Wholesome activities in Las Vegas?
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embryopocket
- captain of 100
- Posts: 522
Wholesome activities in Las Vegas?
So I recently obtained Chilean citizenship (my mother is from Chile and I just had to pay $5 to officially become a citizen) and I need to go to Las Vegas to get my passport and ID card. My wife is coming with me and we decided to make a little 2-night vacation out of the trip. Does anybody know of any fun activities there for a guy and his 7.5-months pregnant wife?
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eric
- captain of 100
- Posts: 565
Re: Wholesome activities in Las Vegas?
An uno deck and a table in your hotel room. That place is a spiritual pigstie!
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Melissa
- captain of 1,000
- Posts: 1697
Re: Wholesome activities in Las Vegas?
Stay away from the stip, just garbage everywhere. If you do walk it, there literally is no water to be found! so take water everywhere you go.
Its hard even to walk through your hotel lobby without wanting to throw money down on the table, just for fun. You guys could always go see the Temple. By the way, last time i was there the lobby's and casino areas and restaurants were full of smoke and since your wife is pregnant i don't think she would appreciate it that much. And you have to always walk through those parts, no escaping it. Just go to the temple. There seriously is nothing to be "seen" only things to have to "forget".
Its hard even to walk through your hotel lobby without wanting to throw money down on the table, just for fun. You guys could always go see the Temple. By the way, last time i was there the lobby's and casino areas and restaurants were full of smoke and since your wife is pregnant i don't think she would appreciate it that much. And you have to always walk through those parts, no escaping it. Just go to the temple. There seriously is nothing to be "seen" only things to have to "forget".
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embryopocket
- captain of 100
- Posts: 522
Re: Wholesome activities in Las Vegas?
Yes, the smoke is what has me worried...any smokeless or low-smoke hotel recommendations from anyone?Melissa wrote:Stay away from the stip, just garbage everywhere. If you do walk it, there literally is no water to be found! so take water everywhere you go.
Its hard even to walk through your hotel lobby without wanting to throw money down on the table, just for fun. You guys could always go see the Temple. By the way, last time i was there the lobby's and casino areas and restaurants were full of smoke and since your wife is pregnant i don't think she would appreciate it that much. And you have to always walk through those parts, no escaping it. Just go to the temple. There seriously is nothing to be "seen" only things to have to "forget".
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Jake
- Videre faciem Dei
- Posts: 415
- Location: Syracuse, UT
Re: Wholesome activities in Las Vegas?
=)) =)) =))embryopocket wrote:Wholesome activities in Las Vegas?
Just kidding.
I took my kids to the Silverton Casino to see the giant aquarium. The best time to go is in the morning because no one is there. Don't go during the live "mermaid show". It will not be as wholesome as what you are looking for.
There is also the Ethel M chocolate factory. It's been a long time since I was there, but I remember that we had a good time with the family. Plus you get free chocolate.
The problem with Las Vegas is tuning out the garbage to get to the good stuff. I enjoy the fountains at Bellagio, M&M World, the Atlantis display at Caesar's Palace, and the volcano at the Mirage. But you have to fight crowds and crazy people, so you'll have to decide how much you can handle.
Good luck.
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embryopocket
- captain of 100
- Posts: 522
Re: Wholesome activities in Las Vegas?
Aquarium sounds fun. Same with the chocolate factory. My wife is pregnant so I don't want to go near any crowds, which may not be possible now that it is Spring Break...I protect my wife like a she-bear protects her cubsVidere faciem Dei wrote:=)) =)) =))embryopocket wrote:Wholesome activities in Las Vegas?
Just kidding.
I took my kids to the Silverton Casino to see the giant aquarium. The best time to go is in the morning because no one is there. Don't go during the live "mermaid show". It will not be as wholesome as what you are looking for.
There is also the Ethel M chocolate factory. It's been a long time since I was there, but I remember that we had a good time with the family. Plus you get free chocolate.
The problem with Las Vegas is tuning out the garbage to get to the good stuff. I enjoy the fountains at Bellagio, M&M World, the Atlantis display at Caesar's Palace, and the volcano at the Mirage. But you have to fight crowds and crazy people, so you'll have to decide how much you can handle.
Good luck.
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jdawg1012
- captain of 1,000
- Posts: 1376
Re: Wholesome activities in Las Vegas?
I can recommend quite a few activities, but I guess it depends upon how much walking you'd like to do, and how far you're willing to travel (I was born and raised in Las Vegas, and still have family there).
