Las Vegas is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world.  Full of huge resorts, great shopping, fine dining, and lots of entertainment.  Known for gambling, Las Vegas has a lot more than that to offer.  In fact, it is easy to have a lot of fun in Las Vegas without gambling at all, and a lot of stuff is free.

Because there are so many resorts and casinos fighting for your business you can often find great deals on hotel rooms and many resorts offer free attractions.  It’s easy to spend a day (or more) just walking around the various resorts.  The resorts are all so huge and there is so much to see that you’ll definitely want to bring good walking shoes.

There are over 100 free things to do in Las Vegas.  Here are a few favorites:

Drive down to Fremont Street and walk around at night.  There are so many lights and displays that it is called the “Fremont Street Experience.”

Bellagio has amazing gardens and a blown glass ceiling in the lobby.  They also have a huge fountain show that is free and very popular.  The shows are every 30 minutes, but are sometimes cancelled if there is a lot of wind.

The Mirage has a Volcano that erupts on a schedule and a Tiger exhibit.

Treasure Island offers a free show on the boat in front of the hotel.  I would not recommend bringing kids to the show.  Times are 5:30 p.m. (winter only), 7:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 10:00 p.m., and 11:30 p.m. (summer only).

Take your picture by the famous, “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign, which is just south of Mandalay Bay along Las Vegas Blvd.

The Venetian is a great place to walk around and watch gondolas passing by (or take a ride on one).  The ceiling at the shops at the Venetian are painted like the sky and it is so well done that it can feel like you are outside.

Outside Las Vegas is the Hoover Dam, which is definitely worth the drive.  This is a huge and fascinating piece of American history.  The dam is 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas on US Highway 93 at the border between Nevada and Arizona.  You can walk around parts of the dam for free, which is interesting enough in itself, or you can go on a guided tour.  Prices for the tours are $11 for adults and $9 for Seniors, Kids, and the US Military (unless you’re in uniform, then it’s free).  Kids 3 and under are free.  There is a more in depth tour that costs $30 each.

At the Flamingo Hotel & Casino you’ll find a flock of Chilean Flamingos, African penguins, swans, ducks, Koi, and turtles.

At M&Ms World you can take a tour and watch a video.

At Circus Circus you can watch free Circus shows.  The shows change throughout the day and some are quite entertaining.