Year of the Horse – A VKZ Study Unit

Description

Explore Lunar New Year in Las Vegas with our Vegas Kids Zone Lunar New Year Scavenger Hunt and Coloring Pages Book, designed for families looking for free, educational things to do in Las Vegas with kids.

Located on the Las Vegas Strip, Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is one of the best free family attractions in the city, especially during its seasonal Lunar New Year display. Our printable scavenger hunt and coloring pages help kids engage with the Conservatory in a fun, hands-on way by encouraging observation, critical thinking, and creativity.

This free activity pack is perfect to bring along on your visit or to use at home as a Lunar New Year study guide. Kids of all ages can search for Lunar New Year symbols, learn their meanings, and color themed pages inspired by the display. It’s an easy way to turn a simple outing into a meaningful learning experience tied to culture and tradition.

The scavenger hunt is part of our broader mission at Vegas Kids Zone to highlight family-friendly activities in Las Vegas, including free attractions, cultural experiences, and educational outings. You can find more ideas like this in the Backstage Pass section of Vegas Kids Zone, where we share insider tips for exploring Las Vegas with kids.

Download your free Lunar New Year scavenger hunt and coloring pages, bring it to the Bellagio Conservatory, or use it at home and follow along as your kids discover the answers through exploration and play.

Read about the current Bellagio Display here.

Vegas Kids Zone Study Unit

Lunar New Year 2026: Year of the Horse

Suggested Ages: K–8 (easy to adapt up or down)
Length: 1–2 weeks
Focus: Culture, local history, character education, and real-world observation
Location Anchor: Las Vegas

Unit Overview

This study unit uses Lunar New Year and the Year of the Horse as a lens for learning through local culture and community experiences. Students explore global traditions while observing how those traditions appear right here in Las Vegas, turning everyday outings into meaningful learning moments.

The Horse symbolizes energy, independence, confidence, and forward movement. Throughout this unit, students connect those traits to personal goals, community traditions, and cultural celebrations across the city.

Essential Questions

• What is Lunar New Year, and why does it have different names?

• What does the Year of the Horse represent?

• How do cultural traditions travel and change over time?

• How is Lunar New Year celebrated in Las Vegas today?

• What can the symbolism of the Horse teach us about confidence and growth?

Learning Goals

Students will:

• Understand the cultural significance of Lunar New Year

• Identify key traits of the Year of the Horse

• Explore how Chinese culture is represented in Las Vegas

• Practice observation, reflection, and respectful curiosity

• Connect cultural symbolism to real-life character traits

Key Topics

• Lunar calendar vs. solar calendar

• Chinese zodiac overview

• Year of the Horse symbolism

• Local history of Lunar New Year in Las Vegas

• Community celebrations and traditions

Core Activities

1. Zodiac Study and Reflection
Learn about the Horse in the Chinese zodiac. Discuss traits associated with the Horse and invite students to reflect on which traits they see in themselves or want to develop this year.

2. Local Culture Exploration
Visit or research Spring Mountain Road Chinatown or observe Lunar New Year decorations, menus, or lion dances at local businesses or resorts. Students note what they see, hear, and experience.

3. Observation Journal
Students keep a short journal documenting Lunar New Year sightings around Las Vegas. This can include drawings, photos, or written reflections.

4. Lion Dance Symbolism
Study the meaning behind lion dances and discuss why they are performed in public spaces like shopping centers and casinos.

5. Character Connection
Connect the Horse’s traits to personal goals. Students write or draw one way they want to show confidence, independence, or forward momentum this year.

Discussion Prompts

• Why do cities celebrate cultural traditions publicly?

• How do celebrations help keep traditions alive?

• What does “movement” mean beyond physical motion?

Extension Ideas

• Create a family Lunar New Year plan or itinerary

• Cook or research a traditional Lunar New Year food

• Interview a local business owner about Lunar New Year

• Compare Lunar New Year celebrations in different countries