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The Welcome to Las Vegas Sign1

Neon lights, clinking slot machines, drive-by chapels and showgirls are often associated with Las Vegas, Nevada, making it an ideal destination for endless excitement. However, there is a whole other side to the Neon City that caters to families, no matter what the budget. Many of the casinos and resort hotels have attractions, shows and exhibits that are perfect for families to explore, and best of all, a number of them are free of charge. While there are plenty of theme parks to visit, such as Adventuredome and GameWorks, families can also find a range of unique and often less costly destinations that are fun for all ages.

LIONS, TIGERS AND MORE

Animal attractions are popular with people of all ages, and Las Vegas has its fair share. One such place is the Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park. The zoological area contains more than 150 different kinds of plants and animals and is open year-round for visitors to enjoy. Some rare animals, including the Bali Mynah bird, are on display as well as crowd favorites, such as chimpanzees, flamingos and talking parrots. More than a run-of-the-mill zoo, this establishment also offers tours of nearby destinations, taking visitors through the desert, ghost towns and even the mysterious Groom Lake near Area 51.

	The Mirage's Royal White Tiger Habitat2

Families do not have to leave the Las Vegas Strip to find animal exhibits and shows. With casino-resorts vying for attention, the public is offered an assortment of sights that can only be found in Las Vegas. Large cats can be seen by visitors at the MGM Grand and at the Mirage, with their Lion Habitat and Royal White Tiger Habitat respectively. Known throughout the world, the White Tiger pets of Siegfried and Roy live in an open-air environment with fountains, a pool and replicated mountain terrain. When the lions are not at the hotel, they are at their customized ranch 12 mi (19 km) away. Bird lovers enjoy the Wildlife Habitat found at the Flamingo Hotel, which houses more than 300 birds, including the trademark flamingo and several species of penguins, and allows visitors to watch the keepers at work.

Jellyfish Illuminated by LED Lighting

Another destination is the Aquariums at the Silverton Hotel Casino, which contains both fresh-water and salt-water aquariums. Mimicking an ocean reef, the main tank holds 117,000 gal (532,000 L) of water and is home to more than 4,000 species of tropical fish, including stingrays and several different kinds of sharks, which can be seen from all sides. Marine biologists come out to feed the fish and answer the questions of spectators three times daily. The Silverton also houses a 500-gal (2,200-L) jellyfish tank, which is illuminated with LED (Light-Emitting Diode) lighting that changes the jellyfish colors. For freshwater fans, the casino has constructed four aquariums that represent the ecosystems of Nevada, such as a Red Rock Canyon-themed aquarium, a Nevada spring with logs and spawning trout, a 20,000-gal (91,000-L) lake containing enormous carp and bass, and a flowing canyon which displays ducks, catfish, turtles and other creatures.

ONLY IN LAS VEGAS

	M&Ms World Store in Las Vegas3

Some one-of-a-kind destinations are found in Las Vegas, catering to a range of interests and tastes. One popular destination is M&M’s World, which celebrates the small and colorful chocolate treats. Inside this 26,000-sq-ft (2,400-sq-m) building are four floors of display area filled with candy, clothing, decorations and even golf clubs, all modeled after the candy. Each day a 3-D movie starring the yellow and red M&M duo, the mascots for the chocolate, is shown and there is also a replica of the M&M sponsored NASCAR race car for visitors to see. If M&M’s World does not satisfy your sweet tooth, then head to Henderson for a visit to the Ethel M Chocolate Factory. Found 15 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, this factory welcomes visitors to take a self-guided tour as they learn how a variety of candies are made. After making their way through the factory, visitors finish off the tour with a free sample at the confectionery. Surrounding the building is a 3-acre (1.2-ha) botanical cactus garden containing more than 350 different kinds of cacti with walkways leading guests through as they burn off some calories.

Inside the MGM Grand Hotel, the CBS Television City Research Center boasts different screening rooms for CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon and other networks, giving guests of all ages the chance to be a critic on the latest ideas emerging from these studios. After the screening is finished, viewers take a survey sharing their feelings on the pros and cons of the new show or commercial idea. Children attending these screenings must be at least 10 years old. Another place to review the latest ideas is at the Venetian's Las Vegas Preview Studio, where visitors have the opportunity to watch new TV shows and movie trailers, try new foods and play with new machines, all which can be critiqued to help make the product better.

