Vegas, Baby.

[hilary1617]

After much back and forth over where to go for Spring Break, Charles and I have decided to take Liam (age 11) and Hannah (age 8) to Las Vegas. We'll be there for a week and have no plans other than tickets to Penn & Teller (kids are *huge* fans). We will probably also look for another magic show or go to a Michael Jackson ONE Cirque de Soleil performance.

We'll be staying at the Four Seasons and will have full access to the pools and lazy river at Mandalay Bay.

We would like to take a day trip to the Grand Canyon, where we've also never been. This may be our one and only visit. What's the best way to go? Bus? Plane? Helicopter? Boat? West Rim? South Rim? We're overwhelmed by the choices.

We've never been to Vegas before, with or without kids. I'd love any kid-friendly advice you may be willing to share.

 

[newanatomy]

How exciting! I have never taken my kids to Vegas. I haven't been myself in ages. I am sure you will have a great time!

 

[DianaCox]

The Grand Canyon is a significantly long drive from LV (270 miles https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Las...f38a9bec9912029!2m2!1d-112.112997!2d36.106965), but very VERY much worth a visit. I think you would be utterly overwhelmed to attempt to drive there and visit in one day, much less get back. My suggestion would be to drive there one day and stay at a motel in the town nearby, then go visit, and drive back (carefully) that evening.

When you park at the Visitor's Center at the South Rim entrance, you can't see it - they have strategically planted bushes and such around it. You walk on the path from the parking lot to the path around the rim, and as you walk through the bushes, it's just suddenly THERE, in all it's glory. I nearly burst into tears at the magnificence of it.

 

[JackieOnLine]

lazy river at Mandalay Bay.

I want to hear what this is like, always wanted to see Mandalay Bay. is it connected to/with The Four Seasons?

 

[Spiky Bugger]

What Diana said about the Grand Canyon. You will spend hours and hours driving. And Diana is struck by the wonder of it all and all I see is a big hole in the ground.

There are many options, and cheap and fast do not coexist. You can do the plane ride out of Boulder City...they pick you up in Las Vegas...and you view from the air. The helicopter may...or may not land there, I don't know.

The bus trips are 12-14 hours, but 9-10 of those hours are getting there and going home.

If you spend a night in the park, it will be with Xanterra and you get rustic for high prices. If your family is up for that, it's cool. Used to be that they had no telephone or television reception. Now people bitch that wifi is slow, and don't realize what an improvement that is! Lol

Back in town, there ARE sharks in the pool at the Golden Nugget and you might be interested in some of these:
http://www.vegas.com/attractions/attractions-for-kids/

 

[bearmom]

If cost isn't a deterrent, I would absolutely do the grand canyon, and also take in a Cirqu show (Mystere was the one I saw when last there, but there was an unfortunate death, and I think that one is now canceled). I also like Cirque's Curios show but not sure that one is down there, so I'd just go to whatever one they have.

It may also seem like a waste to just hang at a hotel pool, but some are really fun. I like the on at the Stratoshpere, as it's HUGE on a rooftop, with different areas with volley ball or different games going on in different areas. Fun for kids, and fun for grownups since you can have a drink too, and great people watching and view of bungee jumpers off the tower and decent music.

 

[hilary1617]

All, thanks for the good wishes and solid advice!

Based on what seems to be a *far* longer drive than I can handle, even with someone else behind the wheel, I am going to look into flight options. Thanks from saving me from singing 99 bottles of beer on the wall with two incredibly bored kids!

My initial google search is showing that helicopters could be the most convenient option as a few leave right from McCarran in Vegas, but they go to the West Rim, which I understand to not be quite as spectacular. The planes seem to only leave from Boulder City, but go to the South Rim. I'll have to weigh the awesomeness of South Rim against the short trip the West Rim provides (plus the opportunity to experience some of the First Nation sites - though I suspect they may be more tourist trap than cultural immersion given their location).

The last time I was on a helicopter (spur of the moment tour over Niagara Falls on a long road trip), I had as-soon-as-I-got-aboard doubts about ability of the craft to land safely - it seemed down-right rickety and I wasn't sure of the pilot's sobriety. So I'm a bit more inclined to take a plane.

