Springs Preserve

Nevada State Museum

Mormon Fort

Children’s Museum

Natural History Museum

Pinball Hall of Fame

Hoover Dam Historical Tour

Atomic Testing Museum

Last City Museum – Archaeology

Clark County Museum

Best Museums in Las Vegas your Family Will Love

Best Museums in Las Vegas your Family Will Love

Hollywood Car Museum

The Mob Museum

National Automobile Museum: The Harrah Collection

Neon Museum aka The Bone Yard

Nevada State Railroad Museum

1. Shark Reef
2. McKee Ranch
3. Gilcrease Orchard
4. Lion Habitat
5. Adventuredome
6. Discovery Childrens Musuem
7. Natural History Museum
8. Springs Preserve
9. Nevada State Museum
10. Water Parks – Circus Circus,
11. Cowabunga,
12. Wet n Wild
13. Tournament of Kings
14. Jabawokiz
15. Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix
16. Pole Position
17. Area 15
18. Pinball Hall of Fame
19. Golden Knights Ice Rink
20. West Wind Drive In
21. Las Vegas Outlet Mall
22. Town Square

Bonus

Ethel M Cactus Gardens & Chocolate Factory

Bellagio Garden

Caesars Escape Rooms

Live Mermaids

20 THINGS TO DO IN LAS VEGAS WITH KIDS

For the animal lovers:

Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Casino

The Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is a public aquarium located at and owned by the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Its main tank is currently 1,300,000 US gallons, among the largest in North America.

Among the largest exhibits of its kind, The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay homes more than 2,000 species of aquatic life such as sharks, exotic fish and more.

Pricing:  Adult: $20.00 |  Seniors (65+): $18.00  |  Children (ages 5 – 12): $15.00  |  Children (4 & under): Free
Add on the Undersea Explorer VR Experience for only $9.00 with Aquarium Admission!

McKee Ranch – Non-Profit & Family Ran 

McKee Ranch is free and open to the public every day during daylight hours.

Children love to feed the animals crackers and carrots and play in the playgrounds. School groups are encouraged to bring the children to play and pony rides and hayrides are available.

McKee Ranch is a perfect place for birthday parties and of course, photo shoots!

If you around for a holiday, McKee Ranch also has their annual ranch fundraiser, Pumpkin Patch at the Ranch.  For a donation you get a pony ride, bucket of carrots, and 1 pumpkin to take home.  The McKee Ranch Pumpkin Patch is a family tradition going back 10 years in my family!

8982 Dean Martin Dr Las Vegas , NV 89139 FACEBOOK LINK for current information

Gilcrease Orchard in North Las Vegas

Lion Habitat – See the retired MGM lions and more!

Springs Preserve

20 THINGS TO DO IN LAS VEGAS WITH KIDS

Water Park Fun – don’t skimp on the sunscreen.  No joke, you want to be able to play the next day!

1. Water Parks – Circus Circus,
2. Cowabunga
3. Wet n Wild
4. List of Splash Pads

20 THINGS TO DO IN LAS VEGAS WITH KIDS

1. Tournament of Kings
2. Jabawokiz
3. Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix
4. Pole Position
5. Area 15
6. Pinball Hall of Fame
7. Golden Knights Ice Rink
8. West Wind Drive In
9. Las Vegas Outlet Mall
10. Town Square

20 THINGS TO DO IN LAS VEGAS WITH KIDS

Museums that are fun and educational

1. Discovery Children’s Museum
2. Natural History Museum
3. Springs Preserve
4. Pinball Hall of Fame

20 THINGS TO DO IN LAS VEGAS WITH KIDS – Bonus List

Ethel M Cactus Gardens & Chocolate Factory – FREE

Bellagio Garden – FREE

Caesars Escape Rooms

Golden Knights Ice Rink

West Wind Drive In

Live Mermaids at the Silverton – FREE

Naturally, you want one that is going to effectively shield them out of sunburns. Daily wear of a SPF 15 sunscreen may decrease your risk for melanoma by 50 percent, according to the nonprofit Skin Cancer Foundation. But you also wish to be certain that what you’re putting in your kid’s extra-delicate epidermis is completely safe.

