Sin City is known for its bright lights and seemingly endless sunny days. However, this famous Nevada city does get up to five inches of rain a year. So next time the skies turn gray, use this guide and find a few fun things to do in Las Vegas.
The Pinball Hall of Fame
“Antique Pinball” licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Flickr by Ryan Somma
Las Vegas is known for its vast collection of unusual and offbeat places. The Pinball Hall of Fame is a fine example of one of these spots. This remarkable museum sprawls across 25,000 square feet and is the ideal destination for gamers of all ages to while away a rainy day.
Situated right on Las Vegas Boulevard South, discover owner Tim Arnold’s collection of nearly 1,000 pinball machines. It’s the largest pinball display in the world. There are vintage games from the 1950s to examples from the game’s heyday in the 1980s. Visit the Pinball Hall of Fame with the kids after school. It’s open daily from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. All machines are restored to like-new condition and are available for play.
The Adventuredome at Circus Circus
There’s so much to see and do, from bumper cars and coaster rides to a 4D theater at the 5-acre Adventuredome theme park. Located inside the Circus Circus Casino Hotel on Las Vegas Boulevard South, you’ll be surprised by how many rides directors were able to pack into this climate-controlled space. It’s reportedly the largest indoor amusement park in America.
Hours vary daily and seasonally, so remember to check the website for more information. Consider purchasing the all-day ride pass, so you don’t miss out on any of the attractions. The cost is $40 for adults and kids over 48-inches tall and $20 for juniors. You’ll get access to rides like:
- Canyon Blaster.
- Sling Shot.
- Inverter.
- Rim Runner.
- Ferris wheel.
- Carousel.
- Train ride.
- Bumper cars.
Marvel Avengers STATION
If your family loves the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you must head to the Marvel Avengers STATION next time it rains. Organizers of this interactive attraction encourage you and the kids to explore Bruce Banner’s lab, see uniforms worn by Captain America, the Black Widow, and Tony Stark’s Iron Man, plus learn more about these superheroes.
Visitors to the official STATION headquarters on South Las Vegas Boulevard at the Treasure Island can access The Avengers’ intelligence files, explore the history and scientific origins of the characters, see authentic operational equipment from the movies, and train to become an agent. Preschoolers ages three and under are always free. Sign the family up for a VIP tour and get guided access through all exhibit areas, plus a memorable gift. This attraction is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Shark Reef Aquarium
Located within the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, the Shark Reef Aquarium is another prime destination when Nevada’s clouds threaten to rain on your parade. At this outstanding indoor destination, your family can see more than 2,000 animals, including a high concentration of exotic sharks like Sand Tiger and White Tip Reef varieties. Reach into the touch pool and feed a stingray or sea turtle or dive with one of the ocean’s top predators right here.
Stop by the Undersea Explorer VR Theater. This 36-seat motion platform delivers a fully-realized experience the whole family will enjoy. Immerse yourself in a world of undersea adventure thanks to 360-degree 3D virtual reality technology. Swim with a humpback whale or dive with a tiger shark, all from the comfort of your indoor motion seats.
The Shark Reef Aquarium is open every day, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Get up close and personal with various marine wildlife at this unique exhibit. Admission is $29 for adults and $24 for children ages 5 to 12. You’ll get the chance to learn about:
- Sharks.
- Giant rays.
- Green sea turtles.
- Piranha.
- Komodo dragons.
Pole Position Raceway
Discover the ultimate kart-racing experience at Pole Position Raceway on South Arville. Have a fun-filled day with an adrenaline-pumping excursion on the fastest electric track in the area. First, a staff member at this first-class facility will give you a brief safety lesson. Then you’ll hop in the driver’s seat, buckle up, and grab the wheel of a fully electric, 20-horsepower kart.
Prepare for an extreme ride and brace yourself as you kick up the gears, tear around corners, zip down the track, and test your skills with fellow thrill-seekers. This family-friendly activity is a terrific gray-day activity for all ages and skill levels. Whether you sign up for a couple of races or you spend the whole day, you’ll ride in a comfortable environment, regardless of what’s going on with the weather.
The Wreck Room
Spend the next gray day with your better half at the Wreck Room. Located just a mile from the Strip on Schiff Drive in Chinatown, it’s an exhilarating and satisfying indoor experience for parents. Who doesn’t want to break something once in a while? At Wreck Room, you’re encouraged to release those primal urges in a safe environment.
Whether you want to unleash some anger or smash stuff for the fun of it, this is the place to go. The staff invites you and adults 18 years and up to come in and destroy everyday items. You’ll don a safety suit, then choose your weapon. You can pick from bats and crowbars, then enter the camera-monitored room and let loose for a full half-hour. Once you’ve broken everything in sight, you can leave the clean-up to the staff. The breakables include:
- Bottles.
- Ceramics.
- TVs.
- Computer printers.
So, there you have it. Crème de la Crème of Las Vegas just informed you of some fun things to do on a gray day. What do you think of our picks? Did we miss a favorite destination of yours — one Sin City locals love? Let us know! Drop us a line so we can share your ideas with other parents.