Whether you're moving to Las Vegas, already living there, or are planning a family vacation to the city that never sleeps, you're going to want some inspiration for things to do. While it's called Sin City for a reason, there are also loads of activities you can entertain yourself with that won't cost you a penny.
So, if you're looking for inexpensive family fun but also want to experience the wonders of Las Vegas, you've come to the right place. Here are 10 free things to do in 2022:
1. The Silverton Hotel Aquarium
The Silverton Hotel is situated away from the main casino strip, which already makes it more family-friendly. The hotel has a 117,000-gallon reef aquarium, complete with an array of tropical fish, stingrays, species of shark, and turtles. Named the ‘best free attraction in Las Vegas',the hotel has a separate 500-gallon aquarium just for jellyfish, located in the Mermaid Lounge.
Each day, at 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm, marine biologists perform interactive feedings for guests. If you want to witness real-life mermaids swimming in the tanks, be sure to visit on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
2. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Prepare to be amazed by one of the most dazzling free attractions in Las Vegas. After visiting this 14,000 square foot botanical garden, you'll probably consider a long-distance move - just so you can take a trip here every day.
The Conservatory's incredible Horticulture and Engineering team transform the botanical garden each season and showcase inspiring sights, sounds, scents and colors. From winter, spring, summer, and fall to lunar new year and holiday season themes, you'll experience different cultures with each seasonal floral display.
3. The Arts Factory
The Arts Factory is just a 10-minute drive from the busy Las Vegas strip. For creative families who enjoy contemporary art, this is a perfect free outing to add to the list. The warehouse itself is filled with galleries, shops, creative services, and restaurants, and describes itself as the ‘thoughtful development of the artistic and cultural core of downtown Las Vegas’.
Be sure to visit on the first Friday of the month, as the Factory puts on a free festival dedicated to supporting local arts and culture.
1. The Silverton Hotel Aquarium
The Silverton Hotel is situated away from the main casino strip, which already makes it more family-friendly. The hotel has a 117,000-gallon reef aquarium, complete with an array of tropical fish, stingrays, species of shark, and turtles. Named the ‘best free attraction in Las Vegas',the hotel has a separate 500-gallon aquarium just for jellyfish, located in the Mermaid Lounge.
Each day, at 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm, marine biologists perform interactive feedings for guests. If you want to witness real-life mermaids swimming in the tanks, be sure to visit on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
2. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Prepare to be amazed by one of the most dazzling free attractions in Las Vegas. After visiting this 14,000 square foot botanical garden, you'll probably consider a long-distance move - just so you can take a trip here every day.
The Conservatory's incredible Horticulture and Engineering team transform the botanical garden each season and showcase inspiring sights, sounds, scents and colors. From winter, spring, summer, and fall to lunar new year and holiday season themes, you'll experience different cultures with each seasonal floral display.
3. The Arts Factory
The Arts Factory is just a 10-minute drive from the busy Las Vegas strip. For creative families who enjoy contemporary art, this is a perfect free outing to add to the list. The warehouse itself is filled with galleries, shops, creative services, and restaurants, and describes itself as the ‘thoughtful development of the artistic and cultural core of downtown Las Vegas’.
Be sure to visit on the first Friday of the month, as the Factory puts on a free festival dedicated to supporting local arts and culture.
4. A Visit to the Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
Everybody recognizes the famous Las Vegas sign, and a trip to the city isn't complete without taking a touristy snap in front of it. It was erected in 1959 and is the cultural landmark that marks the beginning of the Las Vegas strip.
If you're with kids and want to avoid crowds, it's best to get down early so you can find a parking space. If you're walking, you can get to the sign from the Mandalay Bay hotel in around 15 minutes.
5. Seven Magic Mountains
If you're interstate moving and want to take a break from the long drive into Las Vegas, the Seven Magic Mountains make for a great quick stop to entertain the family, both adults and kids. Located south of Las Vegas Boulevard, the art installation was designed by renowned Swiss artist Ugo Rondionone.
Made from real boulders and stacked at 30-35-feet high, the Seven Magic Mountains represent Nevada's growing arts community and celebrates the work of interesting, contemporary artists. It's also a great welcome as you approach the city from the desert.
6. Botanical Cactus Garden
Las Vegas is literally a city built within the Nevada desert, so where better to see the state's largest cacti collection than here? The cactus garden is also home to one of the world's most impressive collections, and with free entry all year round, you'd be a fool not to visit!
So, make sure your cameras are ready - there are over 300 species of desert plants to capture, including cacti and succulents.
7. Mirage Volcano Eruption
The Mirage Volcano is a free activity that will be sure to excite both kids and adults. Every evening, at 8, 9, and 10 pm, there is a free display show that uses elements of nature and is set to music by The Grateful Dead's Mickey Hart, and the Indian tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain. (Free musical education as well as scientific? What's not to love?!).
The show is complete with powerful fireballs and tall explosions and is located right outside the Las Vegas Boulevard Main Entrance.
8. Circus Arts Show at Circus Circus
It's no surprise that there's an incredible (free!) circus show in Las Vegas - what else would you expect? Performances start at 11:30 am Friday to Sunday, and 1:30 pm Monday to Thursday on the center stage of the Carnival Midway, and it's an exhilarating experience for all the family.
Expect flying trapeze tricks, acrobatics, and of course clowns.
9. Haus of Gaga
If you missed out on tickets to see Lady Gaga perform at the Park MGM Theater, the Haus of Gaga exhibition is the next best thing. Whether you've got your own Little Monsters or you want to drag your kids along with you because you're the fan, you won't be disappointed.
Completely free, you'll get to be up-close-and-personal with some of the superstar's most iconic outfits - even the 2010 VMA meat dress. All pieces are from the last ten years of her musical, cultural, and fashion reinventions, and it's an absolute spectacle.
10. The Fountains of Bellagio
You'll probably recognize the Fountains of Bellagio from photos and films, and they're just as mesmerizing in person. Every day, the iconic fountains erupt into incredible aquatic shows, all choreographed with music and lights. To be sure to catch them, here's their schedule:
- Monday to Friday - every 30 minutes from 3 pm to 7 pm, and every 15 minutes from 7 pm until midnight.
- Weekends and holidays - every 30 minutes from noon until 7 pm, and every 15 minutes from 7 pm until midnight.
Experience Las Vegas
So, if these family experiences sound tempting, and you've been considering moving to Las Vegas, why not make the change? From art and cultural activities to scientific ones, Las Vegas can be one big adventure.
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