When someone says Las Vegas, you can be forgiven that you must spend money in one many Vegas’ casinos. That can be further from the truth. Many years ago, back in 1999 just before the we saw in the 21st Century, I was visiting with friends in Salt Lake City. One of the many experiences I will never forget to this day, was our road trip down US Interstate i15 to Las Vegas. Here is my ‘30 fun free things to do in Las Vegas‘, just for starters.
While it is true there are lots of casino’s in Vegas; there are activities you can do for free. However, there are a heck of a lot of ways to entertain yourself in Vegas without spending your money in one of Vegas’ many casino’s. There is something else to consider too. If you are looking for a cheap place to eat, nearly all of the casino’s have all you can eat buffet’s for around $8 to $10 per person.
Contents
Places To Visit In Las Vegas For Free
ALADDIN – They have a rain display where water falls from the ceiling into a reflecting pool below.
ANDERSON DAIRY – Dairy Tour
ARTS DISTRICT, DOWNTOWN – First Fridays
BALLY’S HOTEL – Light, water and sound show
BARBARY COAST HOTEL – Big Elvis
BASS PRO SHOPS OUTDOOR WORLD – the layout of this store is similar to a natural history museum. An extra special feature is the live bass aquarium.
BASS PRO SHOPS – Fishing demonstrations
BELLAGIO – They have an elaborate fountain show on every half hour and can be seen from the street or by standing on the casinos front porch. 1200 nozzles and 4500 lights are used. The Bellagio is also famous for its botanical garden. There are over 7500 flowers, trees and plants displayed and the atrium is changed six to eight times a year. 2. Stunning Bellagio hotel lobby 3. Chocolate fountain
BONNIE SPRINGS PETTING ZOO/OLD NEVADA – Less than half an hour west of Vegas you will find this extensive free petting zoo though donations are accepted gratefully! The whole place is like a recreation of the wild west of Nevada. There is a mining town (small fee), plus a miniature locomotive.
BOULDER CITY – Hoover dam
CAESARS PALACE – Caesar and Cleopatra walk around inside waiting for you to quiz them about historical events. There is also a circular aquarium at the far end. You can take a free tour every weekday to find out how the fish tank works and what the employees do to keep the fish happy.
CAESARS PALACE FORUM SHOPS – Every hour two fountains come to life. There are two shows. The first show features Bacchanal and the second show features Neptune. Very popular and crowded. To easily slip out watch near the back of the crowd. The show starts promptly on the hour.
CAMBRIDGE COMMUNITY CENTER – Movies and popcorn.
CANNON AVIATION MUSEUM – This is located at the McCarran International Airport. There is a large exhibit about the aviation history of Las Vegas.
CHINA DATE RANCH – This is a small working farm with a huge selection of fresh dates and baked goods. The date palms have brightly coloured petticoat skirts which keep the birds away and the dates happy.
CHINATOWN – Just like many Chinatowns around the world. A great experience and lots of fun.
CIRCUS CIRCUS – The Adventure Dome is free to walk around in though rides cost. The theme here is the Grand Canyon. From 11am to 12pm, every 20 minutes, a different circus act performs on the midway above the casino.
COFFEE ROASTERS OF LAS VEGAS – Find out everything you wanted to know about tea and coffee here. There are tours and classes – tours are free – and you also get to enjoy a free sample.
DESERT DEMONSTRATION GARDEN – A display of hundreds of desert plants and explaining how desert plants grow in the desert. 2. – Harbour rainstorm 3. Entertainers
DON PABLOíS CIGAR COMPANY – Cigar Factory Tour
ED ROMAN GUITARS – Guitar museum
ETHEL M CHOCOLATES – now who doesn’t like chocolate? They have a great tour showing how they make fudge, chocolate squares and more. The address is 2 Cactus Drive Garden and their site is www.ethelm.com. At the end youíll also get a free piece of chocolate.
EXCALIBUR – Aimed at children there are Court Jester performances and medieval acts
FASHION SHOW MALL – Fashion shows
FISHER SPACE PEN COMPANY – This pen has been on every single manned space flight since 1968. 711 Yucca Street, Boulder City.
FLAIR BARTENDER SHOWS – at various Vegas locations
Final Remarks
There are so many things you can do which does’t require much money. It does pay to do your homework before you head over to the USA/Las Vegas. You could hire your car before you set off, you can avoid headaches while in the US. One place not on this list is the Las Vegas Stratosphere with a roller coaster above the hotel/casino. If that looks weird, how about eating in their restaurant.
