Are you ready for a two-story Las Vegas Strip sugar rush? Hershey's Chocolate World is sure to do the trick.

The 13,000-square-foot West Coast flagship store is packed with more than 800 types of Hershey's brand products such as Hershey's chocolate bars, jumbo-sized Hershey's chocolate and strawberry syrup bottles, Reese's peanut butter cups and pieces, Ice Breakers, Jolly Ranchers and Twizzlers. Downstairs there's a colorful wall of Hershey's Kisses dispensers for your bag-filling pleasure while upstairs are different flavors of Jolly Ranchers.

Hershey's Chocolate World sells plenty of momentos and gifts, including clothing, coffee mugs and other fun items, and even has a bakery counter offering delicious freshly made treats.

While you're shopping, you'll also come across several interactive experiences. Touch screens allow you to send your friends a virtual Hershey's Kiss, view a timeline of Hershey's history, design a candy bar wrapper or discover your ideal Reese's combination of chocolate and peanut butter.

Sweet photo opportunities include an 800-pound replica of the Statue of Liberty carved from Hershey's Milk Chocolate or a replica of the Empire State Building made from 1,800 Hershey's Milk Chocolate bars.

Hershey's Chocolate World won't do any favors for your diet, but it will make your Vegas vacation a whole lot sweeter.

HERSHEY'S CHOCOLATE WORLD DETAILS

• Hours of operation:
  Main Hours
  Monday: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  Tuesday: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  Wednesday: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  Thursday: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  Friday: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  Saturday: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  Sunday: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
• Cost:
  Admission is free. Retail, candy and food items vary.
• Payment options:
  Cash, American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa.
• Reservations:
  N/A.
• Location:
  Located in front of the New York-New York hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip.
• Age/Height/Weight restrictions:
  N/A.
• Type:
  Shopping

We’re not going to bore you with a bunch of lists on what you can ride, eat, or win at the Adventuredome in Circus Circus. All you need to know is that this is America's largest indoor theme park and it's hopped up on Vegas-style steroids. The colossal carnival-like atmosphere is more than five acres of thrills, chills and a crazy amount of fun for all ages.

There are extreme roller coasters, like the new El Loco that lets riders experience a negative G-force, carnival rides, mini golf, laser tag, bumper cars, games and so much more. Come prepared with plenty of one dollar bills, which shouldn't be a problem because hey-you’re in Vegas. Ahem…moving on.

Make note: nobody does Halloween quite like the Adventuredome. To celebrate the scariest time of the year, it mutates into the Frightdome where ghouls and the supremely grotesque run amok through specially-commissioned haunted houses the entire month of October. MWUAHAHAHA. This ain.t Disneyland folks, this is the stuff of nightmares.

You can easily spend the whole day here. Whether you bring the kids or you're going on a date (you can cling on to each other after all the scary rides), there's really no age limit here. And since you're indoors, it's guaranteed fun -- rain or shine.

Check out the links for more attractions below:

4-D Motion Ride
4-D Special FX Theater
Canyon Blaster
Chaos
Disk 'O
El Loco
Inverter
The Sling Shot

ADVENTUREDOME AT CIRCUS CIRCUS DETAILS

• Hours of operation:
  Main Hours
  Monday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  Tuesday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  Wednesday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  Thursday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  Friday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
  Saturday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
  Sunday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Cost:
  $5 - $12 per ride or roller coaster. All-day passes to the Adventuredome are $29.95 for adults and $17.95 for children 33-47 inches tall (free for toddlers under 33 inches with a paying adult). Locals receive a $2 discount with proof of a valid Nevada ID (Monday - Friday).
• Payment options:
  Cash, Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover.
• Reservations:
  For birthdays, private parties and groups.
• Location:
  Located at the Circus Circus hotel-casino, at the intersection of the Vegas Strip and Circus Circus Drive.
• Age/Height/Weight restrictions:
  Height requirements vary by ride; special children's section available.
• Type:
  Amusement Park

Seeing Jubilee on stage at Bally's is one thing, but experiencing the Jubilee All Access Backstage Walking Tour provides a whole different perspective on the show.

Since 1981, Jubilee has dazzled visitors from all over the world with its elaborate costumes and sets, and beautiful showgirls. One of the Las Vegas Strip's longest-running productions, Jubilee has proven itself to be more than just a topless show. People also come to see the stunning costumes, remarkable headdresses and lively dance routines. 

In 2014, Jubilee was modernized by famed choreographer Frank Gatson Jr., who redesigned the show while staying true to Arden’s vision.

To gain true appreciation for Jubilee, the backstage tour is your golden ticket. Hosted by one of the show's charismatic cast members, a Jubilee dancer takes guests on an in-depth look at costumes, props, headdresses and much more. 

Before heading backstage, the dancer gives a brief history of the show, including humorous personal experiences and funny mishaps that happen during a show (sometimes a dancer's heel can get stuck between elevator gaps on stage or a wig can be ripped off). 

Once inside the dressing room, the tour guide shows several of the legendary Bob Mackie-designed outfits. Even if you're not into shopping or flipping through style magazines, you'll develop a strong appreciation for fashion. Some of these bedazzled costumes, in beautiful colors including turquoise, emerald green and sparkling sapphire, can weigh as much as 35 pounds. During the tour, visitors can pick up a costume and get an idea of how much weight dancers carry on stage. 

The tour also includes a trip to the wardrobe crew room, where visitors can see the workers in action. This crew handles everything from laundry to costume maintenance, sequin stitching and alterations. Because fishnet stockings rip on a daily basis, the wardrobe team can spend as many as 13 hours a day mending them. 

