I recommend Tahoe highly. If u have or rent a car, there is a lot to do in the area. You can ride around lake to Emerald Bay and take 1 mile walk down to historic house on lake. Also u can drive to very interesting Virginia City with people dressed up as cowboys and wild west characters and a lot of interesting things to see like a saloon and faro table and more.
In Tahoe u can ride a cable car up above the Lake from Heavenly, the town that Harrahs is in, also there are many outdoor sports even in summer, since snow may still be up in the mountains. Also u can take a boat ride around lake.
The twin hotels of Harvey's and Harrahs have pools and u can also go to the lake nearby which has a beach, but the lake can be cold. Both properties have big arcades for kids, expect to spend a lot there. I wouldn't leave a 9 year old to play by himself though, since this is a good locations, as are all arcades, for pedophiles to hangout.
The best rooms are Harvey's lake tower, in my opinion, if u are a regular Harrahs player, call a host and try to book a lake view suite.
Both properties are connected underground, and very easy to go between them.
The buffet is at Harrahs and is very good, though not always open for breakfast. American River cafe is excellent. I prefer food at Fridays station atop Harrahs to Harvey's high end restaurant on their top floor. Best VP is at Harrahs, look for progressives at Harvey's which are sometimes high. Hard Rock Cafe in Harvey's is 2:1 for points.
If u don't have a car, there is a tour desk in Harvey's, and probably Harrahs too, with some various tours or outdoor sports available.