In any case, I will seek to maximize the ratio of sightseeing to transit time.

Thanks for the link! Titanic and Shark exhibits are right up my alley and the kids would love Adventureland.

Four Seasons occupies the top 4 floors of the Mandalay Bay tower, but has a separate entrance. I chose it mainly for the benefit of the kiddos as it is nonsmoking and doesn't have a casino in its lobby (but there is a door which provides access to Mandalay Bay).

 

[brooklyngirl]

Hilary, I've been to Vegas once and Arizona a handful of times, and I really regret never taking the time to see the Grand Canyon, I hope you and your kids get a chance to see it! As far as anything else in Vegas, not many suggestions from me, I went with a bunch of friends when we were all single so it wasn't exactly a family friendly time

 

[hilary1617]

We'll definitely see the Cirque show - there's a Michael Jackson themed one right on the property where we will be staying. On the list!

Vegas wasn't the first place that came to mind when we were thinking family vacation , but then a little bit of research made it seem perfect for our kiddos, who are crazy-over-the-top magic fans who love warm weather. I may go back with my girlfriends at some point - not sure why I've never made it there so far.

 

[DianaCox]

While I was standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon the first time I saw it (in 2006) I called both of my parents and berated them for never taking me there as a child - I grew up in LA!! Worse, they both thought they had - because they took my younger SIBLINGS there, after I left home!

 

[Spiky Bugger]

We'll definitely see the Cirque show - there's a Michael Jackson themed one right on the property where we will be staying. On the list!

Vegas wasn't the first place that came to mind when we were thinking family vacation , but then a little bit of research made it seem perfect for our kiddos, who are crazy-over-the-top magic fans who love warm weather. I may go back with my girlfriends at some point - not sure why I've never made it there so far.

Well you'd better hurry, because I may be leaving this area...

 

[hilary1617]

Ha! Would love to catch up with you for a drink someday Sue!

My parents never took me, Diana. Such depravation may explain why I am so cantankerous.

 

[hilary1617]

Okay. I'm suffering from a clear case of analysis paralysis. Please help me, those in the know. I've narrowed the field for our Grand Canyon side trip to two options (based on safety record of Maverick). Which would provide the better experience for 8 and 11 year old kids?

(1) Canyon Dream Tour (Grand Canyon National Park South Rim - Airplane, Helicopter And On Foot) 6:45am-2:15pm (sunrise 6:24am)
http://www.maverickhelicopter.com/tour-grand-canyon-dream.aspx

• Your ultimate Grand Canyon air and land tour begins with a 40-minute flight to the Grand Canyon South Rim aboard a Beechcraft 1900D aircraft.
• Once you land your excursion will begin with a seat on our state-of-the-art ECO-Star helicopter for an amazing 25-minute breathtaking helicopter experience over the Grand Canyon. As you soar above this natural wonder you will see beautiful scenery from the Tower of Ra, Kaibab National Forest and the mighty Colorado River.
• Your journey will conclude with transportation into the Grand Canyon National Park to enjoy the awe-inspiring vistas, panoramic overlooks and trails that can only be accessed from inside the park. A gourmet box lunch will be served as you absorb the magnificence of the Grand Canyon and capture memories to last a lifetime.

6:30 am - Pick-up at hotel
7:15 am - Check-in at the Henderson Executive Airport terminal
8:00 am - Airplane flight departure
8:50 am - Arrive at Grand Canyon Airport
9:00 am - Helicopter flight
9:50 am - Depart by shuttle into park
10:10 to 10:30 am (depending on lines getting into national park) - Arrive at Bright Angel Lodge. Enjoy the scenic outlooks, historic lodges, hiking trails, and visitor center. Find a quiet spot to enjoy your boxed lunch
11:45 am - Return by shuttle to the Grand Canyon Airport
12:15 pm - Airplane flight back to the Henderson Executive Airport
1:05 pm - Arrive at the Henderson Executive Airport
1:50 pm - Back to hotel​