As for the type of sunscreen you are using in your child, dermatologists advise sticking to nutrient (also called physical) formulas, as opposed to chemical ones, for many different reasons. “I prefer zinc oxide-based merchandise, as unlike chemicals, they block the full UV spectrum,” explained Kenneth Mark, MD, a dermatologist and also Mohs skin cancer physician at nyc. Plus, mineral sunscreens don’t absorb in the skin just how compound ones do, are usually less irritating and will also be better for the environment, noted Tonkovic-Capin. UVA beams age skin, while UVB rays cause sunburns — SPF refers to how much UVB mild sunscreen could filter out. Arranging a fun day in the pool or even a socially-distant weekend visit to the beach?

“If your child will be partaking in water activities, be sure to look for a formula that is water-resistant,” said Gretchen Frieling, MD, also a dermatopathologist in Boston. Sunscreen may be labeled water-resistant for up to 40 or 80 minutes, so you will still need to re apply regularly. Even though spray on sunscreens really are a popular choice among older kids and teenagers, Tonkovic-Capin prefers creams and creams. “Sunscreens are designed to go onto skin and not into your lungs along with the lungs of other folks around you once you attempt to spray it on your skin,” he explained. And as Sheel Desai Solomon, MD, a dermatologist in Raleigh/Durham, pointed out,” Spray makes it challenging to regulate the amount you are putting on, meaning you can place on much less than you need.”

“The biggest misconception is that it is good enough simply to use a sunscreen for adequate protection from the sun,” explained Tonkovic-Capin. Additional actions that you should take to keep your children sun-safe are avoiding taking them outside during peak UV hours (10% to 4 ) and putting them at protective clothing, a broad-brimmed hat along with UV-blocking sunglasses when they’re outdoors, stated Hadley King, MD, a dermatologist in nyc. It’s also advisable to always look for shade once the family is outdoors.

# 1 Aveeno Kids Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Lotion for Children’s Sensitive Skin with Broad Spectrum SPF 50, Tear-Free, Sweat- & Water-Resistant, Non-Greasy, 3 fl. oz  

$9.97 with a rating of 4.6 stars out of 5

Solomon cited Aveeno as one of her go-to brands when looking for a good kids’ sunscreen. This mineral sunscreen has a mild, hypoallergenic formula that won’t cause irritation or stinging, and it’s water resistant for 80 minutes. It boasts a 4.6-star average from more than 3,000 reviews on Amazon.

The SAT and SAT Subject Tests Domestic Code List

SAT prep help from your home

For over 35 years, Livius Tutors has been providing tutoring, test preparation, academic guidance and college counseling to students, schools, and communities through locations in New England, Florida and the Midwest. To support more students around the world, Livius has expanded its programs to include a full-service online offering (which include AP exam prep and tutoring in various subjects)

Livius has created 100% free, high value, college preparation programs. The classes are online and Livius students see an average 225 point increase on the SAT and a 6 point increase on the ACT. The company has students achieve more than 1,000 perfect test scores, gain acceptances to over 2,000 Ivy League schools, and receive scholarships of $30K per individual on average.

SAT prep help from your home

Here are a few quick links to get you started with your SAT prep:

• Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy®: Free and personalized study for everyone. Take official full-length practice tests, use interactive practice, and get a tailored practice plan based on your PSAT/NMSQT results.
• Daily Practice App: SAT prep you can use anytime, anywhere.
• SAT Practice Tests: Simulate test day with official full-length SAT practice tests.
• Sample Questions: Check out these questions so you’ll know what to expect on test day

Once you’ve selected your ideal date, the next step is registering online for the SAT. You can do that starting when test year registration opens in April until the deadline for your test date.

If there’s a test center and date you really want, it makes sense to register early and guarantee your seat—some test centers fill up and that could force you to choose a different date and location. This particularly applies to international SAT test takers, as certain countries have a limited number of test centers and seats.

Please visit each events website before you go to make sure they are still open and the times have not changed.  *Wear your facemasks and keep a distance from those not in your family!

