smoothgrh
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May 14th, 2021 at 10:46:12 AM permalink
Plans are afoot to bring the teen and tween to Las Vegas! (They haven't visited since they were toddlers/infants.)

I've compiled a short list of Things to Do — anyone got more ideas?

Pinball Hall of Fame
Gene Woods Racing Experience Go-Kart
Atomic Testing Museum
Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Gardens
Axe throwing
Las Vegas Aviators baseball
UNLV events/museums
Hoover Dam tour/kayaking

Casinos:
Bass Pro Shop at Silverton Casino
CSI: The Experience at MGM Grand
Real Bodies at Bally's
Madam Tussauds wax museum at Venetian
NY-NY roller coasters
The Strat roller coasters
Circus Circus Adventuredome
MrV
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May 14th, 2021 at 11:14:35 AM permalink
No doubt they'd love to zipline, provided it reopens.

see; https://www.flightlinezbootleg.com/
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May 14th, 2021 at 12:39:06 PM permalink
Neon boneyard & Mob museum. Plan ahead. They have discounts when purchasing both.

Fremont Street buskers can be entertaining in an absurd sort of way.

There is (was?) a place at Fashion Show mall that taught most casino table games. It’s fake gambling - no cash - so probably no minimum age. Don’t know the cost though.
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JohnnyQ
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May 14th, 2021 at 3:57:57 PM permalink
Good list so far !

Absolutely positively add...

- MAC KING's afternoon show at HARRAH's to the list, assuming it is open when you visit.

and also perhaps:

- RED ROCK Canyon

- POOLS

- ALL DAY PASS for NYNY Coaster have been available on myVegas.

- Maybe one of the CHEAPIE SHOWS at Miracle Mile Shops

- LEGENDS ( now at Tropicana I think )

- MOVIES: some casinos have Theatres inside

- BEATLES LOVE if your wallet is thick enough
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FinsRule
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May 14th, 2021 at 7:06:44 PM permalink
I’m going with my 3 kids next month and I’m excited to go to Area 15. I’m nervous that no one mentioned it. Hopefully there’s nothing wrong with it.
gordonm888
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May 14th, 2021 at 7:27:32 PM permalink
Quote: FinsRule

I’m going with my 3 kids next month and I’m excited to go to Area 15. I’m nervous that no one mentioned it. Hopefully there’s nothing wrong with it.



Why? What do you expect to see in Area 15 that is so exciting?

Will you also visit Devil's Tower in Wyoming with the expectation of having a close encounter of the third kind?

I have been a senior scientist in nuclear weapons programs and in U.S. intelligence agencies. I have never had direct knowledge of Area 15 specifically but I think its preposterous that any sober person could believe there is alien technology there. There must be 7 or 8 completely plausible military/governmental functions for a restricted-access area such as Area 15 without making up some earth-shattering adolescent fantasy about bug-eyed aliens from outer space.
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May 14th, 2021 at 7:44:26 PM permalink
https://area15.com/

Wizard
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May 14th, 2021 at 7:57:12 PM permalink
Quote: gordonm888

Why? What do you expect to see in Area 15 that is so exciting?



I think there may be some confusion between Area 15 and Area 51.
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billryan
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May 14th, 2021 at 8:00:45 PM permalink
Area 15 is not Area 51.
I've taken the ride up to Rachael and I don't think it is worth the trip. The Alien Inn is a dump with bad food and expensive trinkets.
I've heard mostly good things about Area 15, but it apparently can get expensive very quickly.
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FinsRule
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May 14th, 2021 at 8:42:53 PM permalink
Quote: billryan

Area 15 is not Area 51.
I've taken the ride up to Rachael and I don't think it is worth the trip. The Alien Inn is a dump with bad food and expensive trinkets.
I've heard mostly good things about Area 15, but it apparently can get expensive very quickly.



I’m planning on it costing about the same as a day at Disneyland.
billryan
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May 14th, 2021 at 9:11:24 PM permalink
Quote: FinsRule

I’m planning on it costing about the same as a day at Disneyland.



A man with a plan
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smoothgrh
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May 14th, 2021 at 11:43:10 PM permalink
Thanks for the suggestions!

I didn't know about the zipline (besides Slotzilla) and Area 15.

I didn't even consider shows. Good suggestions!

I loved the Neon Museum, but I don't think they'd enjoy it; they might be OK with the Mob Museum. Casino Quest at the mall is goofy fun that I wanted to try, and if the kids can play, I'll bring 'em along!
Last edited by: smoothgrh on May 15, 2021
DRich
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May 15th, 2021 at 7:54:54 AM permalink
Quote: smoothgrh

Thanks for the suggestions!

