Vegas' Best Kept Secret - Family Friendly

Way past the erupting volcano, slot machines and tables games at the Mirage is an oasis that not many people may know about. It's Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat.

This place is pretty huge; I could not believe it existed in the middle of the Strip, hidden deep within the Mirage. I had the best time there, and I highly recommend it. It's divided into two sections, the Dolphin Habitat and the Secret Garden.

The facility focuses on scientific research and education, so you won't be seeing any animal shows. What you will see, and learn about, are some pretty amazing animals.

The Dolphin Habitat is a guided tour. The tour starts off above the pool, then takes you below so you can see the dolphins swimming under water. You end up at a "beach" where you can stay as long as you like. The dolphins will get up close and personal and you can even toss a ball back and forth.

Past the Dolphin Habitat is the Secret Garden. Here, you can pick up wands to listen to a self guided audio tour and see many different types of cats - lions, white lions, tigers, white tigers, leopards and pumas. I don't think I've been so close to these animals before.

I thoroughly enjoyed the visit. It was definitely unexpected, "un-Vegas" and a great way to spend a couple of hours.