If you were to say three words about Vegas, they would probably be gambling, money and madness. The dazzling lights and insatiable atmosphere make visiting Las Vegas feel like a trip to Wonderland. But there’s so much more to Vegas than standing at the blackjack table, and you can enjoy some amazing activities completely free of charge.
In this article, we highlight the best free things to do in Las Vegas that are perfect for those visiting on a tight budget. We showcase some of the spectacular free shows in Las Vegas as well as recommend some great experiences that are super affordable. This guide isn’t just for adults either, we also include some of the best free things to do in Las Vegas for families.
So if you’ve been considering a trip to Sin City but are worried about costs, let us guide you through the best things to do in Las Vegas on a budget.
While there are some amazing shows in Vegas like Cirque du Soleil and celebrity residencies, you can also enjoy plenty of free shows on your visit. From musical experiences to light and fountain shows, witnessing these spectacular performances is one of the best things to do in Vegas for free. Below, we highlight some of our top recommendations for the best shows in Vegas that won’t stretch your budget.
In downtown Las Vegas you will find the colossal pedestrian mall known as the Fremont Street Experience. This is one of the best places to go in Vegas if you’re looking for budget activities and shows as there is a wide variety available. It’s a great place to explore in Las Vegas at night as the complex comes alive with activity.
The Viva Vision show is a sensational light show that is displayed on a canopy that hangs over the street. It offers a wonderful experience at no cost and is a great way to get acquainted with the vibrant atmosphere of Las Vegas. After the fabulous lights show, you can explore the Downtown Container Park, which is a shopping and entertainment venue made up of shipping containers.
The standout show at Fremont is the Downtown Rocks concert series. Held from May to October in Las Vegas, this is an incredible series of concerts that are entirely free to attend. It has hosted some very popular acts like Neon Trees, Buckcherry and Skillet, to name a few.
One of the most iconic shows in Vegas is the Bellagio Fountain Show. The fountain is situated in the man-made lake in front of the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in the very heart of the Vegas Strip. The shows run daily, starting at 3 pm and lasting well into the evening.
You can catch the miraculous water show every 30 minutes until 6:30 pm and then every 15 minutes through to midnight. The fountain show is a choreographed water display that dances to music and is illuminated with vibrant lights. The performances are set to a variety of music genres, ranging from classical and Broadway tunes to contemporary pop hits.
The Bellagio Fountain Show is one of the best free things to do in Las Vegas, whether you’re a hotel guest or just passing by. The breathtaking water display is one of the best shows in Vegas, just make sure you arrive early to get the best views. The performances change over the evening, so you can attend multiple to experience the splendid variety of this Las Vegas landmark.
One of the best free shows in Las Vegas can be found in front of The Mirage Hotel and Casino, between Caesars Palace and Treasure Island. The Mirage Volcano Show typically takes place in the evenings, but the schedule can change depending on the time of year that you visit Las Vegas.
The show features a spectacular eruption from a man-made volcano, complete with special effects of fire, smoke and water. The mesmerising display is accompanied by a sensory soundtrack that is synchronised with the explosions and eruptions, making the experience very immersive.
Similar to the Bellagio Fountain Show, the Mirage Volcano Show is free for the public to enjoy. You don’t need to be a guest at The Mirage to witness the spectacle, anyone passing by on the Las Vegas Strip can stop and watch. Shows take place on the hour from 8 pm to 11 pm every day, so don’t worry if you miss one.
Now that you have an idea of the amazing shows that you can see for free in Las Vegas, we’ve also got some great recommendations for free experiences. Many of these will see you spending time outdoors, giving you lots of options for things to do during the day in Vegas. With stunning gardens and thrilling day trips, there are plenty of free experiences in Vegas that will suit any traveller.
Found within the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is a 4-acre sanctuary filled with exotic birds and fish. The habitat is one of the best things to do in Vegas on a budget as it is completely free to the public and offers an amazing experience for animal lovers. You can wander the idyllic gardens and find solace in this green oasis away from the bustle of the Las Vegas Strip.
A highlight of the habitat is the resident colony of Chilean Flamingos with their vibrant pink feathers. There are other bird species here as well such as Brown Pelicans and charming Hummingbirds, which guests can have up close encounters with at the feeders. The lush landscaping, including waterfalls and streams also gives visitors the opportunity to observe fish like Koi and Sturgeon, making this Las Vegas attraction very appealing.
We’ve already mentioned the wonders of the free fountain show at the Bellagio, but there is another feature of this resort that is one of the best things to do in Vegas on a budget. Within the Bellagio Hotel, there is a captivating botanical garden that is perfect for nature enthusiasts. You can find it just off the main lobby and it is completely free to enter.
