doesn't in some way viloate the spirit of TUG when they continue to hammer away at it. For one person, this isn't a debate, it's a moral crusade.
