Part of Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the 30-mile stretch of the Colorado River known as the Black Canyon Water Trail is one of the area’s best spots for river rafting. The river here is classified as “moving flatwater,” which makes for a gentle, easy ride that’s ideal for sightseers and first-time rafters.

Rafting is a unique way to see the Hoover Dam. Visitors get a fish-eye view of the impressive concrete gravity-arch structure with its dual spillways and turbine powerhouse, plus the newer Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge – completed in 2010 to divert heavy traffic away from US93. Rafters can view artifacts from the dam’s creation and snap Instagram pics of wildlife on the shores of the Colorado River.

The Hoover Dam is recognized as one of America’s modern marvels. The Federal Highway Administration named the gravity-arch dam one of America’s Top 10 Construction Achievements of the 20^th Century. Photographer Ansel Adams was fascinated by the structure, which took five years and 4.36 million cubic tons of concrete to complete. Countless artists have painted this stunning view, and about 7 million visitors line up each year to snap a selfie or Instagram picture.

Las Vegas has a reputation for being an adults-only city, thanks to its abundance of casinos, nightclubs and showgirls. But there’s more to Vegas than the Strip or the Fremont Street Experience. Just a short car ride from the Luxor’s famous Sky Beam, families can find outdoor and indoor activities that appeal to every age and type.