Fun and Free Things to do on the Las Vegas Strip
If you have never been to Las Vegas and have a vacation coming up you may be overwhelmed with all of the activities and attractions the city offers. We have read through dozens of fun and free things to do in Las Vegas lists but many of them are misleading in recommending things to do that are not on the main “Las Vegas strip”. This list is fun and free things to do on the Las Vegas strip. We will tackle Downtown and Fremont St later on. When we get things together we plan on adding a google map for the listings.
The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign has been standing since 1959 and is a great tourist stop for photos. The sign is completely free to visit and take photos of. The photo above is from our 2014 trip and you can see Mandalay Bay in the background. This is the far south end of the Las Vegas Strip.
Location: 5100 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Hours: Always open.
Getting there: It is about as far south as it gets for visiting the Las Vegas Strip. It is not close to the middle of the strip and takes some travelling to get there. You can either take the Bus and get dropped off close to the sign or you can make your to Mandalay Bay and then walk which will take you about 10 minutes. The walk is considered safe as you actually walk past a police station but using common sense we would not be walking there at night.
Tips: When we visited there was a person there offering to take your photo for a tip. They are not affiliated with the sign or the City of Las Vegas. They are just trying to make a buck. We did tip $5 to get a photo of my wife and I and the girl did take a good photo but don’t fee inclined to pay for a photo.
The Park
The Park is the name for the area between NYNY and The Monte Carlo and in front of the T Mobile Center. It is host to a few restaurants, art structures and a wall waterfall. There is lots of shade making it a nice place to visit, relax and take in the atmosphere.
Location: 3782 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89109
Hours: Daily
Getting there: Located between NYNY and The Monte Carlo.
Tips: We have been there a number of times. When there is an event on like Vegas Knights hockey game the place is rocking and a lot of fun. We also stopped in when LVU was playing Duke and had a fantastic time. But we also ventured down there at night when there was nothing on and there wasn’t too many people around. It was great for taking photos like the one above but a little too quiet for Vegas.
Hershey’s Chocolate World
Hershey’s Chocolate World is a little closer and located at the New York New York Hotel & Casino. The store is 13,000 sq ft and home to over 800 Hershey’s chocolates and candies. The Statue of Liberty pictured above is made out of 800 lbs. of HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate. If you have a sweet tooth you will be very satisfied with a visit to this chocolate store.
Location: 3790 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 at the New York New York Hotel & Casino.
Hours:
Getting there: It is very easy to get to Hershey’s Chocolate World as it located right off the sidewalk in front of New York New York.
Tips: No tips required. The store has it’s busy times but we have visited a few times and have never had any problems. If you have a tip feel free to share.
The Bellagio Fountains
The Bellagio Fountains are probably the most recognized feature of the Las Vegas Strip. The lake itself is 8 acres in size and fed by a fresh water well. The fountains can be described as a symphony of lights, music and water. It is the one thing on the Strip you are not going to miss. The photo above was taken from the top of the Eiffel Tower across the street (which is not a free attraction but worth it).
Location: 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino
Hours:
Saturday and Holidays
Every 30 minutes from 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Every 15 minutes from 8:00pm to 12:00am
Sudays
Every 30 minutes from 11:00am to 7:00pm
Every 15 minutes from 7:00pm to 12:00am
Monday to Friday
Every 30 minutes from 3:00pm to 8:00pm
Every 15 minutes from 8:00pm to 12:00am
Getting there: Located in front of the Bellagio Hotel and is considered mid strip so it easy to get to.
Tips: The Bellagio Fountains can be quite busy at night so you have to have some patience when trying to get a good spot. They are obviously less busy during the day. You can get a good show from the bridge/walkway which leads into the Bellagio but there is glass between you. We also like to watch them from atop the Eiffel Tower at The Paris across the road but it is not free.
The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are a real free hidden gem in Las Vegas. There are five seasonal themes that are celebrated with a floral display. The five themes are and dates are listed below. The display is 14,000 sq ft in size and is home to tens of thousands of flowers on display.
The photos above are from a December and May trip.
Location: 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino
Hours: Open 24 hours
Chinese New Year – January – March
Spring Celebration: March – June
Summer: June – September
Harvest: September – November
Winter: December- January
Getting there: Located just past the Main Entrance and Main Lobby.
Tips: The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens like other attractions can be very busy at peak hours and times. We have always had luck either going early in the morning or later at night. Just be aware that everyone is trying to get that perfect photo or selfie so it’s easy to get crossed up with others.
