Las Vegas for Free

Take a break from CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2014 and check out some of the free activities and attractions Las Vegas has to offer

The Viva Vision canopy on Fremont Street broadcasts shows every hour from dusk to midnight.
The Viva Vision canopy on Fremont Street broadcasts shows every hour from dusk to midnight.

Let’s face it, Las Vegas can be expensive. But that doesn’t mean you have to stay holed up in your hotel room. Las Vegas has plenty of free attractions to keep you busy. Here are just a few you can check out during your free time.

The Aquarium at the Silverton Hotel

Just five miles off the Vegas Strip is the Aquarium at the Silverton Hotel. Open 24 hours, visitors can feed the fish, check out the mermaid show or just go to see the 160 species of fish from around the world.

CBS Television City Research Center

Ever find yourself flipping through the TV channels complaining that there’s nothing good on? Here’s your chance to change that. After registering, viewers get the opportunity to check out the latest offerings from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon and other Viacom networks. Viewers then offer their opinions on the shows they saw. The Research Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; screenings run about every half hour and last about one hour.

Fountains of Bellagio

If you haven’t seen the water and music show of the fountains outside the Bellagio, definitely check it out.  Starting in the afternoon, shows run every half hour to every 15 minutes. A couple fun facts: the fountain shooters can shoot higher than a 24-story building, and the maximum water in the air at any time is more than 17,000 gallons.

Fremont Street Experience

Want a glimpse into vintage Vegas, check out the Fremont Street Experience located downtown near the Plaza hotel on Fremont Street. Check out the Viva Vision canopy where every hour from dusk to midnight you can see shows broadcast on the screen including “A Tribute to Queen” and “KISS Over Vegas”. In addition to the shows, new in 2013 is a zip-line where riders can fly by right below the Viva Vision canopy.

P3 Studio at the Cosmopolitan

This glass-walled studio on the third floor of The Cosmopolitan features contemporary artists from around the world and the interactive artwork they create as part of a residency program. Watch the artists work or and even get the chance to interact with them. Artists are always changing so you’ll see something new every time you visit.

The Sirens of TI

Located at the front entrance of the Treasure Island hotel, this 18-minute production has sirens battling pirates, an elaborate set, bursts of flames and a fireworks finale. Shows are performed three to four times daily starting in the evening, weather permitting.

Sunset Stampede at Sam’s Town

A little farther away, about 20 minutes from the Strip, step inside Mystic Falls Park – a lush forest in the middle of the desert. See the 10-minute Sunset Stampede laser light and fountain show, check out the 25,000-square-foot atrium or find a seat at the center bar where you can catch all of the action. The light show plays four times a day starting at 2 p.m.

Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo

Open daily from 8 a.m. until dusk, get up close and personal with exotic birds including pink flamingos, black swans and many other exotic birds and fish.

Circus Acts at Circus Circus

The world’s largest permanent circus offers free live performances daily from 11 a.m. until midnight every 30 minutes. Acts include trapeze artists, aerialists, acrobatics, jugglers, roller skating and even BMX.

Dueling Pianos at Harrah’s Las Vegas

Check out some live, competitive music at the Piano Bar in Harrah’s Las Vegas hotel. Twin sisters Kim and Tamara Pinegar perform nightly making attendees part of their live Las Vegas lounge show.

Gaming Lessons

Looking to brush up on your gaming strategy or learn a new game? Most major casinos offer free gaming lessons every day. During gaming lessons, instructors teach you the basic rules and object of the game and usually deal out some example hands. Play a few hands with practice chips until you’re ready for the real thing. Some casinos that offer free gaming lessons include Boulder Station, Circus Circus, Excalibur, Flamingo, Golden Nugget, Imperial Palace, Monte Carlo, Palace Station, Sunset Station, Texas Station and Tropicana.

Shelby Museum

Open Monday through Saturday, check out Shelby Automobiles sports car museum on Speedway Boulevard to see the old and the latest versions of Shelby American sports vehicles and a dozen Cobra cars. The tours include details about each car as well as an explanation of the manufacturing operation.

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