Although there are certainly a vast amount of non-kid friendly activities to partake in while visiting Las Vegas, there are a few gems that stand out for being perfectly suited to children, families, and even educational entertainment. Sigfried & Roy's Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat is a perfect example of this diamond in the rough. The habitat has a strong commitment to conservation, and all the animals that are part of the attraction are considered ambassadors for their species, teaching visitors about their natural habitats, their life cycle, and their role in the protection of their species & environments.

SECRET GARDEN

The private collection of famed magicians Siegfried & Roy are on display for your family to enjoy. Kids and adults alike will marvel at the size of the large cats on display including lions, white tigers, panthers, and leopards. The animals are rotated out of the exhibit on a regular basis, not just for the enjoyment of guests, but for the stimulation and change of environment for the cats.

The garden is beautifully designed and the cats all have lovely places to call home. You'll forget your in the middle of the desert while enjoying the majestic beauty of these creatures in such a cool, landscaped environment. While visiting the garden, you'll learn about the varieties of species and their environments.

DOLPHIN HABITAT

The dolphin habitat at the Mirage includes four pools posting over 2.5 million gallons of water hosting more than 10 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. The pools offer guests the chance to watch and learn about the dolphins, but there are no shows. Trainers nurture and stimulate the dolphins at various times during the day, so guests get a chance to observe their natural behaviors. In addition to offering the dolphins a safe and healthy environment, the purpose of the habitat is to educate the public about the animals, including their role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

Guided tours are offered throughout the day, or you can simply walk the grounds, visit the underwater viewing area, or observe the trainers working with the animals.

If you are looking for more up-close interaction, adults and kids ages 8 and up can participate in the new "Painting with the Dolphins" session. The session, which I was lucky enough to enjoy, puts you face to face with a dolphin who actually paints you a masterpiece work of art.

I was very impressed with this program. As fun as it was, the entire program exists for the stimulation of the dolphins. The process was used to teach the dolphins new skills and to keep them from getting bored or sullen while in captivity. My dolphin, Maverick, certainly seemed to enjoy the activity as much as I did.

After painting our picture and snapping a few photos of the moment (a souvenir photo and certificate of completion, as well as your artwork, are included with the cost of the activity), I got to spend a few minutes learning more about Maverick and Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. I fed him fish, worked with him on a few training behaviors, and inspected his mouth and teeth for regularity and infection. I was educated on the various markings on the dolphins, the different types of flesh, and on their varying social and personality traits. The entire experience was equally fun and educational.

If you are looking for even more dolphin interaction, a trainer-for-the-day program is offered.

Disclosure: I received complimentary entrance & painting with the dolphins experience for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.

If you are looking for a non-pretentious, luxury, upbeat place to stay with your family in San Diego, Hotel La Jolla is an amazing option.

The eleven story hotel has been a part of the La Jolla landscape since the late 1950s, but a recent acquisition and complete remodel from Kimpton Hotels has brought the old into the new.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The 110 guest rooms at this boutique hotel are completely stunning. The ocean view rooms at this hotel offer the best of two worlds: sophisticated and relaxed, modern yet comfortable. The lower floors of the hotel offer patios perfect for SoCal relaxing while the upper levels (where we stayed) are the best location to enjoy the sunset over the Pacific from your balcony.

Had my children not nudged me to move from my slumbering bed (layered with down comforters and Italian linens), I could have lain in bed for hours soaking up the ocean’s glistening shimmer all day. The comfortable, posh rooms, equipped with our very own pet goldfish, made me want to linger longer. Cool amenities like free Wi-Fi (by joining the free loyalty program), hip and funky bathrobes, top-of-the-line and eco-friendly toiletries, as well as an honor bar with yummy but healthy organic snacks made this sleek room even better. If you or your kids forgot an essential travel item like your toothbrush or razor, the front desk has it free of charge!


ON SITE AMENITIES

Room service is available 24-hours/day. If you feel a bit more fancy, head upstairs to the 11th floor, super chic restaurant, Cusp, touting the best views in La Jolla. If something more casual is your style, soak up the California sunshine at the heated pool or snag a cocktail at the outdoor evening lounge, Hiatus. My girls loved the ambiance: bright white linens, funky chairs, fire pits, and inviting seating. The atmosphere is definitely more adult-friendly, but my girls didn’t receive any rude glares from other patrons. A hosted wine hour is offered every evening before the opening of Hiatus. Although complimentary coffee is also provided in the lobby each morning, I must admit that I missed having our morning cup of joe at our fingertips in our room.

Want a spa service? They’ll come to your room. An on-site fitness center is available for all guests; your kids will love the hula-hoops to stay distracted while you get your workout done for the day. If you are interested in a more scenic walk/run, the helpful staff is knowledgeable about numerous hiking and walking trails, all starting right from the hotel. Complimentary bikes and scooters can be borrowed free of charge to guests.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

The La Jolla Village is only a view blocks away, and while we did walk one direction, it is much simpler to have the courtesy car drive your family. Shopping, restaurants, and of course the stunning Pacific Ocean with its accompanying opportunities abound. We opted for a more laid back evening sitting with our toes in the sand, finding small crabs in the La Jolla Cove Tide Pools, watching the Seals at Children’s Beach, and enjoying the Sunset from atop the jutting cliffs that line a large majority of the beach. Outside La Jolla, you are just minutes away from San Diego attractions like SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, Coronado, and downtown San Diego.



Disclosure: I received a complimentary night stay at the Hotel La Jolla for the purpose of this review. Although the Kimpton hospitality was exceptional, all opinions remain my own.

I thought this ride might be a little boring but endured the line for my youngest who could ride only this new ride in Cars Land.

I was very pleasantly surprised that this ride is actually quite a lot of fun. The line moves pretty quickly and the kids had fun dancing to the music in the line.

I love Disney rides. They put so much thought and effort into everything they do and it really shows.

This ride is beautiful. Your trip through radiator springs looks just like you are in the movie CARS. After an outside stroll through the countryside you'll head into a dark ride area where you'll meet all your favorite characters, all shining and incredibly amazing to look at. After gearing up for your race, you are off- literally racing another car full of riders through the hills to the finish line. It is not only thrilling, but incredibly enjoyable, and so much fun.

Get a fastpass EARLY to save you a ton of time in line.

This ride can intrigue even the youngest of park visitors as the colors are so bold and vibrant. It is nice and cool inside and offers a heat relief and foot rest for weary walkers!
The line is typically fairly short and moves quickly so don't be frustrated by any wait.