Good work LVM.

I took my wife and girls (ages 4 and 6 at the time) to Vegas in 2010 when I was healthy. We stayed at the Monte Carlo because they had 3 pools (the pool, a lazy river, and wave pool). We went in July when it was 110+ every day and were in the pool first thing in the morning, and in the afternoon. The kids loved watching the Bellagio fountains, seeing the display in Bellagio (big flowers, bugs, etc., kind of like Honey I Shrunk the Kids thing), the flaming display thing at the Mirage, the M & M's store, and the Coca-Cola store. A real treat for them was going to the Silverton to see their beautiful aquarium and being able to talk to the girl while she was in the tank feeding the fish. My girls thought that was just awesome and they still talk about it. Sure, Vegas is no Disneyland or Disney World (my girls have been to both) but there is plenty to do with your family if you only look for it. It's not perfect of course ( I went after a guy for making a pedophile-type comment about my girls dresses and almost got arrested) but you can have a fun family time that they will remember.

Families can have fun wherever they go, with the right attitude. My kids, and now my grandkids are perfectly happy on the beach with an empty cup. Whether that is Mission Bay, Lake Mead or Mandalay Bay it makes no difference to them. They get a thrill out of riding the shuttle at the airport, or even the escalators. The aquarium is a perfect example of finding things to do as a family. One of our best memories of Vegas is attending a hockey tournament with our middle son at the Santa Fe (on Super Bowl weekend!) in the mid 90's. Won $600 at the craps table one night and the cage had to verify with the pit boss before they would pay it out!!

Got to have balance in our lives, it can't all be all drinking, gambling or sitting at the poker table with a bunch of strangers your whole life.

Thank you for the kind words everyone! I'm glad my article has spawned an interesting discussion on the idea of Vegas as a family destination. Please keep the discussion going!

My earliest memories of Vegas date back to the 1980s. We used to stay at Circus Circus and I was at Excal shortly after it opened. I remember how I thought the Fantasy Faire at Excal was the coolest place EVER. Those were the days...

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My Vegas addiction started as a youngster in the late 80's, early 90's. I was only about 10 at the time, and we stayed at the Tropicana every time we went to Vegas. I remember my parents cutting me and my friends loose at the arcades/wet and wild/ etc and being and feeling totally safe. I got toy slot machines from the gift shops so I could be "just like mom and dad" haha! I have very fond memories of all the themes and I wish they would make a comeback. I hate the sterile, high end douchiness trending today. The character of the town is getting more watered down every time I go it seems.

Thanks LVM, made me think of all the good times LV provided me years ago. My first LV stay was one night at Circus Circus as a 13 year old. Family stopped in Vegas on the drive home (MPLS) from California. It was a blast with the 2nd floor midway for myself and siblings. My parents also took the family to Vegas one Christmas a few years after that and us three kids still say it was one of our most memorable Christmases. So I'm now 43, have an 8 and 5 year old and my wife and I are considering a trip with the kids to LV this year. While it wouldn't be our usual trip of poker playing, late night dining, adult shows, etc, we still think there are plenty of things the kids would find enjoyable as long as we choose the appropriate hotel to stay at.

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Sun-tzu: If your enemy is superior, evade him. If angry, irritate him. If equally matched, fight and if not split and reevaluate. -Bud Fox

My Mom, ex sister in-law and I went to Vegas shortly after MGM opened. I loved the Wizard theme. I also used to love the Excalibur's theme. I got the crap scared out of me by a guy in an armored suit. Told my Mom to take a picture of me with the suit and he put his arm around me. I thought I was going to have a heart attack. Pretty much have been going to Vegas every year since then, though I missed a few years in my early 30's. I don't care what they do to it, I will keep coming back. That being said, I too will hope for the de-douching of some places. My Mom and I went to Aria after it opened, walked in and turned right back around after I took a couple of pictures of the flowers. I think that's why we like downtown so much. It's easier to be one's casual self down there.

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Jess

Jess, not sure what your issue with Aria is. Too nice and fancy?

Trust me, you can dress like a slob there. I know because I do and I've been playing there quite a bit lately. They haven't asked me to leave yet.

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Probably the overall vibe of the place. All dark and snooty. I like the feel of a Bally's or downtown casino. Different strokes.

What TE said Rob. I prefer not to do snooty. That's the last thing I want to do when I'm on vacation. And I just didn't think it was all that great on first impression. I did like the water wall outside though.

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Jess

I find certain comfort levels in certain properties and rooms. For poker, I have always been a fan of small rooms (Mirage being an exception), but when it comes to general casino atmosphere, I have actually preferred larger themed properties. The wife and I have always enjoyed Paris, Venetian, and the Aladdin (before the PH conversion). We used to be quite avid casino patrons, and those were amongst our favorites. Tropicana was another favorite of ours, but the wife hasn't been there since the remodel.

I definitely like and respect the "old school" properties. I greatly miss the Sahara, and the new huge mega resorts are generally not my cup of tea, but to each is own. Personally, I miss the yellow brick road.

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Incessant Twitter Ramblings available here: LasVegasMichael