I'm not exactly certain what all your wife would be up to doing, but there's a lot of non objectionable things that you can do:
Visit the Temple (Which isn't actually in Las Vegas, but neither are the Strip Casinos, for that matter)
Mandalay Bay's Shark Reef
Visit Hoover Dam (though they no longer let you drive over it or do the tours, IIRC)
The Forum Shops at Caesars
The Shops (I forget the names) in the Aladdin
There's the Lion's at the MGM, and the shops there
The Speedway stuff at the Sahara (if they're still there, and you like Nascar).
The Neonopolis and it's shops.
The Fremont street Experience light show (but there's questionable material in some areas).
The laser light show at Sam's Town (Sam's Town can be pretty smoky).
The Stratosphere is a good place to overlook the city (I believe it costs money for non-locals).
Then there's always the shows at individual places.
The number of places you can eat are virtually innumerable. A few buffets that *used* to be good are The Carnival World Buffet at the Rio (Probably close to $30), the one at the Bellagio (used to vary from about $30 to $50 for weekend brunches), and if you're not used to paying much for a meal, or simply don't want to, the "Feast" buffets at the station Casino's are somewhere around $20, maybe less.
I will second what others have said about water on the Strip. It's incorrect that there's no water to be found, what's more correct is that you should expect to pay upwards of $5 for a bottle of water (Supply and demand).
Smoke is going to be a problem if you are walking through any of the Casino's (you usually don't HAVE to when staying in a Hotel, but most people walk through them, there's always valet).
Walking the strip is not really recommended, as there are lots of advertisements for the topless bars/shows. Las Vegas in general is not much more sinful than Salt Lake, for example, it's just a different type of sin. Expect to see immodesty anywhere near the Strip, and some places in Las Vegas actual (it's quite small, just north of the Strip). If I were to offer a personal recommendation, I'd probably stick to the East side of the Valley, and visit the temple (which would be great this time of you), and depending on your economics, stay at Boulder Station, Sam's Club, or one of the other Casinos on the south east side of the valley.
Hope that helps!
I'm not exactly certain what all your wife would be up to doing, but there's a lot of non objectionable things that you can do:
Visit the Temple (Which isn't actually in Las Vegas, but neither are the Strip Casinos, for that matter)
Mandalay Bay's Shark Reef
Visit Hoover Dam (though they no longer let you drive over it or do the tours, IIRC)
The Forum Shops at Caesars
The Shops (I forget the names) in the Aladdin
There's the Lion's at the MGM, and the shops there
The Speedway stuff at the Sahara (if they're still there, and you like Nascar).
The Neonopolis and it's shops.
The Fremont street Experience light show (but there's questionable material in some areas).
The laser light show at Sam's Town (Sam's Town can be pretty smoky).
The Stratosphere is a good place to overlook the city (I believe it costs money for non-locals).
Then there's always the shows at individual places.
The number of places you can eat are virtually innumerable. A few buffets that *used* to be good are The Carnival World Buffet at the Rio (Probably close to $30), the one at the Bellagio (used to vary from about $30 to $50 for weekend brunches), and if you're not used to paying much for a meal, or simply don't want to, the "Feast" buffets at the station Casino's are somewhere around $20, maybe less.
I will second what others have said about water on the Strip. It's incorrect that there's no water to be found, what's more correct is that you should expect to pay upwards of $5 for a bottle of water (Supply and demand).
Smoke is going to be a problem if you are walking through any of the Casino's (you usually don't HAVE to when staying in a Hotel, but most people walk through them, there's always valet).
Walking the strip is not really recommended, as there are lots of advertisements for the topless bars/shows. Las Vegas in general is not much more sinful than Salt Lake, for example, it's just a different type of sin. Expect to see immodesty anywhere near the Strip, and some places in Las Vegas actual (it's quite small, just north of the Strip). If I were to offer a personal recommendation, I'd probably stick to the East side of the Valley, and visit the temple (which would be great this time of you), and depending on your economics, stay at Boulder Station, Sam's Club, or one of the other Casinos on the south east side of the valley.
Hope that helps!
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embryopocket
- captain of 100
- Posts: 522
Re: Wholesome activities in Las Vegas?
Thanks jdawg, I was hoping that a local or ex-local would chime in 
That post was very helpful.
That post was very helpful.-
LV Architect
- captain of 50
- Posts: 71
- Location: Las Vegas
Re: Wholesome activities in Las Vegas?
I guess I should chime in since I live there
There is a lot to be said of the spectacle of the strip but honestly if you can I would stay away. I don't even notice it is there and I rarely go down there. Most of the "clean" attractions are only accessible through the casino.
Definitely the temple. If you have a recommend plan on doing some work and spending some time there.
Red Rock - out at the base of the west (Spring) mountains. There is a fee to enter but the visitor center is well done and the loop to drive around is very scenic. Mild hiking or walking is also an enjoyable activity and the weather right now is spectacular!
Valley of Fire is a ways out of town but is an enjoyable ride. Nice visitor center as well.
