Amusement parks in Las Vegas transform this city's historical reputation for being a playground for adults and makes it a playground for the entire family. For adults and kids alike, Las Vegas amusement parks strive to out-do each other in thrills, entertainment and dining. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on family-fun parks, here is our guide to all the key information visitors need to know about Las Vegas amusement parks.
Adventure Dome
Part of the famous
Hotel and Casino,
offers diversion for guests young and old. The park's combination of exciting thrill rides, 4-D movies, arcade games and shows make a day-pass well worth the price.
The Sling Shot
As its name suggests, the Sling Shot shoots passengers up a 100-foot-tall tower with four Gs of force. The free fall back down is also a major thrill.
See It In 4-D
Adventuredome has a number of 4-D film
at their FX Theater featuring characters from SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and Happy Feet. There is also an arcade within the park with video and carnival games.
Snack Bars
Adventuredome has several snack bars with basics such as hot dogs and nachos.
Safety Record
According to their
, the Adventuredome Theme Park was awarded a Top Safety Award by Recreation Engineer. However, incidents have occurred. In July of 2008, according to
, a 12-year-old girl died a few days after going into cardiac arrest on the Canyon Blaster roller coaster.
Address: 2880 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89109Phone: 702-794-3939, 800-444-2472Hours: The park is open every day at 10 a.m., closing times vary. In the summer months, the park is open from 10 a.m. to midnight. Check the website for specific days and times.Price: All-day ride passes are $26.95 for visitors 48 inches and taller and $16.95 for visitors shorter than 48 inches. Premium rides are $8 per ride; large, junior and family rides are $5 per ride. Check the website for how rides are categorized.
Stratosphere Tower
Part of the Stratoshphere Casino, Hotel and Tower, this amusement park challenges its visitors to take on scream-inducing thrill rides. The views from the top of the Tower are worth the trip.
Thrilling Rides
looks like a giant teeter-totter, but this is no child's toy. It dangles riders 27 feet over the edge of the Stratosphere Tower before pulling them back.
Breathtaking Views
The Stratosphere has both an indoor and outdoor
for great views of Las Vegas. The hotel and casino also offers stage shows and live entertainment.
Three Restaurants
The Tower at the Stratosphere is home to three restaurants. Top of the World is a revolving restaurant that sits 800 feet above the ground serving seafood and steaks. Level 107 Lounge is open in the evenings and offers an extensive appetizer, dessert and cocktail menu. Tower Pizzeria serves cheesy pies, salads and sandwiches.
Safety Record
While incidents concerning thrill rides at the Stratosphere Tower are uncommon, problems have occurred. According to
, a teenager and her 11-year-old cousin were left stranded on the
in 2005 when the ride instantly shut down due to high winds. The two were stuck at 906 feet above the Las Vegas strip.
Address: 2000 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89104Phone: 702-380-7777, 800-99-TOWERHours: Sunday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Schedule is subject to change, call hotel for specific days and times.Price: Access to rides requires the purchase of a ticket to the Tower: adults, $16; children, $10; seniors, $12; Nevada residents, $12. Ride tickets vary in price.
Other Noteworthy Parks Near Las Vegas
What's your favorite thrill ride in Las Vegas?
Check out more AMUSEMENT PARKS.
Photo: Marquis Lewis/Flickr
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