Lions, Tigers, Dolphins & More: The Mirage’s Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat

My boys looking hot but happy

Last weekend we enjoyed our first road trip of the summer to Las Vegas. Which got me to thinking that the final review of our adventures there last summer might be timely. (During that visit, we also saw The Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay and the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.)

You might remember from our visit to SeaWorld last summer that the big explorer is a huge fan of dolphins. That’s one reason why we decided to check out the Mirage’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat.

The 2.5-million gallon Dolphin Habitat is actually a research facility. But the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that call it home don’t put on any “shows” here per se. If you time it right, you might see trainers interacting with the dolphins via play sessions.

This is a small-scale place to enjoy an up-close view of these powerful creatures right at tank side without fighting off a ton of people to do so. An added bonus is that trainers are often on site to answer questions. (Finally, someone to answer all of the big explorer’s questions about dolphins!)

We especially enjoyed the underwater viewing rooms, which offer not just a chance to cool off a bit, but amazing views of the dolphins underwater.

In addition to the dolphins, the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat also houses an array of rare (and endangered) versions of the usual big cats, including white lions and white tigers.

There are also leopards and tigers, a panther, plus a nursery where the littlest additions are available for a peek. The path through the animal enclosures is flat and compact enough that there were no complaints about being tired (hot yes, tired no).

The verdict? Not a cheap way to spend a couple of hours, but the Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat does offer a pleasant alternative to the crowds usually seen at zoos and other marine parks.

Tips for Visiting With Kids

• Time your visit right. Our late summer mid-day visit was scorching. Time your visit for first thing in the morning or in the evening to beat the heat.

• Bring plenty of water. Summer in Vegas = Heat. Big time heat. Bring water – and lots of it!

Planning Essentials

• Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Admission is $17 for adults, $12 for kids 4 through 12, kids 2 & under are FREE; hotel discounts and Nevada locals rates are available
• Grounds are flat, paved & stroller-friendly
• There is a Trainer-for-a-Day program for those looking to get in the water and interact more closely with the dolphins
• There is a large gift store near the dolphin pools (replete with the usual souvenir fare, snacks and drinks) as well as a separate snack bar
• There is one set of restrooms available near the entrance to the dolphin pools

Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat is located at:
The Mirage
3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(800) 963-9634

Note: I was not compensated in any way to visit Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat or to write this review. The opinions expressed here are my own. You can read my full disclosure policy for more information.