Hoover Dam is a nice tour. The new bridge by the dam is quite amazing.
The old Mormon Fort visitor center near downtown. About a block to the north of that is the Anderson Dairy - another fun tour and some ice cream on a warm day.
Ethel M's chocolate factory and cactus garden. Very enjoyable.
There are some nice regional parks as well that provide an oasis from the desert. Floyd Lamb is one of those.
Enjoy your trip!
There is a lot to be said of the spectacle of the strip but honestly if you can I would stay away. I don't even notice it is there and I rarely go down there. Most of the "clean" attractions are only accessible through the casino.
Definitely the temple. If you have a recommend plan on doing some work and spending some time there.
Red Rock - out at the base of the west (Spring) mountains. There is a fee to enter but the visitor center is well done and the loop to drive around is very scenic. Mild hiking or walking is also an enjoyable activity and the weather right now is spectacular!
Valley of Fire is a ways out of town but is an enjoyable ride. Nice visitor center as well.
Hoover Dam is a nice tour. The new bridge by the dam is quite amazing.
The old Mormon Fort visitor center near downtown. About a block to the north of that is the Anderson Dairy - another fun tour and some ice cream on a warm day.
Ethel M's chocolate factory and cactus garden. Very enjoyable.
There are some nice regional parks as well that provide an oasis from the desert. Floyd Lamb is one of those.
Enjoy your trip!
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SpeedRacer
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jonesde
- captain of 1,000
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Re: Wholesome activities in Las Vegas?
I stay in Las Vegas quite a bit during the winter. If you're up for a bit of a drive (about 1:20 each way) one of my favorite wholesome places is China Ranch Date Farm. It's an oasis in the middle of some pretty rough (but scenic) desert, and a lot less of a drive than Death Valley. This is a nice place for a casual stroll, or some more serious hiking if you need to really stretch your legs. They have all sorts of baked goods with dates, fresh dates, and their famous date milkshakes.
Just up the road from there is Tecopa Hot Springs, and that's a nice place where you can pay a little for a private spring-fed tub for some soaking... Delight's on the north end of the little town is probably the best option for this (best facilities/etc). There are some natural pools, the best being a hot pond just north of the town, if you don't mind the risk of seeing people in their more "natural" state. There is also a great little Bistro right in the middle of the little town... fantastic healthy food and a quaint little place to sit down for a meal.
If you're looking for less exotic stuff there are some nice shopping areas like Town Square and Green Valley to get a bite to eat or see a movie. They have some kid friendly places too. If you plan to do the strip I agree with the tip to go as early in the day as possible. There is less smoke and much of the indecent advertising you see at night is gone during the day, especially earlier in the day when the revelers are still recovering from the nightlife.
The nicer areas of town that are also more family-friendly are the west side around Summerlin (take Charleston all the way west, or the 215 loop on the west side), and heading out of town on this side takes you over toward Red Rock. There are some other things out there south of Red Rock that are good family fun, like Spring Mtn Ranch which is a western sort of touristy place. The other nicer part of town is the south-east side in Henderson. The Green Valley Ranch (take 215 to Green Valley Pkwy) and Galleria Mall (515 and Sunset Rd) areas are both good.
Most of the other places I know are for hiking or back country exploring on a motorcycle, and with a pregnant wife they are probably not good options. There is a neat canyon trail with hot pools to soak in just south of Hoover Dam (Gold Strike canyon). It's a great place for a hike, especially if you or little ones along like a bit of rock scrambling (nothing difficult, and there are some fixed ropes in places to help). It is about 2 miles to get down to the Colorado river, about an hour at a reasonable pace (45 min if you push it and jump off rocks instead of climbing down), but quite a bit more hiking back up. There are lots of good trails in Red Rock too... but they get really busy on the weekends. A few are family friendly, like the waterfalls on the north-west side of the loop which is only about 0.2 miles and there are always lots of families there with children (it has wooden bridges over rougher stuff, a pretty easy walk and really pretty).
Just up the road from there is Tecopa Hot Springs, and that's a nice place where you can pay a little for a private spring-fed tub for some soaking... Delight's on the north end of the little town is probably the best option for this (best facilities/etc). There are some natural pools, the best being a hot pond just north of the town, if you don't mind the risk of seeing people in their more "natural" state. There is also a great little Bistro right in the middle of the little town... fantastic healthy food and a quaint little place to sit down for a meal.
If you're looking for less exotic stuff there are some nice shopping areas like Town Square and Green Valley to get a bite to eat or see a movie. They have some kid friendly places too. If you plan to do the strip I agree with the tip to go as early in the day as possible. There is less smoke and much of the indecent advertising you see at night is gone during the day, especially earlier in the day when the revelers are still recovering from the nightlife.
