Las Vegas is a destination that attracts people who like a good adrenaline rush. Whether drawn to table games, nightlife excursions, dining adventures or indulgent shopping sprees, there are more highs for a Vegas visitor to experience than time to enjoy them all. For connoisseurs of altitudinal adjustments, a Vegas visit is an opportunity to cross a few items off bucket lists.

Photo by: Courtesy of Caesars Entertainment

The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York is the thrill ride most associated with the skyline of the Strip. Traveling at speeds of up to nearly 70 mph, The Big Apple Coaster does not disappoint when it comes to traditional expectations of modern rail rides. It’s famous for its 180-degree “heartline” twist-and-dive feature and 203-foot drop. It goes without saying that a Nathan’s hot dog or slice of pizza should follow a Big Apple Coaster ride rather than precede it. There are many views of the Strip from on high that are best experienced rather than described, but hurtling at top speed through New York-New York’s skyline keeps people coming back to the tune of nearly 1.5 million riders per year. And its accompanying arcade is a wonderland of some of your favorite midway-style games.

The highest of the Vegas challenges is the High Roller at The Linq Promenade, one of the world’s biggest observation wheels that’s become the No. 1 can’t-miss mid-Strip experience. Sturdy construction assures a safe 30-minute ride that reaches a height equivalent to nearly two football fields laid out vertically and reaching into the sky. The 360-degree view of the Las Vegas Valley is incomparable, whether rotations are made nighttime or daytime.

Less observational and more adrenalizing is the FLY LINQ Zipline, the Strip’s only zipline attraction and best option for getting groups of up to 10 careening at the same time. For visitors who don’t like their feet to be very far from the ground, The Linq offers virtual reality attractions that simulate whitewater rafting, a haunted elevator and a roller coaster.

Photo by: AREA 15 Proto Images

Hardcore zipline fanatics are already cognizant of AREA15, where visitors zoom across the length of the venue’s nerve center The Spine on Haley’s Comet. It’s slightly less intimidating than ziplining from an altitude of hundreds of feet above The Strip, and provides a you-are-there introduction to the immersive experiences inside the attraction, including Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart and an array of virtual reality options.

Liftoff awaits outside of AREA15, providing a view of the Strip from the west side as it elevates small groups of strapped-in adventurers (and their drinks obtained at nearby Liftoff Lounge) more than 100 feet into the sky. The 10-minute sojourn provides a good time to strategize an approach to iconic indoor theme park Adventuredome at Circus Circus.

Even if you and the family have been here multiple times, Adventuredome is constantly updating its exciting lineup. So in addition to classics like Canyon Blaster and El Loco (which must be experienced again and again before a truly informed opinion worthy of posting online can be developed), enjoy the all-new 6,000-square-foot SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride, as well as upgraded rides like the Twistin Tea Cups, go karts and kiddie swings. Meanwhile, NebulaZ and Sand Pirate can capture the attention of family members for whom roller coasters may be too intense. A rock climbing wall, 18-hole mini-golf course and arcade games can round out an Adventuredome visit.

Photo by: Christopher DeVargas

And just across from Adventuredome is The Garage, which offers the immersive “Birdly” virtual reality experience, neon mini bowling alleys and simulators that let you play golf, soccer, baseball, dodgeball and much more. And for those who like to test their accuracy, there’s also “Axe It Up,” where you throw axes in games like Tic-Tac-Toe, Bottle Crush and Duck Hunt.

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