1 – Adventuredome Theme Park
A huge indoor theme park with more rides and attractions than you could possibly get through in a day and a great way to stay out of those casinos and enjoy some family fun time with the kids. There's the world's only indoor double-loop, double corkscrew roller coaster which flies through at a mere 55mph, or the gravity defying and aptly-named El Loco, there's the more carousel-type family rides for the milder-natured kids, and, of course the classic bumper cars, swinging boat, or runaway train rides that are a feature of every good adventure park. Oh, and it's attached to the famous Circus Circus Hotel and Casino, so as soon as you get bored…
2 – Mob Museum
This is Las Vegas after all, so a Mob Museum seems like quite a natural idea for a museum in these parts. Located in the famous former Federal Courthouse where the Kefauver Hearings to expose organised crime in 1950 took place, and filled with items and artefacts pertaining to law enfrocement and the FBI agency, as well as the numerous gangsters and mobsters which have gained infamy in organised crime history. It also offers many interactive experiences like shooting a simulated Tommy Gun, or listening to actual FBI surveillance tapes and taking part in weapon training. You have to at least take a peek.
3 – Las Vegas Motor Speedway
A 1,200-acre complex of multiple tracks for car and carting racing, including a drag strip, a bullring, a dirt track, go cart, and off roads tracks. As well as catching some real live and loud heart-stopping action, you can also gain unprecedented access to race teams and drivers through the Neon Garage, or have a go at driving round the tracks yourself or in the passenger seat next to a esperienced NASCAR racing driver. A motor sport enthusiast's answer to Disneyland.
4 – Shark Reef Aquarium
A massive aquarium located at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and full of some of the most dangerous aquatic predators that exist. Typical of Vegas, this is not your typical aquarium – this is done on a grand scale, a sensory experience designed to place you at the heart of the deep oceans, tropical waters or freshwater pools, including a ship wreck teeming with marine life where you can experience an almost 360 degree view through an acrylic tunnel, and an interactive touchpool full of stingrays and horseshoe crabs. Spectacular.
5 – Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Stunning and scenic and a world away from the bright neon lights of the Las Vegas strip, this place is worth visiting even if it's just to take a break from all that fast-paced gambling action. The scenery is amazing, the rock formations are majestic, and the canyon offers some great hiking trails, or indeed a circular road if you wish to stay in the car and out of the heat, as well as lots of spectacular panoramic views. An awe-inspiring spot that almost seems out of place in Las Vegas, until you realize that it's Las Vegas that's out of place in this great desert.
6 – Smith Centre for Performing Arts
A five-acre world-class performing arts centre which features Broadway shows, cabaret acts, jazz musicians, ballet dancers, contemporary bands, and any other type of musical or performance-related acts. There is so much choice and variety within this multi-theatre venue that you cannot fail to find something of interest, whether it's highbrow classical perfomances, modern pop or rock bands, or audience-interactive shows with chosen speakers. If you have any interest in music, theater or dance, then this is the place to head to.
7 – Freemont Street
A bright and glitzy pedestrian mall which is almost as famous and visited as the Strip. Neon lights everywhere you look and with an intirguing barrel-vault canopy, this mall offers free nightly shows and concerts, many bars and a happening nightlife, and also houses the Neon Museum where you can peruse through some of the old hotel neon signs. It also plays host to the World Food Championships and the Life is Beautiful Festival, but, really, it doesn't matter what is showing or being held there, just wandering around is an experience in itself. Come and get dizzy.
8 – Little White Wedding Chappel
The archetypal example of one of the primary things Las Vegas is famous for. It has a drive-through tunnel of vows and has been the scene for many famous marriages, including that of Frank Sinatra, Paul Newman, Joan Collins, Michael Jordan, Bruce Willis and many many more. The ultimate setting for the 'quickie' marriage, just go and have a look simply out of a kind of morbid curiousity.
9 – Soaring Center
Strictly for the thrill seekers amongst you. See the desert from the vantage point of a Glider, which can actually accommodate two people at a time and which offers rides that last around 30 minutes. A unique experience, and a visual and sensory treat. Unforgettable if you can stomach it.
10 – Bonnie Springs Ranch
A re-creation of an old Nevada 19th Century western town which comes complete with a zoo, re-enactments of gunfights and hangings of desperadoes, as well as horseback excursions through the nearby mountains. Good ol' family fun located only 25 miles out of the Strip.
Martin Wynn
