Sin City has a rep for being overpriced, but you'll be surprised to learn that there are a ton of Free things to do in Las Vegas, and even more cheap things to do in Vegas! So if you're on a budget--or simply looking to focus your dollars on one spectacular experience--Las Vegas offers plenty of entertainment completely free of charge. This list of free (and cheap) things to do in Las Vegas with kids includes attractions, shows, and more that will help you save lots on your Vegas Vacation.
This is the perfect show for those visiting Las Vegas on a budget. It's increadibly entertaining, it's cute, well performed by a master clown, pet trainer and juggler, and best of all, tickets are dirt cheap. The newest celebrities in Vegas are 30 furry criters--all once in animal shelters--and one clown named Gregory. 2:30 pm matinee shows. Tickets from $29
Cheap things to do in Vegas don't get much more fun than this! Shark Reef offers 14 exhibits with more than 2,000 animals, including 15 species of sharks, crocodiles and piranha. The ultimate thing to do in Vegas for kids. Tickets from $24
With FlyOver, you feel like you're flying but you're not! It allows you to dip, soar, and coast through the skies at the world's most beautiful destinations, using special effects like mist, wind, scents, and motion to make the ride feel almost completely authentic. Tickets from $26
Marvel Avengers STATION is an interactive exhibit and attraction bringing visitors into the world of The Avenger. On display is an extensive range of authentic props and costumes from the Marvel Avengers movies. Tickets from $25
This 550-foot tall observation wheel has a 360 degree view of the Las Vegas Strip. You'll love seeing all the Vegas sights from far atop this gigantic ferris wheel which is taller than the famous London Eye! This is one of my favorite cheap things to do in Vegas at night because the view of the Strip is amazing! Get Tickets Here
If your thrill-seeking kids are looking for exciting things to do in Las Vegas, look no further! Fly LINQ is the first and only zipline on the Las Vegas Strip! Get Tickets Here
We love this new Vegas family activity: this family-friendly attraction brings kids all of the totally not weird grocery store items you can expect from your absolutely regular singular dimension. For all of your family's free-range, organic, mind-bending nutrients, visit your galactically local Omega Mart today! Okay, so Meow Wolf Omega Mart is obviously not your usual neighborhood supermarket, which begs the question, what is Omega Mart? It's a 52,000-square-foot interactive art installation that features work created by a wide range of local and international artists that you can find hidden around every unexpected corner and through every interdimensional portal. Your kids will love this place! Get Tickets Here
Barbie The Exhibition takes you from 1959 to present-day; examining how pop culture and fashion trends have shaped the Barbie global phenomenon. The exhibition features a multi-million dollar collection of hundreds of artifacts of Barbie including the original 1959 Barbie and an original Barbie Dreamhouse. Get Tickets Here
Mac and his goldfish (don't worry, we won't spoil the surprise for you) have been renowned fixtures of the Las Vegas show circuit for over a decade and it's easy to see why. At first glance, his retro style may be off-putting, but don't be deterred by the plaid suit and bad haircut ? retro doesn't mean old-fashioned, and in this case it certainly doesn't mean boring! This is one of the few afternoon shows in Vegas and it's perfect for a family break. Get Tickets Here
If it's condensed theatre you want, it's condensed theatre you'll get. Welcome to Potted Potter, the widely imaginative continuation of the J.K. Rowling star character Harry Potter and his gang of friends. Rather than recreating the successful New York City theatre performance, this show attempts to combine all seven Harry Potter books into one 70-minute show. Get Tickets Here
Mac King captivates audiences for 70 minutes as he casts out a fishing line over their heads and catches live goldfish out of mid-air; completes amazing stunts with a grizzly bear and his pet guinea pig ?Colonel Sanders;? performs amazing sleight-of-hand; makes his head completely disappear in a paper bag; and renders himself invisible - all while remaining unbelievably funny. Because of his quick wit and extensive audience interaction, no two shows are alike. Get Tickets Here
Rubber duck-obsessed comedy magician Adam London returns to the Las Vegas stage this month with a new residency at ?The Venue? inside The Orleans Hotel & Casino. London's Laughternoon, an hour-long family-friendly show replete with astonishing sleight of hand and good-humored hilarity Get Tickets Here
Step under the big top with the world's largest permanent circus! Starting daily at 11 a.m., the shows feature a wide range of performers from all across the globe, right at the center stage of Carnival Midway. See Katerina show off her dazzling hula hoop skills all the way from Russia, be dazzled by Argentinian trapeze artist Noelia, watch in awe of the Cherifian Acrobatic Troupe from Morocco, enjoy the resident Circus Circus clowns, and so much more!