Top 10 COVID Friendly Activities for your family this December

The Heritage Street Houses Decorations
Buildings and houses are decorated for the holidays through Jan. 8, 2021
Address: 1830 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson.
The museum is restricted to 25 percent capacity. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for seniors and children.

Downtown Summerlin
Address: 1980 Festival Plaza Drive
Rock the Rink is back!  Hours vary and reservations are required at the ice rink. Skate rentals start at $16. Hot cocoa and espresso available for purchase.
Holiday train rides share the same operating hours as the Rock Rink. Rides are $4. 
Downtown Summerlin also features a 30-foot tree in the Dining Arroyo and the Lane of Lights selfie location near H&M and Hollister. 
The Tinseltone Carolers perform 5-8 p.m. 
Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 19. Through Dec. 22, letters to Santa Claus can be dropped off at the red mailbox in his Chalet on Festival Plaza Drive. On Dec. 14, 
Jewish Nevada and the JCC will also host a one-night livestream Hanukkah celebration featuring the lighting of the menorah, live entertainment and more.

Glittering Lights
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
3 million LED lights on a 2.5-mile course is pure holiday joy as your drive through with your family. Hours are 5-9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5-10 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and holidays. The attraction will open at 4:45 p.m. from Dec. 19 to Dec. 27. Vehicles are $25-$35, and a fast pass is $55 on select dates. A portion of each ticket sold will benefit Speedway Children’s Charities, and Goodwill of Southern Nevada offers a $5 discount entry voucher with a donation of clothing or household items. The Santa Selfie Station will be available on select nights through Dec. 23, and includes caroling, the opportunity to take a selfie with Santa and entry through the Fast Pass lane, $75. 

Lake Las Vegas – Lake Lights and Candy Cane Lane
This December Lake Las Vegas brings you holiday lights, holiday sounds and holiday smiles! Santa is on the way! He wants Christmas lists and a Safe Santa Selfie with your family in it. It’s time to Lake Lights Vegas up! Safely. 
Lake Las Vegas Parkway has become Candy Cane Lane with more than 202,000 lights on display daily starting at sundown. On Fridays, visitors can drop off Christmas lists in the North Pole Direct Mailbox, enjoy a free and safe Santa selfie and more, 6-9 p.m. at Christmas Circle at the Lake Las Vegas Sports Club, 101 Via Vin Santo, Henderson. Reservations are required. The mailbox will also be available noon-9 p.m. daily through Dec. 24 at the Christmas Circle, and socially distanced visits with Santa Claus will be 6-9 p.m. Fridays through Dec. 18. Visitors are encouraged to bring new and unwrapped toys to donate to Toys for Tots.

Top 10 COVID Friendly Activities for your family this December

City of Henderson – Winterfest
Water and Army Streets from December 3 to January 5, 2021
Enjoy the illuminated trees and décor along Water and Army Streets. Water Street will also feature strolling entertainment throughout December. Letters to Santa can be dropped off in the mailbox located on Army Street.

Las Vegas Festival of Lights
Step into the magical world that is Festival Of Lights, you and your loved ones will be in awe. Millions of lights perfectly synchronized to your favorite holiday music. Endless paths to stroll amidst the beautiful twinkling lights. Rides, games, and plenty of food options for you to enjoy. Nightly snowfalls, and don’t forget about your family photos with Santa. Your visit to Festival Of Lights will be something you and your family will not forget!  Partial proceeds benefit Opportunity Village.
Located at: 628 W. Craig Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89032 (Craig Ranch Park)

Area 15’s Wanderland
AREA15 converts their outdoor event space into a “Wanderland” from Nov. 27 through Jan. 3. At the heart of Wanderland is Balanceville, a 30-foot intergalactic art sleigh illuminated in hundreds of holiday lights. Other features include an illuminated tree-lined village filled with extraterrestrial surprises, a festive path of igloos with Insta-worthy holiday vignettes, pop-up retailers, local First Friday artists and much more. The experience ends with a holiday photo-op inside Henry Chang’s Mad Max-esque kinetic art, “Mister Fusion”, decked-out with AREA15’s alien friends.  A pop-up village of private igloos will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Open fire pits will be scattered throughout the space as well.

