Las Vegas is filled with an array of spectacular entertainment choices. It’s easy, and usually worthwhile to spend lots of cash on Vegas’ unique shows, remarkable watering holes, and tasty restaurants. That being said, Las Vegas offers lots of free entertainment too. Whether you’ve had tough luck at the slot machines or you’re merely looking to stay within budget, EW has compiled nine quality things to do in Las Vegas for free.
1. Sirens of TI at Treasure Island
Treasure Island Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas feature nightly show that exhibits a range of performances. The entertainment centers around two groups of singing pirates who battle it out for supremacy. Their scantily dressed members perform a choreographed dance as a variety of pyrotechnics light up the evening sky for a packed audience. There are four shows per night starting at 5:30 PM. Arrive early for a better view. Do note that guests of The Mirage-MGM Properties receive preferred access.
Sirens of Treasure Island
2. Acrobats of Circus Circus
Circus Circus Hotel has fifteen-minute indoor performances that draw adults and kids alike. Their shows include acrobats, jugglers, and clowns. The acrobats swing high in the air leaping to grasp their partners’ hands for dear life. The apex of their extravaganza is a blindfolded triple flip by the lead acrobat, which draws thundering applause from the mixed crowd. The free shows run regularly from 11:00 AM to midnight. There are both seating and standing areas.
3. Aquariums at Caesars
Caesars Palace is equipped with massive saltwater aquariums that is open to the public. Located in the Forum Shops, the 50,000-gallon tank sits behind finely crafted Roman-replica statues. Feedings take place daily at 1:15 PM and 5:15 PM. Mandalay Bay Hotel also has a highly recommended Shark Reef, but it comes with a significant entrance fee. That being said, it’s the only facility that gives visitors an opportunity to touch stingrays.
4. Fountains of Bellagio
The dancing waters of the Bellagio Fountains are one of the most popular attractions on the Vegas Strip. The beautiful movements of the water performance change regularly, as do the relaxing music and soft lighting. It’s a peaceful oasis in the middle of Sin City. Watch as over 1,200 devices spray water as high as 460 feet into the air. The Eiffel Tower of Paris Las Vegas is a great place for a second view of the fountains for those paying to go up. The fountains run every 30 minutes until 8:00 PM and every 15 minutes, from that point, until midnight.
Bellagio Fountains
5. Lions of MGM Grand
The MGM Grand Hotel features a rotating group of lions within a glass-enclosed area of its casino. Just a few steps away, from hundreds of slot machines, roam several character-filled lions. When they’re not roaring at the gawkers, the big cats are usually napping atop the glass-covered entrance. The lions normally live at an 8.5-acre ranch located miles away from the MGM. Each day, from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, visitors may visit the lions. The exception occurs between 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM, when new lions arrive from the ranch.
6. Chocolate at Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge
Looking for a drink after visiting the lions? Need a sweet pick-me-up? Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge offers free, self-guided tours of its chocolate facilities and Botanical Cactus Gardens. Visitors are welcome to roam from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Be sure to try Ethel’s scrumptious chocolates before heading out.
7. Volcano at The Mirage
The newly redesigned volcano at The Mirage is a spectacular demonstration of flames along with a thundering soundtrack. The bright oranges emitted from the volcano light up the the Strip, on a hourly basis from dusk until dawn. The best views are reserved for visitors who arrive a few minutes early or for guests who watch the eruption from the upper floors of The Mirage.
Volcano of The Mirage
8. Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at Bellagio
The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens of the Bellagio Hotel feature a regularly changing display of brilliant horticulture. The designers of the garden ensure that every detail matches the sensibility of the season or holiday that is being portrayed at the time. The current display is an astounding tribute to the Chinese New Year. It includes local fauna, red lanterns, zen-like ponds and a towering statue. The exhibition is open 24 hours a day for visitors who can’t bear to leave the slot machines or blackjack tables.
9. Chilean Flamingos of the Flamingo Las Vegas
The Flamingo Hotel of Las Vegas has a free 15-acre Wildlife Habitat filled with African penguins, Chilean flamingos, and a variety of other birds. Feeding take place at 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM. While the area is open 24 hours a day, it’s best to arrive before dark. Many of the birds, including the star flamingos, are less visible or asleep in the evening.
Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.
Photos © Gennaro Salamone
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Please contact him with questions, comments or inquiries regarding article or photograph submissions.