(2) Indian Territory Tour (Grand Canyon West Helicopter Experience - West Rim) 11:15am-6:30pm (sunset 7:03pm)http://www.maverickhelicopter.com/tour-indian-territory.aspx

• Your Grand Canyon helicopter tour will begin as you fly over the beautiful Lake Las Vegas, Lake Mead, the world-famous Hoover Dam and Fortification Hill, an extinct volcano. Along the way you'll see breathtaking scenery and wildlife of the Southwest.
• Maverick Helicopters® will descend and land 3,500 feet into the Grand Canyon in Hualapai Indian Territory. You will be served champagne and beverages some 300 feet above the mighty Colorado River surrounded by one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.
• You will journey back through the Grand Canyon and land on the West Rim, where you will enjoy the spectacular views at Eagle Point and receive a brief introduction to the Hualapai Indian legends and culture. Then you'll head to Guano Point, a breathtaking observation spot overlooking the Grand Canyon where you will be served a light meal.
• The Grand Canyon Skywalk the new glass bridge attraction, is an optional activity on this tour. Additional activities can be arranged when you arrive at Grand Canyon West by visiting the concierge desk.
• After your stay at the West Rim, you will set out towards Las Vegas through the Bowl of Fire and conclude the journey with a flight over the Las Vegas Strip.

6:00 am - Pick-up at hotel
6:30 am - Check-in at Maverick Strip terminal
7:00 am - Flight departure
7:45 am - Arrive at bottom of Grand Canyon
7:45 to 08:05 am - Champagne toast, soda, bottled water and light snacks
8:15 am - Arrive at Grand Canyon West Airport
8:30 to 10:30 am - Visit each of the 3 visitor points according to your interest (Guano Point, Eagle Point (Skywalk), Hualapai Indian Village). Enjoy a Native American style BBQ meal at the Village.
10:45 am - Depart Grand Canyon West
11:30 am - Arrive in Las Vegas
12:15 pm - Back to hotel

​

 

[Spiky Bugger]

Okay. I'm suffering from a clear case of analysis paralysis. Please help me, those in the know. I've narrowed the field for our Grand Canyon side trip to two options (based on safety record of Maverick). Which would provide the better experience for 8 and 11 year old kids?

(1) Canyon Dream Tour (Grand Canyon National Park South Rim - Airplane, Helicopter And On Foot) 6:45am-2:15pm (sunrise 6:24am)
http://www.maverickhelicopter.com/tour-grand-canyon-dream.aspx

• Your ultimate Grand Canyon air and land tour begins with a 40-minute flight to the Grand Canyon South Rim aboard a Beechcraft 1900D aircraft.
• Once you land your excursion will begin with a seat on our state-of-the-art ECO-Star helicopter for an amazing 25-minute breathtaking helicopter experience over the Grand Canyon. As you soar above this natural wonder you will see beautiful scenery from the Tower of Ra, Kaibab National Forest and the mighty Colorado River.
• Your journey will conclude with transportation into the Grand Canyon National Park to enjoy the awe-inspiring vistas, panoramic overlooks and trails that can only be accessed from inside the park. A gourmet box lunch will be served as you absorb the magnificence of the Grand Canyon and capture memories to last a lifetime.

6:30 am - Pick-up at hotel
7:15 am - Check-in at the Henderson Executive Airport terminal
8:00 am - Airplane flight departure
8:50 am - Arrive at Grand Canyon Airport
9:00 am - Helicopter flight
9:50 am - Depart by shuttle into park
10:10 to 10:30 am (depending on lines getting into national park) - Arrive at Bright Angel Lodge. Enjoy the scenic outlooks, historic lodges, hiking trails, and visitor center. Find a quiet spot to enjoy your boxed lunch
11:45 am - Return by shuttle to the Grand Canyon Airport
12:15 pm - Airplane flight back to the Henderson Executive Airport
1:05 pm - Arrive at the Henderson Executive Airport
1:50 pm - Back to hotel​

(2) Indian Territory Tour (Grand Canyon West Helicopter Experience - West Rim) 11:15am-6:30pm (sunset 7:03pm)http://www.maverickhelicopter.com/tour-indian-territory.aspx