The Conservatory is known for its ever-changing, seasonal displays which makes the visitor experience very dynamic. The team at Bellagio creates elaborate and thematic installations that reflect the time of year. These displays often include thousands of flowers, plants and trees, arranged in intricate designs and patterns that push the artistic boundaries of horticulture.
It’s a great place to visit in Las Vegas if you want a break from the spirited Strip. You can take some amazing photos in the Conservatory and capture the beautiful floral displays. There are occasionally special events and demonstrations in the gardens, providing additional entertainment at no extra cost.
The Hoover Dam is one of the top tourist attractions in Las Vegas and it’s very accessible from the Strip. It’s also a great budget-friendly activity in Las Vegas and allows visitors to explore the surroundings of the sensational city. The Hoover Dam is just 50 km southeast of Las Vegas, making it very convenient for a day trip and giving you lots of time to explore the site.
There are entrance fees for the visitor’s centre and you can book a guided tour of the dam if you’d wish, but the exterior of the site can be enjoyed completely for free. As you walk across the dam you can relish the scenic views of Lake Mead and take some incredible photos. This reason alone makes it one of the best places for sightseeing in Las Vegas.
You can also combine a trip to Hoover Dam with a visit to the Seven Magic Mountains, a colourful art installation that is a major Las Vegas landmark. The sculpture consists of stacked rocks painted in bright neon colours that beautifully contrast with the surrounding desert landscape. There is no charge to visit the site making it one of the best free things to do in Las Vegas, so much so it is often featured on desert tours of Las Vegas.
While Vegas is a certified adult playground, there are also some amazing activities for families. What’s more, many of these activities are free which is great for families looking for affordable entertainment in Las Vegas. While these activities are aimed at families, they will be entertaining for anyone visiting Las Vegas who is young at heart.
One of the best free things to do in Las Vegas for families is a trip to the Silverton Aquarium. While it may seem odd to have an aquarium in the middle of the desert, it has often been called the best free attraction in Las Vegas. What makes the aquarium great for families is the appearance of professional mermaids, who delight audiences with their striking tails and underwater acrobatics.
The mermaid shows are free to attend, whether you’re a hotel guest or just visiting. It adds an extra layer of magic to the aquarium experience and promises to entertain the whole family. What makes this Las Vegas attraction so special is the interactive nature of the shows, where visitors can take pictures with the beautiful mermaids and even meet them in person after they perform.
For a real treat, head to the immersive M&M’s World on the Las Vegas Strip. M&M’s World is a four-story, 28,000-square-foot retail space, making it one of the largest chocolate shops in the world. The store offers a wide range of M&M’s merchandise, including a variety of M&M’s candies in different colours and flavours.
M&M’s World is designed to be an interactive and entertaining destination. Visitors can enjoy various interactive experiences, including a 3D movie, a photo booth and immersive displays. The vibrant and playful atmosphere makes it an enjoyable stop for families looking for fun things to do in Las Vegas.
There is no admission fee to enter M&M’s World, and visitors are welcome to explore the store free of charge. However, with so many tasty treats at your fingertips, the temptation to buy your favourite M&M’s will be very overwhelming. So if you can resist the urge, you will find M&M’s World to be one of the best free things to do in Vegas.
Another free thing to do in Las Vegas that will appeal to families and curious travellers alike is the exceptional free shows held at Circus Circus. The hotel is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and amazes visitors with free circus performances in the Carnival Midway area. It is considered the world’s largest permanent circus and holds performances every day from 11:30 am to 12:30 am.
The acts at Circus Circus are typically performed by talented and skilled circus performers, including acrobats, jugglers, trapeze artists and other entertainers. From traditional circus performances to more contemporary and dynamic acts, there’s often a diverse range of entertainment. The engaging and energetic performances make it an enjoyable experience for both children and adults and it’s completely free to attend!
In conclusion, Las Vegas, often dubbed ‘Sin City,’ is renowned for its association with gambling, money, and an electrifying atmosphere. However, beyond the casino floors and neon lights, there exists a plethora of free and budget-friendly activities that cater to a diverse range of tastes and preferences.
We have highlighted the best free things to do in Las Vegas, but there is so much more to discover. Whether you want to attend captivating light shows and concerts or visit some of the most significant landmarks in Las Vegas, there are so many ways you can have fun and stay within your budget. Plus, with some exceptional free activities that cater to children, there are so many amazing things to do in Las Vegas for families.
So no matter what your preferences are or how big your travel budget is, rest assured that Las Vegas welcomes budget-conscious travellers with a spectrum of free and affordable attractions.
Have you been thinking about an amazing trip to the US? Check out our other travel guides like The 9 Best Things to Do in San Jose and The Best Things to Do in New York City in the Winter for more expert tips.
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