Looking for free shows in Las Vegas? Well, just off the Las Vegas Strip is the Fremont Street Experience and it's one-of-a-kind Light and Sound show consisting of 2.1 million lights on a space frame towering 90 feet above a four-block section of town! While there, don't miss the street artists and vendors, or fly above it all on the SlotZilla Zip Line.
Most of the year in Vegas, it's hot! One of the best was to cool down from the desert heat is to visit the Children's Park and Playground at the popular outdoor Town Square Shopping Mall. With a number of play areas that are shaded, under a canopy of trees, or in a fountain, your kids will have fun and stay cool.
This modern take on the legendary city's demise is an attraction within an attraction, as myth takes center stage at the heart of the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Complete with animatronics, fire, and special effects galore, it's a little silly, a little over the top, and a lot of fun! The show starts every hour on the hour, so you can easily plan a break from shopping and go check it out, over a gelato of course. In addition, there's also a free aquarium. The 50,000-gallon tank houses over 300 beautiful stingrays and tropical fish. Behind-the-scenes aquarium tours are available every Monday through Friday at 3:15 p.m., completely free of charge.
The Container Park, located Downtown, is an open-air shopping center built from repurposed shipping containers. Located just a few blocks away from the Fremont Street Experience, this open-air shopping center filled with boutique retail shops, restaurants, and live entertainment, as well as one of the best kids' playgrounds in Vegas.
This Italian-inspired shopping center opts for authenticity at every turn; In the grand tradition of street performers worldwide, the cobbled streets of the Venetian's Grand Canal Shoppes come alive with around 30 small performances every day. Living statues intrigue and delight, the Artiste del Arte musicians sing to shoppers, and troupes of classically trained performers from all over the globe bring the best of the Old World right to Las Vegas.
This is a real treat for the senses any time of the year. Get ready for topiaries like you've never seen, spectacular floral design, and unrivaled attention to detail. The Bellagio's horticulture team transforms all 14,000 square feet of botanical garden into a lush, stunning landscape to suit the current season. Spring, summer, fall, and winter are all beautifully portrayed throughout the year, as is the annual Chinese New Year celebration.
Fun fact: the collective noun for a group of flamingos is a flamboyance! There's no better place for flamboyance than right at the Flamingo: this isn't a zoo, rather, it's a habitat. In addition to the resident flamingos, the 15-acre grounds are home to ducks, swans, fish, ibis, turtles, parrots, hummingbirds, and more. Designed to be a tropical paradise, this serene refuge from the hustle and bustle of the Strip is chock-full of photo opportunities and a chance to see a neat section of nature up close.
Another of the free shows in Las Vegas is the Mirage Volcano. If you tell your kids that every night a volcano erupts with fire, smoke, and lava right in front of their hotel, they won't believe you until they see it for themselves. Head outside the main entrance Sunday through Thursday evening just before 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. or Friday or Saturday just before 7 p.m., 8 p.m., or 9 p.m. During those times, weather permitting, you can see this incredible man-made spectacle during the winter, and the displays are shifted an hour later during the warmer months.
GameWorks is a state-of-the-art arcade with more than 200 games organized into several themed attraction areas that's attracting droves of tourists, both young and old! Try your hand at new games like Dance Revolution and Indy 500, or reminisce with old favorites such as PacMan, Centipede, and Asteroids. There's also a carnival-style "Big Win Zone" where visitors can collect tickets for winning and redeem them for great prizes.
Chocoholics won't want to miss this one-stop shop for everything an ice cream and chocolate lover could want. Enjoy a signature Hot Fudge Sundae with fresh house-made hot fudge or branch out into any of the other delicious treats on the menu. Conveniently located on the LINQ Promenade right across Brooklyn Bowl's entrance, Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop won the Best of Las Vegas 2015 award for Best Ice Cream. Chocolate candy is also available for purchase along with wrapped gifts and mementos.
If you and your kids are ready for some retail therapy, look no further than the shopping mecca that is Castle Walk Shops. Located at the Excalibur, you'll experience shops, midway style games, rides, as well as gifts and collectibles at unique and distinctive shops. No trip to Las Vegas is completely without a little souvenir or 20. Kids will love the stores that cater to them, specifically: Dragon's Lair, Kids of the Kingdom, and Lick, the ultimate candy shop.
One of the newer additions to the Strip, Hershey's Chocolate World is located inside the New York New York Hotel. Based on the aroma that wafts over you as soon as you enter, you might think they're pumping chocolate-scented oxygen into the store! You'll encounter hundreds of pounds of chocolate in varying shapes, sizes, and packaging. Not to mention the candy-themed apparel, jewelry, and even chocolate clones of your children...Okay, maybe there aren't chocolate clones of your children, but it's a thought, no?