I didn't know about the zipline (besides Slotzilla) and Area 15.

I didn't even consider shows. Good suggestions!

I loved the Neon Museum, but I don't think they'd enjoy it; they might be OK with the Mob Museum. Casino Quest at the mall is goofy fun that I wanted to try, and if the kids can play, I'll bring 'em along!



I really don't think younger kids would have any interest in the Mob Museum. Don't forget the rides on Stratosphere.
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billryan
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May 15th, 2021 at 10:04:29 AM permalink
The zipline at The Rio looks much better than the ones on Fremont, if it is open.
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JohnnyQ
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May 15th, 2021 at 10:48:57 AM permalink
2 More Cents.....

AREA 15 not 51:

There are many free things to gawk at at Area 15, so sure, I think teens might enjoy it for an hour.

They have a golf simulator upstairs and that might be fun if any of the youngsters play golf. It is hit a real golf ball into a big mat kind of thing, except the projections on the mat show goofy things like dinosaurs, etc, I guess depending on what course you choose. If I recall correctly, it was something like $ 30 or 40 to play for an hour.

https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/las-vegas-attractions/other/35827-area15-modern-art-pictures/

WET n WILD:

There is a Wet n Wild waterpark in Vegas. We haven't been to it, so I'd suggest checking the reviews on-line.

Flow-Rider / SURFING Wave at Planet Hollywood Pool

I assume this is only for guests at PH, but not sure about that. We did this once at an indoor Waterpark back home on the little boogie boards. ( It is harder than it looks ).

https://www.caesars.com/planet-hollywood/things-to-do/the-scene-pool-deck#.YKAORqhKhnI

Price: $25 per person, 30 min session
Height Requirement: 42” - Boogie Board | 48” - Surf The Strip

Indoor Skydiving:

I have also seen ads for the indoor sky-diving. Just a thought. I haven't done that and don't know how much it costs. I did jump out of a real plane many many years ago.

CIRCUS CIRCUS ACTS + MIDWAY of CARNY GAMES:

The game area on the 2nd floor Midway can be fun. Even as adults, we had a blast launching rubber chickens into the air toward the rotating cooking pots. Basically you hit a little mechanism with a rubber mallet and they go flying.

It is hit or miss on the free Circus Acts, but the price is right !

TIP: Once upon a time at least, if you got change for a $ 100 bill in the little office ( it is hard to find, there is a door but not super well marked ), they would give you a handful of 2-for-1 game coupons to stretch the fun out further.

Here's a picture of that game that was included in a Review of CC right here on WoV:

Last edited by: JohnnyQ on May 15, 2021
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JohnnyQ
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May 15th, 2021 at 11:31:14 AM permalink
Quote: smoothgrh


Casinos:
Bass Pro Shop at Silverton Casino
CSI: The Experience at MGM Grand
Real Bodies at Bally's
Madam Tussauds wax museum at Venetian
NY-NY roller coasters
The Strat roller coasters
Circus Circus Adventuredome

Add the TITANIC EXPERIENCE at LUXOR to this list. My daughter was fascinated by the Titanic in her teens.

ALSO, several casinos have BOWLING. ( South Point, Gold Coast, others as well probably ).

What about the HIGH ROLLER Ferris Wheel by the LINQ ?
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TomG
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May 16th, 2021 at 10:56:38 AM permalink
Lot of great stuff already. Some other things:

Wet 'n Wild and Cowabunga Bay should be high up there. When I was a teenager I had no problem being dropped off at places like that early in the morning and picked up late in the evening.

Would have also loved Heart Attack Grill as a teenager.

Any casinos / hotel with a pools, movie theatre, bowling, arcade.

A lot, if not the majority, of shows are great for all ages.

Allegiant Stadium tours for sports fans. Esports arena for gaming fans.

Rex Center, Kiss mini-golf, High Roller, Shark Reef, are some other things I can remember doing that would be great for something to do with teenagers.

Lots of ads for indoor skydiving.
smoothgrh
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May 16th, 2021 at 11:55:57 AM permalink
Thanks for all the suggestions!

Oooh, they'd love water parks! Esports arena might also be fun for them.

I like going around Vegas (any tourist area, really) and enjoying what locals do.
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May 16th, 2021 at 2:30:45 PM permalink
Quote: JohnnyQ

Good list so far !

Absolutely positively add...

- MAC KING's afternoon show at HARRAH's to the list, assuming it is open when you visit.



