Saturday, September 09, 2006
Entertaining a toddler in Las Vegas
It's not easy finding things to do in Las Vegas when you're trying to entertain a toddler!
Of course, Snuggle Bug is fascinated with all the bright, blinking lights, especially when we passed through a casino on our way to a restaurant. It's hard, however; to explain to a 20 month old that Mommy and Daddy don't want to risk paying a $15,000 fine so that he can have a few minutes to explore all the flashing buttons on the slot machines. Snuggle Bug threw a bit of a fit when we didn't stop.
We thought about taking Snuggle Bug to the zoo, but one of the local pilots that I'm working with at Nellis AFB cautioned against that. He said the zoo is small and quite depressing with the tiny spaces the animals are given to live in. I think we'll skip it.
Upon the advice of Chelle we took Snuggle Bug to see the birds and penguins at the Flamingo hotel. He thought they were neat, but they didn't hold his attention for long. It was the same with the lions at MGM Grand. Oronozo took him to see dolphins at the Mirage and those kept him entertained for quite a while. He loved watching the dolphins twirl, jump, and splash in the water.
Upon the advice of Chelle we took Snuggle Bug to see the birds and penguins at the Flamingo hotel. He thought they were neat, but they didn't hold his attention for long. It was the same with the lions at MGM Grand. Oronozo took him to see dolphins at the Mirage and those kept him entertained for quite a while. He loved watching the dolphins twirl, jump, and splash in the water.
Snuggle Bug enjoying the sharks and fish at Shark Reef- 9/8/06.
Yesterday, we both took him to Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. It cost us $16 per adult and we were only there for about 45 minutes, but Snuggle Bug had a good time, so it was worth the expense.
Today, after breakfast, we're going to explore Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Oronzo spoke with a cab driver about this and was told there's a small tourist town nearby that offers train rides for children. Snuggle Bug will love a train ride! I'll do my best to share some pictures when we return from this little jaunt.
So, does anyone else have any entertainment suggestions? I'd love to hear them!
12 Comments:
Aw, Snuggle Bug looks absolutely captivated! I bet he is loving every minute of it! Hope you find some more exciting things to do with him for the weekend!
Enjoy!
Mieneke
Sounds like a wonderful time being had by all!
What a sweet photo. He looks so small standing there like that.
It's been 30 years since I was in Las Vegas. So even if I could remember the places we saw they're probably gone by now. :-)
One thing we did do though is a day trip to Lake Mead. I don't know if he'd enjoy that but we did. And I'm pretty sure the lake has been torn down and replaced yet.
Sounds like you're making a good effort to find interesting places to take him. I'm sure he's enjoying this trip.
Sorry, I have never been to Vegas so I can't help you there.
But thanks for your recent comments. Things have been looking up.
I am glad you are having fun in Vegas.
Enjoy the next several days together as a family away from the 'ordinary'.
One piece of advice is you can simply look for the things you do at home - like a local gradeschool playground, a nature walk, a local bookstore or library, an ice cream shop. Those types of places can become "yours" when you are on vacation. We always go to the same mom & pop sandwich shop when we are on vacation so one day it will become that "restaurant at the lake" that our kids refer to. Not one they can experience at home but one we have made very familiar to them by frequenting it regularly. So, your places don't have to be "tourist destinations", per se.
Good luck, have fun!
We stayed at the flamingo hotel a few years back when we were in Vegas for a high school reunion...they were neat to look at! I remember the dolphins at the Mirage too. I enjoyed watching the water fountain set to music show at the Bellagio! Sorry I have no advice or suggestions on what to do with a toddler in Vegas!
aww I am sorry it did not hold his attention for long! Becca loves "Chasing" the birds!
Sounds like you are having a wonderful time!!
Gosh I missed you in Vegas! We just got back last night from there! Darn it all!
It sounds like you're having a wonderful in spite of lack of things to keep Snuggle Bug's attention. Don't forget to sneak in some "adult" time too. {{wink}}
Sounds like a wonderful time for all. It is hard to keep a toddlers attention no matter where you are and what you are doing...45 minutes is really fabulous for a tiny one.
That aquarium pic is so cute!
What I wouldn't give to be in Vegas. Hubby and I have "been going to Vegas" for years now. Only trouble is that we have yet to actually make it. I can't believe that neither of us has ever been. Therefore I can offer no suggestions.
It sounds like you are having a wonderful time.
Love the photo.
I hope you don't mind me jumping in, I can see this is an older post, but if you ever come back to vegas you might try My Little Garden. It's an indoor playground for small children. http://mylittlegarden.org/
I found your blog while looking for things for little kids to do in Vegas, they are few and far between, I know cause I live here. But for future reference, for you or others, I thought I'd point it out. We went today and it was really neat.
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