7 Wonderful Wildlife Attractions in Las Vegas

I have often been asked, "I'm coming to Las Vegas with family or friends - what can I do if I don't gamble?"

There are actually a host of activities, but we'll take a look at one of my favorites - the wildlife habitats both on the Las Vegas Strip and nearby within the community. Witnessing the beautiful, exotic and unique animals is an awesome activity for everyone while on vacation. These attractions are either free or available at a reasonable cost.

Wildlife Attraction to Visit in Las Vegas #1: The Aquarium at the Silverton Hotel

3333 Blue Diamond Rd.
Las Vegas, NV 89139
Take the Blue Diamond Exit off of Interstate 15, about 5 miles south of the Las Vegas Strip
(702) 263-7777

The cost is free. There is a daily fish feeding that runs from 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., along with a mermaid show that normally occurs from 2:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., every 15 minutes. Because these schedules sometimes change, it is suggested to call for updated times.

The aquarium is a large, salt water octagonal unit filled with coral and is the home of more than 5,000 species of sea life and unusual fish. An expert is available on the premises to speak with guests and to answer questions.

Wildlife Attraction to Visit in Las Vegas #2: MGM Grand Lion Habitat

3799 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Inside the spacious MGM Grand Hotel on the south Strip
(702) 891-1111
(800) 646-7787

The cost is free. The habitat is open each day from 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. with an hour break between 3:30 and 4:00 p.m.

As a Las Vegas resident, I love to visit this facility from time to time. The lions are so interesting and majestic and the glass is structured to give onlookers a great view. The last time I went one of the lions was sleeping on top of the glass entryway structure and everyone was fascinated. They often play with objects the trainers give them, and are really fun to watch. Small signs around the enclosure provide interesting facts about the creatures and I think this is a really great idea.

When they're not at the hotel, the lions live on a large ranch and are cared for by their professional trainer.

Wildlife Attraction to Visit in Las Vegas #3: Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo

3555 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
At the Flamingo Hotel, center of the Strip
(702) 733-3111
(800) 732-2111
The cost is free and it's open 24 hours.

The wildlife area is located next to the Flamingo's pool and provides guests and visitors with an exotic experience. The landscape is filled with interesting trees and flowers, bridges and waterfalls. The wildlife consists not only of flamingos, but all kinds of exotic birds, ducks, swans, turtles and fish.

Wildlife Attraction to Visit in Las Vegas #4: Mandalay Bay Shark Reef

3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89119
At the far south end of the Strip
(702) 632-7777
(877) 632-7000

Cost is$15.95 for adults, $10.95 for children 5-12. Children age 4 and under are admitted free. Nevada residents can receive a discount on the admission and there are special group rates available. It is recommended to call and inquire. Open daily, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Last admission to the exhibit is sold at 10 p.m.

The Shark Reef contains more than 1.5 million gallons of water and is one of the largest exhibits of its type (in accordance with the Vegas practice of doing things in a big sort of way). The sea creatures are the most fascinating imaginable. Of course, there are sharks of all types, but there are also manta rays, rare golden crocodiles, water monitors, sea turtles, moon jellies, monkey fish, piranhas, horseshoe crabs and the list goes on.

There are different types of guest tours, and again, one would be well-advised to call for the current information. It's hard to believe that such a spectacular aquatic marvel could exist in the middle of the desert.

Wildlife Attraction to Visit in Las Vegas #5: Zoological - Botanical Park

1775 N. Rancho
Las Vegas, NV 89106
Near Texas Station
(702) 647-4685
Open daily from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $7.00 for adults; $5.00 for children ages 2-12 and seniors aged 62 and older; free for children under 2 years old

This attraction is more of a conventional, zoo, suitable for both visitors and area residents. It's actually 3 sprawling acres, which one might not guess observing from the outside. The staff appears to be really dedicated to making this an educational facility and an exciting learning experience. They convey that they work hard to display a variety of interesting animals and plants.

There are many rare cats and Barbary Apes. There are chimpanzee, eagles, ostriches, emus, talking parrots and more. This is a great place and is managed by the non-profit Nevada Zoological Foundation.

Wildlife Attraction to Visit in Las Vegas #6: Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage

3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
In the Mirage, center Strip
(702) 791-7188
(800) 963-9634

The cost is $15 for adults; $10 for children 4-12 and free for children under 3. Hours are Monday - Friday, 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday (including holidays), 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. The final admissions are sold 30 minutes before closing time.

Yet another great place on the list. I'm starting to forget about gambling in Las Vegas! Developed by Las Vegas entertainers, Siegfried and Roy, The Dolphin Habitat is a heartwarming, fabulous activity for people of all ages. The dolphins exist in a replica of their natural environment and the Secret Garden is a place for scientific research and educational programs. You can see the animals displaying natural behavior in a 2.5 million gallon habitat.

There's even more to the Secret Garden, as there are various types of exotic cats including White and Golden Tigers, Leopards, Black Panthers, White Lions and more, all in a natural setting.

Wildlife Attraction to Visit in Las Vegas #7: Las Vegas Natural History Museum

900 North Las Vegas Boulevard
Las Vegas , NV 89101
Las Vegas Blvd. and Washington
(702) 384-3466

$7.00 seniors, military, and students; $4.00 children ages 3-11; children under 2 and members free
Open daily from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

This rounds out our list of great places for wildlife attractions. The Las Vegas Natural History Museum relates that they are a private, non-profit institution dedicated to educating children and families in the natural sciences, both past and present. Through its interactive exhibits, educational programs, and the preservation of its collections, the Museum strives to instill an understanding and appreciation of the world's wildlife, ecosystems and cultures.

There are interactive displays, stuffed creatures and living animals at the museum, including reptiles, spiders and snakes of various sorts.

All of these establishments are top notch, easy on the pocketbook and visitors will have a rewarding, fun and enlightening experience by visiting them. Keep them in mind when you come to Vegas and are looking for great things to do!