In addition to its gorgeous, sparkling costumes, Jubilee is also known for its huge collection of headdresses -- some weighing up to 20 pounds. Featuring virtually every color imaginable, the headdress room is like stepping into a crayon box full of feathers. These feathers come from all sorts of birds, including ostriches and vultures. Visitors are encouraged to take pictures of all the vibrant pieces. 

Since these showgirls don some of the prettiest headdresses and costumes in town, keeping a fabulous physique is highly important. With all the different stair numbers -- sometimes over a thousand a night -- these ladies get quite the workout. And they still have to hit the gym.

While the nonstop dancing is the hardest challenge, quick wardrobe changes (seven to 11 costumes changes altogether) and make-up applications come naturally. It takes the dancers about 15 minutes to apply their own make-up. 

In addition, each dancer must go through an audition process every six months.

Another important element to the production is the people you rarely see. The stagehand crew of close to 50 people contributes a lot to making the show a huge success, staging the props right on time. Some of these gigantic props weigh as much as 8,000 pounds. 

Don't be scared to ask questions during the backstage tour. Keep in mind that no question is too bizarre for your tour guide. The dancers have heard -- and seen -- just about everything!

JUBILEE ALL ACCESS BACKSTAGE WALKING TOUR DETAILS

• Hours of operation:
  Main Hours
  Monday: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
  Tuesday: Closed
  Wednesday: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
  Thursday: Closed
  Friday: Closed
  Saturday: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
  Sunday: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
• 
  Cost:
  $19.50 without a purchase of a Jubilee show ticket. $14.50 with a purchase of a Jubilee show ticket.
• 
  Payment options:
  Cash, Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover.
• 
  Reservations:
  Yes, call (702) 944-9388
• 
  Location:
  Located at the Bally's hotel-casino, at the intersection of the Vegas Strip and Flamingo Road.
• 
  Age/Height/Weight restrictions:
  You must be 13 years or older to take the tour.
• 
  Type:
  Exhibit

The Volcano at The Mirage is igniting the Las Vegas Strip by combining fire with music and choreography -- beautiful and thrilling at the same time.

Since its opening in 1989, the volcano has been one of most popular attractions on the Strip. In 1996, the volcano added new water, lighting and sound effects. Today, the volcano is looking - and sounding - better than ever thanks to a $25 million redesign, which reopened to the public on Dec. 8, 2008.

WET, the company responsible for The Fountains of Bellagio, led the design team for the volcano. The volcano includes two volcano systems, a lagoon and fire shooters that shoot flame on demand. These massive fireballs are capable of shooting more than 12 feet into the air. It also features waterfalls with surrounding pools including fire and smoke effects.

Another exciting highlight of the volcano is its hypnotic music score. Mickey Hart, the legendary Grateful Dead drummer, and Indian music composer Zakir Hussain worked together to create and perform a soundtrack exclusively for the volcano. During the composing process, the two studied legends, myths and history about volcanoes. As a result, they incorporated instruments from around the world. The musical masterpiece infuses chants, percussion and other tribal elements.

The volcano's sound recordings come from actual eruptions. The volcano's state-of-the-art sound sonic sound system allows the audience to actually feel the rumble while a state-of-the-art computer system makes massive fireballs move to the rhythm. 

To gain a full appreciation of the volcano's spectacular sights and sounds, patrons walking by the Mirage on the Las Vegas Strip are in luck. The best view of the volcano show is right in front of the hotel. Nothing beats being right there - up close - where you can feel the heat of the flames and hear the pulsating soundtrack. Guests staying on the 14th floor or above at The Mirage meanwhile can experience a top-notch aerial view of the attraction.

For those who arrive early enough to stand in front, the volcano actually gets quite toasty. Fiery choreography, water and music have never come together like this before. The Mirage Volcano erupts nightly beginning at 5 p.m. and runs every 30 minutes until 11 p.m.; schedule is subject to change and vary by season. Please note there is no 7:30 p.m. show.

MIRAGE VOLCANO DETAILS

• Hours of operation:
  Main Hours
  Monday: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
  Tuesday: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
  Wednesday: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
  Thursday: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
  Friday: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
  Saturday: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
  Sunday: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
• Cost:
  Free.
• Payment options:
  Not applicable.
• Reservations:
  Not necessary.
• Location:
  Outside the Mirage hotel-casino located on the Strip between Flamingo and Spring Mountain Road.
• Age/Height/Weight restrictions:
  None.
• Type:
  Fountain

Calling all crime scene investigator wannabes!

If you ever had the itch to become a crime scene investigator but never got a chance to test out your skills, this is your perfect opportunity.

At CSI: The Experience at MGM Grand, you'll go through a series of steps that will get you thinking like a real investigator. See how science and critical thinking combine as you piece together the clues in one of three crime scene mysteries. There are a total of three murders and 15 suspects, so you'll really get your mind going.

"Our hands-on exhibit allow the guest to get involved, which has inspired many to pursue a career in CSI [and] forensics," said Ava Bahnam, marketing manager for CSI: The Experience. "We put guests in the driver's seat. They are getting an interactive experience solving a crime using the techniques as a crime scene investigator would use."

Before you start, you'll be given an investigation sheet to record your observations. The experience begins with a video introduction by the show's creator, Anthony E. Zuiker as well cast members from the hit TV show. 

Don't let the thought of science intimidate you. The attraction takes you through a series of steps to make it a fun and educational experience. You'll tap into everything from DNA and fingerprint analysis to forensic anthropology. 

"We have agents on duty to assist when needed," Bahnam added. 

