Things to Do in Las Vegas: Free Attractions

Las Vegas was made for taking your money, but whether you’re a winner or a loser at the tables or the slots, there are more than enough spots on the Strip where you can be entertained for free. If you’re looking for things to do in Vegas and want art, nature, performances, wild animals or sea creatures, it’s all there. So keep your wallet in your pocket during your Las Vegas vacation, and head for one of these attractions that won’t cost you a dime.

1. Make your way to the Arts Factory Las Vegas on the first Friday of every month to take in a building-wide open house festival. Artists of all types—photographers, painters, graphic designers and many others—work here and open their doors at the popular monthly event. There’s also a pre-First Friday reception held the night before at 6 p.m. Next First Friday, Jan. 2, 2009. From 6 to 10 p.m. www.theartsfactory.com

 

• A clown juggles for an audience at Circus Circus.

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2. Certainly, the fountains at the Bellagio are world-famous, but if you head indoors you can catch something equally special: the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens where 140 horticulturists arrange the gardens in seasonal displays worthy of Sin City in their extravagance. There are ponds, waterfalls, bridges and plants from around the world. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. www.bellagio.com

3. At Circus Circus, you might expect to see circus acts, and you won’t come away disappointed. What is a surprise is that you can see world-class acts for free every day from 11 a.m. until midnight. The permanent circus, with rotating acts, is located in the Carnival Midway in the casino. www.circuscircus.com

4. The Silverton Casino sports several aquariums throughout the property. The main 117,000-gallon artificial reef has more than 4,000 tropical fish, stingrays and sharks. Three times a day (1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.), marine biologists wearing communication masks dive into the tank to feed the fish and communicate with spectators. Other highlights include two 500-gallon jellyfish aquariums, three freshwater aquariums and a 20,000-gallon Nevada lake display. www.silvertoncasino.com

5. The Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Las Vegas hotel and casino has a flock of Chilean flamingos, swans, ducks, koi and turtles. You can wander through the habitat, which is landscaped with waterfalls and streams, and once you get far enough inside, you’d never know you were in Las Vegas! www.flamingolasvegas.com