Las Vegas is mainly known for its immense hotel and casino industry, but it is also a premier destination for those seeking a healthy and educational family vacation. Las Vegas and the surrounding areas have a rich history and geography filled with amazing sights that teach as well as entertain. From vast canyons, to deserts, to bodies of water, Las Vegas offers a diverse and unique experience.
The Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam was opened in 1936 and is located 35 miles south of Las Vegas near Boulder City. This marvel of modern construction was a major breakthrough in providing power to Nevada, Arizona, and Southern California and makes for an educational and entertaining day trip for the family. There are several tours of the facility by foot, boat and helicopter. On foot, you can visit the power plant and learn how the dam creates clean energy that helps power nearby major cities like Las Vegas and Los Angeles. The vehicle tours tells you lore about the construction and gives you a unique view of the facility.
Lake Mead
Lake Mead is a reservoir that was formed with the completion of the Hoover Dam and covers over 267 square miles. Lake Mead is the perfect spot near Las Vegas to take the family for a picnic, camping, fishing or some kayaking. There is also a famous 35 mile bike route called the River Mountains Loop Trail.
Educational Exhibits
Las Vegas hotels often have amazing educational exhibits inside them that help draw casino players, diners, and tourists from all over the world. One of the most famous educational exhibits include "Bodies...The Exhibition" at the Luxor, which features the human body and all of its organs displayed using actual human specimens. This may not be appropriate for younger children but is a one of a kind exhibit that gives a true glimpse into the human body. Other hotels have animals, ancient relics, Titanic items and other exciting exhibits.
Aquariums and Zoos
Las Vegas is home to two aquariums and a zoo. The Southern Nevada Zoo features over 150 species of animal and plant life and is conveniently located right off the Las Vegas strip. The two aquariums are the Mandalay Bay Shark Reef and the Caesar's Palace Atlantis Aquarium, which features an assortment of tropical fish and sharks that divers interact with and feed at 1:15 and 5:15 p.m. daily.
Tours and Hotels
Las Vegas offers a variety of different tours. You can take a full day bus ride to the Grand Canyon, take themed walking tours up and down the strip that each offer a different experience and education about the highlights of what helped shape Las Vegas, and much more.
Many people simply like to walk from hotel to hotel watching free shows like the pirate show at Treasure Island, the tournament at Excalibur, and the circus at Circus Circus featuring trapeze acts suspended from the ceiling every 30 minutes between 11 a.m and 11 p.m.
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