Bass Pro Santa Wonderland
During your visit, families can mail their letter to Santa and bring home free holiday craft activity kits while supplies last. Families can also enjoy the amazing aquariums and wildlife displays found in every Bass Pro Shops. Families who visit Santa receive a free 4×6 studio-quality photo, as well as a free shareable video when you provide your email address. Additional photo packages are also available for purchase and print instantly at the store. *Reservations required.

The tenth on the list are the casinos grouped together….

• The Bellagio always has a beautiful display in their atrium.
• The Tropicana has an outdoor display of more then 25,000 lights and a 20′ Christmas tree on display.
• The Wynn has decorated extensively with poinsettias and in their atrium are mini houses crafted after Gulliver’s Travels.
• Sam’s Town has it’s Mystic Village up which the light show is always fun for the kids to watch.
• The Cosmo has their ice skating rink again this year!  They often show holiday movies on their huge screen and we love renting their firepits to sip cocoa.  They even have s’more kits you can buy to toast marshmallows over.  It’s a great memory.
• Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef has a diving Santa who comes out and feeds the fish.  Check their website for times.
• The Silverton Casino also has a diving Santa, he comes out with the mermaids!  This show is free
• The Aria has a Winter Wonderland lobby display with giant ornaments and custom trees.  Their Sugar Palace is something to drool over, it’s custom hand made and huge!  Treats available for purchase.

#1 – The Ukuleles

At first I thought this was a fad.  3 years ago I had junior high students bringing their ukuleles to school and practicing during lunch, which I loved.  Music makes me happy, even the ‘I’m just leaning so it’s totally off but it’s cool because I’m trying’ music.  It became a norm each year.  I wouldn’t say it exploded like the fidget spinners, but it has sustained itself as being the cool thing to have.  There are a ton of lessons on Youtube to get your musician started   Currently priced at

#2 – Lightning Reaction Reloaded – Shocking Game

I laughed out loud when my teens suggested this.  I said no way, there is no way people are willing to get shocked as a game.  I ran it by my 7th and 8th graders and ended up sparking a mad dash to Amazon to put on their holiday wish lists.  Goes to show what I know!  This is the equivalent to a carpet static shock.  Regardless, it still gives you a jolt!   Currently priced at $34.99.

Top 10 Holiday Gifts for Teens by Teens

#3 – Wireless Bluetooth Beanie Hat with Headphones

My kids live in hoodies.  From my Zoom classes, I’ve noticed most of these teens are in big hoodies with hats on.  I know my house is warm, they must be so hot!  Now that it’s actually cold out, the beanies are getting stolen from my closet.  I’m hiding my favorite beanie in my purse.  The kids chose this hat because it looks cool (duh, insert eye roll) and they can leave their phone in their pockets while they wander the house or skate.  I’ve asked them to not put their phones in their back pockets when they skate as I’ve taught them to fall on their bums and not their hands.  Never fall with your hands.  Currently priced at $19.99

#4 – Historical Figure Alexander Cosplay 3D Printed Sweatshirts for Men

Another thing I thought was a fad but wont seem to go away!  Hamilton wear!  Yes, that’s a thing.  Here’s the proof, the hoodie.  You need to check this out, there are a TON of cool historical options!  I will admit, I enjoy Hamilton, not nearly as much as one of my daughters who will be getting this under the tree this year!  At least I’ll know who it belongs to when I fold the laundry.  Currently priced at $19.50

#5 – Tortilla Blanket 2.0 Double Sided 71 inches for Adult and Kids

Is anyone else having an explosion of food novelty products take over their pool toys, towels, pillows, and blankets?  I actually sun bathed on a slice of pizza this last summer and dried off with a watermelon towel.  I am a sucker for super soft blankets, they make my heart smile.  Why not combine the love of soft blankets with the kids obsession of novelty food?  Currently prices $30.99

