Go for Gambling

We just got back from a belated Mother's Day trek to Sin City, and I have to admit it, it was pretty sinful (and not on my part, I might add).

Las Vegas is a relatively central meeting spot between my house in L.A. and my mom's in New Mexico, so the city is a natural and neutral destination for us when we want to plan simultaneous getaways. Besides, my mom loves Las Vegas – and always has. My sister and I cut our carnival teeth on the games at Circus Circus, back when that was the only (kid) game in town.

But these days, it's a whole new game. With all the ritzy resorts and naughty nightclubs and shows, it can be a real eye-popping experience for kids. For instance, while my mom and I hit the casino games, Steve decided to treat the kids to a day of splashing and sunning at the pool. What he got was an eye-full of teeny weeny bikinis and overpriced rum drinks.

So he retreated to the desert, or more specifically, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, where the kids scrambled over rocks and Steve didn't have to worry about their cannonballs making a splash in the middle of someone's romantic poolside moment.

Of course, that's not to say there aren't resorts there where parents and kids can relax and soak up some resort-style recreation. Avoid the abundance of jiggle and glitter on the Strip by checking out Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort's SummerFest. Not only are these activities and attractions "kid safe," they're target right to kids – and their Las Vegas-loving parents.

The resort, located about 25 miles miles east of the Strip near Lake Mead, is rolling out its SummerFest activities from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Parents and kids can check out:

• Kids' Concierge: A special welcome desk for kids that includes a gift and information about all the activities.


• SushiSKool: Master Sushi Chef "Fuji" Fujita offers classes for kids to develop their sushi-making and eating skills ($20, reservations required). Adults can partake in the "Maki Mommies" all-you-can-eat sushi and wine special or sign up for adult sushi-making classes of their own.


• Pool: Parents can let their children splash and play at will at the kids-only pool, which has a waterslide, playground and lake-front beach as well as games, contests and other activities. The Fisher-Price KidBana offers shade and Fisher-Price toys near the splash pool.


• Kids' Club: Find nature hikes, fishing, basketball and other activities.


• Mini Moulay: Moms can bring their daughters in for special salon treatments.


• Dive-in Movies: On Saturday night the pool area is transformed into a "dive-in" movie theater with family-friendly flicks. Roast s'mores at the fire pit during movie nights, too!


• On the Water: Take a kayak or a guided Gondola tour.


• Other Stuff: Loews Loves Kids program is ongoing and features a gift pack for kids younger than 10, access to a "Kids Kloset" packed with games and books, children's menus at restaurants, cribs and roll-aways and child-proofing kits for guest rooms.


• For Parents: Date Night includes romance films and drink specials in the lounge, and the sushi and sake classes make for a fun evening out, too.

The property is tucked away from the (some would say) gaudier side of Las Vegas, overlooking the scenic, manmade Lake Las Vegas, so the pace is a bit less frenetic. There's even a Kids Camp ($80 for 10 a.m.-5 p.m., ages 3-12), which offers supervised fun and meals so adults can hit the links or the spa (or the Strip). And if you want to bring the family pet, too, the property charges just $25 per stay and offers a range of services for the four-legged.

And the best part? Kids stay for free in their parents' room, and you'll find other specials, such as the Loews As You Wish offer (stay two nights, get the third free; includes food and beverage credits, based on the length of stay). Rates start at about $209 per night ($119 without the package and food credit).