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Bringing Children to Las Vegas? Try these recommended print resources from your local book dealer or online from Amazon.com Our favorites: Fun With the Family in Las Vegas - Never Hear Your Kids Say "I'm Bored" Again - Hundreds of ideas for day trips with the kids. Lists ages, prices, times and more. or try The Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas 2004 - The most popular and overall highly rated pocket guide. 101 Things for Kids in Las Vegas |
Area 51
- Infamous around the world, Area 51 is perhaps the most well-known secret air base on the
planet. Surrounded in controversay and conspiracy, Area 51 is best thought of as housing UFO's and
alien bodies recovered from the Roswell, New Mexico flying saucers crash. Tales
of reverse engineering of alien space craft to numerous sightings of foreign and
unexplained flying objects in the night skies, bring visitors to the nearby town
of Rachel, Nevada right off the Extraterrestrial Highway, to investigate. Rachel
is also home to the Area 51 Research Center and a great little cafe called the
Little A Le Inn. Known by many names such as Groom Lake and Dreamland, this was
the design location of the stealth fighter. This secret air base is nestled in
Several dry lake beds in the area provide ample testing grounds for high-security designed
aircraft and anything "out-of-this-world". The US Government denies the
existance of this base which is clearly seen on Russian satellite transmissions
and by the brave few who hike to the boundaries of this intensely secure area.
Signs warn that trespassers may be subject to deadly force. James Bond style
listening devices and video cameras dot the entire perimeter. Black SUV's and
helicopters appear out of nowhere at the slightest intrusion. But don't
worry...the US Government says...there's nothing there!
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Bonnie & Clyde's "Death Car" - If you're stopping by Primm, NV (Stateline - about 35 miles south of Las Vegas on Interstate 15) stop in at Whiskey Pete's Hotel & Casino to see the actual bullet-riddled Ford in which the famous bank robbers had their final shoot out with the FBI. A letter from Ford Motor Company authenticates the car as Clyde's. And a letter he wrote to Ford Motor Company offering his praises as a fine get-away car is also displayed. Read about the last years of Bonnie and Clyde's turbulent life style. A fascinating piece of American history. Recently added is the actual blood stained, bullet-holed shirt Clyde was wearing when he was killed. Also on display is a restored Dutch Schultz-Al Capone bullet-proof Gangster Car. The intriguing display is located in the rotunda that joins the resort to The Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas. Adm: FREE 7 days, 24 hours - 702-382-1212.
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Coffee Roasters of Las Vegas Located just minutes from the Strip, this interesting venue offers you everything you wanted to know about coffee and tea. Their twice a week classes are attended by people from all over the city, lasting 1 1/2 to 2 hours and covering topics such as home roasting, grinding, and coffee cupping. If you don't want a class be sure to stop by for the free tour. Each tour ends with a sample of their finest coffee. You can also browse the sample shop which sells teas, coffees, gift baskets, and even coffee purse and totes. This is an educational and fun adventure for the whole family. 6672 S Boulder Highway Ste 6, 702-435-9338.
Dancing Fountain at the Bellagio
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Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Cactus Garden
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Flamingo Hilton Wildlife Habitat
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The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace - Although predominantly a place to shop and dine, this indoor mall has a few unique attractions to offer as well. Foremost are the animated statues and laser show at the center pavilion. "Statue Animations" are about every half hour and are nearly unbelievable (or should we say believable). Watch Bacchus come to life and chat amongst the other gods and goddesses while above you a fantastic laser light show brings the ceiling to life too. There is also the free Atlantis show outside the IMAX Theatre. Here you can watch an animated statue tale of Atlantis rising from the sea and as the Gods decreed sink back to the ocean bottom. Afterwards venture into the IMAX for an atlantis oriented thrill ride. Also while there, keep an eye on the sky-like ceiling which very subtlety changes from dawn to dusk over the course of about a half an hour. Great arcade (downstairs at the far end) for kids, a magic shop with constant demonstrations and one of the largest remaining FAO Shwartz toy stores. See Also Planet Hollywood. 702-731-7990.
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Harley-Davidson Cafe
- Definately a must see for bike enthusiasts. The cafe is hard to miss with
a huge 28 foot high, 15,000 pound Harley-Davidson replica jutting out of the
restaurant facade. A conveyor belt running throughout the cafe adds to the
fun and excitement of this eatry. Harley-Davidson memorabilia, collections
from Harley-Davidson-loving sports figures, corporate leaders, politicians and
entertainers fill the place. Cruise down Route 66 or relive scenes from
"Easy Rider" through the set designs, theatrical lighting and special effects.
