Adventuredome Theme Park at Circus Circus
The ultimate indoor amusement park, AdventureDome has something for everybody. Younger kids will enjoy the live entertainment, including clowns and mascots, while the older ones will stand in line for the thrill rides. The park's rides are divided into four groups: junior rides (for kids under 5), family rides, large rides and thrill rides. The Slingshot is especially popular because of its size and feel. Riders are not only shot upwards at an acceleration speed of 4Gs but then experience free falling from 100 feet high. Other attractions: a 3-D IMAX theater, lazer tag arena and a 4-D ride. During the month of October, AdventureDome turns into FrightDome, an all-out Halloween extravaganza not for the faint of heart (or for kids under 10).
Circus Circus Hotel & Casino
2880 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 734-0410
www.frightdome.com
Las Vegas Springs Preserve
This 180-acre natural space offers visitors a chance to see authentic desert gardens, hiking trails and hands-on exhibit about the flora and fauna of the area. The walking trails provide picnic areas along the way, and an outdoor concert venue may feature entertainment. Small kids may have a difficult time with the heat, so prepare well by bringing sunscreen and plenty of water. Nature Exchange is a special exhibit aimed to children where kids can trade things found during their walks outside for points (which can then be used to buy items at a special area within the museum).
Springs Preserve
333 S Valley View Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89107-4372
(702) 822-7700
www.springspreserve.org
Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay
Most of the casinos in Las Vegas have a live show worthy of a visit, but the Shark Reef is a favorite among families and younger kids. The aquarium's main attraction is the underwater glass tunnel, surrounded by 1.3 million gallons of water and home to 15 species of shark. The whole tank is designed to look like a shipwreck, with reefs and ruins all throughout. The Touch Pool allows kids to pet rays and horseshoe crabs, while the Jungle Temple Exhibit houses a Komodo dragon, which can reach lengths of up to 9 feet.
Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay
3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(702) 632-7777
www.mandalaybay.com/entertainment/shark_reef.aspx
About The Author
Sarah Dray has been writing since 1996. She specializes in health, wellness and travel topics and has credits in various publications, including "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." She is also a seasoned independent traveler and a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. Dray is pursuing a criminal justice degree at Penn Foster College.
