Traveling with teens in Vegas: some observations and suggestions

After my recent trip to Vegas with my daughter over Spring Break (and with my mom in tow, as well), I feel I have a new insight into keeping teenagers entertained in Sin City. It was quite an experience, but we enjoyed it from beginning to end.

Believe me, before I even booked this trip I went through a huge list of pros and cons, debated my sanity for even thinking about taking a teenager to Las Vegas, and wondered how people would feel about my decision to expose my daughter to all things Vegas. Here's what I discovered along the way in the planning, the preparation, and in the actual trip. I hope something here will help someone else trying to plan a trip to Las Vegas - or anywhere else with an adult theme - before they get in too deep.

Discuss the proposed plans with your spouse or significant other. This is truly the most important step in the process. My husband was a bit leery about the whole idea at first because he wouldn't be going along, even though Hayley was the one who broached the subject and it wasn't my idea AT ALL, I swear. Once I had my proposed plans in place and could show him that I would be keeping her busy and away from the casinos and exposure to X-rated stuff as much as possible, he was okay with the idea (he was still not 100% comfortable because, well, it's Vegas, but he trusts me and knows I'll make good decisions). The fact that my mother was coming along? Even better! Four eyes watching out for his only child were better than two.

Know your child's mental age - as well as their physical age - and what they can handle. There have been too many trips where I've seen very small children out on the Strip at 11:00 p.m., crying because they are tired, or hungry, or bored, or all three. I've also heard stories about people letting their 14-year-old children spend time alone in an arcade while they gamble or spend time elsewhere. No and NO! If you're taking a child on ANY trip, you should not disrupt their normal schedule, and you should not leave them alone to entertain themselves on a family trip. If you are not willing to take care of your own children while you're enjoying Las Vegas, you might need to think about another vacation destination or seriously consider a babysitter. You're not only cheating your whole family out of a great vacation, but you're also disrupting EVERYONE ELSE'S.

Verify the age limits for shows and restaurants before you go (or book). Some shows don't allow children under the age of 12; others don't allow children under the age of 5. There are quite a few restaurants that follow the "absolutely no children under the age of 5" rule, as well. Check their websites or give them a call before you get there so that you're not disappointed and have to make a sudden change of plans.

That's the last I'll say specifically about small children - on to the teens!

Plan out the days - or nights - according to your teen's interests and temperment. If your child is a late riser but likes to stay up late at night, then plan for later meals and shows so that you're not rushing them out the door and constantly waiting for them to get up and get ready. My daughter is a night owl, so late night show options fit her very well. Finding places that served all-day breakfasts were beneficial, too, because she loves pancakes with bacon and eggs for breakfast - even if it's noon.

Get your teen's input on shows and entertainment before you plan and go. If you know your child would never go see a big production show, don't bother getting tickets for one. Give them a list of the shows you're willing to pay for...and willing to see yourself. Set a dollar limit if you're on a strict budget and let them pick their favorites and put them in order of preference. Then you can decide how many - or how few - you actually see. There are so many options in a wide range of prices that you're sure to find something you can all enjoy (and you can afford). But please don't get tickets to a risque show that will only embarrass you AND your teen; there's no need to see something that makes anyone in your family uncomfortable while you're on a family vacation.

Get your teen's input on restaurants and buffets, as well. Got a picky eater? Maybe a buffet is right for you, and maybe it's not. Selections on a buffet are usually very wide-ranging, so there's more chance that they'll be able to find something they like. If you're not willing to shell out the cash for a higher-end buffet, maybe try one that's a little less expensive but still gets very good reviews on a regular basis, like Gold Coast. Also, know your child's specific likes and dislikes when it comes to foods so that they're not ordering a grilled cheese or peanut butter and jelly sandwich at every meal. Hayley is a steak lover and a sandwich lover, so I knew that restaurants that had great selection of either one would be a hit. She also enjoyed the buffets, though, so we certainly mixed it up.

Plan for down time. Even though you may have an energetic teen (I don't), don't forget that Las Vegas can be very overwhelming to your eyes, your brain and your feet. Plan for some relaxation in the room or by the pool so that you both don't collapse before you're done. Take along a deck of cards or a game you enjoy as a family so that you can relax in the room after you've wrapped up your explorations for the day, as well.

Keep a schedule or a to do list. Even though you should plan for down time, you should schedule enough activities to keep you occupied, or keep a list with some great options should you decide NOT to do something you'd originally planned on. When traveling with someone who can't gamble, you can't suddenly make the decision to go your separate ways for a while. So, keep some ideas handy.

Get feedback from your teen during the trip. Tying into my other suggestions is talking to your teen about what you've seen and done so far. They didn't like all the walking today? Maybe a taxi ride tomorrow would be a better idea. Like a later start? A little pool time - or TV time - might be a better way to start the day.

These are just some ideas to get you started, and I hope they help if you're planning a trip with someone under the age of 21. Always use common sense when planning your family vacation to Las Vegas, and be sure that everyone is comfortable with the ideas you have so that everyone enjoys the trip.