The nicer areas of town that are also more family-friendly are the west side around Summerlin (take Charleston all the way west, or the 215 loop on the west side), and heading out of town on this side takes you over toward Red Rock. There are some other things out there south of Red Rock that are good family fun, like Spring Mtn Ranch which is a western sort of touristy place. The other nicer part of town is the south-east side in Henderson. The Green Valley Ranch (take 215 to Green Valley Pkwy) and Galleria Mall (515 and Sunset Rd) areas are both good.
Most of the other places I know are for hiking or back country exploring on a motorcycle, and with a pregnant wife they are probably not good options.
There is a neat canyon trail with hot pools to soak in just south of Hoover Dam (Gold Strike canyon). It's a great place for a hike, especially if you or little ones along like a bit of rock scrambling (nothing difficult, and there are some fixed ropes in places to help). It is about 2 miles to get down to the Colorado river, about an hour at a reasonable pace (45 min if you push it and jump off rocks instead of climbing down), but quite a bit more hiking back up. There are lots of good trails in Red Rock too... but they get really busy on the weekends. A few are family friendly, like the waterfalls on the north-west side of the loop which is only about 0.2 miles and there are always lots of families there with children (it has wooden bridges over rougher stuff, a pretty easy walk and really pretty).-
embryopocket
- captain of 100
- Posts: 522
Re: Wholesome activities in Las Vegas?
Thanks guys, but my wife has been getting more and more tired as the pregnancy progresses and has decided not to go as of this morning. So I'll be driving down, going to my appointment, then driving right on back. At least it'll be a cool road trip. Beautiful scenery and I'll be sure to take some good tunes I'm also excited to see how much faster the car accelerates there (Here in Utah I'm at 4500ft. above sea level vs. 2000ft. at Las Vegas) B-)
I'm also excited to see how much faster the car accelerates there (Here in Utah I'm at 4500ft. above sea level vs. 2000ft. at Las Vegas) B-)-
JohnnyL
- Level 34 Illuminated
- Posts: 9911
Re: Wholesome activities in Las Vegas?
Drive safely! Be careful if you go through the canyon near St. George--it can be dangerous!
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David13
- Level 34 Illuminated
- Posts: 7081
- Location: Utah
Re: Wholesome activities in Las Vegas?
Virgin River gorge. Probably one of the most fun freeway (Interstate) portions along with the portion by Grand Junction on the 70.
Virgin River gorge, fun at 90 or so, ON A MOTORCYCLE.
dc
Las Vegas. Top of the Stratosphere, but probably not good for a pregnant (in 2013, or now) woman.
Good gun stores and ranges. Full auto if you want to spend $100 in about 15 seconds.
Cabelas and Bass Pro are good family fun and displays.
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ason123
- captain of 50
- Posts: 58
Re: Wholesome activities in Las Vegas?
Go to Sunset Park for a nice stroll. Go see Cirque Dr Soleil "Ka" - It's amazing. Go eat some grubbin' food. It's easy to come by everywhere you go and the food industry is really competitive and huge there. I would really recommend trying Lotus of Siam. Try their crispy duck with mint and chili flakes. It's a bit expensive but worth it! Go shopping at the outlet malls. Go swimming! Go to the spa at MGM. Book a massage too if you are feeling fancy. Go see the temple at night. Go hiking up their canyon. Lots to do that is wholesome.
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ason123
- captain of 50
- Posts: 58
Re: Wholesome activities in Las Vegas?
Oh I missed at part about her being pregnant. Yeah so no hiking. Maybe a drive up the canyon instead. And I also concur that the fountain and light show is fantastic. I also like the cafe at Silverton casino. It has good quality food for a good price. They also have White Castle burgers/sliders in Vegas too. Go try that. if your wife likes photography there are lots of photo ops with all the creative hotel designs. I like the strip myself, but don't accept any flyer or business cards people might try to hand you. Oh!! There are two nice arcades too...one in the downstairs of Excalibur and one in Circus Circus if you feel like bringing out your inner child and winning her some prizes. I also like playing pinball at New York New York. *edited for spelling
if your wife likes photography there are lots of photo ops with all the creative hotel designs. I like the strip myself, but don't accept any flyer or business cards people might try to hand you. Oh!! There are two nice arcades too...one in the downstairs of Excalibur and one in Circus Circus if you feel like bringing out your inner child and winning her some prizes. I also like playing pinball at New York New York. *edited for spelling-
oneClimbs
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Re: Wholesome activities in Las Vegas?
I lived there for 9 years and the strip has some good food but we rarely went there. We went hiking in Red Rock and drove up to Mt. Charleston which is really nice. Boulder city is a nice town to visit, and Henderson and Summerlin have amazing parks.
