Las Vegas Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum may be an odd choice in a city full of lights and noise, but for the kids, it can be an unforgettable experience. As soon as they step inside, kids learn that the area was once under water and that many of the species featured in the museum, including the extinct, shark-like Carcharodon megalodon once inhabit the region. Aside from skeletons and exhibits, there are also aquariums with live fish lining the wall, including a 3,000-gallon tank, home to sharks and stingrays. There are also dinosaur displays, live reptiles and a whole gallery dedicated to indigenous plant and animal life. A large hands-on area allows kids to dig for fossils, take part in a lab and touch and smell different species.
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
900 N. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 384-3466
lvnhm.org
Nevada Southern Railway
Located just outside Las Vegas is the Nevada Southern Railway, which takes visitors 3.5 miles along the River Mountain range. The complete ride takes about 35 minutes, just long enough for the youngest kids to plug along without getting too tired. The Pullman passenger coaches date back to 1911 but have been refurbished and now have air-conditioning and heating systems. The train even makes its way past several golf courses. Once the ride is over, kids (and their parents) can explore the many locomotives in sight, check the outdoor interpretive exhibits and talk to costumed volunteers who can answer questions about the history of the train and the area.
Nevada Southern Railway
600 Yucca Street
Boulder City, NV 89005
(702) 486-5933
nevadasouthern.com
GameWorks
This massive entertainment complex features something for everybody in the family. Inside, you'll find over 200 arcade games, a rock climbing wall and a pool hall. There are motion rides, virtual dance stations, shooting games and old-school arcade games like PacMan. The Glacier Bar offers the grown-ups a place to hang out and talk golf while the kids are having fun. The GameWorks Grill offers all types of food such as pizza, BBQ and desserts.
GameWorks
3785 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(702) 432-4263
gameworks.com
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.
