Believe it or not, there are a ton of free things to do in Las Vegas. The city of glitz, glam and gigantic casinos is actually an affordable travel destination, provided you visit the right attractions.
Free Things to Do in Las Vegas
Forget about cutting coupons, looking for discounts or killing yourself trying to win free tickets to various Sin City events. Instead, take a look at the following list of free things to do in Las Vegas and plan accordingly:
For Families
You don't have to venture far from the Strip to enjoy free entertainment. Some of the most inexpensive things to do in Las Vegas come courtesy of the mammoth resorts that call Las Vegas home. Free things abound on the Strip, such as:
- Volcano at the Mirage: Every hour on the hour from dusk until 11 p.m. you can view the resort's multi-million dollar volcanic eruption that sends massive fireballs 12 feet into the air. The attraction also includes music, choreography, waterfalls, and plenty of smoke and fire.
- Fountain shows: Water has the power to mesmerize Vegas visitors, as seen by two of the most popular free things to do on the Strip. The Fountains at Bellagio are a spectacular display of synchronized water and music. The quarter-mile-long lake in front of the Bellagio houses the fountains that propel rushing water up to 460 feet in the air. In addition, the fountain shows at Caesars Palace are also free and fabulous. The shows use massive Greek-inspired animatronic figures to recount the story of Atlantis with fire and shooting streams of water.
- Conservatory at Bellagio: This incredible free attraction is a tourist magnet. It features awe-inspiring natural displays consisting of thousands of individual plants and flowers in the resort's 13,000-square-foot atrium. The floral extravaganzas change to reflect the seasons and highlight the area's most hearty specimens.
For Foodies
Budget buffets are a dime a dozen in Vegas. When you are looking for something to top off your all-you-can-eat meal for free, then consider the following:
- Ethel M Chocolate Factory: If you have a sweet tooth, but lack the funds to keep it satiated, then Ethel M Chocolates is your ticket to candy ecstasy. Situated about seven miles from the Strip, the candy factory offers free admission and free samples. So not only do you get a behind-the-scenes look at the candy-making, you also get to taste the goodness as well.
- M&M's World: Voted as one of the "most delicious attractions in Vegas," M&M's World is a chocoholic's dream destination. The attraction consists of four colorful floors of sweet treats, and the best part is that you don't have to spend a dime to sample the candy-coated goodies. Viewing an array of cool candy-inspired items, such as a $275 M&M's guitar and a replica of Kyle Busch's M&M's sponsored race car is free too.
For Animal Lovers
Leopard print is standard wardrobe material for some of the legendary characters you'll find cruising around Las Vegas. However, when it comes time to see real animals in action, then check out the following free attractions:
- Lion Habitat at MGM Grand: While the big cat habitat is open every day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., you'll want to make sure you are there for the feedings, which take place at 11:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Watching the majestic cats dine on raw meat is a sight to see. You can also watch the kings of the neon jungle romp, roar and recline through a huge glass enclosure located in the heart of the MGM Grand.
- Aquariums: The 117,000-gallon saltwater aquarium housed in the Silverton Hotel provides free entertainment for visitors of all ages. Along with the 4,000 tropical fish, including three species of stingrays and three species of sharks, hotel staff dress-up as mermaids and swim in the curved acrylic tank for 15-minute shows. Another must-visit aquarium that offers free admission and access to free daily shows is located at Caesar's Palace. The resort boasts a 50,000-gallon saltwater aquarium that houses more than 100 species of ocean life. Each day at 1:15 and 5:15 p.m., divers don gear and feed the tropical fish, sharks and the rest of the aquarium's inhabitants in front of a live audience.
More Free Things to Do in Las Vegas
The aforementioned free attractions are currently available as of Ocotber 2010. Howvever, they are just a sampling of the no-cost fun you can have in Las Vegas. From admission to various museums and parks to free access to circus acts and gambling workshops, there are many ways you can save during your Vegas vacation.
For a complete look at all of the extremely affordable things you can do in Las Vegas, visit the following online resources:
In addition, you might consider visiting the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority for up-to-the-minute information on free things to do in Sin City.