Anyone interested in an indoor rainstorm? Only in Las Vegas can it rain and thunder indoors. This show features thunder, lightning, fog, and pouring rain. Watch with your children at the top of the hour Mondays, Thursdays, and every half hour on the weekends including Fridays. Conveniently located next to a Panda Express and Ben & Jerry's shop.
Streetmosphere is free outdoor entertainment at its finest. Bring the whole family to see classically trained singers, musicians, and actors from all over the world perform at St. Mark's Square without spending a dime. Living Statues amaze, perplex, and delight while the Artiste del Arte group provide the perfect soundtrack to the Grand Canal shopping experience. Approximately 30 small performances take place daily, so there's no need to rush or stick to an exact schedule. it's impossible to miss out at Streetmosphere.
Tucked into a tiny corner in downtown Vegas, nestled at the end of Fremont Street near Denny's, is a hidden gem that will awaken the child inside all of us. From old X-Men figurines and Hot Wheels to Barbie Dolls and old Ghostbusters memorabilia, there's something for everyone here. In addition, there are old arcade games, a tall gumball machine, and rows and rows full of toys dating back decades. Prices will vary depending on the item being purchased, and they are known to run high. However, we've heard some prices are negotiable, so be prepared with a tear-jerker from your childhood and see how things turn out!
A self-described "open-air street party," Carnaval Court at Harrah's is a great place to enjoy a festive atmosphere, play some blackjack, and take in a little fresh air. Who doesn't love dancing under the stars? Famous Las Vegas lounge acts like the Crashers and Whip Its can be seen alongside the hottest DJs in town. Although the fully-stocked bar and bottle-flipping bartenders designate this as an adults-only spot as the day goes on, kids can enjoy live music, souvenir kiosks, and a more family-friendly vibe in the afternoon before the party kicks into high gear.
If you're looking for a show of natural beauty, synchronized to different music every day, and absolutely free, then look no further. The Fountains of Bellagio are themed and played alongside music from Michael Jackson, Elvis, the Beatles, and even the latest electronica music from Tiesto. Exact performance times vary depending on the season and day of the week.
Looking for over 40 retail shops, an assortment of mainstream and unique restaurants, and bowling to boot? Look no further than LINQ Promenade. This outdoor retail, dining, and entertainment plaza is anchored by the High Roller Ferris wheel and can keep kids and adults entertained for days. Shops at the LINQ Promenade include: Polaroid Fotobar, a stylish sneaker boutique, a hat shop featuring everything from berets and fedoras to newsboy caps. Club Tattoo, a world-famous tattoo studio, is a mainstay here and tempts even the most ambivalent customer. Brooklyn Bowl, the famous NYC hotspot, also commands a spot at LINQ Promenade, and gives you and your kids a chance to fuse bowling, live music, and gourmet dining together.
The Pinball Hall of Fame is an attempt by the members of the Las Vegas Pinball Collectors Club to house and display the world's largest pinball collection, open to the public. A not-for-profit corporation was established to further this cause. The games belong to one club member (Tim Arnold), and range from 1950s up to 1990s pinball machines. Since it is a nonprofit museum, older games from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s are in abundance to define the heyday of pinball. There are no ticket spitters here (AKA kiddie casinos or redemption). It's all pure pinball (and a few arcade novelty games) from the past. And since it's a non-profit, excess revenues go to non-denominational charities.
This Willy Wonka inspired mecca just 10 minutes off the strip is the perfect way to spend an afternoon at no cost at all. Take a free factory tour (sorry, no Oompa Loompas) to see the process behind gourmet chocolate making. Hint: each box is still hand-filled, which might bring a certain I Love Lucy episode to mind. Ethel M is also home to the largest botanical cactus garden in the area, so you can get your fill of chocolate, and then your fill of succulents.
The Aquarium at the Mirage accommodates more than 1,000 coral-reef species from Australia, Hawaii, Tonga, Fiji, the Red Sea, the Marshall Islands, the Sea of Cortez, and the Caribbean. These sea animals were all selected for their ability to adapt to the environment and compatibility with other species. Managed by The Mirage hotel's own in-house marine biologists, you'll be greeted by a 20,000-gallon saltwater aquarium stocked with angelfish, pufferfish, tangs, and other exotic sea creatures--including three different kinds of sharks! One of the most elaborate and technically advanced aquariums in the world, the tank is 53 feet long, eight feet from top to bottom, and six feet from front to back. The interior was carefully created to simulate an intricately detailed, artificial coral reef. To preserve the living reefs in the ocean, no live coral is used in the tank.
