20 Free and Cheap Things to do in Las Vegas for Families

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Did you know that Las Vegas has so many unique free and cheap things to do AND most of these activities and attractions are perfect for families with children?

If you are traveling to Las Vegas with your family and looking for the top budget friendly things to do, I have got you covered!

The great thing about Las Vegas is that you can see and experience some epic things for little to no cost.

I have visited Las Vegas more than 10 times, including two trips with my oldest son when he was a toddler. Recently I brought all four of my boys, so I have a good grasp of the best budget-friendly and kid-appropriate activities to enjoy.

Don’t have time for them all?

My top recommendations for budget-friendly activities include getting a picture in front of the Las Vegas sign, visiting the Hoover Dam, going to Valley of Fire State Park, spending some time at the New York New York hotel, and watching the fountain show at the Bellagio hotel.

Keep reading to find out even more ideas for your family!

1. Take your picture in front of the Las Vegas sign

We have all seen the iconic Fabulous Las Vegas sign so snapping a picture of it on your trip is a must!

Crazily, I have been to Vegas over 10 times, and had never seen the sign in person until my most recent trip. 

If you have a vehicle, you can drive south on the strip about a mile past the Mandalay Bay.

There is a free parking lot right near the sign. 

2. Visit the Hoover Dam

A quick road trip from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam is another must! This historic landmark is amazing to see in person. 

I highly recommend walking across the O’Callaghan-Tillman Memorial Bridge. This bridge walk from Nevada to Arizona and back will give you a stunning view of the Hoover Dam.

A visit to the Hoover Dam is absolutely free if you park in one of the free parking lots and do not do any of the guided tours.

3. Watch the fountain show at the Bellagio

The fountain show at the Bellagio amazes me every time I see it. It is yet another must-see attraction on the Las Vegas strip.

During the weekdays the fountain shows start at 3pm and on the weekends and holidays they begin at 12pm. 

Shows run every 30 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes in the evening.  

I think the best spot to view the show is along the sidewalk on Las Vegas Boulevard. Viewing the fountain show with the Bellagio Hotel as the backdrop is quite amazing.

4. Visit the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Center

Beyond watching the amazing fountains outside of the Bellagio Hotel, I highly recommend stepping inside to explore the Bellagio’s Conservatory and Botanical Center.

This magical spot is enjoyable for visitors of all ages. The Conservatory and Botanical Center at the Bellagio is sure to impress everyone who experiences it.

The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Center changes its display about 5 times per year, offering a unique experience each visit to Las Vegas. While we were there, the theme was ‘Teas and Tulips’- a stunning showcase of colorful flowers and grand tea displays.  

My kids loved seeing all of the colorful flower arrangements, cascading waterfalls, and even reading the short stories accompanying each tulip and tea exhibit. 

Plan to spend around 10-15 minutes enjoying the conservatory. Once you’ve soaked in the beauty, don’t miss the world’s largest chocolate fountain at the Bellagio Patisserie, a sweet ending to your visit. 

5. See the Statue of Liberty at New York, New York Hotel and Casino

The New York, New York Hotel on the Las Vegas strip is one of the top destinations for families with kids. 

This hotel features a variety of entertaining attractions including an exterior designed to resemble New York City’s iconic skyline, complete with many of the city’s most famous landmarks. Our favorite is the impressive Statue of Liberty. 

Make sure to walk south across the stunning replica of New York’s Brooklyn Bridge and you’ll see the gorgeous Statue of Liberty on the corner of the hotel. 

6. Visit Hershey’s Chocolate World at the New York New York

On your way to see the Statue of Liberty at New York, New York Hotel, you will pass by Hershey’s Chocolate World. 

This family-friendly attraction will surely capture both you and your children’s attention.

While you’re there you can take some pictures of the exterior of the store and the Hershey’s Chocolate statues. 

It is also fun to peruse the store to see all of the unique souvenirs and sweet treats!

Don’t miss out on the Hershey’s Chocolate Statue of Liberty. It is worth a visit to the store to just see that!

Note: To keep this on your free and cheap things to do in Las Vegas list, you will need to exit Hershey’s Chocolate World without purchasing too much!

Luckily we managed to get out of the store with only buying a brownie to share. It was a difficult endeavor though!

7. See the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel

Is a trip to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, too far or expensive to take your kids to visit? No worries! You can experience the beauty of the Eiffel Tower right in Las Vegas!

Located across from the Bellagio Fountain shows, you can watch the beautiful fountains while admiring the Eiffel Tower replica at the same time. 

My kids thought it was super cool to see this iconic landmark up close.

