Usually when thinking of Las Vegas you think about gambling, drinking and a whole party atmosphere, and even though my other Las Vegas post talks about family things to do – there is a reason that Vegas is aka Sin City and is often said to be a “Disneyland for Adults.”
So now that I’ve given you some family friendly ideas, here are a few for those of us over 18.
Go Skydiving! – I wanted to do something really fun and exciting when celebrating my big 4-0 birthday and one of the first things that I thought of was jumping out of a plane. Not your everyday birthday celebration, but that’s why I liked it, and here we are “a few” years later and what a great memory! Skydiving was something that was always in the back of my mind of wanting to do, and Vegas seemed like a great spot to try it. The experience was fabulous from start to finish. I pre booked my time slot online after checking and rechecking reviews of skydiving companies. I went with Skydive Las Vegas, and they were very professional and I would highly recommend.
I joined a small group of “jumpers” at the pick up point (across from Mandalay Bay), and after literally signing our lives away – we were off! Once we arrived at the small airport, we were given instructions on what we were to do, we were suited in our “jumping gear” and before I knew what was really happening – it was my turn. There were three other jumpers in my plane, and we were each matched up with a professional that ensured we were strapped together properly and all equipment was in correct and good working order. The whole way up they chatted with us, calmed us, and distracted us so much that I almost didn’t fully realize that this plane did not have a door, and just how high we were climbing.
Everything happened so quickly, I really just remember being at the opening of the plane and kind of being nudged out the door from behind. It was so windy, and the free fall part of the jump seemed really quick. Once my G.I. Jumper deployed the parachute, things slowed down a bit and I was able to take in the beauty of the desert with the Hoover Dam and the strip in the distance. Awesome experience that I would definitely do again.
Fremont Street – while this area can certainly be enjoyed with kids, it just seems a little more uncensored and adult. There’s a fun zip line, entertainment and of course lots of casinos for gambling (it’s been said that there are better odds of winning at the casinos here but that was not my experience). There are also some unusual street entertainers, for example, I don’t think my mind will ever be able to erase the image of the “St.Patty’s” man wearing only a hat and a small shamrock.
Fine Dining – there are an endless number of fine dining restaurants in Las Vegas that let’s face it, are not meant for children. Almost every hotel on the strip offers at least one top notch dining selection in elegant, romantic and luxurious surroundings. Two of my top picks: 1.Olives at the Bellagio – the classy atmosphere is so inviting and their outdoor patio looks over the Bellagio fountains, and 2. Mon Ami Gabi at the Paris – the indoor part of the restaurant is much more upscale than the outdoor patio, but the outdoor patio can’t be beat for people watching and the Bellagio fountains right across the street.
Pool Time – the pools of some of these Vegas hotels are like their own spring break type destination, the pool parties are known for the entertainment and the party atmosphere, and probably not the best place for your little one and their floaties. That being said, there are some hotels that have a more relaxing environment, so if some pool time is high on your “to do” list , you might want to check this out beforehand. Funny story : on one of my last trips to Vegas, I grabbed a cab on a mid morning Sunday to the Hard Rock Hotel. As I got in, the driver asked me if I wanted him to take me to “Rehab?” After thinking to myself, I must look a lot worse than I feel, he explained to me that Rehab is a huge all day beach party at the Hard Rock every Sunday. Man, did I feel old and out of the loop.
Get a Tattoo – if you have been thinking about getting some”ink,” there is no shortage of tattoo shops in Vegas. Like everything else, I do caution you to do your homework when selecting a shop and artist – this is one thing that can “happen in Vegas”, but does not “stay in Vegas” – it will be with you for life! If you have read any of my earlier posts, you may have noticed my slight obsession with a certain band. Having a meet and greet prior to the concert at the MGM Grand, I had the genius idea to have Mr. Steven Tyler do a little doodle of his initials on my hip with a sharpie. I don’t think I’ve ever moved so little in a concert (not wanting to sweat it off). The show ended around 11, and by 11:15 I was in a cab to Hart and Huntington at the Hard Rock Hotel, making it permanent. Probably a little crazy – but I couldn’t be more happy with it. 🙂
