This story comes from our mate Rikki who has a travel blog called Traveling12Feet.com. He writes:
I've been to Vegas a couple of times, and gambling's not really my thing. Although the lights and the constant action can be really amusing, I challenged myself to come up with a "sure-fire" (if you read on, you'll find out why) way of entertaining myself while on a tight budget before partying at "Sin City".
1. Hit the MGM Grand to see the Lion Habitat from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. In this mini African Safari (5,000 sq ft jungle complete with waterfall!), you'll see the descendants of the MGM Studio lion whose infamous roar have welcomed generations of movie lovers. (when I was a kid I would say "Oh, I've already seen this one" every time a movie starts with the lion roaring)
2. While you're there, watch a free show at the Entertainment Dome. The Showbar Lounge has no cover and no drink minimum. I have several friends who have spent their entire day here without knowing it. Located in the casino near the front entrance. Bands perform daily and there's a light show on the giant overhead dome.
3. Enjoy Hawaii. Yes, there are free performances at the Hawaiian Marketplace Shopping Mall. Songs, dances, stories coming from what to me really looked like Polynesian performers.
However, do not be surprised if you find the following items flying through the air: a) knives, b) knives with fire, c) live exotic birds (thankfully not on fire) and d) animatronic birds singing to their hearts content.
4. Experience a North African Seaport thunderstorm at the Aladdin Hotel. Probably the closest to Africa I will ever get. One minute I was shopping (at the Desert Passage), the next minute I'm in Africa. How cool is that?
5. Feel like R&B? Hit Sinbad's Lounge still inside Aladdin. No cover, no drink minimum, no problem. Top 40 and Classic Rock Bands hit the stage as well.
6. Watch water dance at the spectacular water fountain outdoor show at the Bellagio. Fountains, lights and sounds (Broadway, Opera, Sinatra sounds - sorry you can't pick) compose this popular attraction.
7. See the Gods battle for Atlantis at Caesars Palace. Cool animatronic figures lead this high tech tell-tale of The Fall of Atlantis. Also check out the huge salt water aquarium for free!
8. Experience a Tropical Rain Forest at the Mirage. If you've never been into one, this is EXACTLY how it looks like...
NOT! (Ok, it gets close. Just ignore the dome that houses it all) Upside: waterfalls, lagoons, an exploding volcano and the White Tiger Habitat. It's free and it's still a must-see!
9. Polly wants a cracker? Give the buccaneer some treats at Sirens of T.I. (Treasure Island Hotel). This is a little piece of Hollywood on the strip with a lot of bang and boom (ok, boobs, too) without spilling your bucks! This 15-min free show is a real treasure, mate. Yaaahr. Note: arrive early and watch out for the flames :)
10. If you're kids' (...uhm, OR parents') hair were set on fire from no. 9, go back to no. 6. There's no better way to doust flaming heads than another spectacular water show.
Otherwise, end the day's galavanting under the ginormous LG screen at the Fremont Street Experience. This to me is the most jaw-dropping multi-media experience in Las Vegas. It's 4 blocks of overhead screen complete with 28 speakers from end to end! Surround sound at its finest! A rocketship zoomed on top of me from one end of the block to the other, and it totally rocked! Of course, the heat and the drinks were taking over my head by this time. Bands, shopping, hotels and casinos all around promises an even livelier night ahead!
Final Note: Las Vegas will always be an expensive entertainment destination, but if you know where and what to do to find the inexpensive thrills, the informative attractions, and the relaxing diversions from the non-stop action, you're still bound to have a great time!
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How to see the best free entertainment in Las Vegas
