How to Enjoy Amusement Rides in Las Vegas

There's no questioning that Las Vegas is the Disney World for adults. With non-stop action, particularly on the strip, you often don't know where to begin. There's the gambling, top-notch shows (think Cirque Du Soliel), shopping, shopping and more shopping, plus bars, and great food.

If you brought kids with you or are just a big kid like myself, you can take a break from all the grown up stuff and ride a ride or two. There are plenty of places around Vegas to ride a traditional roller coaster or get in something a little more wild and crazy.

The New York New York Hotel and Casino is designed to look like a city block in the Big Apple with a roller coaster wrapped around the building. The roller coaster is open to hotel patrons and the general public. At 67 m.p.h. the heart-thrilling ride rises up 203 feet and drops down 144 feet you'll twirl at lightening speed around the building. Made to simulate a jet fighter's barrel roll, the coaster twists, turns and dives throughout the entire ride.

The roller coaster runs from 11 am to 11 pm Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 to midnight Friday and Saturday, weather permitting. Riders must be at least 54" tall to ride the roller coaster. Purchase tickets for individual rides or buy a pass good for numerous rides through the day. Family savings pack for a family of four also available.

Riders can even get married on the roller coaster during 15 minute intervals throughout the day. Additional fees apply and include the minister.

The rides on top of the Stratosphere are not for the faint at heart. Choose from three different thrill rides at the very top of Stratosphere, which is over 1,000 tall. Get on the Big Shot and rise up another 160 feet in the air at 45 miler per hour as you sit strapped in with 16 other rides with your feet dangling down. This could be the best view of Vegas anywhere!

The X-Scream is a cross between a roller coaster and a teeter totter. Hang on as at 866 feet above the ground as the X-Scream catapults you 27-feet over the edge repeatedly and gives you time in between to dangle over the edge, hoping you won't fall.

Or go for something a little more daring, my personal favorite, Insanity. This mechanical arm stands 900 feet tall and extends 64 feet over the building. There are one seat for passengers in each part of the "claw" which only has a very small platform to put your feet on. Don't move your foot or you may loose your shoe because there is nothing but ground below you. Catch a thrill as it angels you at 70 degrees and spins you around.

Riders must pay for admission to the top of the tower on the Stratosphere unless you've eaten at their restaurant or are staying at the hotel. Both include free admission to the top. Additional fees for the rides apply and can be purchased individually or in a value pack which includes two or more rides.

Take your pick of rides at Circus Circus, a place where they advise you to "act your own age somewhere else." Circus Circus Adventure DomeTheme Park has 19 rides ranging from large rides, to rides for the whole family, and other rides for little kids. The Canyon Blaster roller coaster will send you in an upside loop; the SpongeBob Square Pants experience offers a 4D experience for the kids; Rim Runner will send you down a 60 foot waterfall; and the Sand Pirate will swing you back and forth while your belly flips.

There are plenty of other exciting rides, along with miniature bowling, miniature golf, clown shows, an arcade, and games where you can win prizes.

A flat fee for admission entitles you to as much time in the park as you'd like.