Choose from one of three crime scenes, which appear like life-size dioramas. "A House Collided," displays a car through a living room window; "Who Got Served?" shows a young woman found dead behind a motel and "No Bones about It!" shows a human skull (along with other bones) buried in the desert. Each crime scene showcases bizarre clues that you'll want to jot down. 

After exiting the crime scene you selected, you'll come across a panel of photos to take notes on anything you may have missed. You'll then visit two interactive lab areas, each featuring multiple stations with touch screens and other multimedia equipment that allow you to test your findings. 

In addition, you'll even have the option to record yourself explaining your observations. This footage may be used for future participants to see. 

At the end of CSI: The Experience, you'll answer a series of multiple choice questions based on your scientific findings. After you complete these questions on a touch screen, you'll see a re-enactment of what really happened. 

Upon completion, you can purchase a personalized CSI diploma. Or, bring home a certificate which includes a photo of yourself taken at the attraction. For this photo, you'll get to wear a CSI vest and pose in front of a green screen. The gift shop carries a variety of memorabilia, including T-shirts, mouse pads, hats and laptop bags. 

If you're a true fan of "CSI" and see crime scene investigating as your true calling, this is one attraction not to be missed. 

-- By Jeannie Borbe

CSI: THE EXPERIENCE DETAILS

• Hours of operation:
  Main Hours
  Monday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  Tuesday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  Wednesday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  Thursday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  Friday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  Saturday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  Sunday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Cost:
  $31.50.
• Payment options:
  Cash, credit cards.
• Reservations:
  Advanced purchase of tickets suggested.
• Location:
  Located in Studio Walk inside MGM Grand.
• Age/Height/Weight restrictions:
  CSI: The Experience is recommend for children ages 12 and older. Children younger than 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Photography, filming, food and beverages are not permitted inside the attraction.
• Type:
  Exhibit

If you've never heard of the neo-figurative movement, you're probably not alone. But that doesn't change the fact that Richard MacDonald is shaking things up with his gallery inspired by the wonders of Cirque du Soleil. Play-Doh may be the extent of your sculpting knowledge, but you don't have to know a single thing about art to figure out why he's celebrated all over the world.

We can't imagine a more striking subject matter than the superhuman and epically bendy Cirque performers. MacDonald used these acrobats, dancers and contortionists to capture the essence of their movements, making sure to incorporate the muscle mass that most Americans don't have. Not only will you wonder how the models got into those poses, but also how MacDonald re-created them so perfectly.   

More than 50 bronze sculptures are featured in the gallery at the "O" Theatre, some of which took eight years to finish. When you see them, you'll know why. Because of his appreciation for the grace, strength and poise of the entertainers, many of his pieces are set at angles that will definitely make you cock your head to one side. They will also have you rethinking that cupcake you had for lunch.  

MacDonald's art can be found in the "O" Theatre lobby, near the Bellagio Conservatory and in Gallery Row, just across the bridge and outside of Crystals at CityCenter. 

THE ART OF RICHARD MACDONALD PRESENTED BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL DETAILS

• Hours of operation:
  Main Hours
  Monday: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  Tuesday: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  Wednesday: 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM
  Thursday: 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM
  Friday: 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM
  Saturday: 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM
  Sunday: 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM
• Cost:
  Free.
• Payment options:
  Not applicable.
• Reservations:
  Not applicable.
• Location:
  Located outside the "O" Theatre lobby inside the Bellagio hotel-casino. There is also a another Richard MacDonald display at Gallery Row, located just across the bridge outside of Crystals at CityCenter.
• Age/Height/Weight restrictions:
  No restrictions.
• Type:
  Gallery

If hanging upside down is your thing (or if you were an opossum in your former life), the Inverter at the Adventuredome is perfect for you. It looks like a giant Lego piece, but with screaming people inside.

The Inverter doesn't just whip you around, upside down and back again -- it pauses in mid-flight and you'll have enough time to look at everything beneath you. With only a harness and T-bar separating you from the concrete floor 50 feet below, you'll be holding on like there's no tomorrow. Let's just say the ride gives a whole new meaning to "leaving you hanging." 

Once you think it's all over, the Inverter propels the opposite direction, making sure you flip upside-down all over again. This is one of those rides meant for thrill-seekers, or those with a strong stomach. If you get dizzy easily, you may want to leave the Inverter for the daredevils. 

INVERTER AT CIRCUS CIRCUS DETAILS

• Hours of operation:
  11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday - Thursday, 10 a.m. - midnight on Friday - Saturday and 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Sunday. Holiday hours are from 10 a.m. - midnight.
• Cost:

  $5 - $12 per ride or roller coaster. All-day passes to the Adventuredome are $29.95 for adults and $17.95 for children 33-47 inches tall (free for toddlers under 33 inches with a paying adult).

• Payment options:
  Cash, Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover.
• Reservations:
  For birthdays, private parties and groups.
• Location:
  Located at the Circus Circus hotel-casino, at the intersection of the Vegas Strip and Circus Circus Drive.
• Age/Height/Weight restrictions:
  48 inch height requirement.

Buckle up, hold on tight and get ready for a thrilling adventure at the motion ride in theAdventuredome. Fasten your seat belts for a wild 4-D movie ride featuring fun computerized graphics and a whole lot of shakes and bumps. This isn't your average kiddie ride, folks. 

Movies change throughout the year, but visitors can currently enjoy "Happy Feet - Mumble's Wild Ride 4-D." Race down the frozen cliffs of Antarctica with Mumble and his penguin pals. Mumble's fun turns into a suspenseful chase when he comes face-to-face with his leopard seal nemesis. Still doesn’t sound like fun to you? Here’s a little secret, there’s always alcohol nearby.

