Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay
The Shark Reef, located within the Mandalay Bay Casino and Resort, is a 95,000 square foot facility home to more than 1,000 species. The main attraction is the shark tank, which contains 1,300,000 gallons of water and 16 different species, including a a great hammerhead, sand tiger and whitespotted bamboo sharks. Visitors make their way underwater through an acrylic tunnel, which allows them an 180-degree view of the tank and the animals. Another popular exhibit is the petting pool, where kids can touch a stingray or horseshoe crabs, the 12,000-gallon tank home to a rare Golden Crocodile, pufferfish, piranhas and moon jellyfish. There are also sea turtles, reptiles and a giant Komodo dragon living here.
Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay
3950 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(702) 632-7777
Las Vegas Springs Preserve
Las Vegas Spring Preserve is an 180-acre natural park, museum and exhibit gallery chronicling the natural history of Las Vegas. Located just outside the city center, it offers families a chance to enjoy the desert in all its glory without having to venture out into the countryside. The preserve is home to more than 300 species of cacti, as well as many birds and plants native to the area. Families can take a hike through the gardens, have a picnic along the way and collect natural items (such as rocks or fossils) that can later be "exchanged" for a souvenir at the Nature Exchange exhibit within the museum. Aside from the interactive and educational stations, there are also fountains (where kids can get wet and brave the heat), a theater and reconstructions of Native American dwellings.
Springs Preserve
333 South Valley View Boulevard
Las Vegas, NV 89107-4372
(702) 822-7700
GameWorks
A massive arcade and game complex, this is a popular stop for families because their games can be enjoyed by kids and adults. Aside from the hundreds of arcade games, kids will also find virtual rides, interactive stations, virtual bowling, racing cars and shooting games. While the kids are testing their skills at the virtual dance stations, parents can have a drink and exchange golf tips at the Glacier Bar or the GameWorks Grill. Games average $1 or you can buy an all-day pass for $35 and play at your heart's content.
GameWorks
3785 Las Vegas Blvd, South
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(702) 432-4263
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.