The Volcano Show at the Mirage4

Fire and water can mesmerize people of all ages and Las Vegas has some prime attractions that can be enjoyed by children and parents alike. Caesars Palace and the Bellagio Hotel feature magnificent water shows, while the Mirage captivates spectators with a fiery show. Caesars’ fountains are surrounded by gardens and benches, making them ideal for a family picnic. Each day, the Fountains of Bellagio are choreographed, combining water sprays with light and music. Nearly 30 different tunes are used for the shows, which run every half-an-hour in the afternoon and every 15 minutes in the evening. During the day at the Mirage, a tranquil waterfall flows from a mountain surrounded by water, but as the sun sets, the earth trembles and fire erupts out of a 54-ft (16.5-m) volcano. Instead of water, streams of lava come out of the mountain, with smoke and fire rising up to 100 ft (31 m) into the air. These shows occur on the hour from 7pm until midnight.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

	A Boat Sailing on Lake Mead5

After exploring all that Las Vegas has to offer, families can head out of town to spend some time camping, star gazing, swimming and hiking. One popular destination for outdoor recreation is Lake Mead National Recreational Area, which is located approximately half-an-hour east of the city near Boulder City. Lake Mead was created in the 1930s with the erecting of the Hoover Dam, turning the area into one of America’s favorite playgrounds, not to mention the largest man-made lake in the western hemisphere. Children can participate in educational programs that teach them about the unique ecosystems supported in the park boundaries, as the lake intersects with the Mojave, the Great Basin and the Sonoran deserts. There are hundreds of campsites here, ranging from full-hookup RV lots to more rustic tent sites, all of which can be booked in advance.

Driving Through the Las Vegas Countryside6

Families looking for a day out of the city can spend it at Floyd Lamb State Park, which is located in the northwestern corner of Las Vegas. Inside the park boundaries are desert areas, as well as grassy fields and lakes, which guests share with the park residents: peacocks, geese, ducks and other birds. Families can have a barbeque at one of the many grills or set up a picnic on the ground. The lakes are stocked with catfish, trout and bass and welcome anglers of all ages.

Some visitors may enjoy using a telescope to see another side of the universe at the Observatory and Planetarium at the Community College of Southern Nevada in North Las Vegas. Open to the public on Friday and Saturday evenings, the observatory offers close-up looks at the moon, planets, stars and other outer-space sights. Those interested should call ahead for times and arrive early to get a good seat.

NIGHT OUT FOR PARENTS

	A Gondola on the Venetian Hotel's Grand Canal7

Many of the hotels can arrange babysitting services, giving parents the chance to explore Las Vegas one-on-one. There are a multitude of date-worthy attractions for grownups to enjoy. One such destination is the Museum of the American Cocktail, which celebrates the creation of the cocktail. Since the early 1800s, people have been enjoying these drinks, and this museum takes an in depth look, from the 1920s Monkey Gland to the modern Cosmopolitan. Keeping with the vintage theme, visitors can head to the Imperial Palace Hotel to see the Imperial Auto Collection. More than 250 specialty vehicles are found here, ranging from early 20th-century automobiles to modern machines used in Hollywood blockbusters.

Affordable and interesting shows are available at most Las Vegas hotels, such as the Sirens of TI at the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino. Through song and dance, a group of beautiful sirens take on a gang of pirates, transforming the entrance of the hotel into an exciting and seductive experience. Visitors can take in the performance several times each evening. At the Venetian Hotel, experience a simulation of Venice, Italy’s Grand Canal inside the hotel. Couples can enjoy a romantic ride on a gondola, pop into the many exclusive Grand Canal Shoppes found off of the cobblestone walkway and watch various entertainers during the Streetmosphere performances, which range from living statues to opera singers to unique acting shows.

While a visit to the Fremont Street Experience is suitable for families, it is also an interesting place for parents to explore on their own. Spanning five city blocks, this colorful district contains more than 12 million lights and a Viva Vision display canopy. On any given night, visitors can shop at Neonopolis Mall, gamble at one of the casinos, watch a movie or dine in one of the many restaurants. Many Las Vegas landmarks are found on Freemont Street as well, including Vegas Vic, a neon cowboy atop the Pioneer Club.

The Fremont Street Experience8

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PHOTO COURTESY

1. Las Vegas News Bureau/Las Vegas CVA; The Welcome to Las Vegas Sign.; Las Vegas, NV, USA
2. Mirage Hotel and Casino; The Mirage's Royal White Tiger Habitat; Las Vegas, NV, USA
3. Photo from Schadler Kramer Group Public Relations; M&Ms World Store in Las Vegas; Las Vegas, NV, USA
4. Krzysztof Snazyk; The Volcano Show at the Mirage; Las Vegas, NV, USA
5. National Park Service; A Boat Sailing on Lake Mead; Las Vegas, NV, USA
6. Las Vegas News Bureau/Las Vegas CVA; Drivng Through the Las Legas Countryside; Las Vegas, NV, USA
7. The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino; A Gondola on the Venetian Hotel's Grand Canal; Las Vegas, NV, USA
8. Las Vegas News Bureau/Las Vegas CVA; The Fremont Street Experience; Las Vegas, NV, USA