Casino Camping with Kids

If you want to see an argument started on a forum about Las Vegas, or gambling and travel, post something about bringing your kids along.  It’s like posting a dog-related question on an RV forum.  Before the discussion ends someone will chime in about a camper they parked beside who had a loud dog, or didn’t pick up after the pooch, or used an 8′ leash when the park rules called for a 6′ one – you get the picture.

On the gambling forums you’ll get comments about too many kids in the pool, or rug-rats being loud at the buffet, and so on. Some will even be bold enough to directly chastise you for bringing the kids along on a gambling vacation and recommend you leave them home or with relatives. Just remember that most forums have an “ignore” feature. Here are some real ideas to help you plan for a fun trip that includes the kids.

Over the years some casinos have tried to be more family oriented (think Circus Circus in Las Vegas) and others have gone the opposite direction trying as much as possible to eliminate kids from most areas of the resort. One thing you might assume is that a casino with an RV park would be more kid-friendly, and that’s usually the case but not always.

Traveling by RV gives you an advantage over all the families who visit a casino by car or fly in.  Your RV likely has room to bring along many things the kids enjoy and that’s good, but unless your stop is just overnight they may become bored with even their favorite video games or other activities.  Also, depending on ages, you may not want to leave them alone in the RV while you’re out.  Below I’ve listed a few thoughts and comments that may help the whole family enjoy your stop at a casino.

Be aware that kids aren’t allowed in the gaming area of the casino.  Otherwise, you can think about this like any other overnight stop, weekend, or family vacation and consider your kids ages, what they enjoy, and the season of the year.  Here are some amenities you may find at a casino that the kids will enjoy:

• Swimming Pool:  If the weather is nice some kids will stay at the pool a big part of the day.
• Supervised Play Area:  Some casinos will have supervised, secure area similar to the “Kids Quest” and other childcare options that you find at malls and other locations. This might be small and simple, or huge and elaborate and could include active play like slides, trampolines, tunnels, etc. along with TVs, electronic games, and even a snack bar or fast food restaurant.
• Arcade:  If your kids are old enough and into arcade games they’ll love it, but it can get expensive. I remember once many years ago when we were just starting to visit casinos our daughter who was 11 at the time spent more in the arcade than our gambling budget!
• Movie theatre:  When you consider cost per hour a movie is probably less expensive than some other forms of kid entertainment.
• Bowling alley:  For the kids or the whole family.
• Spa:  Some older teens might enjoy this, our daughter did when she was 16.

Don’t relax your normal family rules for personal security and safety. Sometimes it’s tempting to do this on a vacation, but if you wouldn’t let the kids go alone to a theatre or arcade at home you shouldn’t do it at the casino either.  Also, remember to consider your kids ages and levels of maturity in selecting entertainment for them.

What ideas do you have?  I’ve started this discussion thread in the Open Roads Forum and you’re invited to post questions, answers, and comments.

Happy travels and good luck,

Mac
www.CasinoCamper.com