MOTION RIDES AT CIRCUS CIRCUS DETAILS

• Hours of operation:
  11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday - Thursday, 10 a.m. - midnight on Friday - Saturday and 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Sunday. Holiday hours are from 10 a.m. - midnight.
• Cost:
  $5 - $12 per ride or roller coaster. All-day passes to the Adventuredome are $29.95 for adults and $17.95 for children 33-47 inches tall (free for toddlers under 33 inches with a paying adult).
• Payment options:
  Cash, Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover.
• Reservations:
  For birthdays, private parties and groups.
• Location:
  Located at the Circus Circus hotel-casino, at the intersection of the Vegas Strip and Circus Circus Drive.
• Age/Height/Weight restrictions:
  42 inch height requirement.

When a little birdie tells you that there is group of exotic birds in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, you're not hearing a fib. At the Flamingo's outdoor Wildlife Habitat, you can get up close and personal with pink flamingos, exotic ducks, koi fish and so much more. 

The Wildlife Habitat may only be a few steps from the hustle-and-bustle of the resort, but you'll feel miles away. With the abundance of trees, grasslands, waterfalls, streams and brooks, you'll feel like you're in paradise. All you're missing is a drink with a little umbrella.  

Upon visiting, be sure you have a fully-charged battery (and enough memory) on your camera or phone. With all the different animals dwelling in this habitat, you'll be snapping away like crazy. The bright-pink Chilean flamingos will definitely catch your attention. Native to South America, these flamingos grow to be four feet tall, weighing six pounds. Notice how their knees bend the opposite direction of ours -- this allows them to sleep on one leg.  

While the flamingos are probably the most recognized animals here, the Wildlife Habitat introduces visitors to a variety of exotic ducks and birds. Not only do these creatures have unique and distinct features, the male ducks are natural romantics. As you walk through the attraction, you'll read on placards that these suave birds have ways to get the ladies. 

For instance, Chinese pheasants use their feathers and long tails to woo females. The male Mandarin duck attracts females by raising his feathers as well. Guys can learn a lot from the Northern Cinnamon Teals. The males attract females with excessive bathing of their feathers. In turn, the female swims in front of the male who wins her affection. How fun would it be to see this in action?

While these male birds are experts at scoring chicks, the male red-crested pochard duck is a true gentleman. Male pochard ducks bring food to the female during breeding season.

The habitat also includes the strikingly beautiful hooded merganser, the hybrid whistling duck and the common shoveler. This breed is known to swim in tight circles, making whirlpools to draw food from the bottom of the pond. Seeing the different breeds swim together and gather on the rocks is such a fun sight. 

You won't find Natalie Portman or Mila Kunis here, but the Wildlife Habitat is home to real black swans. When black swans were first brought to Europe from Australia, people thought they were dyed black. 

The South American black-necked swan is the fastest in its breed and has a musical voice. Because the South American black-necked swan is clumsy, it rarely comes to shore. Other birds include the sacred ibis, known to save crops for Egyptians by eating locusts.

See the helmeted guinea fowl walk along the grassy areas. Related to turkeys, farmers throughout the world use these birds as alarms. When someone enters into their territory, they shriek loudly.

Among all of the birds, you'll also find plenty of fish, like Japanese koi and the Albino Channel (yellow) catfish. Koi fish are popular for their bright and beautiful patterns. With good care, they can live up to 60 years old. The yellow catfish can live well into their 40s. The oldest catfish in this habitat was born in 1996. Turtles show up on the edges of the pond during the warm seasons, but hibernate in the winter months. 

The winding walkways alongside streams and waterfalls, bridges over lagoons and ponds and benches scattered throughout the area make this attraction so peaceful. The Wildlife Habitat offers presentations at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., daily. 

While you're here, make sure to read about Bugsy Siegel and his ties to Las Vegas on the hotel's bronze memorial plaque. The plaque is located near the the wildlife habitat by the outdoor wedding gazebo. 

The easiest way to get to the Wildlife Habitat is through the doors between Java Detour and Sin City Brewing Company. Stay to the left and you'll run right into it. 

WILDLIFE HABITAT AT THE FLAMINGO DETAILS

• Hours of operation:
  Main Hours
  Monday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  Tuesday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  Wednesday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  Thursday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  Friday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  Saturday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  Sunday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Cost:
  Free.
• Payment options:
  Not applicable.
• Reservations:
  Not applicable.
• Location:
  Located at the Flamingo hotel-casino near the intersection of the Strip and Flamingo Road.
• Age/Height/Weight restrictions:
  Not applicable.
• Type:
  Exhibit

The wildest part of Las Vegas isn't necessarily the nightlife.

Right on the Las Vegas Strip is an attraction that defines wild in Vegas in a whole new way. Welcome to Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage Hotel & Casino where white tigers and lions, leopards and dolphins enjoy the Vegas sun and a posh resort like the millions of human tourists who visit the city each year.

The facility, which opened in 1990, is the dream of legendary magicians Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn, better known to millions as Siegfried & Roy. For years the duo has worked to help save endangered animals, primarily white tigers and lions.

The Secret Garden

If you loved collecting those big, cuddly stuffed animals as a kid, then visiting the Secret Garden at the Mirage is a dream come true. Here you can see your furry friends come to life within the lush surroundings of the habitat.

The beautiful attraction displays six different showcases of white tigers and lions, as well as leopards. But the majority of these cats aren't like the typical wild animals you see.

"These are some of the most impressive cats I've ever seen," said Dave Blasko, director of animal care at The Secret Garden. "People come from all over the world to see them."

The Secret Garden stands out from other animal habitats because it features white striped tigers as well as snow white ones. With their distinctive fur color and crystal blue eyes, the cats almost seem unreal.

