Kids at the Conference

I have my 10 yo son the weekend of the conference. How many of you are bringing kiddos and what are their ages? And what is there to do close by while we're not learning? I just don't like the idea of him cooped in a room all weekend.

TIA,
~Denise~

If it were me, I wouldn't even consider bringing him.  Sorry, but that is the truth.  Especially if you really intend to use the conference as a learning experience.  I would check with the ex and try to swap weekends.

Hey Denise!
I'm not bringing any of my kids or future step-kids. The youngest is 11. I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving them in a hotel by themselves.There is too much that could happen. I wouldn't want them running around the hotel either, ei swimming etc. Again, there are way too many weirdos in society to leave anything to chance. If I HAD to bring them I would hire a nanny. (I've threatened this MANY times at DisneyWorld when they weren't behaving) If anything I am looking forward to getting away from my kids for the weekend.. 
Is it possible to change weekends with his dad? Or to bring an adult to watch over him and do fun stuff while you are enjoying the conference? (I've brought my mom to speech conferences) 
There's an FAO Schwartz toy store pretty close by. You could take a drive to the beach in Galveston, or Moody Gardens. Kema is fun too. NASA is a little bit of a drive but its worth it if you've never been. 
Tracey  

They are definitely not really a kid-friendly environment.  I would worry leaving a 10 year old in a room all day and you wouldn't be able to safely turn them loose.  They don't need to hear what is said at some of the talks either...it's risque at times!

Karla

DENISE-I concur with the rest-their maynot be enough safe, interesting activitie for him to do. You might want to check with he Hilton-713-96-9300, and see if they have any special social outings for short people-never hurts to ask!

Denise I would advise NOT to bring the kids I know that is one of the complaints we (RYD) have heard from our events - and from of the OH events... like Gina said call the hotel they might have something that the kids can do but please dont take them to the actual confernce or any of the speeches it is distracting and some time kids dont need to hear what is being said with some of the talks....

I am not trying to be mean but this is one of the major complaints that we have heard in the past...

I wouldn't bring him unless you had an older teen or adult with you to watch him.  I took my son to a conference in Galveston, but I had my mom with us to keep an eye on him.  Even though your son would be board, he could go to almost all of the speakers with you.  A PSP or ipod could keep him busy, but you do not want to take him into Mary Jo's presentation.  It's a great presentation, but it is very much adult content.  If you had an adult or older teen, the conference is near a huge mall.  And it isn't very far (but you need to drive) from the zoo, children's museum, natural science museum, IMAX, planetarium, butterfly pyrimid, health or medical museum (I can't remember the exact name.), all of which are great for kids.  I'm sure the mall has a movie theater and video games.  I would worry about leaving a ten-year-old alone in the room or especially letting them go out of the room alone.

You have all brought up some of the very things I was concerned about. Back when the ex and I were still friendly, I would have considered switching weekends. Well, not that weekend since it's the ex's birthday and his wife would probably also have plans not involving children.

I went to the conference held in Dallas a couple years ago. I know ALL about the conversations that can and do occur. Geesh, I was the one starting some of them, lol.

Oh well, you all have fun. Maybe I can make it next time. I miss several people on here I'm sure there will be something closer to my area soon.

~Denise~

could kiddoes spend the weekend with grandparents or aunties or uncles???