While most visitors to Vegas expect to splurge on nightlife and gaming, a trip to Las Vegas doesn’t have to set you back financially. Las Vegas has plenty of exciting activities for a family on a budget. In fact, if you’re bringing the whole family to Las Vegas, there are plenty of activities, attractions and sights you can experience together, free of charge. From museums with free entry to multi-sensory hotel displays on The Strip, Las Vegas offers plenty of all-ages fun to choose from, whether you’re traveling with small kids, seniors, teens or tweens.
Free & Fun Las Vegas Family Activities
Despite Las Vegas’s emphasis on the dollar, there are plenty of activities that families can take part in–without mom and dad even having to open their wallets. From hotel-and-casino hosted fanfare to educational experiences, here are a few of cost-free, fun plans to work into your family’s Vegas agenda.
Aquarium at Silverton Casino Lodge
Vibrant, tropical fish abound at the Silverton’s aquarium, with plenty of marine wildlife for the whole family to view–from thousands of fish to three varieties of sharks! To add to the underwater spectacle, “mermaids” hop into the tank themselves, creating an enchanting show that’s family-friendly. Families can catch these 15-minute shows later in the day and in the early evenings throughout the weekend (starting Thursdays).
Fremont Street Experience
Gather the family and head downtown to the Fremont Street Experience–a fully-loaded multi-sensory experience that evokes the glamour of classic Las Vegas. Accompanied by a stunning light show, plenty of classic rock music, and live entertainers, this awe-inspiring multimedia event is entirely free–with casinos and shopping nearby.
The Volcano at The Mirage
Newly redesigned, the Mirage Hotel & Casino offers an awesome volcanic display, shooting fire over a lagoon in a spectacle that’s sure to please the entire family. With twelve-foot flames and billowing smoke, the Mirage’s volcano is enveloped with waterfalls and pools. Set to authentic tribal music, the fire and water interplay in a digitally controlled atmosphere, for unique shows every time.
Streetmosphere at the Venetian
Round the family up for a unique shopping experience at the Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes. One of the most entertaining aspects of this shopping faire is the “Streetmosphere” experience, filled with street performers of all varieties–from actors to formally trained vocalists and opera singers. Kids will love the “living statues” scattered throughout the bizarre, and serenading gondoliers are sure to capture Mom’s heart as they move through the streets and among replicas of Italian landmarks.
Sunset Stampede
Take a journey through time to the Old West with the Sunset Stampede, a free and fun family activity full of wildlife and adventure at Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall! Travel to Gold Country, as a bear, wolf and bald eagle appear, accompanied by choreographed fountains and set to a score composed by the Indianapolis Philharmonic. Set in Mystic Falls Park, the Sunset Stampede show takes place in a live forest, surrounded by verdant foliage and a clear, moving brook.
Welcome to Las Vegas Sign
This historical symbol of Las Vegas can offer families a chance to create their own vacation snapshots with ease. Cars can pull into a spacious 12-car parking lot, and tour buses regularly stop at this popular landmark. Families can head down to the Strip to take photos on either side of the recognizable sign–the welcome and goodbye signs–to the south of Russell Road.