I saw this show about 12 years or so ago as a 25 year old male. We had free tickets and I had zero expectations, but I remember my buddies and I actually had a good time.
TomG
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May 16th, 2021 at 8:42:37 PM permalink
I'll add Tournament of Kings as one of the very best things to take a teenager. Quick research shows it is opening back up in September.
MichaelBluejay
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May 17th, 2021 at 12:30:24 PM permalink
Here's my huge list of Things to Do (in general) and Things for Kids.

When I have time, I'll scour this thread for other suggestions and add anything I'm missing to my lists.
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JohnnyQ
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May 17th, 2021 at 1:10:41 PM permalink
MBJ:

Yes on FLAMINGO Wildlife Habitat ( free ) if you are in that area anyway, but I would also say this may be of interest for only 5 to 15 minutes.

.....and also Yes for the MIRAGE Secret Garden ( admission charge but oftentimes on myVegas if you happen to have that ).
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billryan
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May 17th, 2021 at 2:56:55 PM permalink
The Container Park is pretty kool, with something for everyone.
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100xOdds
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May 17th, 2021 at 3:13:52 PM permalink
Quote: Keeneone

https://area15.com/

wow.. looks like it took some cues from the American Gods opening trailer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kfxUufLeug
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JohnnyQ
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May 17th, 2021 at 3:30:25 PM permalink
More Area 51 15 pix at this thread:

https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/las-vegas-attractions/other/35827-area15-modern-art-pictures/
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smoothgrh
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May 17th, 2021 at 8:04:12 PM permalink
Quote: JohnnyQ

More Area 51 15 pix at this thread:

https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/las-vegas-attractions/other/35827-area15-modern-art-pictures/



I saw a couple videos about Area 15 (one via Vital Vegas podcast alert), and it sure looks trippy! It's going to the top of the list!
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May 17th, 2021 at 8:21:22 PM permalink
Quote: gordonm888

Why? What do you expect to see in Area 15 that is so exciting?

Will you also visit Devil's Tower in Wyoming with the expectation of having a close encounter of the third kind?

I have been a senior scientist in nuclear weapons programs and in U.S. intelligence agencies. I have never had direct knowledge of Area 15 specifically but I think its preposterous that any sober person could believe there is alien technology there. There must be 7 or 8 completely plausible military/governmental functions for a restricted-access area such as Area 15 without making up some earth-shattering adolescent fantasy about bug-eyed aliens from outer space.

I love this post so much.
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100xOdds
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May 17th, 2021 at 8:36:58 PM permalink
Quote: gordonm888

Why? What do you expect to see in Area 15 that is so exciting?

Will you also visit Devil's Tower in Wyoming with the expectation of having a close encounter of the third kind?

I have been a senior scientist in nuclear weapons programs and in U.S. intelligence agencies. I have never had direct knowledge of Area 15 specifically but I think its preposterous that any sober person could believe there is alien technology there. There must be 7 or 8 completely plausible military/governmental functions for a restricted-access area such as Area 15 without making up some earth-shattering adolescent fantasy about bug-eyed aliens from outer space.

What are some/all of the 7 or 8 completely plausible military/governmental functions for a restricted-access area?
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billryan
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May 17th, 2021 at 9:37:50 PM permalink
Quote: 100xOdds

What are some/all of the 7 or 8 completely plausible military/governmental functions for a restricted-access area?



Much of the land north of Vegas is Federal and not open to the public. A lot of it is air-restricted as well since it's a training area. Why they try to hide the entrance when directions are on google is a bit silly.
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May 17th, 2021 at 11:34:45 PM permalink
Quote: billryan

I've heard mostly good things about Area 15, but it apparently can get expensive very quickly.

It can, but it depends on what you do. Lots of the offerings are downright affordable. I just listed all the experiences in ascending order of price on my Things to Do page.
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JohnnyQ
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May 18th, 2021 at 4:12:00 AM permalink
Quote: smoothgrh

I saw a couple videos about Area 15 (one via Vital Vegas podcast alert), and it sure looks trippy! It's going to the top of the list!

Yep, something for everyone. One part Mad Max, one part 1950's Sci-Fi, one part groovy 60's psychodelic vibe.....

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smoothgrh
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May 18th, 2021 at 9:45:43 AM permalink
Quote: FinsRule

I’m planning on it costing about the same as a day at Disneyland.



Yow! I just saw the price list. Disneyland costs, indeed!

But at least you can choose attractions a la carte. Omega Mart looks like an E ticket!
JohnnyQ
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May 18th, 2021 at 12:55:50 PM permalink
Admission to the Building is Free, Parking is Free ( woot woot ), and Gawking is Free, so what do you have to lose ?

