Hang with sharks, dolphins on World Oceans Day in Las Vegas

Hang out with lions, tigers, dolphins and sharks, while learning more about the oceans and doing a little good for the planet when Las Vegas attractions celebrate World Oceans Day on Monday.

Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage and the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay put together programs to go along with this year’s theme, “Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet” with a focus on reducing marine debris and plastic pollution.

At Siegfried & Roy’s, visitors can take the “Better Bag Challenge” and resolve not to use plastic bags for a year. The event runs Saturday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The new Sustainability Discovery Center shows how oceans play a role in the environment, even in the middle of the Mojave Desert.

Kids can partake in a watercolor activity in the underwater viewing area of the Dolphin Habitat, and the final works of art will join a mural called “What A Healthy Ocean Looks Like To You.”

Make it an adventure by participating in a scavenger hunt called “Journey To A Healthy Ocean.” Guests answer questions as they wind through both attractions to find the answer.

Admission is $19.95 for adults, $14.95 for children ages 4 to 12 and free for kids 3 and younger

Tickets: Mirage Habitat, (702) 791-7188
The Shark Reef Aquarium brings in reps from The Nature Conservatory and Reef Check on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to talk about the oceans. Guests can hang out with green sea turtles, sawfish, sharks and more than 2,000 other animals

Las Vegas Art Guild’s artwork, aquatic artwork displays by Wyland Galleries and children’s art projects made with recycled products are among the activities too. The first 500 participants will receive reusable Shark Reef Aquarium market bags.

Admission is $18 for adults $12 for children ages 5 to 12) and free for kids age 4 and younger.

Tickets: Shark Reef Aquarium, (702) 632-4555