San Francisco and Las Vegas with kids

[PhoebeBridger]

Hi! We have just booked a 10 night stay in San Francisco and Las Vegas. It will be Dp and I, my ds aged 10 and my parents (both in their 50’s). We are going to vegas for a wedding (not mine sadly although it’d be a definite yes if DP asked 😂) and have decided to add 4 night on in San Fran as I’ve always wanted to go. It’s all booked and paid for before anyone says don’t go/it’s filthy/not for kid etc.

Anyway we’ve been to New York with DS which appears to have a massive homeless/mental health problem, we live in a pretty ‘rough’ area of the UK so DS wasn’t really dazed but I know San Fran has a lot of issues.

I’ve looked at things to do in San Fran and have a bit of a list but for Vegas so far I have:

Bellagio fountains
A show
Trip the the grand canyon
mini paris
The Aquarium
Coca Cola store
m&m store (we’ve been the one in London and NYC and DS just LOVED them both)
Walking along the strip
The kids arcade (think it’s at the Excalibur)
The Vegas sign

DS is really excited about the trip, I know it’s not typically a place to take kids but we’re excited to go (and for the wedding). Has anyone get any tips?

thanks

Oh we stayed at the luxor you could probably book the blue man group your son would like it. We took a bus tour to hoover dam and grand canyon west I think its probably have cried and ruined the helicopter ride.

You can take the Deuce bus to the las vegas sign from the luxor well across the street it's about 4 stops away.

I think most things covered but yes definitely book Alcatraz now. And I would agree with the homeless issues in SF - I’ve been to many big cities and never seen anything like it. Utterly devastating 😢

LV we loved - such a crazy place! The kids didn’t seem to notice the seedy side 😳

100% do Slotzilla zip line, my boys were a similar age to your son when we did it, and they still talk about it now many years later. Wet n Wild was great too,we had only planned being there for half a day but the boys didn’t want to leave and we ended up staying till closing.
SanFran they enjoyed the aquarium and watching the seals down at the pier, we also hired bikes and cycled over the GGB and had lunch in Sausalito and then got the ferry back.
For a cheaper meal mine love Chipotle. Cheesecake factory is a firm favourite too ( not partially cheap though!)

linq high roller might be an option, its like the london eye and the view is amazing

The Cheesecake Factory in San Francisco is great and has a lovely balcony if the weather is good.

San Francisco can get surprisingly cold. There is a homeless problem and it's worth checking with hotel if there's anywhere they'd suggest you didn't walk.

Loved the GGB bike ride. Though getting the last ferry back was a wee bit stressful; but they did keep saying 'we don't leave anyone behind!'.

Vegas - the Hoover dam in a great trip.

Oh and the kids hated the Cirque de Soleil - they are still grumbling about it 5 years later....

That street down by the linq is nice we found it by accident .

Vegas is full of homeless people too I'm afraid. That being said Iv been 7 times and it's the greatest place on earth. Definitely downtown at night for the light show and slotzilla zipline. The big wheel at the linq promenade is also great for views.

Thank you everyone you’ve all given me some amazing tips! Off this this afternoon so going to spend the afternoon researching!

You will love vegas and think WTAF It the same time 😂

@Mrsjayy 😂😂😂. I am so excited now, keep forgetting we have a wedding to attend whilst we’re there as well 😂

Oh yeah wedding please remember and go 😃

Use uber you can download the local app its really great the hotels have uber pick up points.

Circus Circus kids arcade is good and a nice hotel (we stayed at the Palazzo) for the pools (we ordered a Deliveroo to them!).

@PhoebeBridger either drive or stand at the top of Lombard Street -www.sftodo.com/sanfrancisco/crooked-street-lombard/
If your DS is still young enough to enjoy carousels then they are a must - www.mommynearest.com/edition/bay-area/article/the-ultimate-guide-to-carousels-in-san-francisco
Cocktails at The Top of The Mark - www.sfmarkhopkins.com/
Cocktails at The View Lounge - www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sfodt-san-francisco-marriott-marquis/dining/
Avoid crossing Market late at night on foot!
If you have time a trip to Napa Valley is a great day out.
Blue Bottle Coffee used to be good, if somewhat pretentious.

In San Fran:

Go to Pier 39 and see the Sealions. Lots of attractions there too.
The Cable Cars are a must.
Golden Gate Ferry to Sausalito

Restaurants are good. I had the best sushi of my life in San Francisco....

My kids have been to Vegas lots as it's cheap to fly to, so we've often started road trips there or then got a cheap internal flight to the bay area.They love it.

If you've not booked a hotel yet I would recommend you book a non casino hotel. It makes for a lovely atmosphere - you can dip into the casino atmosphere but also escape. Kids can pass through casinos but you need to keep walking and keep to the main routes.

We've liked Elara and the Signature- big bonus for the Signature is as well as having a pool for each tower you can use the fab easy river pool at the mgm.

Don't miss the Musee Machaniq in SF. We like the submarine too.

I won't stay in the union sq area any more - it is far too edgy now. north beach and fisherman's wharf are much nicer.

In SF - In and Out Burger will be a godsend. Really affordable and really really good.

We are booked to stay at the Riu Plaza at Fisherman’s Wharf, reviews were ok and we get breakfast included so that’ll save on some money.

We’ve already booked a package deal with BA, so we’re staying at the Luxor in Vegas.

Adding all these tips to my ever growing list!!

Cutie Jorge has just posted a 15 free things to do video.

Enjoy- Vegas with kids is great fun. You get to see their wonder!

I know San Fran quite well. What time of year are you going? It can be a bit misty wnd cool in July and the sea lions bog off for a couple of weeks too! Yes it can be dirty and had a homeless people problem, but you can easily get away from it once you’re away from Market St.

Top tips - tram ride over to Pier 39 to see the sea lions. From there a trip to Alcatraz (definitely book in advance if it’s summer).

If you can’t get to Alcatraz on a tour, there are lots of boat trips that will sail you under the bridge and around Alcatraz, and they’re quite nice too.
Cycle across the bridge to Saulsaluto (or get a bus)and get the ferry back.
Nip into a Ghiradelli chocolate shop, it’s great as American choc goes!
The cable car museum is good and interesting.
The theatre in San Fran is lovely- check if there is anything good on while you’re there.
The Cheesecake Factory on the top floor of Macy’s will go down well with a ten year old. Try to eat outdoors on their terrace, it’s sunny in the afternoons and has good views.
For breakfast try Lori’s diner (just above Union sq).

We are going at Easter do less than 12 weeks!

All amazing recommendations thank you!