Ever heard the phrase: Kids just wanna have fun?
Well it’s true and lasvegas has fun events just for kids! When you’re looking for ways to entertain your young ones, and yourself, the Bay area has tons of events and activities to suit any parent’s needs and budget.
When it’s time to get out of the house and enjoy fun times with the family and kids, check out these events happening in the area that will have you grinning ear-to-ear and your kids happier than the Mickey Mouse club!
Family-Friendly Las Vegas
Certainly for many folks the allure of Las Vegas is their slogan as of late: “What happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas.” But, for some people a trip to the city is like any other vacation, kids included.
What do you want to do in Vegas? Perhaps you’re a family hoping to plan a trip to Vegas and the adults of the group want to have a go at the infamous casinos, but you aren’t sure where to go so that your children will also have a chance to have a great time. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
First, check out Circus Circus Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, located at 2880 Las Vegas Blvd. S. The hotel itself has over 3,700 guest rooms, from luxurious Tower Rooms, which are located in two high-rise towers and connect to pools, shopping, casinos and more to Manor Rooms, which offer an in-room refrigerator, a pool just outside the door and convenient parking, this hotel aims to please. There is even an RV park in case the family would rather enjoy familiar comforts while still staying on the Strip. The casinos of Circus Circus are world-class and feature everything you could want from a poker room to slots to a race and sports book. Kids can find themselves happily entertained at the Adventuredome, five indoor acres of rides and excitement. There is a Midway, where there are games for all ages and circus acts, which are sure to please the whole family.
For discounts, reservations and more visit www.circuscircus.com or call (702)734-0410.
Another sure-fire family favorite is the Excalibur, Las Vegas’ very own castle. There is plenty of entertainment, although not all of it quite kid-friendly. Be sure to check out the dinner show, “Tournament of Kings,” an action-packed show with all your favorite medieval characters and even joisting. By the way, you get to eat with your hands, and we all know kids love that. Excalibur also offers a midway where just the kids, or the whole family, can enjoy some carnival games and win prizes. Don’t forget to join Spongebob Squarpants in his 4D Special FX Ride to experience life in Bikini Bottom.
For reservations or more information see www.excalibur.com or call 1-877-750-5464.
There are many other casinos that offer family entertainment; find them by visiting www.visitlasvegas.com or by calling 1-877-847-4858 and finding your perfect Las Vegas adventure.
Rebecca Haydu-Jackson
Gungho City
 SCOUTING
KEEPING OUR YOUTH ON THE RIGHT TRACK
The number of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are growing each year. With funactivities and family involvement, this nearly 100-year-old organization has benefited the United States in such a positive way. The activities and challenges are year round and not only develops physical capabilities, but also focuses on character and good citizenship. According to Spencer Page, Executive Director of the Gulf Coast Council BSA, they have traditional scouting for boys between the ages of 7 and 18. They also have Venture/Exploring programs for girls and boys (co-ed) ages 14 to 21. The Venture program’s purpose is to provide positive experiences in order to help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. They learn to make ethical choices and gain skills to become leaders in any area they chose to pursue as adults. All of the scouts’ activities are age appropriate. Mr. Page proudly admits, “Boy Scouts celebrate their 100th year in 2010 and is still the largest youth program in the country”.
Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts are full of outdoor activities such as camping (overnight camping in the wilderness is usually reserved for boys and girls over the age of 10), hiking and canoeing; and don’t forget horseback riding and one of the newest additions, climbing and rappelling. BSA has a recognized set of procedures on teaching the increasingly popular task of climbing and rappelling for each scout level. “Cub Scout Worlds" is another newer program and is used by many types of council to carry the world of imagination into reality with actual theme structures of castles, forts, ships, etc. A great web site, with an abundance of information is www.scouting.org/ . You can go there to find your local council and all kinds of great adventures awaiting your child.
There are close to 120 different areas a boy scout can earn a badge. From Wilderness Survival to Atomic Energy, from Stamp Collecting to Plant Science, from Fire Safety to Family Life; this organization is definitely a smorgasbord of learning and fun!
Girl Scouting is for ages 5 - 17 and focuses on developing their potential through character and self-esteem building activities. These activities, as with the boys in Boy Scouts, involve the girls working in partnership with adult volunteers. Lisa Higgins, of the Gulf Coast Girl Scouts, the best place for information is their web site,www.gsgcf.org. Girl scouts can earn merit patches from a list similar to the Boy Scouts. Some examples are the Flag Ceremony badge, Girl Scouts Against Smoking badge, Staying Safe badge and the Sharing badge. As they get older, Junior Scouts and Girls 11-17 have the chance to earn many interesting badges. The Sky Search, Hiker, Car Care, Becoming a Teen, Environmental Health, Eco-action, Family Living Skills, Farming, Global Awareness and Child Care badges are available if one is up for the challenge.
The infamous Girl Scout cookies are one way the girl scouts raise money for their activities. In comparison, the boy scouts have popcorn sales for fund raising.
Evidently, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts teach our youngsters values, safety and morals, all of which seem to be diminishing among society today. Being a member of these long-lived organizations offers opportunities to try things non-members normally do not have, and do so within a safe perimeter. All adults involved with the organization are carefully chosen. There are many procedural and leadership selection policies that are adhered to when selecting leaders and volunteers, so go out there and have fun while learning, and wear your badges proudly!
Aura New - Journalist
GunghoCity.com
GOING BACK TO SCHOOL!
Kids! Its all about that time!!
Savor those last summer swims and video-game marathons, because school days are on the way again. Dive back into the books in style with this year’s latest must-haves in fashion and accessories. Between vibrant prints and superhero-size statements, these aren’t your teacher’s school supplies. And thanks to affordable options at many online vendors and discount stores, Mom won’t mind at all.
Here’s what the girls and boys will be hitting the hallways in this fall.
Don’t forget the apples.
The Threads
For her:
Forget the blue jeans. Girls will look perfectly polished in this year’s ladylike dresses and blouses. Jumper-style dresses look posh with details like oversized buttons and delicate bows. Empirewaist styles provide comfort and style. Plaid prints are back and ready for the classroom. Keep the look new in unconventional colors like orange, pink and bright yellow.
For him:
Fresh the staple shorts-and-T-shirt look with a touch of the season’s most popular characters. Summer blockbusters like The Simpson’s Movie, Spiderman
3 and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix are leaving their mark on fashion, as the film’s heroes are popping up on T’s and sweatshirts. Older boys and teens can channel their inner rock star with band logos and embossed images of classic music mugs like Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison.
Shop:
The Kicks
For her:
Compliment the season’s girlie fashions with flirty footwear. Simple sneakers look new again with Mary-Jane straps and ribbons. Flowy skirts catch an edge with cowboy boots (look for a rounder toe for comfort). Keep summertime flair with a chunky platform sandal--a not-quite-fall favorite that looks just right dressed up or down.
For him:
Skater-style shoes still top the guy’s fashion list. Just be wary of the Heelys--while these sneakers-on-wheels are a blast, many dress codes won’t approve. Edgier pupils will love slip-on styles in funky checkerboard patterns and black-and-white details. And there’s always the Chuck Taylor All Star. Low-top or high, the classic is a sure hit.
Shop:
The Bags
This year, backpacks do more than hold your homework. Technology has hit the school bag, with some brands offering ergonomic support, foam straps and custom-fit weight distribution. For a trendy touch, many online venues provide make-your-own options. Students can select styles and colors that express and impress.
Shop:
Angell Fail – Journalist
Gungho City
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