Although my husband and I have both been to Las Vegas multiple times, our last trip was much different because we brought along our two year old son. I always loved going to Las Vegas for the shopping and delicious food but this trip we had a goal of checking out family-friendly attractions for our son. One that was at the top of our list was the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay.
Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay:
The aquarium opened more than 13 years ago and continues to be a top destination for Las Vegas locals and travelers with nearly one million visitors per year.
Shark Reef is dedicated to establishing and maintaining the highest standards of animal care, to providing its visitors with an entertaining and educational experience, and to the practice of meaningful research and conservation initiatives. In March 2003, Shark Reef Aquarium became the first animal care facility in the State of Nevada to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. We continue to hold this distinction as first and only to this day.
The Shark Reef Aquarium is more than just sharks; in fact, there are over 2,000 sea creatures including fish, reptiles, sea turtles, stingrays, jellyfish and more!
Some of the exciting exhibits you’ll find here include:
- a touch exhibit with stingrays and horseshoe crabs
- a shipwreck with sharks and other creatures swimming around you and above you
- two walk through tunnel exhibits that give you a “diver’s view”
- an educational conservation section with helpful hints that you can use at home to protect the environment
Our son ran through the exhibit excited to see all of the sea creatures closeup. They have wide open spaces to allow for many visitors to enjoy the exhibits at the same time. Throughout the aquarium you’ll find interesting facts about the creatures and the aquarium itself. I’m pretty sure my husband could have spent an entire day in there exploring! Children of all ages and adults will love this exhibit!
On the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay website, you’ll find more information about the exhibits, some interactive games and even a live webcam!
*Disclosure: We received complimentary tickets to the Shark Reef Aquarium in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
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