Sixteen Free Things to do in Las Vegas
Visiting Las Vegas but worried that you’re going to have to win big in order to be able to afford all that Vegas has to offer? Step away from the slot machine and read on to learn about some of the best free things to do in Las Vegas.
1. Fountain Show at the Bellagio
If a show stops people in their tracks, you know it has to be good. But to be fair, the fountain show at the Bellagio isn’t just good; it’s great. Over 1,200 sprayers have been synchronized to put on a fantastic display that shoots water as high as 460 feet. Try to catch the show at different times of the day, and see how the water seems to come alive at night.
2. Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
Are you even in Las Vegas if you don’t take a picture with this sign? The 1959 sign marks the start of the Las Vegas Strip. An homage to Vegas of the yesteryear, the sign gives off infamous retro vibes that will look great on the ‘gram.
3. The Aquarium at the Silverton Casino Hotel
The 117,000-gallon aquarium is stocked with thousands of tropical fish that mesmerize passersby. Stop by in the afternoon to catch their interactive feeding sessions. While you’re there, make sure to keep an eye out for mermaids taking a swim throughout the day. They are a fabulous sight in this magical place of Las Vegas.
4. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Prepare to be transported as you enter the Bellagio’s conservatory. Floral displays change seasonally, so there is something new to see each time you visit. The Bellagio’s attention to detail in the botanical gardens is legendary, so take your time as you wander through the 14,000 square-foot indoor garden.
5. The Arts Factory
Located off the Strip in the Arts District, The Arts Factory showcases works from a variety of artists. Wander through the galleries, restaurants and shops and marvel at the unique pieces on display. They host a free-to-attend festival on the first Friday of every month that supports local arts and culture initiatives.
6. Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
The Flamingo Hotel hosts its namesake (and some of their feathered friends!) at the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat. Chilean flamingos roam through the habitat as do parrots, turtles, swans, and more. Listen for the roar of the habitat’s waterfalls as you watch the resident pelicans being fed at 8:30 am and 2 pm daily.
7. Fremont Street
Wander through the five-block entertainment area of Fremont Street and enjoy free live music and bold light shows on the world’s largest LED video screen that also doubles as the area’s ceiling. If you’re in town in August swing by to check out the free concert series, Downtown Rocks, which features bands from the ‘90s and early 2000s.
8. Lake of Dreams at Wynn Las Vegas
Nightly entertainment is offered at the Wynn’s Lake of Dreams. The 20,000 square foot lake surface and 40-foot waterfall are transformed with lights and sound. This multi-media show uses video, giant puppets and robotics to put on a show that you won’t forget.
9. M&M’s World Las Vegas
Conveniently located on the Strip, the M&M store has something for everyone, of all ages. Browse the rainbow of available M&Ms, get your photo printed on chocolate, or browse their huge selection of gifts.
10. Ethel M Chocolates & Cactus Garden
Keeping with the chocolate theme, a visit to Ethel M Chocolates never disappoints. Unusually paired with Nevada’s largest botanical cactus garden, Ethel M Chocolates shows off how Mars chocolates are made, and has a shop filled with freshly made treats. Check out over 300 species of cacti and other desert plants in the 3-acre botanical garden.
11. Downtown Container Park
While shipping containers aren’t usually on destination lists, the Container Park certainly should be. Made from shipping containers, the outdoor shopping center has plenty of dining and shopping options. Kids will enjoy playing for free at the Play Zone while adults can enjoy the bars that are open late. Stay until sundown to see The Mantis awake from a nightly drum show, which is followed by a fire show.
12. Hand of Faith at the Golden Nugget
The biggest gold nugget ever found is on display at the Golden Nugget. Rumored to be worth over $1.4 million dollars the real 61-pound nugget is on display at the Golden Nugget Mississippi.
13. The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace
Channel your inner tycoon and wander through the Forum Shops for luxury shopping and decadent dining at its finest. Dubbed “The Shopping Wonder of the World,” the Forum Shops have luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Versace. Make sure to look up and take in the sky-painted ceilings that change colors. Take a little extra time to watch the Fall of Atlantis and the show’s 20-foot dragon.
14. The Volcano at the Mirage
With plenty of water shows on offer, make sure you take in the other end of the spectrum and watch the volcano at the Mirage, Las Vegas. Front row viewers will feel the heat from the fiery explosions while drum beats punctuate the fiery towers.
15. Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
Dare to venture off the Strip to the dam that connects Nevada and Arizona. Take in the engineering feat that is the Hoover Dam and walk over the bridge for breathtaking views that stands 900 feet above the Colorado River.
16. Seven Magic Mountains
Also off the Strip of Las Vegas, the Seven Magic Mountains are found in the Nevada desert. An art installation by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, the Seven Mountains are composed of large, brightly colored boulders stacked high in seven separate structures. The bright colors contrast against their surroundings in the dry desert for a visually stunning juxtaposition.
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