Setting a sensible budget is must when in Las Vegas. The hotels are not cheap, so setting money aside for sightseeing is the next best thing. You can visit all the casinos down the ‘Main Strip’ which is also free and just have a look what is inside. Each casino have their own style and even with the LUXOR with their inclinators instead of elevators. A purpose built city in the midst of the desert is a marvel in itself.
There is such a diverse range of things to do. I had always, evidently wrongly, assumed Vegas was just about gambling and lounging by a pool!
C x
Far from it indeed. The last time I was there, we didn’t spend anything on or anything related to gambling. A lot the big casinos have mini-malls. So there are a lot of non-gambling related things to do in Viva Las Vegas.
John M
Vegas is somewhere I would absolutely LOVE to visit, it seems like such an amazing place to visit, with so many different things to do and see.
Oh yes, with the Main strip and all the main casino’s, The Bellagio fountain, the Luxor and MGM Grand with MM world. There are so many things you can for free.
John M
If I ever do go to Vegas (which I hope I do) I’ll defo take you up on your ideas, they all sound so nice and well being ‘free’ it just tickles my fancy even more.
Some top tips here. I love the Hoover dam such an amazing sight x
There are a lot of places here which are on our bucket list.
John M
Wow there is so much stuff that you can do for free! I love Vegas and can’t wait to go back again
Yep exactly. I can’t to go back there myself.
John M
What a fab collection of things to do in Vegas! I’d love to visit there one day. Travel goals!
Thank you.
John M
Vegas really looks so much fun to me even without the gambling. It’s definitely on my travel wishlist and these ideas look great. My favourite would be checking out Caesar’s Palace though.
Yep, You don’t have to gamble when in Vegas. There are plenty of things you can do without spending LOTS of money.
John M
What a great list and Vegas is on our bucket list (maybe not for me but for my folks) and the fountain show at The Bellagio would be top of the list x
I have seen that numerous times and it never gets old. There are a few places I really want to see the next time I go too. Hope you have a fun and safe journey around Vegas.
John M
I went to Las Vegas in October and im going there again in July. I really enjoyed it. I’ve heard a number of people saying you only need 2 or 3 days in Las Vegas. Whoever said that is lying. You need at least a week
LOL I like how you need more than a few days. I would whole heartedly agree you need a week or two to explore Vegas.
John M
I’d love to experience China Town and the the Ed Roman Guitar museum sounds like a good place to visit.
If they are on the list and free, then you should have a great time.
John M
It’s nice to read about free things to do for a change. Vegas isn’t high on my list of places to visit with the kids but one day perhaps the hubby and I will escape there for a few days.
If Vegas is not your list, there are plenty of other places you could visit in the US. The grand Canyon, NYC, Los Angles. There are plenty of places you could visit in the USA.
John M
When I think of a trip to Vegas I immediately think of how expensive it would be, great to know there are plenty of fab free activities too!
It would be tad expensive to get there, but you could always visit other places in the USA, and just visit Vegas on a drive thru experience. Just an idea.
John M
I got married and Vegas and would love to go back, there is just so many things to see and do.
Oh yes, there are lots to do in Vegas which doesn’t require gambling.
John M
I really want to go to Vegas soon as I haven’t been since I was about 19 year’s old so wasn’t old enough to gamble. This makes me want to go even more x
I’ve never been to Vegas but would love to go! Will be back for your tips if we do get there! x
I hope you get to go some time soon. Glad you like these tips.
John M
Oh I over this! I always thought that Vegas would just be somewhere that cost the earth but it’s great how much there is for free!
Oh wow, I’ve never been to Las Vegas but definitely somewhere I would like to see at some point in my life. Some great suggestions here.
For me, what you see on the TV about Vegas, it is what you see. Although I am sure the level of mob violence is not as bad. Anyway. Vegas is a place where you need a sensible budget. I hope you get to go one day.
John M
I always spend so much money in Vegas, so it’s good to know that there are some free things to do for next time.
You do need to set a sensible budget when in Vegas. Glad you know there there are lots of free things you can do in Vegas.
John M
Hubby loved visiting Vegas, sadly he didn’t take me but I have told him he is not allowed back without me 🙂
I love to read this post about this place and it’s so great to visit Vegas and I love to spend money to be there and had an awesome experience.
It will be an experience and you will be more amazed as I was the first time I was there.
John M
Vegas is a great place and its a shame he didn’t take you. You really missed out.
John M
Its getting there which costs a lot of money, but there are plenty of things you can do without spending tonnes of money.
John M
Hopefully one day you will get there. Let us know how you get one when you’ve been.
John M
Fingers crossed you make there one way. You will never regret it.
John M
I really want to go to las vegas one day, my nana has been so many times
When you do manage to get there, share your adventures and let us know what you think.
John M