By Yvonne Newman
Las Vegas is known as a playground for adults---thanks to the abundance of gaming, drinking, nightclubs and showgirls. Although children aren't allowed in the casinos, many of the city's
resorts do boast family-friendly attractions to keep kids amused. These include museums, animal exhibits, shows and thrill rides. Several of them are even free.
The Clowns at Circus Circus
Photo of Circus Circus clowns courtesy of MGM Mirage
Circus Circus, which features the world's largest permanent big top, has five full-time clowns who are as hard-working as they are big-hearted. Each has performed with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and was trained at its prestigious Clown College. They do everything from driving tiny cars to juggling. You can see the clowns perform on the center stage of the Carnival Midway for free. They appear in rotation with other free circus acts, every half hour starting at 11 a.m. daily.
Circus Circus
2880 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
Telephone: (702) 734-0410
www.circuscircus.com/las_vegas_entertainment/circus_acts.aspx
Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage
Children love animals and will be enthralled by this attraction that was opened by the city's most beloved magicians in 1990. The Dolphin Habitat is home to five Atlantic bottle nose dolphins. It features four connected pools and an artificial coral reef system. There are several magnificent white tigers and white lions on display in the Secret Garden's exotic tropical atmosphere.
The Mirage
3400 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
Telephone: (702) 791-7188
www.mirage.com/attractions/secret-garden.aspx
Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo
Kids will have fun while learning all about birds in this 15-acre tropical display that features waterfalls and lush foliage. Both common and exotic species call this their home---including ducks, Impeyan pheasant, quail, swan, parrots, cranes and, of course, flamingos. You can walk through this free attraction at any time of day, seven days a week.
Flamingo
3555 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
Telephone: (702) 733-3111
www.flamingolasvegas.com/casinos/flamingo-las-vegas/casino-misc/wildlife-habitat-detail.html
The World-Famous Popovich "Comedy Pet Theater"
Gregory Popovich is a world-champion juggler. His family show is geared to children and featured in the afternoons at the V Theater in the Miracle Mile Shops at the Planet Hollywood resort & Casino. It stars a bunch of cats and dogs that were rescued from shelters across the country. He has trained them to fetch, balance things and even walk on tight wires.
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
667 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
Telephone: (702) 932-1818
www.comedypet.com/
Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix
There are four thrilling tracks to race on---perfect for drivers of all ages. Young kids (4 years old and up) can go on the Kiddie Karts, while older kids (those at least 54 inches tall) can demonstrate their racing prowess on the Sprint Kart Speedway or the Go Karts Track. Those who are a lot older (i.e., have a driver's license) can hone their skills on the Adult Gran Prix Track. The facility also features thrilling rides, such as the Tornado Twister and Dragon Roller Coast, and a video arcade.
Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix
1401 North Rainbow Boulevard
Las Vegas, Nevada 89108
Telephone: (702) 259-7000
www.lvmgp.com/
SpongeBob SquarePants 4D at the Excalibur
Kids can submerge themselves in the world of SpongeBob SquarePants by going on this magic motion thrill ride that's based on the popular Nickelodeon television series. When the crazy adventure begins, you'll find SpongeBob working at the Krusty Krab, putting the final touches on a Krabby Patty. As he attempts to get the last pickle from a jar, it slips into the hands of Patrick Star. Patrick, who happens to be on a pogo stick, bounces out the door with it---and the chase is on! You'll follow SpongeBob in pursuit of the pickle as he tries to avoid getting stung by jellyfish, attacked by Plankton and cut up by a buzzsaw.
Fantasy Faire Midway at the Excalibur
3850 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
Telephone: (702) 597-7777
www.excalibur.com/attractions/spongebob4d.aspx
The Lion Habitat
This 9,000-square-foot attraction opened in 1999 showcases a handful of kings (and queens) of the jungle. They roam amid stone formations, cascading waterfalls, trees and foliage---and kids can see them through floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass tunnel that winds into the center of the habitat. It's free to visit and a treat if you happen to stop by when the lions are being fed.
MGM Grand
3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
Telephone: (702) 891-7777
www.mgmgrand.com/entertainment/lion-habitat.aspx
Lied Discovery Children's Museum
This is no typical museum. It features more than 22,000 square feet of interactive exhibits for kids and families that cover arts, science and early childhood. For example, there is an environmentally conscious Green Living mini-city display. Children can also do things like dance in costume on a stage, blow bubbles and create computer art.
Lied Discovery Children's Museum
833 North Las Vegas Boulevard
Las Vegas, Nevada 89101
Telephone: (702) 382-5437
www.ldcm.org/
The Roller Coaster at New York-New York
For kids who enjoy thrill rides, this roller coaster offers a wild journey above the resort's New York-themed skyline. It starts with an initial series of drops, featuring the "heartline maneuver," a twist-and-dive element that simulates a jet fighter rolling out at 180 degrees. Then it's on to several more dips (one is 144 feet), a couple of slick turns and a smooth return back.
New York-New York
3790 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
Telephone: (702) 740-6969
www.nynyhotelcasino.com/entertainment/entertainment_therollercoaster.aspx
Bonnie Springs Ranch/Old Nevada
Children love visiting this 115-acre ranch. It recreates the feel of an 1880s mining town. Among the fun sights are saloons, stagecoaches and the Boot Hill Cemetery. In addition to a miniature train ride, there's horseback riding, a petting zoo, historic exhibits and Old West gunfights.
Bonnie Springs Ranch/Old Nevada
1 Gunfighter Lane
Blue Diamond, Nevada 89004
Telephone: (702) 875-4191
www.bonniesprings.com/
Vegas Indoor Skydiving
Kids can experience body flight at this indoor wind tunnel. It can lift you more than 20 feet high and reaches airspeeds of up to 120 mph. The family-friendly facility provides all the equipment (a jumpsuit, goggles and a helmet) and training. You'll watch a 20-minute safety video before getting a chance to float in the column of air.
Vegas Indoor Skydiving
200 Convention Center Drive
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
Telephone: (702) 731-4768
www.vegasindoorskydiving.com
Big Shot at the Stratosphere
Children who are looking for hair-raising experiences should ride the Big Shot. Located at the top of the 1,149-foot Stratosphere Tower, it thrusts you 160 feet into the air at speeds of up to 45 mph---and that's the tame part of the ride. The really scary part comes when you reach the peak of the tower and switch into a descent. This results in a shocking negative-G pull that almost lifts you from your seat.
Statosphere
2000 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89104
Telephone: (702) 380-7777
www.stratospherehotel.com/thrills/big_shot.cfm
About the Author:
Based in Las Vegas, Yvonne Newman spent 16 years writing for one of the city's popular visitors' guides. She has covered a variety of topics, including travel, shopping, sports and the arts. Newman is currently working on a book about tea houses. She earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Nevada and a master's degree in Anglo-Irish literature from Trinity College.
