Animal & Plant Family Activities

The Spring's Preserve

The Springs Preserve is a 180-acre cultural institution designed to commemorate Las Vegas' dynamic history and to provide a vision for a sustainable future. The Preserve features museums, galleries, outdoor concerts and events, colorful botanical gardens and an interpretive trail system that meanders through a scenic wetland habitat.
With a wide variety of fun activities, the Springs Preserve is the perfect place for kids of all ages. Visit the live animal exhibits and other hands-on attractions specially designed for young explorers and families.
http://www.springspreserve.org/index.html

Southern Nevada Zoological Park

The Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park (a.k.a. Las Vegas Zoo) is managed by the non-profit 501 (C)(3) Nevada Zoological Foundation. Our shady 3-acre park is located just 15 minutes northwest of the Las Vegas Strip. The zoo exhibits over 150 species of plants and animals (for more information click here). As the only zoo in Las Vegas and the only year-round zoo in Nevada, we work hard to fulfill our mission to educate and entertain the public by displaying a variety of plants and animals.
There are a variety of endangered cats as well as the last family of Barbary Apes in the United states, chimpanzee, eagles, ostriches, emus, talking parrots, wallabies, flamingos, large exotic reptiles and every species of venomous reptile native to Southern Nevada. The zoo also features exhibits by the Las Vegas Gem Club and botanical displays of endangered cycads and rare bamboos.
For a special Internet coupon, click here

The Shark Reef Aquarium

Shark Reef Aquarium is an exciting journey through a slowly sinking temple overcome by some of the most dangerous predators in the world. View a diverse cross-section of magnificent aquatic creatures, including 100 sharks, (15 species in all) along with exotic fish, reptiles and sea turtles. Featuring more that 2,000 animals, Shark Reef Aquarium is comprised of nearly 1.6 million gallons of water in 14 exhibits, including rare Golden Crocodiles, Piranha, a Touch Pool Experience and over 30 sharks in our 1.3 million gallon Shark Exhibit. Guests also experience two walk through tunnel exhibits giving a "diver's view" of the underwater world.
http://www.mandalaybay.com/entertainment/sharkreef.aspx

Ethel M. Chocolate Factory & Cactus Gardens

Ethel M® Chocolates' breathtaking Botanical Cactus Garden is Nevada's largest and one of the world's largest collections of its kind. Based on the English landscape model of naturalistic design, the Ethel M® Botanical Cactus Garden features four acres of drought-tolerant ornamentals, cacti, and other succulents.

With a landscape base of 15,000 cubic yards of sandy fill and a special planting soil, the beds were raised and rookeries constructed using 400 tons of rock, thereby providing the best possible viewing experience for visitors.

Over 300 species of plants can be found on the grounds. Half are cacti and succulents largely native to the American Southwest, and the rest are desert trees and shrubs from the Southwestern United States, Australia, and South America. All of these plants were chosen both for the beauty of their floral displays and their ability to adapt to the climate of Southern Nevada. The types of rock used are Utah Bali Hai chocolate and Arizona moss rock (from the Grand Canyon region). Here is sampling of the types of plants that you will see visiting our Cactus Garden.

http://www.ethelschocolate.com/ 

Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary

Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary offers a home for animals of all types. Here, you can see birds of many species, including quail, ducks, ostraches, parrots; and various animals like turtles, goats and burro.
http://www.gilcreasenaturesanctuary.org/ 

Gilcrease Orchards

Gilcrease Orchard is located in the north end of Las Vegas. The orchard spans over 50 acres, with more than 6000 apple, pear and peach trees. In the summer a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, pumpkin, cucumber and squash are grown.
Pick Your Own is the primary way most of the fruit and vegetables are harvested. This gives Las Vegans and their children the only local opportunity to come be a part of a working farm. 
Apple Cider is made in a facility located right on the orchard grounds. The process takes our own apples, washes, chops, and makes them into the freshest juice you'll find in the area!

Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve

The Preserve is home to thousands of migratory waterfowl as well as numerous resident desert birds. There are nine ponds available for birding, surrounded by both paved and soft surfaces. The paved path is approximately 3/4 of a mile long and is accessible by wheelchair. The soft surfaces are mostly level and allow for easy walking.
When you visit, expect to do a lot of walking and allow yourself adequate time to visit the area. We also recommend that you wear appropriate clothing and comfortable, sturdy shoes.  Bring water, a hat, and wear sunscreen. If you do not have binoculars, the Preserve has some available for loan.
Please do not feed the birds or wildlife while visiting the Bird Preserve. The Bird Preserve is part of a natural ecosystem and feeding the birds may create an imbalance by attracting too many birds. Feeding the birds and wildlife may also cause them to associate food with people and become more aggressive towards visitors.
http://www.cityofhenderson.com/parks/parks/bird_preserve.php 

Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat

Experience an exotic, enchanting and wondrous world at Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat and come face to face with white lions, white tigers, panthers, leopards, and our family of Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins.
"Long ago, Roy and I realized that everything that happens to this planet is man's responsibility. Our responsibility," says Siegfried. "After living and working with some of the world's most magnificent creatures, we have felt the threat of their loss. So we felt compelled to create a safe environment – an environment in which these animals could live in serenity," says Roy.
http://www.mirage.com/attractions/secret-garden.aspx 

MGM Lion Habitat

To honor the lion and help safeguard its preservation for future generations, MGM Grand Hotel and Casino has created a one-of-a-kind Lion Habitat as a showcase for public education and appreciation for this majestic creature of nature. The lion has been a part of the MGM heritage for many years, beginning with the legendary Leo, whose roars have welcomed generations of moviegoers to epics of the silver screen.
The lions live in custom accommodations on an 8.5-acre ranch 12 miles from the MGM Grand. They are owned and cared for by noted feline expert Keith Evans, who has been training exotic animals for more than 30 years.

Silverton Aquariums

Named the “Best Free Attraction” in Las Vegas, Silverton Casino Lodge’s saltwater aquarium is large and impressive.  Our signature 117,000-gallon reef aquarium will transport you to a tropical oasis where you can amire more than 4,000 tropical fish, and three species each of stingrays and sharks.  Interactive feeding shows are scheduled daily at 1:30pm, 4:30pm and 7:30pm. Our staff marine biologist is equipped with a full-face communication mask and answers guests’ questions during the feeding show.  Also, don't miss the live mermaid swim!  Mermaid swims are scheduled Thursday from 2:15pm - 8:45pm, Friday and Saturday from 2:15pm - 9:45pm and Sunday from 11:30am - 6:45pm.  In addition, the Mermaid Lounge features two 500-gallon jellyfish aquariums lit with LED lights.

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