5 Free Things to do in Las Vegas

Stephanie Brown
Jan 12, 2018
4 min read

Before I took my first trip to Las Vegas I was nervous about how much I was going to need to budget in order to have a great vacation. After all, wasn't the whole point of Vegas to spend tons on money on casino games? Of course there are ample opportunities to spend money by gambling, visiting fancy restaurants, and watching world-class entertainment. While I think it is fun to still do some of these activities (I mean you are in Vegas) there are ways you can make this trip more affordable. My biggest suggestion is to make sure you spend time walking up and down the famous Las Vegas strip. Since each resort had their own theme, it is fun to walk through the lobbies to see how each one is decorated.

So even if you don't win a jackpot, there are still plenty of ways to find free or cheap entertainment in Vegas. Below are some of my favorites. Enjoy and Viva Las Vegas!

The Wildlife Habitat

Flamingo Las Vegas

If you have kids on your trip or just need a breath of fresh air after hours in a casino, be sure to stop by the Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Las Vegas. This outdoor exhibit is open to anyone, not just guests of the hotel. Take some time to stroll along the path and gaze at turtles, fish, and of course- flamingos. Check the website for updates, but currently their resident pelicans are fed at 8:30 and 2pm daily, and this would be a great free activity to watch. If you do feel like spending a little bit of money, (I know this is a freebie post but I can't resist), be sure to check out my favorite brunch buffet in Vegas at the Paradise Garden in the Falmingo. The weekend brunch buffet only costs $21.99 for adults and has everything you could want. I enjoyed many delicious offerings including made-to-order crepes and a well-stocked yogurt bar. The Flamingo is a really fun and vibrant resort to explore so I recommend adding it to your Vegas itinerary.

Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Bellagio Hotel and Casino

While you are in Vegas I highly recommend you check out the Bellagio Hotel at least once. This incredible hotel is famous for its nightly fountain show, but I also recommend stepping inside and touring the impressive floral displays. This 14,000-square foot display changes seasonally and is created by the Bellagio's impressive Conservatory team. There is no cost to tour this indoor garden, so make sure you step inside and see it for yourself. When I last visited, the garden had been transformed into a magical underwater scene. Also, when you walk into the Bellagio's lobby be sure to look up see Chihuly's unbelievably gorgeous glass sculpture that hangs from the ceiling.

Fountains of Bellagio

Bellagio Hotel and Casino

Speaking of the Bellagio, you should also check out the free and famous Bellagio Fountain display. One of the first things that comes to mind when I think of Vegas is this fountain show. This show runs frequently so you should have no problem working it into your Vegas itinerary. Check the website here for current show times. Each short water display is synchronized to lights and music. This is one of the classic Vegas experiences you should not miss. Since there are so many shows each night and plenty of viewing areas, it is very easy to find a great spot just a few minutes before the show starts. Enjoy the fountains and then get back to your crazy Vegas fun.

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

5928 S Las Vegas Blvd

This photo-op makes for a great easy and free souvenir. A small parking lot near the sign allows for visitors to safely visit the sign and grab their iconic picture. When I visited there was a photographer on hand who was paid by the city to take pictures for tourists. The photographer did not accept tips so this really is a completely free stop! Grab your photo, post it to Insta, and then go enjoy your time in Vegas!

Drinks

Ok so there is a little bit of a disclaimer with this one- you should always tip the bar staff, waitress, waiter, etc. But yes, the rumors are true. If you are in a casino and are sitting at a game machine, card table, or any other gambling area you will be offered a free drink. If you are cheap like me, you can make a pretty great night out of a few tip-only drinks and a couple of dollars in the $.25 Black Jack machines.

Hoover Dam

I included this as a bonus free activity because it is not in Las Vegas. However, visiting the Hoover Dam is a great non-casino activity you can experience during your Vegas vacation. This dam was built between 1931 and 1936 and provides power for Arizona, Nevada, and California. Many different paid tours are offered for the dam, including those at the site and those that will drive you between Vegas and the dam. However, if you have a car you can easily make this a cheap excursion. (You do have to factor in gas money so I won't say this is free). There are a few paid options for parking near the dam, but I recommend parking in the free bypass bridge parking lot and walking along the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. You can access this bridge from the parking lot and it provides a great free way to view the Hoover Dam. This bridge connects Arizona and Nevada, so you can soak in some unique sights and walk across a state line during this excursion.