Check out the merchandise, too, they even have specialty bikes ("Taxi" bike,
"Lion" bike, "Gambler's" bike and "Rock-n-Roll" bike) found no where else in
the world. 702-740-4555.
Harley-Davidson Store - If you own a Harley or want to own a Harley, you need to stop in at the "World's Largest" factory licensed dealer of new and used Harley-Davidson motorcycles. This huge store is complete with everything the touring biker needs. It also offers an on-site repair facility where you can work on your bike and speak to the store reps at the same time. A favorite hang-out for local riders and tourists alike. Don't forget to pick up a Las Vegas Harley-Davidson T-shirt on your way home! 702-431-8500.
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Masquerade Village - The $25 Million spectacle features dozens of lighted "Mardi Gras" style parade floats accompanied by lively music (distinctly reminiscent of the Disney Electrical Parade on pheromones) with exotically costumed, dancing inhabitants. The floats, literally "float" about 20 feet above the heads of casino visitors on 750 feet of ceiling track in a FREE display every 2 hours. For a small fee visitors can become Mardi Gras riders in the sky and view the entire spectacular of the floor below. (Thurs-Sun: 4pm, 6pm, 8pm and 10pm) - Rio Suite Hotel & Casino.
Moapa River Indian Reservation - If you're visiting the Valley of Fire (see Nevada State and National Parks) and entering from the West off route I-15, don't forget to stop at the Moapa River Indian Reservation store at the entrance for duty free tobacco, alcohol and fireworks (Be warned: firework use is permitted only on the reservation and local police HAVE been known to check cars exiting during certain seasons. Also their use is discouraged during especially dry, high fire-hazard periods.)
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National Vitamin Company Factory Tour - Ever wonder how those healthy vitamins, minerals and herbal products are made? Here's your chance to find out. This company offers free factory tours of their manufacturing plant. See The Cosmetics Room, The Encapsulating Room or maybe even watch the Soft Gel production process. Enjoy a delicious, healthy smoothie at the juice bar before you leave. This is as fresh as vitamins get...straight from the manufacturer. Free samples with every tour. Open 8:30am-5:30pm daily. Admission FREE. (888) 346-6848.
Nevada Test Site Tour - Only in Las Vegas are you able to take a tour to an actual nuclear test site. See the desert where mushroom clouds appeared on a regular basis during the 1950's. This tour is a one-of-a-kind and if you are a history buff it should be a must-see on your list. The monthly tours leave Las Vegas at 7:30am and return about 4pm. Due to strict security measures, you must make reservations at least 3 weeks in advance for US citizens and at least 6 weeks in advance for non-US citizens. Be ready to show your photo ID with your social security number on the ID. Cameras, binoculars, firearms and any recording equipment is prohibited on the test site. For reservations or more info call: 702-295-0944.
Oldest Living Bristlecone Pine in the World - about 40 miles Northwest of Las Vegas, near Mt Charleston is the oldest known living Bristlecone Pine tree in the world. Not as well known as the more famous California White Mountains, a number of trees in this area have been determined to be even older than those 4500 year old old-timers. Bring your hiking shoes as it is quite a hike from the roadway. It is located along the North Loop Trail below Mummy Mountain at about 10,000 ft elevation. Authorities will not reveal the precise location of the specific oldest tree with this distinction in order to protect it, so don't expect a posted sign, however MANY of the trees in the vacinity are nearly as old. To get to the trail head: take I-15 north from Las Vegas to Highway 95 N to Reno about 10 miles to Highway 157 and turn left to Mt Charleston Kyle Canyon). Then it's another 19 miles to the Kyle Canyon Ranger Station where you can get more info. From the ranger station, backtrack two miles to Highway 158, turn left and continue four and a half miles to a small parking lot on the left with the North Loop Trail sign. For more details contact the Las Vegas Bureau of Land Management at 702-647-5000 or the US Forest Service Ranger at 702-515-5400.