For more than 20 years, Siegfried and Roy dedicated their time in preserving these rare and exotic breeds. Not only does the Secret Garden preserve these animals from extinction, but visitors also have the opportunity to gain a better understanding and awareness about them.

As you meander through the habitat, you'll notice all the lush greenery, fun, jungle-themed music and even a towering lion figure made from plants. Some of the cats even have built-in waterfalls in their resting areas. You'll also discover fun facts about the animals written on plaques spread throughout the facility. For instance, female lions do most of the hunting while the male lion watches over the pride. Also, tigers actually enjoy swimming.

"Tigers are one of the few cats who like water," said Blasko.

If you want to take some of the wildlife back home with you, the gift shop at the Secret Garden offers souvenirs.

Together with its lush foliage and gorgeous waterfalls, the Secret Garden is the ideal place to visit any time of the year. With all its trees and tropical surroundings, you'll literally feel like you're in another country.

The Dolphin Habitat

Surrounded by palm trees, lush foliage and 2.1 million gallons of water, the Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage is truly an oasis on the Las Vegas Strip. Whether the bottlenose dolphins who call the habitat home are swimming, "tail walking" across water, catching fish or bonding with each other, you'll get an up-close and personal look at their fun, intriguing lifestyle.

While many people think of Sea World when they think of dolphins, many don't realize that they can see the creatures right in the midst of the Las Vegas desert. The Dolphin Habitat is a research facility and is also designed to educate people about these amazing animals. And while the dolphins don't perform on a regular schedule, visitors can still be surprised by their natural playfulness.

Exercising is also very vital to the dolphins' health. When the trainers aren't exercising or having fun with the dolphins, they conduct regular check-ups to ensure that they're healthy.

The Dolphin Habitat offers an underwater viewing area. But if you're trying to take a picture of the dolphins, it can get a little tricky. Since these dolphins are so swift and playful, you may find yourself running back and forth to capture the perfect photo.

The habitat also features shaded seating, a café and a gift shop filled with memorabilia including plush dolphin toys and even dolphin-shaped water guns.

Dolphin Habitat visitors who wish to get a little more involved with the animals can choose from a couple different programs. Painting With the Dolphins allows you to create a mammal masterpiece. Available from noon to 3:30 p.m. daily, you will get up close and personal with a dolphin as you collaborate on creating an original piece of art. Cost of $199 includes price of admission, your unique masterpiece, a certificate and a photograph of the experience.

The Trainer for a Day program, meanwhile, is an all-day activity allowing guests slip into a wetsuit and get up close to the dolphins. From 9:45 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. you will interact with and feed the dolphins while accompanied by habitat staff. A staff member will snap photos of your experience throughout this this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. At the end of the day, your photos will be put on a CD for you to take home as a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Price varies between $495 and $595 depending on the season, with a four person maximum.

Whether you come to see the dolphins or some of the rarest white tigers and lions in the world, The Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat may prove to be the wildest moment on your Vegas trip.

SECRET GARDEN AND DOLPHIN HABITAT AT THE MIRAGE DETAILS

• Hours of operation:
  Daily, 10 a.m. - 5:30  p.m. (hours of operation are subject to change due to special events or inclement weather).
• Cost:
  Admission to both exhibits is $19.95 for adults, $14.95 for children (ages 4-12) and free for children under 3. Annual passes are available.
• Payment options:
  Cash, Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover.
• Reservations:
  Not required.
• Location:
  At the Mirage Hotel and Casino.
• Age/Height/Weight restrictions:
  Guests under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.

• Location:Inside the Luxor Hotel and Casino

DESCRIPTION

With a name like Bodies in Las Vegas, it's easy to assume you're going to a topless show. But Bodies…The Exhibition at the Luxor is even more revealing.

Bodies will easily trump any science lab dissection you've done in school. With an intricate, 3-D vision of the human form, visitors get the chance to see real bodies, preserved along with their inner organs. The exhibit showcases 13 whole-body specimens from China and more than 260 organs and partial body specimens. There are nine rooms dedicated to different parts of the body, including the muscular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems.

There is also a more sensitive section of the exhibition showing fetal development. Guests can see different stages of a baby's development, from eight weeks old to eight months, as well as fetuses with various birth defects, such as conjoined twins. This exhibit is located in its own private area, so those who feel uncomfortable viewing it can skip to the next section.

It is both startling and informative to see so many body parts and inner organs out in the open when they are usually tucked safely away under your skin. One wouldn't expect such an intricate part of the nervous system, like the spinal cord, to resemble a clump of seaweed.The tongue, meanwhile, looks a bit like a small, thick cut of steak (Would you like that medium-rare or well-done?).

One of the more startling sights in the exhibit is the display of a smoker's lung in the respiratory section. Visitors can see and compare a healthy lung to a blackened smoker's lung. There is also a brain on display here from a person who suffered a stroke -- ironically it looks a bit like the inside of an ashtray. After reading some scary, mind-opening facts (like a single pack of cigarettes takes three hours and 40 minutes off your life), you may think twice about puffing. For the guests' convenience, there is a cigarette disposal bin nearby.

Bodies also offers enrichment that helps visitors improve their quality of life and prevent diseases.

Reading the quick facts on the wall is almost as interesting as checking out the specimens. For instance, did you know if all the muscles in your body worked together, you could lift more than 10 tons? And did you know eating breakfast really does help improve your memory?

