Are we there yet? This list of kid-friendly stops on the way to Vegas will help limit that question. Some stops are quick and others you can spend a couple hours. So many times we speed past these cool attractions and miss fun learning opportunities for our children. Our recent trip to Vegas was all about the journey and not about the destination. In fact, I had done more research about the drive, then what kid friendly activities we would actually do in Vegas when we arrived. Here are the fun stops along the way to Vegas that we took our kids.
1. Calico Ghost Town, 36600 Ghost Town Road, Yermo, CA
This was our first stop, a couple hours outside of LA/OC. My kids had been here before, but I had not. So I was very excited to see this old ghost town. Note, it also happened to be Civil War Days, so the entire town was dressed up. We were so lucky to get to enjoy this little town on such a special day. Abraham Lincoln was walking the streets talking to the children about history. The civil war band was playing in the streets and there was a full civil war reenactment. When this isn’t going on kids can still enjoy panning for gold, train rides, mine tours and enjoy the Calico Mystery Shack. You can spend a good amount of time here walking around the town. I highly suggest making a stop here.
2. World’s Tallest Thermometer, 72157 Baker Blvd, Baker, CA
You read that right! Standing at 134 feet tall, this beats out all other thermometers in the world. Worth a quick stop and a picture snap to say you saw the World’s Tallest Thermometer.
3. Bonnie and Clyde’s Death Car, 100 W Primm Blvd, Primm, NV
I wasn’t so sure about this one, but it was actually rather interesting. Especially since it was timed so nicely with a restroom stop. There are two cars in the back of the lobby of Whiskey Pete’s Hotel and Casino. They are both enclosed in glass and there is a little movie screen and chairs setup to explain the story behind Bonnie and Clyde. The car is filled with a ton of bullet holes, making it very easy to understand how no one survived.
4. Mojave National Preserve
The Mojave National Preserve is worth a look for syre. You can actually drive through the entire park, just make sure you have a full tank of gas. You won’t see many cars on this drive, but it is certainly a beautiful view. The best part are the lava tubes as shown in the photo below. Click here for all the information you will need to find this natural wonder.
5. Seven Magic Mountains, north on I-15 to Jean, NV (exit 12). Turn right (east) on NV-161 toward Las Vegas Blvd
I have been wanting to see this art installation for years now. Lucky for me, this was finally my time. Parking and signage to the stop were very easy. There were a bunch of other people there looking at the rocks and taking pictures. Note, there are no restrooms here, so plan accordingly. The kids loved the bright colors and tried to figure out how the big rocks maintain their structure. My son was inspired and made is own little rock sculpture.
Happy Trails
I have been wanting to see this art installation for years now. Lucky for me, this was finally my time. Parking and signage to the stop were very easy. There were a bunch of other people there looking at the rocks and taking pictures. Note, there are no restrooms here, so plan accordingly. The kids loved the bright colors and tried to figure out how the big rocks maintain their structure. My son was inspired and made is own little rock sculpture.