• Your Grand Canyon helicopter tour will begin as you fly over the beautiful Lake Las Vegas, Lake Mead, the world-famous Hoover Dam and Fortification Hill, an extinct volcano. Along the way you'll see breathtaking scenery and wildlife of the Southwest.
• Maverick Helicopters® will descend and land 3,500 feet into the Grand Canyon in Hualapai Indian Territory. You will be served champagne and beverages some 300 feet above the mighty Colorado River surrounded by one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.
• You will journey back through the Grand Canyon and land on the West Rim, where you will enjoy the spectacular views at Eagle Point and receive a brief introduction to the Hualapai Indian legends and culture. Then you'll head to Guano Point, a breathtaking observation spot overlooking the Grand Canyon where you will be served a light meal.
• The Grand Canyon Skywalk the new glass bridge attraction, is an optional activity on this tour. Additional activities can be arranged when you arrive at Grand Canyon West by visiting the concierge desk.
• After your stay at the West Rim, you will set out towards Las Vegas through the Bowl of Fire and conclude the journey with a flight over the Las Vegas Strip.

6:00 am - Pick-up at hotel
6:30 am - Check-in at Maverick Strip terminal
7:00 am - Flight departure
7:45 am - Arrive at bottom of Grand Canyon
7:45 to 08:05 am - Champagne toast, soda, bottled water and light snacks
8:15 am - Arrive at Grand Canyon West Airport
8:30 to 10:30 am - Visit each of the 3 visitor points according to your interest (Guano Point, Eagle Point (Skywalk), Hualapai Indian Village). Enjoy a Native American style BBQ meal at the Village.
10:45 am - Depart Grand Canyon West
11:30 am - Arrive in Las Vegas
12:15 pm - Back to hotel

​

I am volunteering my opinion based on my own level of human development, which is clearly pre-adolescent. (Although my husband voted the same way and he's usually a grown-up.)

Plan B.

I've been to the Grand Canyon many times and have never been to the bottom. I think that from the rim...it's a big hole in the ground. I think that looking UP, it would be amazing. I have read bad reviews of the skywalk...check Trip Advisor on that.

However, we drove past Henderson Exec airport twice yesterday, so that would place you closer to ME!

 

[hilary1617]

Excellent point about perspective. From the bottom, it's all an upside view. The skywalk does have a bad rep. I'd have to overcome my fear of heights to stand on it, so the tourist-trap review make it totally lack appeal now.

Hmmmm... Then there's also Option 3: this tour which involves rafting on a river instead of the skywalk---> http://www.maverickhelicopter.com/tour-colorado-rafting.aspx (Although, it doesn't take us near Henderson and a possible brush with greatness!)

• One of the most amazing ways to experience the Grand Canyon is with a landing tour and the added bonus of river rafting through the scenic Black Canyon on the Colorado River.
• With this Grand Canyon and Rafting Helicopter Tour, you will enjoy a helicopter adventure through the Grand Canyon and see awe-inspiring scenery at one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Following the helicopter tour through the Grand Canyon, you will land at the Boulder City Airport and meet up with the rafting crew.
• Your fully motorized and narrated river rafting voyage will depart from the base of Hoover Dam and float 12 miles down the grand Colorado River. The Colorado River rafting tour includes several stops along the river and lunch served upon reaching Willow Beach, Arizona. At the conclusion of the tour, the rafting crew will transport you back to your hotel in a shuttle bus.

6:00 am - Pick-up at hotel
6:30 am - Check-in at Las Vegas Strip terminal
7:00 am - Flight departure
7:45 am - Land at bottom of canyon at Grand Canyon West and enjoy a champagne toast, soda, bottled water and light snacks
8:20 am - Depart Grand Canyon West
9:00 am - Arrive at Boulder City Airport for pick-up by Black Canyon River Rafting Company (BCRC)
9:20 am - Briefing and transfer by shuttle bus to base of Hoover Dam
10:00 am - Boat launch
12:15 pm - Lunch served by BCRC
2:45 pm - Arrive at Willow Beach for restroom break and relaxation
3:00 pm - Rafting crew transports you back to your hotel in a shuttle bus
4:15 pm - Arrive at hotel​