Crossing off the last few Strip properties on my list

I'll be in LV next month with my dad. I'd like to take some time (half a day?) to visit some of the few remaining major Strip or (sort of) nearby properties that I've never visited. My three options, grouped geographically:

1) LVH/Riviera/Circus Circus
2) Hard Rock/Tropicana
3) Orleans (off-strip, I know)

Recommendations? I know these are not the crème de la crème of casino resorts... I'm interested in anything that might make a short visit worthwhile to any or these. A hidden gem of a restaurant? Unusual architecture or design features? Friendly vibe? Anything.

Edit: in case it's helpful, I'm in my 40s and Dad's in his 60s. Gambling is usually $5/$10 blackjack and 25c VP. Not clubbers, by any stretch of the imagination, but otherwise open to experiencing the vast spectrum of Vegas environments.

 

The Orleans has some great $10 double deck blackjack games. They also have Big Al's Oyster bar which I think has some great cajun style food and the prices are good.

 

I actually really enjoy the carnival games at Circus Circus. Not the bad casino games. The actual carny games!

 

I think I would opt for the first set of hotels on your list. When signing up for Riviera's card you can get a free T-shirt (makes a nice cheap gift....lol).
Am heading to Vegas next month and I've never been to the LVH and plan on going there for the rodeo related stuff going on there. Will also hit the Riviera cuz I've not been there in almost 20 years and just in case they decide they want to get rid of it, I want to see it one last time.
Have a fun trip with whatever you decide to do

 

Make that two for your first option.
I like the Riviera a lot, I have the free shirt , and I am a fan of the "Old Vegas" feel that Riv has. Parts of the casino still look the same as it did when they shot CASINO there, plus you have the Riviera Comedy Club which is reasonably priced, but even if you don't go there just go up and check out their "Wall of Fame" with pics and captions of different performers throughout history.
Circus, Circus continues the old feel, but all I've ever done there is sit in on a couple of the free MidWay shows, not bad to be honest. Last time I was there there was a performance by America's Got Talent contestants Zuma Zuma.
I've never been to LVH, but adjacent to Circus, Circus (and directly across the Blvd from Riviera) is Slots A Fun, which is a fun little place to play some slots.

 

Riviera has $1 Blackjack, a load of pinball machines, a food court with indian food, a free great comedy show (with the acg book) or $9.99 on so many discount websites.

Circus Circus has the Chuck Jones experience (bugs bunny and looney tunes), great free circus acts every 15 minutes that are certainly worthwhile, a gem of a pizzeria, Slots of Fun, the indoor amusement park-can pay per ride, slots that turn in a carousel!

LVH has nothing worth visiting. But you can always sign up for their free play. They will send offers quickly. Stratosphere has the tower rides that you can just go up and see and their pizzeria is pretty good too. The milkshake at Ruby's diner was really good too.

 

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I was leaning toward the north Strip options (LVH/Riv/CC) but now I see that they'll be removing what looks like a pretty nice stained glass ceiling at the Trop, so perhaps I'll have to swing by and take a look at that before it goes away.