The Las Vegas Zoo has lions, tigers and bears, along with some great educational programs and exhibits. (Credit: lasvegaszoo.com)
Las Vegas Zoo
1775 North Rancho Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89106
(702) 647-4685
www.lasvegaszoo.com
Yes, Las Vegas has a real zoo, with real animals. Formally known as the Southern Nevada Zoological Botanical Park, the Las Vegas Zoo is located about 40 minutes north of the city and is a great experience for young kids. There are lions, tigers and bears, along with some great educational programs and exhibits. Entrance costs $9 for adults and $7 for children. The zoo Web site has a $2 coupon. The Las Vegas Zoo is open daily, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saltwater Aquarium at The Silverton Casino Lodge
3333 Blue Diamond Road
Las Vegas, NV 89139
(702) 263-7777
www.silvertoncasino.com
This enormous reef aquarium is truly amazing and will transport little kids to the bottom of the sea for some underwater, educational fun. More than 4,000 species of fish and marine live here, along with all the superstars of the deep kids love, like sharks and stingrays. Feeding shows are scheduled at 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., and at those times a biologist is in the water with a microphone, so kids can ask live questions. It’s a lot of fun and is a great experience for kids. Mermaids also swim in the aquarium; check for the schedule.
Frog Hopper Ride at Buffalo Bill’s
31900 South Las Vegas Boulevard
Primm, NV 89019-9119
(702) 679-RIDE
Little kids usually want to try the big kids’ rides, but in most cases, it’s just not possible. The Frog Hopper ride at Buffalo Bill’s allows little ones to experience some thrill and excitement. The ride takes the kids about 30 feet into the air and drops them down in a free fall that lasts about a minute. The ride holds about five kids along with one adult, so they are never alone and an adult can ride with them. The ride is thrilling and fun without being scary. The ride is open Friday through Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. and closed Monday through Thursday. Each ride costs $3, or is included in a wristband package, which is $30 for a full day or $22 for half day. The Frog Hopper ride is about 40 minutes outside Las Vegas in Primm, right on the 15 freeway.