BUT YES the Exhibitions are $$$'s.
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September 23rd, 2021 at 7:43:49 PM permalink
I gave the Omega Mart a try earlier this week. You may recall last time I didn't go because of the price and my incorrect assumption it was a small fake store.

Within the store are various secret passages that go to a two-story ... art installation ... in the back. This part in back is hard to describe, but it has slides, rooms with various themes, and contraptions that are various kinds of interactive art. Not only is it hard to explain, but the lighting is dark and inconsistent, leading to very difficult photography.

For the so-inclined, I think there are puzzles to be solved, but I didn't bring my glasses and didn't get very far with that. It starts with a shopper card they give you. You can get "clues" by scanning it various places. There are a lot of phones about and posted phone numbers, all six-digit. There was one door some adults seemed to be trying very hard to open, which I think had a coded entrance. Perhaps it lead to another secret area. I am genuinely curious.

In closing, here is a web site mentioned on a brochure in the hotel lobby: The Society of Peripheral Studies.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
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September 24th, 2021 at 5:06:15 AM permalink
Quote: Wizard


In closing, here is a web site mentioned on a brochure in the hotel lobby: The Society of Peripheral Studies.

  • link to original post



    my brain is melting after clicking on that link
    JohnnyQ
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    September 24th, 2021 at 9:07:22 AM permalink
    I also ventured through Omega-Mart earlier this year.

    IF you are going to go, I would suggest going at the earliest available time, so that as you explore it, it isn't crowded. Plan on staying about 2 hours to go through Omega-Mart, and another 1/2 hour to see the free displays indoors and in the parking lot. They have a large parking lot that was easy to use in the daytime when we visited ( maybe not so much in the evening, caveat emptor ).

    NOW having said that, I am not sure it is going to be everyone's cup of tea. I would say best for teens through 30-somethings, and also artsy types of all ages.

    Most of these pictures are from the "Mart" section. There is a lot more to see and do behind "several" secret passageways. We didn't quite finish the last step or two of the "puzzle", but I think I got the gist of it:

    Greedy Out of Control Corporations Using Natural Resources and Polluting are Bad.

    We weren't quite able to topple it, but I think we would/could have if we had more time/interest in continuing














    Last edited by: JohnnyQ on Sep 24, 2021
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    billryan
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    September 24th, 2021 at 9:14:56 AM permalink
    I was intrigued by the publicity about the place before it opened, but nothing I've read or seen of it has me thinking of going. It sounds like an over-priced tourist trap taken to the next level.
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    MichaelBluejay
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    September 24th, 2021 at 9:46:46 AM permalink
    I love the idea of Cracker Spackle™.
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    JohnnyQ
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    September 25th, 2021 at 7:16:31 AM permalink
    Quote: billryan

    I was intrigued by the publicity about the place before it opened, but nothing I've read or seen of it has me thinking of going. It sounds like an over-priced tourist trap taken to the next level.

    I think the Pricing is comparable to most attractions in Vegas.

    So fair enough if you think that most of the attractions in Vegas are over-priced tourist traps. I think a lot of Vegas attractions do fit into that category.
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    MichaelBluejay
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    September 25th, 2021 at 4:13:40 PM permalink
    Lots of good ideas in this thread. I extracted the good bits and added them to these various articles:

    Things to Do in Vegas

    Free Things to See in Vegas

    Things to Do for Kids
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    JohnnyQ
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    September 26th, 2021 at 6:17:36 AM permalink
    Things to Do for Kids:

    IF you have a car, by all means drive out to RED ROCK Canyon. Check their website, lately they have been using a system of reservations for timed entry.

    My favorite trail so far: Ice Box Canyon.

    Trip Report:

    https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/gaming-business/caesars/34149-ice-box-canyon-red-rock-pictures/#post753359

    Also, is the Wax Museum listed in the "for Kids" section ? .....for consideration.
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    MichaelBluejay
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    September 26th, 2021 at 2:26:25 PM permalink
    Most of the things on the Things to Do in Vegas page are good for teens, so I don't repeat all those on the Things for Kids to Do page. Instead, I list only things that are aimed at kids, and a few select adult/kids items which are an extremely good match for kids, and provide a link to the Things to Do page for the full set.

    The Things to Do page lists hiking in general (with a link to AllTrails) and Red Rock Canyon specifically. There are a gazillion trails in and around Vegas and I'm not about to reinvent the wheel, so I link to AllTrails and Red Rock Canyon for the specific offerings.
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