Thursday, September 18, 2014

Kid Friendly (Free) Things To Do in Las Vegas-Tourist Edition

In alphabetical order, not by order of preference.

1. The Bellagio Conservatory: rotating themes featuring botanicals. In the Spring and Summer there is usually some sort of live exhibit. This summer it's birds in an aviary.  Christmas is also a fun time to go. Huge Christmas Trees and last year there were trains. The downside, it's on the Strip, so that means traffic and often crowds, unless it's a weekday on a quiet week during the day. While there make sure to visit the world's tallest chocolate fountain (located just down the hall behind the conservatory) and the fountains (if they are running). Continuing down the hall, and to the left, the Bellagio is connected to the City Center by a monorail. For another adventure take the monorail to Crystals (a mall) to see the ice poles and whirlpools (located on the lower level of Crystals). We also just ride the monorail because it's a train, it's free, and it's fun.

2. Clark County Wetlands Park: It's located by the Las Vegas Wash. There are many trails, paved and not paved.  The park is beautiful and keeps improving. There is now a visitor center where guests can learn about the area and water treatment/conservation. Explore the trails, especially those not paved, there are some extra beautiful areas. Note, the water in the park is reclaimed water, or waste water that has been treated, so some days the area smells a bit swampy. Also, that means no swimming or wading.

3. Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Garden: The garden boasts 300 different plant (cactus) varieties. The paths through the garden are paved (stroller friendly). Beware, it's a cactus garden, stay on the path, and do not hug the Teddy Bear Cholla. In the winter, the garden is decorated with Christmas lights so it becomes a magical desert Winter Wonderland. The chocolate factory tour is a hallway with windows where you can look into the factory to see chocolate being prepared. It's a self guided tour with free chocolate samples at the end. More often than not, there isn't a lot of activity in the factory, but there are screens along the way to describe what happens in each area. The free chocolate makes the tour worthwhile even if it is a slow day.

4. Springs Preserve: the part that is free is the outdoor areas only. Visiting in the early Spring, or Fall/Winter is best. There are gardens, a play ground, and hiking paths.

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