For a place nicknamed “Sin City” Las Vegas is super family friendly. I was completely blown away by the concentration of attractions around the Las Vegas Strip that not only could you visit with kids but are also absolutely free!
There are so many free and inexpensive things to do in Las Vegas.
Our visit to Las Vegas was a fairly last-minute trip, when our Thanks Giving plans fell through I jumped on my usual travel planning website to see where we could fly.
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There were a few options including New York but when I looked at accommodation the prices were sky high, upwards of $400/night!
Meanwhile Las Vegas had a number of cheap hotel deals even right on the strip and we ended up getting a family suite at the Venetian for under $100 per night. Click here to see the current offers.
For more of the best hotels in Las Vegas with kids read this post.Ā
Not that you ever need a reason to search out free and cheap experiences but one of the reasons we wanted some easy cheap and free activities is because we decided to splurge on a helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon. I’ll write more about that in another post.
If you are not sure if Las Vegas is suitable for kids be sure to check out my Las Vegas family itinerary post and you will see how amazing Las Vegas is for a family vacation.
Check out these 25 FREE things to do in Las Vegas that the whole family can enjoy. Click To TweetSo let’s get on with this and find out what free things you can do in Las Vegas.
Free things to do in Las Vegas with kids
1. See Mermaids swimming at the Silverton Aquarium.
According to the Silverton Hotel website this is the number one free activity to do in Las Vegas. Mermaids swim in the large tropical aquarium which houses a selection of fish, sting rays and sharks. Check the website for times. A marine biologist is also in residence during feeding times to answer questions.
2. Visit the Bellagio Fountains.
In a manmade lake outside of the glamourous Bellagio Hotel the fountains come to life throughout the day and night. The fountains dance to different music. Check the hotel website for the schedule.
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3. Check out the flower displays in the Bellagio conservatory.
With changing displays throughout the year the Bellagio conservatory is one of the most photographed attractions in Vegas with colourful and whimsical displays themed around the seasons.
4. Walk the canals of Venice and visit Saint Mark’s Square in the Venetian.
The watery streets of Venice are reproduced in the Venetian Hotel. Canals and cobbled streets run through the Venetian hotels indoor shopping, complete with a painted blue sky, replica of Saint Mark’s Square and gondolas with punters serenading their passengers.
5. View the Trevi Fountain at Caesars Palace
More endless blue sky days and cobbled Italian streets can be visited in Caesar’s Palace, complete with a replica of the Trevi Fountain a popular landmark found in Rome.
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6. Watch the Fall of Atlantis in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace
A fountain turns into a stage where animatronic characters portray the fall of Atlantis, be prepared for fire and dragons in this strange display.
7. Visit an Aquarium for free in Las Vegas
Behind the Fall of Atlantis, you will find an aquarium housing tropical fish.
A coral reef aquarium can also be found at the Mirage Hotel and of course, the Silverton Aquarium mentioned above.
If you know of any other aquariums in Las Vegas please comment below and I’ll add them to the list.
8. See a Pirate Ship at Treasure Island
Kids will love stopping for pictures at the Pirate ships outside the Treasure Island Hotel .
9. Watch a volcano erupt at the Mirage Hotel
At night a tranquil tropical scene erupts into flame outside the Mirage Hotel. A fiery volcano erupts every half hour from 8 pm.
10. Wildlife Habitat at Flamingo Hotel
Step inside the tropical gardens within the inner courtyard of the Flamingo Hotel to see parrots, flamingo and hummingbirds.
11. Take a tram ride
Not to be confused with the monorail which is not a free service. Trams shuttle between a few of the hotels along the strip and can be quite a novelty for kids. Trams run between Mandalay Bay and Excalibur Hotels, Treasure Island and The Mirage, and The Bellagio and Aria.
12. See the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel
The Ā½ scale replica of the famous Parisian landmark is immediately recognizable.
13. Check out M&M world
Set over 3 levels M&M World is a store selling everything M&M’s from clothing to kitchenware and of course a huge wall of candy-coated chocolates in a variety of colors and flavors.
Be sure to check out the 4D Cinema on the second level and help Red find his “M”.
Read Next: The best Las Vegas family itinerary.
14. Watch a circus show at Circus Circus
Find the largest permanent Circus at Circus Circus Hotel. Free live acts including acrobatics and clown shows are performed throughout the day.
15. Visit Hershey’s Chocolate World
Located in New York, New York hotel visitors to Hershey’s Chocolate World can take part in interactive experiences including designing your own Hershey’s wrapper and staring in a Reeses’ commercial.
16. Tour Anderson Dairy
The free Barnyard Buddies tour at Anderson Dairy has animatronic animals gives information about the dairy (which opened in 1907) and Las Vegas. Finishing with a free ice cream. Only on weekdays and bookings are required.
17. Visit Egypt at the Luxor Hotel
The Luxor Hotel with its pyramid-shaped central building is hard to miss. A large sphinx and fake Egyptian artifacts decorate the hotel.
18. Take a selfie with the iconic Las Vegas sign
Stop by to take a photo of the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign.
19. Wynn Lake of Dreams
Holograms and iridescent puppets hover above the lake of dreams every night after dark.
20. Wynn Flower Sculptures
Decorating Wynn Palace are large-scale flower sculptures, the scale and use of bold color is sure to impress.
Read next: A family friendly Las Vegas itinerary to help you plan your perfect trip.
21. Fountain show at Miracle Mile Shops
The tranquil fountain in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood come to light with changing lights, coloured fog and a dramatic soundtrack.
22. Get caught in a rainstorm
Also at the Miracle Mile shops, you can get caught in a rainstorm without getting wet, thunder and lightning, fog and pouring rain add excitement to the shopping experience throughout the day.
Free things to do off the Strip in Las Vegas.
23. Freemont Street Experience
The pedestrian area of Freemont Street is a showcase of old Vegas, the 5 block area is covered and lighting in the canopy puts on a dazzling display every evening. Street performers and concerts along the street provide entertainment for all.
24. See a flame throwing praying mantis at the Downtown Container Park
The Container park is a series of shipping containers that have been converted into bars, restaurants and shops. The tree house playground is a great place to let the kids loose and after sundown, a giant praying mantis sculpture throws flames in the air.
25. See a royal performance at Excalibur Casino
Jugglers, performers and magicians can be seen on the Court Jester Stage in the Excalibur Casino. The free shows are scheduled throughout the day.
26. Ethel M chocolate factory and cactus garden
Chocolate lovers can visit the Ethel M chocolate factory and take a self-guided tour as well as visit the cactus garden at the same site.
I’ve tried not to include anything on this list that isn’t suitable for kids, if you have a chance to get some adult time then you could add even more to this list like wine tasting, Elvis shows and even free gaming lessons.
Read more about finding adult time when travelling with kids here.
Also check out Artsy Nannies who have Nannies for hire as well as a drop in childcare center where you can safely leave the kids if you want to hit the casino.
If you have anything to add to this list I would love to hear it. Please leave it in a comment below or connect with me on social media.
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2 Comments
I’ve got the Grands coming and I’m on a fixed income. I will post back with what activities we did on this list… more to come.
I’d love to hear your ideas.