Top 10 Holiday Gifts for Teens by Teens

#6 – The Skateboard

So many to choose from!  So many different designs!  So many styles?  Yup, from penny boards to long boards, they all act differently.  This may require a little research and knowledge of your kiddos level of athleticism and ability.  *Regardless, get the wrist guards and knee pads.  Each of my 4 daughters has a different style board.  Often they’ll trade and complain about the different feeling and want their board back.  This board here is a great staple board, easy to learn on, good to cruz with, and has over 4 stars and tons of great reviews.  Currently priced at $49.99

#7 – Roller Skates

It’s baaack!  Shoot the duck, couples only songs, rubber stoppers screeching till you hear the body hit the boundary wall.  Skate rinks, I’ve missed them!  Teens have been showing off their skating skills at the skate parks around town and at Crystal Palace since lock down.  They even have accessories for their skates, like wings!  I have found the coolest stuff on Etsy, just search Roller Skating Accessories.  It’s fun to just look!

#8 – 3D Printing Pen for Teens

I’ve played with these and can say that it is truly cool!

#9 – Mini Projector

I bought one of these for myself and have found the kids using it for video games more often then not.  They love playing their video games on a huge screen and the room doesn’t have to be totally dark to see the crisp figures!  Currently prices at $99

#10 – Wireless Floating Lightbulb

Each of my teens have show this to me at separate times as a “Must Have”.  Then I started seeing it on every TikTok “Amazon Must Haves” lists and realized this is a hot item this year.  I love science, so this is pretty cool.  Bulb powered through the air via induction, lights controlled by the touch button.  Currently priced at $99

Please keep in mind that with COVID-19 still an issue, you should call ahead to any event or location to see if they are open and if there any requirements you should know of.

Bellagio Conservative Garden and Bellagio Water Show – LINK

Each season, the enormously talented horticulturalists and designers who make up the Bellagio Conservatory team transform this 14,000-square-foot floral playground into a showcase of the distinctive sights and colors of spring, summer, fall and winter—along with a special display for Chinese New Year. When the seasons turn and the displays rotate, 90 percent of the trees, flowers and plants in the conservatory are recycled, to further celebrate our commitment to the earth.

Parking is FREE and mask kiosks are placed in various areas with hand sanitizer stations.  Depending on how busy the conservatory is, you may need to wait in line to enter.  The Bellagio is taking precautions to keep distancing yourself easier for us.

Fremont Street Experience  – LINK

The Fremont Street Experience is open daily!  Shows start at 6pm and end at 1am.  After 9pm, the experience becomes an 18+ event.

Viva Vision is the largest video screen in the world, and recently got a $32 million upgrade! The renovated screen boasts 16.4 million brilliant pixels. Here’s a look at some of the mind-blowing visuals created especially for the shiny new jewel of downtown Las Vegas.

Springs Preserve – outdoor area only LINK

The Springs Preserve is temporarily closed

In response to Governor Sisolak’s request that Nevadans stay at home to reduce the spread of COVID-19 within the community, the Springs Preserve will close to members and the public until further notice. The closure takes effect Friday, November 13.  While we only recently reopened our outdoor spaces to the public, we believe it is in the best interests of the health and safety of everyone in the community to temporarily cease operations. The Springs Preserve hopes to reopen outdoor attractions, museums, exhibits and other indoor attractions as soon as conditions allow.

McKee Ranch Foundation – LINK

Family owned and ran by the McKee family, this is my families favorite place to visit in Las Vegas!  Free to attend this is a 401c (non-profit) that hosts events and activities your family will love donating to.  Chickens run free, bunnies are everywhere, and Duncan the Donkey is always top on our visit list.

Silverton Mermaid Show – LINK

Our signature 117,000-gallon reef aquarium will transport you to a tropical oasis where you can admire thousands of tropical fish, and three species each of stingrays and sharks. In addition, the Mermaid Lounge features two 500-gallon jellyfish aquariums lit with LED lights.

Ethel M Cactus Gardens – LINK

At this time, the garden is completely booked. If you weren’t able to get a reservation, we are so sorry but have to limit garden capacity due to the pandemic. You are welcome to stop by as a walk in and, if there’s capacity available due to ‘no shows’, we will happily let you in.

Bass Pro Shops at Silverton Casino – LINK