Visiting The Strip in Las Vegas can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never traveled there before. Music can be heard up and down the street, and people are popping in and out of resorts and casinos.
While it may seem like a location people go to spend, spend, spend, there are many free or budget-friendly activities you can participate in.
Below you’ll find the best free things to do in Vegas on The Strip.
Things To Do For Free In Vegas on the Strip
Visit the Bellagio Fountains
The Bellagio Fountains are a must-see when on a Vegas vacation as free entertainment.
These wonderous water fountains offer a show for anyone stopping by.
The show provides water shifting with lights and music accompaniment. The water formations often change, so you can expect to see something different each time you visit.
Tip: See the Bellagio fountains from one of the balcony views at the Cosmopolitan
Monday through Friday, you’ll be able to catch the shows from 3 pm to midnight. On weekends and holidays, the shows run from noon to midnight. Depending on when you visit, the shows run 15 minutes or 30 minutes apart.
Explore the LINQ Promenade
The LINQ Promenade is located right on the Vegas Strip. While there are stores to shop in, you’ll also find restaurants with celebrity chefs and a slew of rides to go on.
Walking around the LINQ is free, though attending any additional activities here requires a fee.
A ride on the High Roller is highly recommended, as well as the thrill of Ziplining on the Vegas strip on the FlyLINQ located on the Promenade as well.
See the Lake of Dreams Show
The Lake of Dreams Show is located at the Wynn Las Vegas.
This show features puppets, videos, lights, and a soundtrack for an immersive experience. The Lake of Dreams Show is surrounded by a dancing waterfall and a large cluster of pine trees, adding to the vibe.
Tip: Looking to stay at Wynn? Check out Encore vs. Wynn and Which is Better.
The show is open to the public and can be viewed for free.
It runs every 30 minutes, starting at sunset each day. You can view this show at the following locations: Parasol Up/Parasol Down lounges, SW Steakhouse, Lakeside. Reservations will need to be made ahead of time at these spots, and drinks/food is expected to be purchased.
Bellagio Conservatory
Regardless of when you’re visiting, The Conservatory at the Bellagio Las Vegas provides exquisite views. The theme of this conservatory changes seasonally and is different each year. Statues, flowers, and decorations are swapped out to give a magical experience.
Different pathways here lead to a shop, a seafood restaurant, and a spa.
Explore the area and marvel at the plants and décor or stay longer and walk through the garden-related shop. When entering the Bellagio through the front entrance – The Conservatory can be found to the right.
While you are there, check out the Bellagio Buffet, one of the best buffets in Las Vegas.
Atlantis Fountain Show at Forum Shops
Ask anyone local to Vegas what you can do there for free, and they’ll likely point you towards the Fall of Atlantis Show at The Forum Shops. This free show tells the story of the City of Atlantis.
Multiple statues move along with the storyline to provide the ultimate visual performance.
The Atlantis Fountain Show comprises animatronics, music, water effects, and shooting flames. It’s an entertaining activity to watch when you have some free time.
Catch one of the shows from Thursday to Monday each week on the hour. The shows start at noon and continue until 8 pm.
See an Exploding Volcano at the Mirage
Yes, there are even volcanoes in Las Vegas. This attraction outside of the Mirage hotel is situated at the entrance off of Las Vegas Blvd.
The eruptions can be viewed each day from 8 pm to 11 pm and are accompanied by music from Mickey Hart (Grateful Dead) and Zakir Hussain.
Expect to see fireballs and flames shooting out from these volcanoes. The free show can be experienced on the hour, every hour.
Explore the Newest Casino on The Strip-Resorts World
Resorts World features a modern casino for gaming that spans 117,000 feet. Tables are available for sit-down games as well as slot machines. Walk around and watch the gaming going on for a free activity. Or, join in and do your gaming.
If you decide you want to game, there’s a loyalty program that you can choose for rewards. A separate poker room is also available for those seeking a more private experience.
M&M World
Who doesn’t love chocolate? Visit the M&M world shop in Las Vegas for a chocolate-filled experience. Peek through the available options for purchase. Or, check out the racing merch located here.
If you want to take it to the next level, you can create customized M&Ms with an image of your choice.
See Exotic Birds at Flamingos’ Wildlife Habitat
You can check out exotic birds and animals at the Flamingo Las Vegas. This family-friendly activity is located in a four-acre garden with waterfalls and streams. Expect to see birds like the Chilean Flamingo, turtles, and fish while exploring here.
There’s even a pelican feeding area as a unique activity to take your kids to. No reservations are necessary for this location; ensure you show up during open hours to enter. The wildlife habitat can be seen every day from 7 am to 8 pm.