The Mirage Volcano
Another iconic attraction on the Las Vegas Strip, the Mirage Volcano will leave you feeling the heat. Literally if you are standing close enough. It is a great free show of music, lights and most importantly fire and explosions. The Mirage has scaled back the amount of times it goes off so expect some crowds but you will still be able to take it in.
There is also a large fish tank located behind the main check in so if you are exploring The Mirage make sure you have a look.
Location: 3400 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 at The Mirage Hotel & Casino.
Hours: The times were a little off on our last visit but they did go off twice a night regardless.
Sunday – Thursday 8:00 PM & 9:00 PM
Friday – Saturday 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM, 10:00 PM
Getting there: It is very easy to get to The Mirage Volcano as it is located right on The Strip in front of The Mirage.
Tips: The scaled back times means bigger crowds and this is the one place where it can be frustrating to get a good spot. Here is a pro tip, you can view the Volcano from the other side of the lake which is right outside the main entrance to The Mirage and get a great view with less crowds. I would just get there early as well.
Fall of Atlantis at Caesars Forum Shops
The Fall of Atlantis is told through an animatronic show filled with special effects and of course, a dragon. It’s sure to dazzle and is for all ages. A nice free touch inside a very upscale shopping plaza. There is also a large fish tank located at the base where the show is held.
Location: 3500 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 in Caesars Palace Forum Shops
Hours: Every hour/on the hour, Sun – Thr, 11 am – 10 pm; Fri – Sat, 11 am – 11 pm
Getting there: Located inside the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.
Tips: Put your walking shoes on it is located at the back of the Forum Shops and if you come from the street or via the casino it is still a hike to get there.
If you are trekking the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace make sure you stop by Kalifano’s. They have unique metal sculptures like Darth Vader, Predator and Terminator. They are truly an amazing site to see.
Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
Not only will you find a flock of Chilean flamingos at The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat you will find ducks, swans and lost of koi fish. It’s a nice peaceful garden walk that takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the Vegas strip. You will almost forget you are in sin city.
Location: 3555 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 at The Flamingo Hotel and Casino
Hours: Daily from dawn until dusk.
Getting there: Located inside The Flamingo Hotel and Casino
Tips: Try to make it for the Pelican feeding Pelican at 8:30 AM and 2 PM every day.
The Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian
If you want to experience some decadence in Las Vegas then you will want to take a tour of The Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian. The canal winds it way through the shoppes and with the painted ceiling you will forget that you are indoors. You can opt for a paid gondola but you can just enjoy the water and people watch.
We took this photo in December of 2017 as we made our way to visit the Rolling Stones exhibit.
Location: 3355 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 at The Venetian Hotel
Hours: Daily
Getting there: Located inside The Venetian Hotel
Tips: The Venetian is a massive property. We have been there a number of times and never seen the entire thing. Put your walking shoes on and be prepared for a hike.
Big Elvis at Harrah’s
If you are looking for a free Elvis experience in Las Vegas you do not want to miss Pete “Big Elvis” Vallee. The man is a Vegas icon who puts on one heck of a show. Not only does Big Elvis belt the tunes out he also gives you a bit of a story or history about the songs and give you great insight into the King himself.
Location: 3475 Las Vegas Boulevard South Las Vegas, NV 89109 at Harrah’s Hotel and Casino
Hours: Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 2:00 pm, 3:30 pm and 5:00 pm
Getting there: Located at The Piano Bar inside Harrah’s. The entrance is right near Carnival Court in the open area between Harrah’s and The Linq
Tips: Get there early to get a good seat. Ideally you want the center or right side when entering the Piano Bar. Once the show starts and the seats are taken gawkers will come in the left side and stand there blocking the view for everyone until they get yelled at. You can also stand outside the bar by the entrance and watch from the outside if you don’t want to enter.
Pirates at Treasure Island
The free Pirate show at Treasure Island is long gone. The Pirate Ship is still there and worth a look. It’s too bad the show is gone but we couldn’t help stop and take some photos. Who knows if you might want to venture into Gilley’s and catch some bull riding.
Location: 3300 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 at Treasure Island Hotel and Casino
Hours: Daily
Getting there: Located at the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino.
Tips: It’s a short stop to add to your photo collection.
All of the activities and locations we have presented are located right on the The Las Vegas Strip. The Las Vegas Strip is amazingly large with countless activities and attractions. These are just a few of our favorite. Check back as we add more in the future and enjoy the Las Vegas Strip.
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