LAS VEGAS WITH A YOUNG TEEN

My daughter is 15 and we have been to LAS several times in recent years. Here are some hints for maximizing your visit with a girl this age:

Buffets: My daughter liked the variety of food choices at the Aladdin, especially the Middle Eastern selections which are a fun change from everyday fare. Walking through the casino at the Aladdin is entertaining, with lots of giant screens high on the walls showing videos. The shopping mall at the Aladdin is also a draw for young teens. The hint above about eating at non-busy times is key to avoiding long restaurant lines. I carry granola or snack bars in my purse for “emergency food.”

Entertainment: We like the many free and low-cost attractions. Favorites are New York New York and especially the Manhattan Express roller coaster ($10 per person if you use the coupons found in the local entertainment magazines), the Lion Habitat at the MGM Grand, walking around the Venetian Canal with a gondola ride if it isn’t too crowded, walking through the Paris (be sure to point out the architectural features like the legs of the Tour Eiffel inside the casino), the “Atlantis show” in the Forum Shops, the Dale Chihuly glass flowers in the ceiling, the fountain show, and the Conservatory at Bellagio. The best vantage point for the free Pirate Battle at Treasure Island is the Battle Bar overlooking the water, but to watch from there you have to be seated at one of the few tables about 30 minutes before the show. The Masquerade Show in the Sky at the Rio is great fun and you can participate and ride in one of the ceiling-track floats for about $10.

$$$ Savers: Be sure to pick up the various entertainment magazines first thing when you arrive so you can see all the current entertainment and use the coupons. There is a new “half price tickets” booth in the shopping center/arcade next to M & M World, near the MGM Grand. Tickets go on sale at 2pm, not all shows are available but it’s a good way to save $$$ and see a show suitable for a young teen.

We always “plan” our days by writing down everything we want to see, then each morning we organize our itinerary and list our stops to maximize our time. This is good “training” for a young traveler.

You mention wanting to go to Emeril’s restaurant. Is your daughter familiar with Emeril? She will enjoy his new cookbook for kids, “There’s a Chef in my Soup,” with lots of great recipes and food prep hints - bam...

Have fun with your teen in Las Vegas. For sure you will run out of time before you run out of things to do.