More fun facts: Faster than the world's most powerful computer, the nervous system is responsible for processing all thoughts and emotions. In addition, every drop of blood in the body passes through the heart once per minute. Single visitors will be interested to learn that scent plays a significant role in people's physical attraction to each other. (Men, even the most expensive cologne won't help you if she's not attracted to your "natural" scent!) These are just a few of the fascinating things you'll discover while walking through the Bodies exhibit.

There are plenty of benches scattered throughout the facility for guests who want to sit down take a break. For those who want an in-depth description about particular displays, audio wands are available for $6. Expert docents can also answer questions. Visitors are encouraged to write their impressions of Bodies in one of several guest books at the end of the exhibition.

As for those who want to take a little piece of Bodies home with them, the gift shop features some a collection of books, incense holders, models, key chains, souvenirs and educational doodads for kids.  

BODIES...THE EXHIBITION DETAILS

• Hours of operation:
  Open daily, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Last admission is at 9 p.m.
• Cost:
  General admission, $32.
• Payment options:
  Cash, credit cards.
• Reservations:
  N/A.
• Location:
  Inside the Luxor Hotel and Casino.
• Age/Height/Weight restrictions:
  N/A.

Jugglers, unicyclists and acrobats – oh my! High above the casino floor, the acts of the World's Largest Permanent Circus perform death-defying stunts for about 10 minutes every half-hour, between 11 a.m. and midnight.

You’ll ooh, you’ll aw, you’ll cover your mouth and hope the highwire and trapeze artists don’t fall because, how would you explain that to your kids? With only 60 seats, the stands start to fill up about 15 minutes beforehand. Don't worry if you’re not there early, grab a drink and stand on the other side of the stage or near the fishing game that juts out from the midway.

Since you’re in the neighborhood anyway, the midway has more than 200 games and is one of the best in town. In the evening, check out the rotating "Horse-A-Round" bar that was featured in the movie "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas."

WORLD'S LARGEST PERMANENT CIRCUS AT CIRCUS - CIRCUS DETAILS

• Hours of operation:
  Main Hours
  Monday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  Tuesday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  Wednesday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  Thursday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  Friday: 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
  Saturday: 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
  Sunday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
• Cost:
  Free.
• Payment options:
  Not applicable.
• Reservations:
  Not applicable.
• Location:
  Located at the Circus Circus hotel-casino, at the intersection of the Vegas Strip and Circus Circus Drive.
• Age/Height/Weight restrictions:
  None.
• Type:
  Amusement Park

It’s often said that crazy people don't actually know they're crazy. So by that logic, if you choose to ride the El Loco in the Adventuredome at Circus Circus, it means you're not loco...at all.

Head up 90 feet before diving backwards at negative 1.5 vertical Gs (for those of you who don’t know what that means - it’s super fast). Zip through 45 and a 180-degree turns then drop into barrel rolls. Yeah, totally, completely sane.

Designed by S&S Worldwide, Inc., there are only a handful of other El Loco coasters in the world (including only one other in the United States). With a 1,300-foot yellow track twisting and turning through the Adventuredome, this open-carriage ride is something you’ll definitely remember. 

EL LOCO AT CIRCUS CIRCUS DETAILS

• Hours of operation:
  Adventuredome hours are 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Monday - Thursday, 10 a.m. - midnight on Friday - Saturday and 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Sunday. Holiday hours are from 10 a.m. - midnight.
• Cost:

  $5 - $12 per ride or roller coaster. All-day passes to the Adventuredome are $29.95 for adults and $17.95 for children 33-47 inches tall (free for toddlers under 33 inches with a paying adult).

• Payment options:
  Cash, MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover.
• Reservations:
  For birthdays, private parties and groups.
• Location:
  Located at the Circus Circus hotel-casino, at the intersection of the Vegas Strip and Circus Circus Drive.
• Age/Height/Weight restrictions:
  You must be 48 inches tall to ride.

If the Tilt-a-Whirl and Scrambler had a baby, it would be Chaos at the Adventuredome. Twirl, tilt and flip as it spins you counterclockwise, backward and upside-down. The unpredictable change of speed and motion makes sure no two rides will be the same. And with the Canyon Blaster whizzing right above you, Chaos is exactly what it is.

Designed by Chance Industries, who also designed the Inverter and the park's carousel, Chaos may look scary, but it's one of the park's most fun. You'll be laughing more than screaming in this topsy-turvy ride you won't want to miss.

CHAOS AT CIRCUS CIRCUS DETAILS

• Hours of operation:
  11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday - Thursday, 10 a.m. - midnight on Friday - Saturday and 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Sunday. Holiday hours are from 10 a.m. - midnight.
• Cost:
  $5 - $12 per ride or roller coaster. All-day passes to the Adventuredome are $29.95 for adults and $17.95 for children 33-47 inches tall (free for toddlers under 33 inches with a paying adult).
• Payment options:
  Cash, Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover.
• Reservations:
  For birthdays, private parties and groups.
• Location:
  Located at the Circus Circus hotel-casino, at the intersection of the Vegas Strip and Circus Circus Drive.
• Age/Height/Weight restrictions:
  You must be 48 inches tall to ride.

The Auto Collections is entertaining for car aficionados and even those who wouldn't typically give cars the time of day.

Located on the fifth level of The LINQ Resort & Casino self-parking facility, The Auto Collections showcases 300 classic cars including racing cars, muscle cars and much more. Since the exhibit is constantly changing, you'll never see the same set of cars twice. 

You can buy a car here, but even if you don't have the thousands of dollars to spare, you can stand by these beauties and take as many pictures as you want. It's not every day you get to see rows and rows of Rolls Royce cars as well as old-school Ferraris, Corvettes, Impalas, Volkswagen Beetles, military vehicles and much more.

