12 Cool Things To Do In Vegas Without Spending a Dime

Las Vegas is most known for gambling, dining and nightlife. But did you know about all of the free entertainment and cool things to see? Here is a list of must-see attractions that will keep you busy for days- without spending a dime!

1. Fremont Street Experience

Located in Downtown Las Vegas, Fremont Street is where you can find many of the older, well known casinos in Las Vegas. Binion's, Four Queens and Golden Nugget are just a few. But even if you don't want to gamble, there is no shortage of things to see and do on Fremont Street. The Viva Vision light show is probably the first thing most people think of when it comes to Fremont Street. This 1,500 foot long, 90 foot  wide video screen canopy covers much of Fremont Street and contains 12.5 million LED lights. From dusk to midnight, the Viva Vision show runs every hour and features concert quality sound. Past shows have included music by The Who, The Doors, Bon Jovi and more. 

Photo by Vegasexperience.com

If that isn't enough, you can experience Fremont Street from above on the SlotZilla zipline (there is a charge for this ride), enjoy live music at one of the many free concerts right on Fremont, browse the kiosk shops along the promenade, and have dinner at the famous Heart Attack Grill. Double Bypass Burger, anyone?

Photo by Vegasexperience.com

2. Flamingo Wildlife Habitat

If you're looking for something fun, free and family friendly, be sure to visit the wildlife habitat at the Flamingo. This habitat covers 15 acres and is home to pelicans, turtles, koi fish, swans.. and of course, flamingos! It's hard to believe you're still on the Las Vegas Strip as you explore the beautiful grounds with lush foliage, streams and waterfalls. Be sure to bring a camera. The habitat is open daily from dawn until dusk. Get there by 8:30 am or 2:00 pm and watch them feed the pelicans!

Photo by ExploringLasVegas.com

3. Cirque du Soleil Open Rehearsals

This is news to me! I had no idea that Cirque allows people to watch their rehearsal, but that has to be one of the coolest free events I've heard of. Every Saturday from 3:00-3:30 PM, visitors will have exclusive access to the Mystere theatre at Treasure Island to watch the Cirque du Soleil athletes and dancers prepare for that evenings performance. The website also mentions an exclusive gift offer- I'm not sure what that is but in the past there has been a discount price on a pair of tickets to the show. I saw Mystere back when it first opened many years ago, and I highly recommend going to see it if you can. 

Photo by  Cirquedusoleil.com

4. Pawn Stars

If you've ever watched the History Channel's reality show, Pawn Stars, then you are already familiar with the Gold & Silver Pawn shop and the entertaining guys who run it. While you are in Vegas, you can visit the pawn shop yourself and see some of the items that have been featured on the show. Meeting the stars from the show can be hit or miss- there is no specific time when they may be there, but according to Vegas.com, they are at the shop fairly often. I've been there once and didn't see them, but it's still worth the trip. The pawn shop has thousands of rare and unique items to see, and you can even bring in items to be appraised. 

Photo by ABCnews.com

5. Aria Fine Art Collection

If you are a lover of the arts, be sure to visit the free walking tour at the Aria Fine Arts Collection, located at CityCenter. Here, you will be able to enjoy paintings and sculptures by artists such as Maya Lin, Jenny Holzer, Frank Stella and many others. 

Photo by Aria.com

6. Bellagio Conservatory

You need to see this. No, really. You need to see this. The Bellagio Conservatory is a 14,000 square foot art installation made almost entirely out of flowers. The exhibit changes each season, and each visit will reward you with a breathtaking showcase of of trees, flower and plants.

Photo by Reviewjournal.com

 7. Fountains of Bellagio

While you're there, don't forget to watch the fountain show out in front of the Bellagio. Visitors will enjoy a choreographed show of water woven with lights and classical, opera, Broadway and pop tunes, throughout the day and night. Times vary depending on the season and day of the week, so check the website or ask within the casino for current run times. 

Photo by Bellagio.com

8. Ethel M Chocolate Factory

Anyone with a sweet tooth and a craving for chocolate may be tempted to visit the Ethel M factory. There's a self guided viewing aisle where you can watch the chocolate and other candy being made, plus a chance to explore the beautiful three-acre botanical cactus gardens outside. I haven't been to Ethel M's since I was a little kid, but I do recall  there being cactus candy for purchase, as well! 

Photo by EthelM.com

9. Fall of Atlantis at Caesar's Forum Shops

While the forum shops at Caesar's Palace are impressive enough as it is, you must be sure to catch the Fall of Atlantis show while you're there. How does pyrotechnics of fire, water, and 9-foot tall talking statues sound? This show tells the story of King Atlantis deciding which one of his two feuding children will rule the throne. Oh, did I mention the 20 foot long winged dragon? If that isn't enough, the Forum Shops also features a 50,000 gallon saltwater aquarium with over 300 fish, including poisonous puffer fish, sharks and stingrays! 

Photo by Vegas.com

10. Mirage Volcano

The volcano show at the Mirage is probably one of the attractions along the strip that Las Vegas is most known for. It's been erupting since the Mirage opened in 1989, but the show was updated many years ago to also include new music, lighting and sound effects. After a $25 million redesign in 2008, it's even better than ever. The music is a collaboration by Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead and an Indian music composer by the name of Zakir Hussain. Show times generally start after 7pm, depending on the day and season. 

Photo by Roig61

11. Grand Canal Shoppes Streetmosphere at the Venetian

The Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian is one of my favorite places in Las Vegas to visit. Walk along cobblestone walkways beneath illuminated, painted sky ceilings that make you feel like you're on the streets of Venice. Over 160 upscale shops and restaurants line the canal with real gondola rides, singing gondoliers, street performers and living statues. It's a beautiful place to window shop and people watch. 

Photo by DoVegasDeals.com

12. Palazzo Waterfall Atrium

I have never been to the Palazzo before, so I have not seen the waterfall atrium first hand. But after reading up on it and seeing the pictures, I'm adding this to my list of places to go as soon as possible. According to Vegas.com, you will find a stunning man made landscape surrounding a multi-story atrium with a soaring waterfall, domed skylight and exotic flowers. Since this is located at the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, you'll easily be able to check two things off your list of things to see on the same day. 

Photo by VegasBright.com

I hope this list provides you with plenty of fun ideas for your next trip to Las Vegas! Comment below and share which one was your favorite.