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Area15 is one of the newest attractions in Las Vegas. I’ve been twice now, and at first, I was like, what the heck is this? I was so confused by it that I didn’t quite know how to feel. But since then, it’s grown on me, and I’m already planning on going again!
So I wanted to put together a guide to help you decide if it’s worth your time. And to let you know about the different attractions you’ll find there. Because having your visit planned out will make for a much better experience!
Bottom line: if you’re looking for something VERY different from the typical Vegas scene and you’re into far-out things, Area15 is your place! But prioritizing the experiences is important because it can get costly fast.
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What Is Area15 In Vegas?
Area15 is an entertainment district with attractions, restaurants, bars, and some shopping. But it’s really something you need to see for yourself because it’s just so unusual. To me, it’s like a mix between EDC, an amusement park, and the future.
Art installations are everywhere – even in the parking lot on Art Island. For instance, you’ll find large format pieces from popular festivals like Burning Man there. And you can even buy the artwork if you’d like.
The main entrance is a spaceship that makes you feel like you’re traveling to another dimension. And then there’s more art inside and experiences ranging from virtual reality to sensory immersion.
But there are also more “normal” attractions like golf, axe throwing, and an arcade. Area15 is also continuously reinventing itself by bringing in new experiences. So you’ll always have a reason to go back!
Area 15 Video: See what it’s like
Location
Area15 in Las Vegas is located at 3215 S. Rancho Dr. It’s also close to Las Vegas Blvd – on the other side of the I-15 near the north end of The Strip. So from any Las Vegas Blvd hotel, your max travel time (by car) is roughly 10 minutes.
Parking
For guests that are driving themselves, Area 15 has plenty of free parking, thanks to its two lots. There’s one in front of the main entrance. And another larger lot is on the side behind the Illuminarium. The side lot also has more trees if you’re looking for a space with some shade!
Hours
- Monday: 12 pm – 1 am
- Tuesday: 12 pm – midnight
- Wednesday: 12 pm – midnight
- Thursday: 12 pm – midnight
- Friday: 12 pm – 2 am
- Saturday: 10 am – 2 am
- Sunday: 10 am – midnight
How Much Does Area 15 Cost?
On most days, getting into Area15 in Vegas is free! So you’ll only have to pay a cover after 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. And even though there’s a charge during these times, it’s not much – usually $15 per person.
Remember, though, that no matter what day you’re going, the venue asks that you get an Entry Pass before arriving. And although I’ve never had to show a pass at the door, I recommend grabbing one to avoid any issues.
Tickets
Now, although it may be free to enter, you’ll still have to pay to do the experiences. So you can purchase tickets on-site at Area 15 or get them online. Of the two options, buying tickets online is usually best because some experiences sell out.
Additionally, you can buy tickets for each attraction separately. Or choose from three Experience Passes that’ll give you access to multiple adventures for a reduced price.
Experience Passes
Experience Passes can sell out (at least they did when I went on a Saturday). So if you want one, grab yours from the Area15 website before heading out. And although I’m listing the current prices below, they may be subject to change. In addition, the experiences offered in the passes may change from time to time.
seeker pass: $49 Adult & $35 child/sr/local/mil
- LIFTOFF
- Van Gogh: Immersive VR Art Experience
- Particle Quest
- Wink World
explorer pass: $89 adult & $65 child/sr/local/mil
- Birdly
- Brainstorm
- LIFTOFF
- Museum Fiasco
- OZ Ride
- Particle Quest
- Wink World
- AR Dodgeball
voyager pass: $139 adult & $105 child/sr/local/mil
- Haley’s Comet
- Birdly
- Brainstorm
- Illuminarium
- LIFTOFF
- Museum Fiasco
- OZ Ride
- Van Gogh VR
- Wink World
- AR Dodgeball
Area15 Experiences
Below is the Area 15 map showing the locations of the different experiences. You can also find this map on-site by taking a right after you enter through the spaceship doors.
On the weekends, a few staff members usually stand next to the map. So they can help answer any questions and make recommendations for your group.
I’ll cover each experience in detail next to give you a better idea of what you can expect. Please note that the prices listed are as of the date of this article and are subject to change.
Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart
Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart is confusing! But that’s the point – you’re supposed to explore and figure out what’s happening. It’s like a mystery you get to solve and an art exhibit all in one.