Aside from all the classic luxury cars, The Auto Collections also features military-related vehicles. The 1963 Chevrolet Nova Memorial Racecar on display is dedicated to all the fallen and living United States Marines of the Iraq war. While this car isn't for sale, a picture is priceless. Another military vehicle on display is the flat grey 1941 Willy's military jeep. Used in the military during the beginning of World War II, the jeep was restored in 1959.

If you're into racing and have $350,000 to spare, the 1986 Ford R5200 Evolution from Europe would be a fun investment. This speedster was actually banned from a rally competition in the late '80s for being too fast and dangerous. Exactly how fast are we talking about? This sleeper is capable of reaching 60 mph in a whopping 2.1 seconds.

Here you'll also find the iconic Volkswagen Beetle (better known as the "Bug"). For $45,000, you can own an award-winning (41 different awards, to be exact) red 1957 VW Beetle Ragtop. Another popular Volkswagen model on display is the baby blue 1961 Microbus Double Door Camper. Ideal for camping, this fully restored camper has maple wood interior, giving it a luxurious touch. While it's a fun road trip type vehicle, it doesn't come cheap. The fancy camper is $85,000.

If you're really ready to splurge and a Rolls Royce is the only way to go, why not go with the 1967 Rolls Royce Phantom V PV23 (James Young Limousine) for $400,000? One car, such as the 1930 Duesenberg J Murphy Town Car, is so expensive that customers would have to inquire about the price. This award-winning Town Car is only one of four that exist in the world. 

Jimmy Velvet, singer and longtime friend of Elvis Presley, signs autographs and books at the Auto Collections on certain days of the week. Visitors can also watch old car commercials as well as a Johnny Carson clip in which he talks about his own classic car collection. Seating areas are available so you can rest your feet. 

Before you leave, make sure to check out the gift shop. You'll find books on foreign, race, hot rod and American cars, old-school rotary phones, toy model cars, Elvis memorabilia, customized name plates and parking signs, board games and fun random trinkets.

THE AUTO COLLECTIONS DETAILS

• Hours of operation:
  Main Hours
  Monday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  Tuesday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  Wednesday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  Thursday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  Friday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  Saturday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Cost:
  $11.95 for adults, $8 for seniors 65 and children 6- 12. Children 5 and under are free. Includes headset for no additional cost.
• Payment options:
  Cash, Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover.
• Reservations:
  Not applicable.
• Location:
  Inside the The LINQ Hotel & Casino on the Vegas Strip between Spring Mountain and Flamingo roads.
• Age/Height/Weight restrictions:
  Not applicable.
• Type:
  Exhibit

You don't have to be a budding Picasso to have a great time at Buzz'n Brushes in the Orleans hotel. This fun Las Vegas attraction puts all the tools in your hands to help you create a bee-utiful work of art in an upbeat party atmosphere. 

When attending this interactive art class, you'll learn how to paint a preselected image on canvas step-by-step under the instruction of an enthusiastic leader and a team of helpers. Prepare to be engaged, to laugh a lot and to get up on your feet during this two-hour experience.

If you're intimidated by the challenge of creating art, loosen up your mind with a little liquid courage from the Buzz'n Brushes bar. There is also a pizza kitchen serving up a delicious menu.

Great for bachelorette parties, group events and swarms of friends, the painting experience is rowdy and social, especially during the nighttime classes. You may even find yourself taking a break from painting to popular music in order to throw on a costume and dance in front of the room under a disco ball. 

You're going to have so much fun you'll be buzzing about the experience -- and showing off your original painting -- to all your friends back home.

BUZZ'N BRUSHES DETAILS

• Hours of operation:
  Main Hours
  Thursday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  Friday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  Saturday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  Sunday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Cost:
  $45 per person. Alcohol, food and photo booth cost extra.
• Payment options:
  Cash, American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa.
• Reservations:
  Classes can be reserved ahead of time online. 
• Location:
  Located across from the buffet inside the Orleans hotel.
• Age/Height/Weight restrictions:
  Not applicable.
• Type:
  Class

If you've ever wanted to be a fly on the wall of an artist's studio, P3 Studio on the third floor of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is the hip place to do it. The intimate, glass-walled studio features contemporary artists from around the world who create interactive artwork as part of a residency program. 

Watch the artists at work from outside the studio or take it a step further and dive into the process yourself. Go inside, interact with the artist ... maybe even help create a masterpiece. Studio times vary, but artists are typically exploring their muses in the evening.

P3 Studio is curated in partnership with the non-profit Art Production Fund. Since the studio's inception it has featured an array of renowned talents from painters and photographers to fashion designers and performance artists. You can see P3Studio's artist-in residence in action Wednesdays through Sundays, 6 p.m.-11 p.m. 

Since the artists are always changing, you're likely to see something new every time you visit.

P3 STUDIO DETAILS

• Hours of operation:
  Main Hours
  Wednesday: 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
  Thursday: 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
  Friday: 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
  Saturday: 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
  Sunday: 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
• Cost:
  Admission to enter the gallery is free.
• Payment options:
  N/A
• Reservations:
  N/A
• Location:
  Located inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
• Age/Height/Weight restrictions:
  N/A
• Type:
  Gallery

For all you adrenaline junkies and disco lovers, the Disk 'O ride at Circus Circus' Adventuredome is dy-no-mite! Disk 'O moves at a pulsating 14 rotations per minute on its 100-foot roller coaster track shaped like a "U." You'll spin forwards and backwards, twirling to blaring disco music.

