Free things to do in Vegas!
When you hear the phrase “Las Vegas vacation,” you almost certainly will be thinking about expensive hotels and money-inhaling casinos. But your Las Vegas vacation, surprisingly, can be very affordable as long as you take advantage of the city’s long list of free attractions. There are, quite simply, far more free things to do in Las Vegas then you will probably have time to manage in a typical three or four-day stay.
Begin by heading for the MGM Grand, where the Lion Habitat awaits. You’ll come within 1 1/2 inches of glass of being able to touch one of MGM’s 31 lions which appear in the Lion Habitat at any given time. The lions are “on duty” in the habitat for six hours each day. They spend their off-hours and off-days at the MGM ranch located about 13 miles from the Hotel, where their care is overseen by an expert exotic animal trainer. The trainer will also visit the habitat regularly, giving visitors educational presentations and playing or hand-feeding any lions that are willing to participate. Most of the time, however, the lions sleep as they would in the wild, and that’s a lot (18 to 20 hours per day!)
If you think the MGM lions are impressive (and they most definitely are!) You’ll be completely blown away by the sights at the Neon Boneyard. Sitting in a less than spectacular empty lot in the heart of downtown Las Vegas are more than 150 of the cast-aside neon signs and emblems which once adorned the Vegas strip. From the two-ton Silver Slipper in the hat from the Tam-o-Shanter Motel to enormous chess pieces and individual neon letters from dozens of abandon signs, the Neon Boneyard is an evolving tribute to Las Vegas’ past. While serious efforts are being made to create a real museum to house these fascinating relics, right now you’ll have to see them as they are: neon diamonds in the rough!
If visiting the Neon Boneyard puts you in the mood for some live lights, music, and all around fun, you’re ready for the Fremont Street Experience. While you have to leave the Strip and head downtown, the Fremont Street Experience is an absolute must. Just ask the nearly 20,000,000 visitors who participate in it each year. The Fremont Street Light Show uses over 12 million LED modules spread out along a 500-yard canopy, flashing in time with music emitted by a 555,000 watt sound system to create the biggest open-air dance party in Las Vegas. The canopy, which is actually the world’s largest video screen, flashes amazing pictures in more than 16 million color combinations. There are currently 15 different shows, including ones inspired by auto racing and a journey to the bottom of the ocean! The Fremont Street Experience also features live bands each night!
While a trip to Las Vegas may not seem like a trip to the Wild West, you shouldn’t forget that you are in the great state of Nevada. You can get a taste of the old West at Sam’s Town’s free Sunset Stampede. The Sunset Stampede takes place within the Mystic Falls Park inside Sam’s Town, and will treat you to a light show accompanied by the appearance of Wild West wildlife including a wolf, eagle, and bear. The Mystic Falls waters will dance to symphonic music for eight minutes, as you are swept back to the days of the pioneers. While standing close to the action may result in your becoming a little waterlogged yourself, it’s well worth the risk. On those hot days, Mystic Falls Park can be a marvelous retreat with its dense foliage, sparkling stream, and waterfalls. You can either stroll along the park’s walkways or simply relax on one of its many benches.
We’ve suggested only three of the many free things to in Las Vegas. You‘ll have no trouble at all finding at least a dozen more once you arrive, so don’t deprive yourself of any of them!
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