Like most people, we're big fans of Whole Foods, especially for the food court. Choose from yummy pizzas, hand-rolled sushi, a hot salad bar, and a variety of other prepared foods. The Town Square store marks the fourth and most central Whole Foods location in Las Vegas. It's a great location for visitors who need a break from the endless buffets. A visit to this Whole Foods might be the jackpot you've been waiting for. Here's something to note: Whole Foods is a great place to find vegan baked goods. Our personal favorite is the Vegan Blueberry Donut with a Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie. Store hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Live out your NYC dreams in Las Vegas. New York-New York consists of 12 towers designed to replicate the beloved city's famous skyline, including the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building. But one of the best attractions is The Brooklyn Bridge, this 300-foot-long rendition of the actual NYC bridge. With 9,000 square feet of space that can easily accommodate up to 400 guests, the Brooklyn Bridge is the perfect place to hold your very own reception, party, or other special venue. You can also find a great variety of entertainment events scheduled here each month, from bands to solo acts, including Michael Grimm and DJ Jace.
Another popular attraction at the New York-New York is the newly renovated outdoor plaza, which is anchored by the Brooklyn Bridge and features an eclectic variety of shops for all ages. Visit the Brooklyn Bridge at New York-New York and you'll be visiting NYC and Las Vegas at the same time!
Games, games, and more games abound at the Fun Dungeon. With the world's biggest Pacman, Air Hockey, 10 kiddie land games, 106 redemption games, 60 arcade games, 16 carnival midways, and 10 sports games, the Fun Dungeon is a non-stop treat for those with short attention spans, young and old! Everything is covered at the Fun Dungeon: Dairy Queen and Orange Julius are located right in the arcade. This arcade and game center is less expensive than the AdventureDome and less crowded. In short, Fun Dungeon is a fun stop for the youngsters, but also for your wallet and your inner kid. (Go Frogger!)
Have you ever wanted to tell a network executive exactly what you think about a new Television Show? Well now's your chance! With four different studios to choose from, including CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and other Viacom networks, you'll be privy to the latest offering of TV shows, commercials, as well as websites, and technology-based products. In the past, products such as Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, and Apple iPhone have all been tested. The experience will last on hour, which includes a short survey following the program to tell executives your opinion. You'll also be given a chance to enter a drawing for a state-of-the-art home-theater system. Drawings are held every 3 months.
Calling all aspiring magicians! The 'mecca of magic' has two convenient locations on the Las Vegas Strip, inside the Miracle Mile Shops and the Grand Canal Shoppes. Voted Best Novelty Shop in 2016, this is the ultimate destination for one-of-a-kind collectibles, magic tricks, costumes, special effects makeup, and more. Magic lessons and instructional materials are available for those seeking to improve their craft.
The Park is an immense outdoor destination for dining and entertainment. From retail shops to various eateries and the Brooklyn Bridge, the Park is full of places to see and be seen. All of the venues are outfitted with outdoor patio seating, so you can be part of the action even as you rest. The Park is outfitted with various art installations and horticulture programs inspired by the Nevada desert landscape, creating a vibrant and unique ambiance unlike anything else on The Strip.
Samuel G. Bocchicchio's Acqua di Cristallo is an evocative yet tranquil water sculpture that has transfixed visitors since its unveiling in 2008. Part fountain, part muse, all art, the piece actually occupies two levels! A trio of translucent carved women surround a pillar as flowing water casts light and shapes throughout the Palazzo, turning the hotel's lobby into a paradise for the senses. A must-see for art lovers.
In recent years, this has become of of the top free things to do on the Las Vegas Strip. No trip to Las Vegas is complete without a stop at this iconic landmark. Located in the median at 5100 Las Vegas Boulevard South, the sign reads "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada" on the front and "Drive Carefully, Come Back Soon" on the back. Designer Betty Willis declined to have her design copyrighted, wishing it to remain public as a gift to the city. As emblematic of the city as the Strip itself, the sign was erected in 1959 and added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2009.
The taste, the memories, the iconic glass bottle, they're all here...The world's largest Coke bottle is outside to welcome visitors to soda heaven right on the Strip. The multilevel Everything Coca-Cola is part retail store and part interactive experience, as shoppers can peruse a vast array of exclusive merchandise and souvenirs or get their photo taken with the beloved Coca-Cola polar bear. While classic Coca-Cola is about as American as it gets, the taste has spread worldwide and become an international phenomenon. Relax and inject some multiculturalism into your trip by sampling Coca-Cola products from all over the world