When you first enter, you’ll see some intriguing and weird products. (Be sure to check out the packaging, too, because I’m pretty sure they’re trying to tell us something!) And if you want to take some products home with you, you can buy any items with a price tag.
Within the store, portals lead to another world where you get to discover the story behind Omega Mart. You’ll want to allow enough time, though, to explore. There are so many hidden passageways and even a secret bar!
Experience: Art Exhibit & Interactive Game
Adult: $59 (NV residents: $39)
Child/Senior/Military: $50 (NV residents: $34)
Birdly
Birdly is a virtual reality simulator that makes you feel like a bird! You’ll lay face down on a motion platform and strap on 3D goggles. You can also flap your wings to gain speed, turn, and dive. There’s even a “headwind,” so you’ll feel like the wind is blowing in your face.
At Area15, you can choose from three “rides” – New York, Jurassic Flight, and Wingsuit. In New York, you’ll fly through the city streets, while Jurassic Flight will have you soaring among the dinosaurs. And then, in Wingsuit, you’ll speed down a mountainside into a valley.
- Experience: Flight Simulator
- Adult: $13.50
- Child/Senior/Military/Local: $10.25
- Requirements: At least 4′ tall, less than 395 lbs
- Length: 2 minutes
Brainstorm
Brainstorm is on the 2nd floor of the Area 15 building. And you can’t miss it because it looks like a giant brain!
At this attraction, you’ll interact with a “voice-enabled artificial intelligence algorithm” named Al. And according to his creators, Al can read your mind. How he does it, though, is anyone’s guess.
Al’s responses are entertaining, and you’ll never get the same experience twice. So it’s worth coming back to see what he’ll say next!
- Experience: Brain Teaser
- Adult: $5.00
- Child/Senior/Military/Local: $3.50
- Length: 3 minutes
Dueling Axes
Do you like throwing things? Well then, you’re going to love Dueling Axes! At this Area15 venue, you’ll get to throw an axe while competing against others in your group.
This relatively new bar sport is like a cross between bowling and darts. Because inside, you’ll find 18 lanes with different gameplay styles – like “First to 21.”
Dueling Axes is also popular on Friday and Saturday nights with its blacklight cosmic throwing and specialty drinks!
- Experience: Axe Throwing
- 1 hour: $39/person (non-peak), $43/person (peak)
- 2 hour: $64/person (non-peak), $69/person (peak)
- Recommended Ages: 10+
Emporium
Area15’s Emporium is an adults-only (21+) arcade and bar. It has some of the coolest retro games around – like Mortal Kombat, Donkey Kong, and Pac-Man. There’s also pinball, pool tables, skeeball, and my favorite, the basketball shootout game!
Pricing at the Emporium is reasonable, too. So you can spend the entire day or night here without breaking the bank. Games typically cost between two and four tokens. And each token is $0.25.
Additionally, there are fun events and even DJs on select nights. And the bar has a fantastic selection of local craft beers and over 50 types of whiskey.
- Experience: Arcade & Bar
- Cost: 1-4 tokens per game ($0.25 per token)
- Ages: 21+
Five Iron Golf
If you love hitting the links, you won’t want to miss Five Iron Golf at Area 15. It’s all indoors (and air-conditioned), so you’ll never have to deal with those high Vegas temps!
There are eight different golfing bays for up to six guests. And each bay has a simulator so you can play some of the world’s best courses – like Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, and Spyglass. You can also sign up for lessons from a PGA Pro and get a swing analysis.
Of course, it wouldn’t be golf without drinks! The venue features an all-service bar and a kitchen, too.
- Experience: Golf Simulator
- Off-Peak: $25 (1/2 hour), $60 (1 hour)
- Peak: $32.50 (1/2 hour), $75 (1 hour)
- Super Peak: $95 (1 hour)
Haley’s Comet
Haley’s Comet is a zip line experience inside the Area15 building. There are two tracks, which means you can race against a friend. You can also control your speed by pressing the button on the handle, so you can go as fast as you want.
You’ll be up pretty high, too – although not as high as the Grand Canyon West zipline. But almost as high as the ceiling! The ride will take you along the “Spine” of Area15, giving you a fantastic view of everything inside.
- Experience: Zip Line
- Adult: $18
- Child/Senior/Military/Local: $14
- Height: min 4’5″, max 6’4″
- Weight: min 80lbs, max 265 lbs
Illuminarium
Illuminarium is an immersive sensory experience that transports you to places you’ve never seen before. For instance, you can take a journey to space and go through an asteroid belt. Or instead, head to the wild and see animals from Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya, and Rwanda.