While there is a paid viewing deck, we found it just as special to see the replica of the Eiffel Tower and explore the Paris Las Vegas Hotel.

8. Walk through the Miracle Mile shops and see the free shows

The Miracle Mile shops are connected to the Planet Hollywood Resort, offering a cool indoor shopping experience that’s perfect for escaping the Las Vegas heat.

This mall also has a couple of free shows that your family can enjoy.

One of these is the Lost City show, located in front of the V Theater. This 3D video projection features scenes and sound effects of fire, ice, water, earth, and wind. The show runs every hour starting at 10am. 

You can stand or sit on the floor to watch the show. 

The Rain Show is another free attraction at the Miracle Mile shops. This show simulates a thunderstorm with real falling water, sound effects, and lighting effects. 

The show lasts around 5 minutes and is located near the Ocean One Restaurant and Bar.

Ocean One offers a lunchtime menu with all items priced at just $5.99, making it an incredibly budget-friendly choice for your family. 

Affordable breakfast and dinner options are available too!

9. See the Circus Act at Circus Circus

Circus Circus is a wonderful, family friendly destination on the Las Vegas strip.

The Circus Acts take place on the centerstage of the Carnival Midway at Circus Circus, featuring performances every hour on the half hour starting at 1:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and at 11:30 a.m. Friday-Sunday. 

The acts include trapeze, aerial silks, juggling, balancing, strength demonstrations, and circus clowns!

Keep in mind that each show features just one act. 

Spectators can enjoy the show from the seating area or stand on the far side of the stage. 

Each performance lasts about 15 minutes. After the show, the kids were thrilled to take a picture with the performer.

While Circus Circus is not as glamorous as many of the other hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, it offers a fun and unique experience for the kids.

10. Visit the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel 

The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is a great place for families to explore. These lush gardens offer a peaceful and picturesque setting.

Visitors can enjoy watching flamingos, fish, turtles, and various bird species while admiring the beautiful greenery, waterfalls, and streams.

Entry to the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is completely free, making it a great option for an early morning outing. It opens as early as 7:00 a.m., perfect for families with children who wake up early. 

After visiting the flamingos and strolling through the gardens, you might enjoy a walk through LINQ Promenade. It’s best to visit this area earlier in the day, as it tends to get busier and more livelier as the day goes on.  

11. Experience Being Inside a Pyramid at the Luxor Hotel

After seeing the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel tower, and visiting the circus, why not explore the inside of a pyramid?

Both kids and adults will enjoy the fascinating experience of being inside this massive structure. 

The atrium soars 30 stories high and is the third tallest pyramid in the world. 

Inside, you’ll find a replica of King Tut’s tomb. 

Outside Luxor, you will see a replica of the Great Sphinx of Giza. 

At night if you are driving, you’ll notice the impressive beam of light shining from the top of the Luxor pyramid- it’s a truly remarkable sight!

12. See the Atlantis Show and Aquarium at the Forum Shops

Watching the Atlantis show at the Forum Shops is another one of the many incredible free things to do in Las Vegas.

The show runs Thursday through Monday, every hour from noon until 8 p.m., and features animatronic statues that move and talk, along with special lights, sounds, water, and other effects.

The kids will find this show highly entertaining, though younger children may find the show too loud and the animatronic statues a bit intimidating.

The show lasts less than 10 minutes. 

In addition to the Atlantis show, don’t miss the Atlantis Aquarium, located right next to the show. It features a variety of tropical fish.

Both the Atlantis Show and Aquarium are located next to the Cheesecake Factory.

While at the Forum Shops, take in the beautiful Roman statues, architecture, fountains, and even ride the iconic spiral escalator between floors. 

Plan to spend about an hour or so exploring the Forum Shops and enjoying the free attractions. If you intend to shop or dine, you may need more time. 

13. Walk through the Grand Canal Shops at the Venetian Resort

Visiting the Venetian Resort will make you feel as if you’ve been whisked away to Venice, Italy.

Kids will love watching the gondolas glide along the canals both inside and outside the resort. 

Inside the Venetian, you’ll find the Grand Canal Shops, an upscale mall that’s perfect for strolling and admiring the luxurious stores while feeling like you are in Venice, Italy.

Maybe you could even treat yourself to a gelato while you are there!

14. See the Mermaid Show at the Silverton Hotel and Casino

What kid would not be ecstatic to see a mermaid? At the Silverton Hotel, mermaid dreams do come true.

The aquarium at the Silverton Las Vegas features thousands of tropical fish, and at select times of day, you can also catch mermaid swims.

