Just recently I've been thinking about having a small family gathering here in Las Vegas and have been considering a number of options.

Most family members are the Wynn/Encore type of revilers but most of them have young kids that will tag along, so I've been thinking more along the lines of those hotels that would be most convenient for family groups which would also include evening hours for the parents to enjoy.

And I have come to the conclusion that the Golden Nugget would be the best option available for one and all .... kids and grownup alike.

Here's why I think this way.

Las Vegas is definitely not for kids unless proper plans are made and adhered to.

All these kids are very active and during most of the daytime hours we would be going on hikes to places like Valley of Fire and Red Rock Canyon and over to Lake Mede to do some boating. They love hiking regardless of the heat, but the heat would determine the extent of those daylight hikes.

Sometime in the mid afternoon, we'd return to the hotel and throw the kids in the pool in an attempt to get them totally tired so that they would all be sound asleep before the 7:00 PM adults only hour,

Then one or two of the adults will volunteer to baby sit while the rest take advantage of the GN casino and dining spots or other places that Fremont Street has to offer.

I, myself, would volunteer to lead the more adventuresome lads and lassies to the downtown joints - Atomic Bar, the Western for a couple of $2.50 tequila shots with a beer chaser, the El Cortez for a few rounds of blackjack, the Gold Spike just to show one and all what can be done to a real trashy joint if you have total faith in the future of Downtown LV, and maybe a steak dinner at Binion's Steak House where the sights of LV never fail to impress one and all, and then a toss of the dice in the Golden Gate.

Everything is there for one and all without the need to worry about where the heck I parked my car or should I have another martini or not.

And the next morning one or all of the kids will wake up one or more of us and one or more of us would lead all these kids off to have a pancake breakfast someplace in the GN before heading back out for that day's kids' adventure and eventual return to the shark infested pool to get them tired out once again before the 7:00 PM adult hour.

There would be no casino excursion with kids in tow. We only lead kids over desert trails to look for snakes and lizards like they did in the Bible years.

I figure we can continue this for a total of three days/nights max, but only at the Golden Nugget where everything we need is within walking distance except for our daytime kids' activities.

Or am i assuming something wrong here? I honestly don't think so!

I think your intentions are good. I think you want to be fair. But you asked, so I will answer. As long as I'm not paying for it you are only getting my opinion.

I think it's a horrible idea. You are correct that Las Vegas wasn't designed for kids and proper plans need to be made. Yet your selection of the GN does not specify anything kid friendly. Sure you mention a pool and someplace for breakfast. Seriously, you can get that just about anywhere. A seasoned Vegas guy like yourself knows that there are resorts designed with kids in mind.

I think you picked the GN because that's where will wants to take the adults at night. I don't think it is fair to the kids at all.

Furthermore, I don't think you considered any other GN patrons. Suppose you were living in Smalltown America, you were a little younger, and you wanted to spend some hard earned money and fly to Las Vegas with your sweetie and have a week in an adult playground. Suppose you pick downtown because there's less kids, and you pick the GN because it has some class. How would you like going to the pool, only to find several families together with their kids. How would you like to stand in line at the restaurant, at the check in lines, at the valet, at the entrance, or anywhere in the property and run into all of those kids?

As noble as your intentions may be, I don't think it's realistic at all. You could do the whole a town a favor and stay at some place with sight lines, aisles, elevation, dining, and entertainment all planned around the family vacation.

Of course I can't tell you what to do or not do.

Well thought out, JMT, but let me respond a bit later on because we are now heading off to the best baby back ribs joint in town.

Need I say more?!

It has been my experience with company in town to become a tourist rather than a tour guide. By that I mean be with them and allow them the opportunity to do whatever might be on their own list, yet keep them steered in the right direction. It seems most tourists find that little magazine to help them make decisions. They won't need the magazine with you. You become the magazine for them.

For example, in your situation, put everyone up in the Excalibur. Take the kids in the cars to the kiddie activities and do the pool as planned. When night time falls, take a cab. Cabs are cheap and loaded with advantages. You don't have to worry where you parked, you don't have to count martinis, and if someone wants to leave early, they know where to go.

You could go downtown a night or two. You could hit City Center one night. You could let them pick one night. You can still make suggestions, give advice, and make sure there is never a dull moment.

The babysitters will have plenty of options too.

Also for the kids, I hope you consider the cultural corridor. Let the kids learn while they have fun. The Lied Childrens Discovery Museum should be included. And it's close to downtown.<g>
I don't know if you've been to the Springs Preserve but you could spend all day there with the kids and still be close to town. It's not a cheap entrance fee until you consider all the levels of activities. And it's all at Charleston and Valley View.

If you've been reading the RJ, you know that the Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary got a half million dollar donation to spruce the place up. The kids might like that.

Whatever you decide, I know the families are in good hands.

I tried to delete this totally, but was unable to. Please delete it for me, Joe. I know that you get around town a lot more than I do. Thanks! Sorry for the empty text box, everyone. Hope you have a great time with your reunion, Will.