Pahrump Valley Vineyards -
Located in the most unlikely desert location, Nevada's only winery regularly
produces award-winning (24 awards to date) Chardonnay, Cabernet, Burgundy,
Sherry and now a new Merlot. Only about an hour's drive northwest of Las Vegas
(just past Red Rock Canyon) in the rural town of Pahrump, NV (also home to the
studio of radio talk show host Art Bell) the Pahrump Valley Vineyards provides
a welcome, classy respite to the weary traveler on the way to Death Valley,
Tonopah or Carson City. Winery tours and tastings take about an hour and are
completely free. Home of the annual Grape Stomp each fall where you can join
in the stompin' fun and maybe win a medal or trophy. There is also an
extraordinary gift/souvenir shop and an intimate gourmet restaurant on-site
with dinners from $13 to $20.
Located: 3810 Winery Road, Pahrump, NV 89048;
Winery Tour Hours: 10:00am - 4:30pm daily; Restaurant: Noon-3:30pm &
5pm-9pm 775-727-6900 or 1-800-368-WINE(9463).
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Ron Lee's World of Clowns Factory & Tour
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The Sirens of TI
- Replacing the original Buccaneer Bay show in 2004 is the sexy sirens pirate show. Renegade pirates are lured inside Siren's Cove by the siren songs.
The singing stirs up a tempest strong enough to sink a ship and turning the entire cove into a 21st century party complete with pyrotechnics and music.
The Sirens take to the ship nightly at 5:30pm, 7pm, 8:30pm and 10pm, weather permitting.
702-650-7400.
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Sunset Stampede at Sam's Town - The park like setting is quiet with little critters in the trees and around the babbling brook which runs through Sam's Town artrium, but every day this lovely setting comes alive. An incredible FREE laser light and water show erupts from the cliff at Mystic Falls Park. The wolf atop the cliff begins the show with eerie long howls and then the water show shoots high. Shows 2pm, 6pm, 8pm & 10pm. 702-456-7777.
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Buccaneer Bay Sea Battle
- The orginal show at the Treasure Island ended in July 2003. The show
included canon fire flares, treasure chests flung open, powder stores lost
and a ship sunk with all hands on board when the Buccaneers faced the British
Navy in an action-filled performance every night. Just for those interested...
the pirates always won. This show has been cancelled and replaced with a sexy
sirens pirate show later in 2004. The Treasure Island name has also changed
to TI. 702-650-7400. CLOSED
Cranberry World West As of April 2000, the factory and gift shop are closed to the public. There are currently no plans of re-opening in the near future. Formerly at the factory tour you could watch how berries are sorted (by bouncing believe it or not), crushed and blended into dozens of rather tasty products. There was also a fantastic gift shop for those hard-to-find cranberry items, as well as a free juice bar and cranberry desserts at the end of the tour. CLOSED
DIVE! Las Vegas - Now Closed. A Steven Spielberg brain child. DIVE! was a submarine-themed restaurant located in the front of the Fashion Show Mall. Everything from the entrance in the underground parking lot to the top floor was kept in submarine context. When the alarms sound to DIVE, the windows appeared to actually submerge under the sea. Scenes of Atlantis and beautiful aquatic life swam past the huge front screen. A sky trolley with strange looking submarines traversed the entire restaurant. Oh, and guess which sandwich on the menu Mr. Spielberg invented; claims are he couldn't get one like this anywhere else so he had to open his own restaurant to get one. Unfortunately he'll have to make it himself now. CLOSED
Famous Brands International (formerly: Kidd & Co.) Marshmallow Factory - The world famous Kidd Marshmallow factory (flattened by the Pepcon Rocket Fuel Factory explosion about 10 years ago and rebuilt from scratch - don't worry the rocket fuel factory has since relocated) is also located just outside of the Las Vegas city limits. Unfortunately due to expansion of the facility they no longer offer factory tours. This listing is included on our site because many visitors still inquire about this tour although it is no longer available. 702-393-7308. TOURS CLOSED
Million Dollar Display
- This venue closed shortly after the death of Ted Binion. Rumor has it that his
sister removed it from the casino. You used to be able to get your picture
taken next to Binion's Million! It was located downtown in Binion's Horseshoe Hotel
& Casino you'd have found this cool display of 100, discontinued, yet entirely
legal tender $10,000 bills (A genuine US$1,000,000 in all!) which you could have walked
right up and stood next to. For many of us it was the closest we'll
ever get to that much cash in Las Vegas. CLOSED
Nitro Grill
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Official All Star Cafe
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World of Coca-Cola
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