Hersey’s World at NYNY
You’ll be able to smell the sugary goodness of this store from down the block. You can find Hershey’s branded products, from apparel to candy, here. Stop by to see the 800-pound Statue of Liberty made out of chocolate.
An interactive video is present where you can pretend like you’re in a Hershey’s ad. You can also purchase a customized chocolate bar.
It’s free to walk around this store and see everything Hershey’s has to offer.
Aquarium at Mirage
The Aquarium at the Mirage Hotel is located right in the lobby. It will be the first thing you see when you arrive as it’s quite hard to miss! Brightly colored artificial coral spans the 20,000-gallon tank filled with 450+ fish making this a unique free attraction.
If you’re staying at the hotel, head down to the lobby early in the morning. You may be able to catch divers cleaning the tank.
See and Take a Picture at the Welcome To Vegas sign.
You’ve most likely seen a friend or relative featured in a picture with the famous Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas sign on the Las Vegas Strip. The sign is located near Mandalay Bay and Luxor Hotel & Casino off of Las Vegas Boulevard S. There is ample parking for the Las Vegas sign as it has its own parking lot. It’s quite easy to stop by this famous tourist spot.
You may have to wait 10-20 minutes for your photo opportunity as there is typically a line of people waiting for their turn.
Circus acts at Circus Circus
Circus Circus Las Vegas provides free circus acts every day. This is an excellent event for families looking for an entertaining activity. Quite a few acts occur during this show, including stunts on aerial silks, juggling, clowns, and even a trapeze act.
Shows run daily, with acts starting at 1:30 pm Monday through Thursday and 11:30 am Friday through Sunday. Each act lasts about half an hour. You can find the show on the Midway Stage at this hotel.
Explore Art at the Cosmopolitan and City Center in Las Vegas
If you’re looking for some things to do for free in Vegas this weekend, head to the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. This hotel provides works of art in varying exhibits within the building. There are a few Art-o-mat machines that can be used to purchase an individual mini work of art.
Art lovers can head to CityCenter in Vegas to see multiple permanent works of art. They are spread throughout various hotels in this plaza. Take a peek at pieces in the Aria and Vdara Hotels. These art pieces are accessible 24/7.
Nightly Light Show at Eiffel Tower at Paris Casino in Vegas
Head to the recreated Eiffel Tower in the evening to see the free light show.
It’s inspired by the Paris Eiffel Tour and runs every half an hour starting at sunset. The tower has strings of light attached to it, shifting between red, white, and blue. Shows run until midnight each night.
Feel like you are in Venice exploring Venetian Grand Canal Shoppes at Venetian
If you haven’t been to the Venetian Grand Canal Shoppes yet, they’re a must-see. This indoor shopping area is built in the style of shops you would find in Italy.
Related: Most romantic hotels in Las Vegas
Not only can you walk through designer stores, but there are also gondola rides available to take you on the Grand Canal, running through the center of the shops.
Gondola rides are extra, though it’s free to walk around and explore.
Explore the Park by NYNY and Park MGM
The Park is an outdoor area that provides restaurants and entertainment.
A giant statue of a ballet dancer welcomes you into the area. There’s also a roller coaster that can be ridden for an additional fee. Walk around the area to see the different art pieces throughout The Park.
Visit the Coca-Cola Store on the Vegas Strip
You’ll be able to recognize this store by the giant Coca-Cola bottle on the exterior. Inside, you’ll be greeted by the famous polar bear.
Make sure to grab a picture with this icon while walking around the store – it’s free! Coca-Cola merch is available for purchase. Check out the giant soda fountain on the second floor to try some interesting flavors.
Free Things on the Vegas Strip Closing Thoughts
With abundant free activities available, it’s easy to stay on a budget when visiting Las Vegas. These activities are all right on the famous Strip, so they are likely near your accommodations and are quite easy to get to.
Swing by each activity and see what you think.
If you have additional free time – check out Fremont Street in Downtown Vegas; it’s filled with activities, restaurants, and shops.
Tom Hamiliton - Author/Editor Vegas Q&A
Hey there! I'm Tom, and Las Vegas holds a special place in my heart. Whether I'm lounging by the pool, getting lost in captivating shows, or taking a chance at craps, I'm all about embracing the thrilling vibes of Sin City.
Through this website, I aim to be your trusted companion, answering common Vegas Questions and sharing money-saving hacks to ensure you have an unforgettable and wallet-friendly vacation in the dazzling world of Las Vegas.