During scheduled times, mermaids swim every half hour except during stingray feeding sessions. 

Be sure to check the Silverton Aquarium and Mermaid Swim webpage for up-to-date mermaid swim times. 

The aquarium and mermaid swims are free to enjoy!

You’ll find the Silverton Aquarium about 6 miles from the Las Vegas strip. 

15. Marvel at the incredible Sphere

While you’re in Las Vegas, keep an eye out for the mesmerizing Las Vegas Sphere.

This massive illuminated dome features stunning lights, displays, and even animations that are sure to captive you.

Our favorite display on the Sphere was the giant face emoji.

I recommend viewing it at night for the full effect, although it is also impressive to see during the day!

We caught a glimpse of it while driving on Interstate 15 in the evening.

Additionally, we rode the High Roller Wheel which gave us an incredible view of the sphere during the day.

Another great vantage point is from the top of the Wynn’s self parking garage. You can park there for up to four hours free if you are not a guest at the hotel. 

16. Check out the Fremont Street Experience

The Fremont Street Experience is a bustling pedestrian mall with a vibrant atmosphere and plenty to explore.

Families with kids will enjoy a variety of free activities such as admiring the neon lights and signs, watching people zipline overhead, seeing the street performers, and browsing the shops. 

As you walk through the Fremont Street Experience, you will be treated to dazzling lights show synchronized with music. It’s truly an incredible spectacle.

The Viva Vision Canopy, a massive LED screen, creates an amazing visual experience for everyone people walking under it. 

17. Visit the Downtown Container Park

The Downtown Container Park is a one-of-a-kind shopping, dining, and entertainment complex built entirely from repurposed shipping containers.

Just a short walk from the Fremont Street Experience, you can easily visit both attractions in one trip to downtown Las Vegas.

The Downtown Container Park offers several free activities for families, including a playground with a treehouse, slides, bridge, and climbing structures. There’s also a courtyard with lawn games and the fascinating praying mantis sculpture. 

The Giant Mantis breathes flames and puts on a short show from sundown until late in the evening. 

For parking, we used the Fremont Street Experience Parking Garage, which is centrally located and allows easy access to both the Fremont Street Experience and the Downtown Container Park.

18. Red Rock Canyon

For families that enjoy outdoor adventures, Red Rock Canyon offers a budget-friendly escape just 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip.

The entrance fee is $20 per vehicle fee, providing access to a wealth of activities. 

Families can do the scenic 13 mile one-way drive plus explore the visitor center with its engaging exhibits, which appeal to kids and adults alike. The Discovery Plaza outside of the visitor center also offers interactive exhibits for a hands-on learning experience.

For families that want to hike can enjoy trails such as the Lost Creek Children’s Discovery Trail and the more challenging Calico Tanks, providing options for various skill levels and adventure preferences.

You could easily enjoy a whole day at Red Rock Canyon or if you are looking for something to do for just a part of the day, you can simply enjoy a couple of hours here.  

Make your timed Red Rock Canyon reservation.

19. Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire State Park is a breathtaking destination that competes with many of our nation’s national parks. It was one of my all-time favorite spots to visit.

The park is definitely worth the nearly one-hour drive from the Las Vegas Strip.

A visit to Valley of Fire State Park is 100% worth the nearly one-hour drive from the Las Vegas Strip.

The entrance fee for Valley of Fire State Park is $15 per vehicle for out-of-state residents.

My top must-do things in Valley of Fire State Park include rock scrambling- the kids will LOVE climbing all of the gorgeous red rocks, driving White Domes Road, hiking Fire Wave trail, and taking lots of pictures of the stunning red rocks.

20. Watch chocolate being made at the Ethel M Chocolates Factory

A trip to the Ethel M Chocolate Factory is a unique and budget-friendly experience for families. 

Situated in Henderson, Nevada, just outside of Las Vegas, the Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden and Chocolate Factory offers several free activities for visitors.

Visitors can enjoy a free self-guided factory tour, complimentary samples, and a leisurely stroll through the cactus garden.

The self-guided factory tour takes you along a viewing aisle where you can observe the chocolate-making process through large windows. The factory operates Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., so plan your visit accordingly if you want to see the production in action.

The Best Budget-Friendly Things to do in Las Vegas with Kids

These 20 attractions are some of my favorite free and cheap things to do in Las Vegas. I have visited Las Vegas numerous times so have had the opportunity to do most all of these things.

Don’t feel pressured to do all of these activities in one trip. Pick a few that interest you and enjoy those.

May you LOVE your adventure!

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