Large screens with 4K laser projections surround you throughout the show. And there are also audio beams that provide a unique sound experience for every guest. But the in-floor haptics is what will blow your mind!
Each Illuminarium show is in Vegas for a limited time. SPACE is here through the end of 2023, and WILD just returned.
You can catch SPACE on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. WILD is currently running on Wednesdays and Sundays.
- Experience: Sensory
- Adult: starting at $29
- Child: starting at $24
- Duration: 45 min
LIFTOFF
LIFTOFF is one of the newest rides at Area15. And finding it is easy! Just look for the gigantic helix resembling a DNA strand next to the parking lot.
The ride feels like you’re in a hot air balloon as you slowly ascend 130 feet. And with your feet dangling, you’ll spin at the top, giving you a 360-degree view of the Las Vegas valley.
There’s also a ground-level lounge where you can buy drinks. And you’re welcome to take any beverages on the ride with you. Cocktails start around $20, but there are cheaper options like wine and champagne.
- Experience: Ride
- Adult: $10 (day), $15 (night)
- Senior/Local/Military: $9 (day), $13 (night)
- Child (12 and under): free
- Height: At least 4 ft to ride alone, 3.5″ with an adult
- Duration: 10 min
Lost Spirits Distillery
The Lost Spirits Distillery at Area15 is much more than a distillery. It’s a Vegas show! But instead of watching performers from a seat, you’re fully immersed in the action as you walk from room to room.
You can choose from two experiences at Lost Spirits. For instance, in the afternoon, you can day drink with magicians. And at night, you’ll get to see Cirque performers. The daytime tickets are cheaper than the evening.
Now, no matter which one you attend, your ticket includes four glasses of English rum. And you can also take a break from the performances and go on a distillery tour whenever you’d like.
- Experience: Distillery Tour & Show
- Daytime: $49+ (local $35)
- Evening: $89+ (local $49)
- Ages: 21+
- Duration: 90 min+
Museum Fiasco
If you ever wanted to feel like a music video star, you don’t want to miss “Cluster” at Museum Fiasco! The art installation is an immersive sound and light experience with strobe lights and fog.
It starts pitch black in a vast space, and then the show begins. Cluster was a little disorienting for me but super cool and intense. And you can also really feel the bass in there!
- Experience: Sensory
- Adult: $18
- Child/Senior/Military/Local: $12
- Ages: 12 and up
- Duration: 12 min
OZ Ride
Area15 is also home to a seated VR ride called the OZ Experience. At this attraction, you’ll sit in a sensory chair and get a hi-fi headset to wear. Your chair moves throughout the experience, making it feel like you’re on a roller coaster. And there are 3D effects, too.
There are currently two rides available. The first one is “Far Reach,” which takes you on a journey through the galaxy as you try not to get hit by meteoroids. And then, in “Birdy King Land,” you’ll race through a city in a sidecar to get your stolen burger back!
- Experience: Virtual Reality
- Adult: $13.50
- Child/Senior/Military/Local: $10.25
- Height: min 4′
- Duration: 3 minutes
Virtualis VR
Virtualis VR is another virtual reality experience. It’s different from other VR experiences in town because it’s free roam. And you’ll also have full-body tracking, a VR backpack, and a high-res headset. There are even special effects during the experience – like wind, fire, and scents!
At Area15, there are five different adventures you can book. For instance, you can explore a temple, find a secret bunker, fight off zombies, or stop evil from taking over. And they all include puzzle-solving tasks as well.
Virtualis VR isn’t cheap, though. Prices range from $55-$60, depending on the experience. But even though it’s a higher-priced attraction, it’s well worth it.
- Experience: Virtual Reality
- Cost: $55+
- Ages: 10+
- Duration: 20-30 minutes
Particle Quest
The Particle Quest experience is a self-guided mission that’ll take you on a treasure hunt throughout Area15. So you’ll search for nano-particles and wormholes as you learn about Area15’s origins. And to partake in the hunt, you’ll be given a handheld augmented reality mask.
