Way back in the heyday of Ak-Sar-Ben --- my youth --- kids were kept in what was basically a large outdoor holding cell. You haven't lived until you've spent an afternoon in a cage while your parents played the ponies. It would be child neglect/endangerment in 2011.
you can go to the grandstand area as well you just have to take the most direct route - take the escalators - up to there ... this also allows access to the dinner buffet which is ok but isn't cheap ...