Las Vegas and the kids

Now that we're underway and got our dates and hotel booked I can start looking seriously at things to do with the kids in Vegas.

I mean really, when you think of Vegas what do you think of?  Casinos, gambling, gunshot weddings, strippers, CSI...

None of which sound kid friendly.

But!  There are apparently quite a few things to do in Vegas!

Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel Casino, 3950 S Las Vegas Boulevard 10am-8pm(10pm Fri-Sat)

$16.95 per adult, kids under 4 free

Houses more than 1200 species of Marine life including sharks, a sea turtle and fresh and salt water fish
They also have a touch pool containing rays, eels and crabs. There are lots of rare fish here too, and a rare golden crocodile.
My verdict: I think Erika would LOVE the fish and shark experience here!

Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Hotel, 3555 S Las Vegas Blvd

Open 8am - dusk. Entry is free

Houses more than 300 birds including flamingos, pheasants, swans, ducks in a lush tropical garden.  Turtles and Koi are found here as well.
My verdict:  A good freebie side trip

MGM Grand Lion Habitat 3799 S Las Vegas Blvd
Open 11am-7pm, feeding times 1115 and 415pm

Another free venture, lions are kept behind a soundproof glass habitat and rotated twice a day.  You can even have your photo taken with the lions for $25.

My verdict: Another decent freebie side trip

World's largest permanent Circus at Circus-Circus 2880 S Las Vegas Blvd
Open 11am-11pm shows every half hour, entry is free

Goes for 10 minutes with jugglers, acrobats, clowns and jugglers.  Apparently there is a 15 minute waiting time though!
Verdict: Possibility but waiting a nuisance. At least it's free

Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage, 3400 S Las Vegas Blvd

Open varying times, $15 adults, children under 3 free

Beautiful white tigers, and leopards can be seen here in a beautiful setting.  The Dolphin habitat allows visitors to learn all about the dolphins.

My verdict: I would love to see the big cats!