Free or Cheap things to do in Las Vegas?

Question

Does anyone know of any cheap or free things to do in Las Vegas that doesn't require a car? My parents are going there for 4 days for a conference..I have a feeling my dad might be bored so Im wondering if anyone has any suggestions. I know it's practically impossible not to spend any money there but one that doesn't make a fat dent in your wallet...we are normal people, not like Britney or Paris who can afford everything. They are going to see a Cirque Du Soleil show and anything else on the strip, that would be great. Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

The whole Yahoo Answers team here has done well - particularly naming the the list of free stuff.....

* White Tigers at Mirage
* Bellagio Water Show
* Treasure Island Pirate Show
* Mirage Volcano
* Lions at the MGM

But one of the cool/free things to do is simply walk EACH HOTELon the strip. That's an experience in itself and it's great exercise. Lots of great window shopping and fun themed things to see. It IS like visiting so many places around the world, it's fun.

There is a free in-between hotel monorail from The Mandalay Bay to the Luxor/Excalibur to help make things interesting.

New York New York Hotel & Casino, MGM, Aladdin (has a whole gateway of shops), Caesar's Palace, Paris and Venetian have extensive shopping which can take days to explore - in a very cool setting. And that takes you up and down the strip. Wynn has a cool screen/waterfall video wall - doesn't cost anything to go see it.

There are often many lounge acts in each hotel - you can hear some great music.

My husband and I don't gamble much, don't go to any shows. We usually just hang out at the pool and walk the hotels. It makes for a nice few days of unplugging and it's very inexpensive.

Answer 2

Tell them to see the free show at the Rio (floats and people throwing beads at the crowd, then there is usually a short show with singing and dancing), the Bellagio has a wonderful water show right in the front - nightly, I think it's every half an hour, tell them to get there eartl as it gets pretty crowded. Treasure Island has an awsome pirate show in front of the hotel, gets crowded on the street too, so they need to get there early, it's every hour in the evening, last show is at 10 PM. At the Venatian they can take the boat ride, will cost them few bucks though. There is a Madame Toussant Wax Museum, also cost few bucks. Flamingo has an awesome old car museum also with a small entrance fee. If they have a car (or have them ask at their hotel about the tour bus) they should go to Primm to the outlet mall (30 miles outside of Vegas.) Hope that helps!

Answer 3

Although there aren't many things to do in Vegas for free, there are lot's of things to do that are pretty good value.

The water fountain show in front of the Bellagio is awesome. I never get tired of seeing it, and it's free! The Gallery of Fine Art at the Bellagio is one of my favourites. I saw a Monet exhibition there that just blew me away. Right now it's Ansel Adams;

http://www.bellagio.com/pages/attrac_gallery.asp

The Venetian also has a great art exhibit area in the Guggenheim Heritage Museum. This month it is Treasures from the Hermitage and Guggenheim Museums featuring Picasso, Cezanne and Monet. Not free, but well worth the money.

http://www.venetian.com/#ID=GHM

The show in front of Treasure Island is worth a look if it is playing.

Like Cats? go see the lions at The MGM Grand;

http://www.mgmgrand.com/entertainment/lion-habitat.aspx

But the very best thing to do in Vegas for free is just hang out and do some serious people watching.

Answer 4

I do not know if they are still doing this, but...
One year my wife and I spent our days in Vegas going to time-share presentations and spent the nights spending the money they give you for going. This was a couple fo years ago, but there were hundreds of people offering gifts for viewing the presentation. The trick is...
Ask if they are offering cash. No cash, no presentation. The show tickets suck. Don't take them. It's cash or nothing.
Always take your own car to the presentation so you can leave when you have gotten your prizes. Some places insist you take a bus so you can be a captive audience, don't fall for it.
When they try to get you to buy, just keep saying "No, I don't want your timeshare. I would like my gifts now." They will bring out a whole line of people trying to bargain with you, but just stay strong, and do not be afraid to stand up, say "Thanks, but no thanks", and ask where the free gifts are.
Hope it helps. We were getting $100 a pop to eat lunch and tour pretty resorts.

Answer 5

Back in the day, Vegas was cheap. Now its all about the money. Your best bet would be to get tickets to some shows, ride some rollercoasters and rides, and go to the buffets for meals. Gamble at the nickel slots.

Answer 6

There are half price ticket booths that open at 11 am and you can get tickets to shows that night. They hand out coupon books on the street that have a $1 off the fees for those and list them.

Answer 7

sit at the penny or nickel slots get free alcohol and then go walk the strip. At night infront of the Treasure Island there is a show... wear the boat is. you cant miss it. i think it starts around 7.
The mirage has a white tiget you can go look at no charge.
MGM grand has mountain lions you can see for no charge.
Just walk and look at all the casinos. That is actually fun.

Answer 8

Just walking around each hotel is an experience, and it's no charge to look around.
My mom and i went a few years ago and spent almost all our time in the different hotels.
As long as your dad only window shops, he won't spend any money and he'll get to see all vegas has to offer.

** All the hotels have different themes, and lot's to see!

Answer 9

Take a walk through the Strip. Take the subway. Go inside the casinos even if you don't use them. It's a very cool visual experience.

Answer 10

This is a cool list of free things to do in Vegas