Las Vegas Yay or Nay for Families with Autism

November 26, 2016 Margalit Sturm Francus

The traveling experts at Autistic Globetrotting are often asked whether Las Vegas is a safe travel destination for families challenged by autism. Like in many of cases, the answer isn’t clear cut.

Although Vegas is famous for drinking and adult entertainment, it is a surprisingly great family destination. However, there are pros and cons associated with visiting the city that we will examine here.

Pros

Budget-friendly lodging options

Las Vegas has huge resorts capable of accommodating families, including those with autism. Many properties offer large rooms and great hotel amenities like pools, spas, water slides, and lazy rivers Moreover, most have rooms facing the quieter areas like the gardens and conference halls that are suitable for noise sensitive patrons.

Many properties offer budget friendly mid-week rates, off-season rates, and wholesale warehouse discounts.
There are high-end accommodations and discounted rates at properties like Excalibur, a favorite with families because of its medieval-themed attractions.

In fact, the city offers such a wide range of price points that most families can find something affordable, which is better than in other major US travel destinations.

Plentiful food options

Las Vegas features many family-friendly dining venues from dinner theater shows, fast food, and luxury dining to lavish buffets. The buffets provide a good way to introduce picky kids to new foods with different aromas and textures in a non-threatening manner.

Free shows and attractions

The street shows and odd attractions on the popular Strip draw thousands of visitors each day.

The shows provide an excellent way to introduce children to loud noises and strobe lights in a more laid back way that most sit-down shows don’t allow. Visitors can choose to stand close by for a better view or far away. If the attraction gets too stimulating one can easily slip away without anyone noticing which is helpful for families with autism.

The odd attractions like replicas of iconic European landmarks, exotic animals exhibits and Carnival rides provide an inexpensive way to educate and entertain kids with autism. In addition, the city offers multiple other ways to entertain kids like themed museums , water parks and plenty of shopping malls.

Day Trips

Another pro to Las Vegas is its close to proximity to several National Parks and Geographical landmarks. In fact, the city is less than an hour and a half away from the Grand Canyon, Lake Meade and the Hoover Dam. Families can base themselves in Las Vegas and just take day trips to the different landmarks.

Cons

Yes, there’s drinking and smoking in public

In the State of Nevada , consuming alcohol in public is legal . So visitors will see people drinking freely on the street. In fact, while walking around the Strip it isn’t uncommon to see people tipsy, noisy and boisterous.
Another con particularly for conservative famlies, is the that travelerselers are likely to encounter scarcely clad women on city streets. Furthermore, in most hotel-casi nos ,patrons are still allowed to smoke heavily .

Outlandish Behavior

Las Vegas is notorious for outlandish and promiscuous behavior by visitors. Traveling families may witness certain acts which, while still illegal in public areas, are more commonly attempted by individuals visiting “The City of Sin.”

The noise factor

The city is quite popular, especially on weekends with the younger crowd. Younger visitors in their 20’s and 30’s tend to crowd the streets on the weekend. The streets become packed and noisy which is not the best environment for kids with autism who are noise sensitive or feel uncomfortable around crowds.

In summation

All in all, Las Vegas is a very fun place to visit with family members of all ages. With its plethora of activities and food venues , the city can be a good fit for most families. Since most of the partying takes place during weekend days, families with autism should consider visiting on weekdays.