Five Outstanding Family Attractions Around Las Vegas

Although Las Vegas is famous for it’s gambling, it is also a place where you can take the family and explore. If you’re willing to take a short drive, your family will have some great experiences to take home.

Bonnie Springs Old Nevada

Bonnie Springs, located on One Gunfighter Lane, is situated on a 115-acre ranch, reminiscent of an old mining town in the 1880’s. It features an old Western town, restaurant, petting zoo, motel, chapel, convention facilities and shops. It’s a perfect place to bring the kids and spend the day exploring the western town and watch shows where they are encouraged to participate.

On weekends and holidays there is a “posse” show where kids can help track down the bad guys. By the way, all the shows are all kids friendly. There are cowboys and cowgirls, a western shootout, a miniature train ride and horseback riding as well. There is a $35-40 per person/hour fee to go horseback riding.

The Bonnie Springs Old Nevada is open daily from 10:30am – 5pm. For information call 702.875.4191.

Hoover Dam

Named as one of the Top Ten Construction Achievements in the 20th Century, it is also the highest dam in the US, about 726 feet from the bottom of Black Canyon. Hoover Dam was named after the 31st President of the United States, Herbert Hoover.

The dam is one of the largest hydroelectric power facilities in the country. It produces 4 billion kilowatts of electricity per year.

There are two tours available for the public. The Power Plant Tour costs $11, but discounts are available for seniors, kids and US Military (active and dependents). US Military in uniform and children three and under are free.

The Hoover Dam Tour costs $25. No children under the age of eight are permitted. This tour is not accessible to those in a wheelchair or on crutches.

Visitor Center admission is $8 without access to the dam or the power plant and it’s open from 9am – 5 pm. Parking is $7.

Adventuredome Theme Park

The Adventuredome Theme Park (pictured) is located at the Circus Circus Casino. This 5-acre indoor themed park is filled with thrilling rollercoaster rides, midway games, a free clown show, arcade, ferries wheel ride, rock climbing and bungee jumping, carousel, bumper cars and many more fun activities.

This is definitely a family affair that everyone will enjoy. Make sure to bring towels if you plan on going on the Rim Runner water chute ride. You’ll get wet.

An all day ride pass is recommended to save money. A regular pass is $24.95 and junior pass is $14.95. Individual ride passes ranges from $4 - $7each. Most of the fast rides have height restrictions, a minimum of 48 inches tall.

The Adventuredome is open daily from 11am – 6pm (M - Th), 10am - midnight (F - Sa), 10am - 9pm (Sunday). The themed park is open at later hours on holidays, Spring Break and summer vacation. For up-to-date hours call the hotline at 702.794.3939.

Mount Charleston Recreation Area

If you need a refresher from the hot summer days in Vegas, take a drive up to Mount Charleston where you can cool-off and relax. It is about 35 miles west of Las Vegas. The Mount Charleston Recreation Area offers plenty of activities for the whole family. It’s a great place to go picnicking, camping, hiking and horseback riding. In the winter, it is where most Las Vegans go skiing and snow boarding.

The temperature at Mount Charleston is usually 20-30 degrees cooler than Las Vegas. The greenery on the mountains is so beautiful that you won’t believe you’re in Vegas. Some of the featured trees are the Ponderosa and Aspen Pine, Juniper and Mountain Mahogany.

Songbirds, deer, wild burros and desert tortoises are some of the animals that you can find up there too.

Hotel accommodations are available year round. While you’re up there don’t forget to try the hot chocolate at the Mt. Charleston Lodge, it’s the best on a cool day.

Lake Mead Recreation Area

Lake Mead is the 16th largest man-made lake in the world. It is located only 30 miles from Las Vegas. It has a lot of features including boating, skiing, swimming, hiking and fishing.

Over seven million people visit Lake Mead every year. Spring and summer are the busiest times at the recreation area.

Lake Mead is home to many animals and plant species, some of which are only found here.

The facilities at Lake Mead includes: 8 campgrounds, 5 motels, 7 RV campgrounds (with hook-ups), 5 marinas, boat and ski rentals, snack bars, restaurants, beaches, and a visitors center.

Whether you’re in Vegas to gamble or on a family vacation, these 5 attractions will surely make your visit enjoyable and fun.

Photo credit: Adventuredome.com