Family Friendly Animal Attractions in Las Vegas
Animal attractions have been a part of Vegas history since the beginning. Many of the classics may no longer be around, but visiting any of the ones that remain is sure to be the highlight of your Vegas family vacation!
1. Lion Habitat Ranch
Price Range: $$ | Website
A fun experience for all ages, everyone in your family is sure to love the Lion Habitat Ranch! The Ranch is home to majestic lions, vibrant parrots, ostriches, parrots and more.
Fun for both kids and kids at heart, the caretakers love to answer questions and educate guests about the animals and how you can take part in conservation efforts for animals in the wild.
Admission for kids 3 and under is free, and each adult general admissions includes admission for 1 child aged 4-14! Want an even more memorable experience? You can book a Behind the Scenes tour to gain early access and take part in a guided tour with a trainer.
Hours vary based on the season! Double check the hours on the website before you go and plan to purchase your tickets and sign the required waivers online to make the most of your time when you arrive.
2. Popovich Pet Comedy Theater
The Popovich Comedy Pet Theater is entertainment for the whole family, featuring the unique blend of comedy and juggling skills of circus performer Gregory Popovich and the extraordinary talents of his performing pets!
His entourage consists of world-class jugglers, Diamond the Shetland Pony and over 30 performing pets including house cats and dogs (all rescued from animal shelters!), geese, white doves and parrots and the New Star Mini-Pig Lucy! Located inside the Miracle Mile Shops (the mall area) located at the Planet Hollywood Hotel, this 70 minute show is sure to be a hit for everyone in the family.
Price Range: $$ | Website
Be sure to plan on staying after the show for photos with the animals and performers, including Popovich!
3. Shark Reef Aquarium
Price Range: $$ | Website
Want a break from the heat while also having the opportunity to see more than 2,000 unique animals? Check out the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay!
As Nevada’s only facility accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Shark Reef Aquarium is a top-notch experience. There are three uniquely-themed exhibitions where you will encounter a variety of animals and aquatic life
The regular admission includes entrance to all animal exhibitions and the Undersea Explorer VR Theater. Children under 5 are FREE but cannot participate in the VR experience.
For a ~deeper dive~ (see what we did there?) consider adding on one of the attraction packages, like feeding the sharks or sea turtles!
Some visitors have mentioned the small footprint of this exhibit, with most groups spending around 45 to 60 minutes per visit.
Arriving by rideshare or taxi? Ask to be dropped off at the convention center. Otherwise, it’s a long walk through the casino to get to the entrance of the aquarium.
4. Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
Located at the Flamingo Casino, The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is a tranquil and lush oasis in the middle of the Las Vegas strip. Designed to mimic the natural habitat of the animals, this relaxing four-acre property is complete with meandering streams, waterfalls, hundreds of birds, exotic ducks, swans, and koi fish.
With no cost to enter, the habitat is a fun and relaxing experience for the whole family. And if you arrive by 10:00 am, you can even listen to one of the caretaker’s daily Keeper Talks! You can browse the various habitats and sights at your own pace, but note that most visitors spend about 30 to 45 minutes observing the various wildlife.
Price Range: Free! | Website
The habitat tends to be busier in the afternoon, so try to plan a morning visit if you can. Instead of planning to attend the Keeper Talk before looking around, spend some time making your way through the garden and then end your visit by attending the 10:00 AM Keeper Talk.
5. Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary
Price Range: $ | Website
Located in North Las Vegas, this historic ranchland turned animal sanctuary is home to more than 500 rescued exotic birds and domestic farm animals. Aside from providing a safe haven to animals of all types, Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary is also devoted to providing quality care to animals in need while providing ever-expanding education and recreational activities for the public.
You’ll see all types of animals when visiting, ranging from hundreds exotic birds of all kinds, reptiles like the desert tortoise, and classic barnyard favorites like pigs, goats, and donkeys, and more!
If you want to feed the goats or ducks, be sure to plan your visit for a Saturday or Sunday! Those are the only days when visitors can feed the animals by purchasing a $1 food cup.
Whether you choose just one or go wild and visit them all, these family friendly animal attractions are sure to be a memorable part of your Vegas family vacation! Want more family friendly Vegas vacation activity ideas? Check out our Attractions & Activities section here.