If you remember the good ole Gravitron, the Disk 'O follows the same concept, except with a lot more freedom. Instead of being stuck in one spot like a human magnet, you'll sit on a motorcycle-like seat, which leaves your arms and legs free to move. And while the Gravitron is inside a dark enclosure, the Disk 'O is open with seats facing outward so the people walking by can actually see your ridiculous facial expressions. 

The Disk 'O is so mind-blowing, you'll immediately want to try it again from a different angle. But beware -- with all its crazy spins and twirls, there's a good chance you'll get really dizzy the second time around. Make sure to take a breather and walk around before you "Disk 'O" again.

DISK 'O RIDE DETAILS

• Hours of operation:
  11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday - Thursday, 10 a.m. - midnight on Friday - Saturday and 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Sunday. Holiday hours are from 10 a.m. - midnight.
• Cost:
  $5 - $12 per ride or roller coaster. All-day passes to the Adventuredome are $29.95 for adults and $17.95 for children 33-47 inches tall (free for toddlers under 33 inches with a paying adult).
• Payment options:
  Cash, Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover.
• Reservations:
  For birthdays, private parties and groups.
• Location:
  Located at the Circus-Circus hotel-casino , at the intersection of the Vegas Strip and Circus Circus Drive.
• Age/Height/Weight restrictions:
  You must be 48 inches tall to ride.

The High Roller in Las Vegas isn't your average Ferris wheel. There's nothing average about it. And it's not really a Ferris wheel; it's an observation wheel -- the biggest in the world at a staggering 550-feet-tall.

Yes, you read that right: 550 feet. That's nine feet taller than the Singapore Flyer and 107 feet taller than the London Eye. It currently holds the Guinness World Record for largest observation wheel.

Located at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, the High Roller is the focal point of the $550 million open-air shopping, dining and entertainment district, The LINQ Promenade. It's a sight that can't be missed. Literally, you can't miss it.

The High Roller is comprised of 28 enclosed and air-conditioned transparent pods holding 40 passengers each. The pods are roomy with a couple benches and the ride is smooth, not typically bothering those with a minor fear of heights.

From boarding to exit, the entire experience is about 30 minutes long (be sure to hit the bathroom before you board). Along the way, you enjoy in-cabin video and music shows while witnessing a truly unparalleled 360-degree view of Las Vegas both day and night. 

With panoramic views of the Strip, the valley and the mountains, there’s something to see from every angle. But the southwest corner (your immediate right when you enter the pod) offers the best Strip views at the highest point. If you happen to nab this sweet spot, be courteous to other riders. There may be up to 39 other people riding with you in your pod. They want photos too.

The High Roller is accessible from The LINQ via multiple entrances, including a back porte cochère off of LINQ Lane (formerly Audrie Lane). The Las Vegas Monorail, meanwhile, cruises right in front of the High Roller with convenient stops at both the Flamingo and The Quad.

To board the High Roller, guests pass through a building, which includes interactive elements, bathrooms and a bar and lounge. The building also has a hospitality area with outdoor patios, which can be reserved for catered private parties of up to 500 people.

Just as the High Roller has transformed the Las Vegas skyline, a ride inside it may transform you. After a spin on this wheel, your view of Vegas will likely never be the same.

HIGH ROLLER DETAILS

• Hours of operation:
  Main Hours
  Monday: 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM
  Tuesday: 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM
  Wednesday: 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM
  Thursday: 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM
  Friday: 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM
  Saturday: 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM
  Sunday: 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM
• Cost:
  Standard daytime ticket, $21.95; Standard nighttime ticket, $36.95; Youth (13-18) daytime ticket, $16.95; Youth (13-17) nighttime ticket, $26.95; Children 12 and under are free.
• Payment options:
  Cash, credit cards.
• Reservations:
  Yes, tickets will be sold for specific ride times.
• Location:
  At the east end of The LINQ Promenade.
• Age/Height/Weight restrictions:
  There are no age, height or weight restrictions.The High Roller is ADA accessible and will stop momentarily to allow for a wheelchair to board.
• Type:
  Observation Tower/Ride

Do you feel lucky? Well do you?

We do. That’s because we paid a visit to Lucky Cat at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Located in the hotel's pop-up exhibit space off the Las Vegas Strip, the 9-foot tall, silver Luck Cat is a modern version of the traditional Japanese cultural icon and talisman of good fortune, maneki-neko.

Those of us not up-to-date on Japanese cultural icons will recognize Lucky Cat as the ubiquitous statue of a cat waving (really he's beckoning good fortune to come in) found at just about every Asian restaurant.  

Here in Vegas we're a little obsessed with luck and anything that impacts it, so having a giant statue that brings good fortune, is, well, fortunate.

Lucky Cat normally sits at the front of a business beckoning good fortune to come in. That might seem a bit self-serving of The Cosmopolitan (Doesn't the House always have the advantage?). So the resort has created a Lucky Cat that gives good fortune to everyone. Anyone who puts their hand on Lucky Cat's paw will get a fortune. Some are helpful like "If the world is your oyster, beware of food poisoning." Others are funny "You're right. You should quit your job to start that kitten farm." And some are jackpots – free drinks at the hotel or even a free night stay.

Just be prepared to wait. Sometimes the line can get long.

So hedge your bets and improve your luck. If your fortune isn't what you want, there are also additional luck charms and lucky cats to purchase.

LUCKY CAT DETAILS

• Hours of operation:
  Main Hours
  Monday: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
  Tuesday: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
  Wednesday: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
  Thursday: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
  Friday: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
  Saturday: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
  Sunday: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
• Cost:
  Free.
• Payment options:
  Not applicable.
• Reservations:
  Not applicable.
• Location:
  Located at the The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
• Age/Height/Weight restrictions:
  Not applicable.
• Type:
  Exhibit