- Experience: Augmented Reality
- Adult: $8
- Child/Senior/Military/Local: $6
- Duration: 30-45 minutes
Wink World
Wink World is a psychedelic art exhibit with sound, lighting, movement, and color. It features six mirrored rooms with different takes on infinity. And inside the rooms, you’ll see spring toys, pinwheels, confetti, and expanding spheres.
You can also add special 3-D glasses for $2.50 to get more out of the experience. I recommend getting these, too, because it makes the exhibit better. Overall, it’s a little different. But it’s a neon wonderland and a must-see at Area15!
- Experience: Psychedelic Art Exhibit
- Adult: $18 (non-peak), $22 (peak)
- Child/Senior/Military/Local: $14 (non-peak), $18 (peak)
- Duration: 15 minutes
Food & Drink
If you’re in the mood for a drink or cocktail, you’ll want to check out Oddwood or Sanctuary Lounge. Oddwood is in the middle of the Area15 building, and the setting is fantastic. At its center, there’s a 23-foot maple tree with thousands of twinkling lights!
And then Sanctuary Lounge is an ultra lounge that looks like a volcano. Here, you’ll enter a sheer fabric dome with a bamboo structure and sit amongst lush greenery. This is one of my favorite spots in the entire venue!
Now I wish Area15 had more restaurants to choose from because there are only two. But on the positive – they both have excellent food!
The Beast
So if you’re looking for a traditional sit-down restaurant, you’ll want to head to The Beast. This restaurant is inside the Area15 building on the first floor, and the chef is award-winning.
The Beast has a massive food menu, too! From vegetarian options to seafood and burgers, you’re sure to find something for everyone here. And there are also small plate options and a kid’s menu.
Lumin Café & Kitchen
For guests looking for a quick bite to eat, you’ll want to check out Lumin Café & Kitchen. This eatery is located inside the Illuminarium, next to the Area15 building.
Food prices range from around $10 to $16. And you can get items like avocado toast, mac & cheese, burgers, and sliders. And, of course, there’s a kid’s menu, too.
Lumin is also super cute inside! It’s got an earthy vibe with lots of trees and foliage. And you can walk up and order, so there’s no need to make a reservation here.
FAQs: Area 15 In Vegas
Here are some of the most asked questions about Area15.
How Long Does It Take To Go Through Area15?
There are so many experiences to do at Area15 that you could spend all day there! But if you’re just looking to stop in and look around, it’ll take about 30 to 45 minutes. That said, most guests buy tickets for at least two experiences and stay about two to three hours.
Now, if you’re going to Meow Wolf, you should allocate at least an hour for that experience. And if you want to uncover the story behind Omega Mart, plan on being there for two hours or more.
Is Area 15 Ok For Kids?
Area15 is a great spot to bring the kids! There’s even a toy store called Kappa Toys located on the first floor.
Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, Wink World, and Birdly are popular family attractions. But remember that some experiences will have height and weight requirements. So be sure to check those before purchasing any tickets.
Now, there’s one store inside Area15 that you may not want to take the kiddos to, and that’s Wild Muse. This shop will be directly in front of you after you walk into the Area15 building.
Here, you’ll find clothing and other items that might not be appropriate for little ones’ eyes. But, of course, I’ll leave that to you to decide!
When Is The Best Time To Go To Area15?
If you want to avoid the large crowds, Area15 tends to be the least busy on Tuesdays. But my favorite time to go is on Friday and Saturday nights from around 8 pm until closing.
Is Area15 For All Ages?
All ages are welcome to attend Area15 until 10 pm. After that, it’s 21 and over only.
meow wolf area 15
Get Your Tickets Now
Thanks so much for checking out my Area 15 guide! If you’ve found it helpful, I’d greatly appreciate your support. The button below is my affiliate link where you can check for offers to see Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart in Vegas. ♥ Jenna
Conclusion
Area15 can be a really fun place – if you have a plan on what you want to see and do. So I don’t recommend going and then figuring out what to do once you’re there, as it’s too overwhelming and confusing. And you’ll likely waste money, too.
You also need to be in the right headspace to go there. So it’s best to have an open mind and embrace the weirdness! Now, if I had the chance to have a do-over of my first time, here are the experiences I’d prioritize. (These are not in any particular order.)
- Virtual reality experience (Virtualis)
- Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart
- Illuminarium
- Wink World (quintessential area15 attraction)
And then, if you like to drink, the Lost Spirits Distillery is a unique spot. I’d go there at night, though, as the show is much better than during the day!
