United States Destinations

Enjoy a family night on the town in Las Vegas

By Steve and Caroline Lake

Travelling to Las Vegas with grandchildren and wondering what to do that will be fun for both kids and you? Here are a few ideas that work well.

The Lion King was a much-loved movie and Julie Taymor's Broadway show is fantastic. Now The Lion King is a real must-see in Las Vegas.

The production at Mandalay Bay on the Strip is magical. It is impossible not to be riveted by this beautiful innovative stage presentation, a dazzling, unforgettable two-hour production.

For schedules of other shows suitable for children, check Neon section in the Friday edition of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage is world famous. The dolphin habitat is a research-based facility. Ramps lead to an underwater viewing room where the dolphins can be seen from both above and below. There is also a video show in which you can observe the birth of a dolphin.

Then walk over the bridge and beyond the last pool to the entrance to the Secret Gardens. This is where white tigers, white lions and other exotic animals enjoy a tropical paradise. Siegfried and Roy are well known for their commitment to conservation and the protection of animals.

Comic-magician Mac King may look like a small town hick in his plaid suit and bowl cut hair, but in fact he is a skilled magician. His comedic sense gets the entire audience laughing. This is one of the very best afternoon shows. King does two shows a day at Harrah's and has recently been signed for an additional five years.

The lion habitat at MGM Grand has always been popular. Watch real lions at rest and play in natural surroundings replete with waterfalls, a pond and acacia trees.

Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay is another favourite. The aquarium is wonderful, a real experience. Children are allowed to touch starfish and baby sharks in a shallow pool.

Springs Preserve is a museum on a 180-acre site that gives visitors an opportunity to learn about the wonders of the desert and the development of Las Vegas through hands-on activities.

Children can build their own town with huge building blocks made of foam, see small desert animals, and wander on hiking paths and garden walks.

Exploring Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a treat for the entire family. The canyon is a 40-minute drive from the Strip. Stop at the visitor centre first to gather information on the area, then take the spectacular 21-kilometre loop drive. Enjoy the many scenic lookout points. There are a number of hiking trails, marked easy, moderate and strenuous, and there are picnic areas shaded by beautiful old cottonwood trees.

From Red Rock head for Bonnie Springs, only five minutes away, and see an authentic Old West town. There are melodramas and gunfights between the cowboys walking the streets, also a petting zoo and duck pond.

Roos-N-More in Moapa, Nevada is about an hour’s drive from Las Vegas. This is a fully accredited zoo, run by veterinarians Valerie and Jay Holt, and also a work in progress. The Holts’ love for kangaroos, wallabies and all animals is evident.

This is a very hands-on type of zoo so expect the unexpected. You can hold an otter and see how they kiss, cuddle a lemur and perhaps see a joey in a kangaroo’s pouch.

The zoo is only open to the general public two days a week. The rest of the week is reserved for birthday parties and other large groups. Be sure to call first for their schedule as it does change.

There are many activities in Las Vegas and the surrounding area that the entire family can enjoy.

Information:

The Lion King at Mandalay Bay
702-632-7777
www.mandalaybay.com

Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage
702-791-7188
www.siegfriedandroy.com

Comic Magician Mac King at Harrah's
702-369-5111
800-214-9110
www.harrahs.com

Lion Habitat MGM Grand
702-891-7777
www.mgmgrand.com

Shark Reef Mandalay Bay
702-632-4555
www.sharkreef.com

The Springs Preserve
702-822-7700
www.springspreserve.org

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
702-515-5350
www.redrockcanyonlv.org

Bonnie Springs
702-875-4191
www.bonniesprings.com

Roos-N-More
702-467-3585
www.roosnmore.com

The Las Vegas Review-Journal
www.lvrj.com