What Is Still Available for Free in Las Vegas?

In today's Question of the Day [April 2, the one with several questions and answers], it's possible that the person who asked about the casinos charging a fee for free stuff was serious. In other words, they might have meant, Are the casinos still offering freebies? Or do they all charge for them now? How would your answer have been different if that's what the questioner meant?

Good question. We hadn't considered it from that angle.

And sure, freebies, while they don't exactly proliferate like they used to, are still extant in the Vegas firmament.

While the free circus acts at Circus Circus are the granddaddy and the Mirage volcano has been erupting on schedule (weather permitting) for 30 years (plus the 20,000-gallon saltwater aquarium behind the Mirage's front desk is still a cool attraction), the two biggies, in our humble opinion, are the Bellagio fountain shows and conservatory.

There's also the Lake of Dreams at the Wynn, with its lights, holographics, 40-foot waterfall, and pine-topped, as seen from various locations around the hotel.

And speaking of the Wynn, you can now enjoy the free experiences without having to pay for parking to do so.

Then there's Viva Vision, the light shows of the Fremont Street Experience, plus the free concerts on the stages along Glitter Gulch. Also downtown is the free 6-by-8 glossy framed photo with a million dollars at Binion's, one of the best souvenirs in Las Vegas history. And at the other end of the Fremont Street tourist corridor is Container Park with its giant fire-breathing praying mantis.

A selfie at the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign is perhaps the most iconic free thing to do here.

The 117,000-gallon aquarium at the Silverton casino is worth a special trip, especially when the mermaids are in action and the marine biologist is feeding the denizens of the deep.

We've always gotten a kick out of the "Fall of Atlantis" animatronic show at the Forum Shops at Caesars, with its nine-foot-tall talking statues, giant winged dragon, fire and water, and 50,000-gallon aquarium.

Let's not forget to honor the free parking at the Venetian/Palazzo, Tropicana, Treasure Island, Planet Hollywood, Circus Circus, SLS, Stratosphere, and Hooters.

Likewise are the free tram rides between the Mirage and Treasure Island, Bellagio and Park MGM, and Excalibur and Mandalay Bay.

Of course, fine art (including original Picassos at Bellagio and contemporary street art at the Palms) is on display in free spaces everywhere. We've always been fans of the hand-painted ceiling between the lobby and casino at the Venetian and we love the M.C. Escher-like optical-illusion tiles on the floor.

Mystic Falls is the indoor park at Sam's Town with trees filled with bird sounds, animatronic animals, and a waterfall; laser and light shows take place every other hour between 2 and 10 p.m.

Out in Henderson is the free self-guided tour of the Ethel M Chocolate Factory in Henderson, along with the four-acre Botanical Cactus Garden outside.

We're sure there are more. What free Las Vegas attractions and freebies have we forgotten or overlooked?

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Comments

Kevin Lewis May-20-2019

Oh sure

A couple of months ago, I was on Fremont Street and got to see a 400-lb. middle-aged guy, wearing only a thong and a feather boa, play a ukulele. I have to admit, he was pretty good. No charge!

Later that week, I saw a woman simultaneously furiously play a slot machine, rapidly drink a cocktail, puff a cigarette, and text someone on her phone. All using only her two hands. Also at no charge!

And last night, I was on the Strip and saw the free colorful lights display. I refer to the Metro police cars that are now apparently permanent fixtures, parked on the Strip, lights flashing and rotating, completely blocking one lane--they don't move and are de facto police substations. I counted ELEVEN of them between the Cromwell and the Venetian. Again, a free show!

pixie May-20-2019

Bellagio Lobby

What about the Dale Chihuly glass sculpture in the lobby of the Bellagio?

O2bnVegas May-20-2019

skin and shops

If you can't travel to Paris (or is it Rome or Milan?), see an impressive replica of the statue of David at Caesars.  Warning:  David's manhood is out there for all (i.e. the kiddies) to see.  And lots of other bareness in concrete inside and outside Caesars.

Another freebie:  Shops.  Not buying, just looking.  Lots of unique stores in Caesars hallways, Forum Shops, and every hotel.

Jeffrey Small May-20-2019

Sports! Nature!

How about relaxing in the huge sports books watching your favorite team?  Of course you don't have to bet but it certainly makes it more exciting if you do!  Also, if you have a car taking a drive to all of the beauty of the west like the Valley of Fire, Grand Canyon, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam.  How about walking across the bridge (between Nevada and Arizona) above the Hoover Dam--stunning views of the Lake and the Dam!

Ray May-20-2019

Why is Kevin Lewis ever in Vegas?

Kevin Lewis comments on everything...ALWAYS something negative. Kevin Lewis never has anything good to say about Vegas. Yet Kevin Lewis is always in Vegas. So maybe the best free thing in Vegas is the joy that when I come to town, I am not with Kevin Lewis. Lighten up and enjoy the town for once.

David Miller May-20-2019

Great post

Ray, you are right on, love your post.

Dr. J May-20-2019

Big Elvis @ Harrah’s

Big Elvis puts on an awesome show and it’s free!  Would def recommend.

Rick Sanchez May-20-2019

Kevin

Ray, While Kevin might complain a lot I think his post today is spot on. If you are a people watcher these are good free shows.
I love watching people get arrested for stupid stuff they do while drunk or the weird shit people will wear in this town but wouldn't be caught dead wearing at home.
It's part of the reason I love living here.

Dave in Seattle. May-20-2019

Ethel M's

Every time I go into one of their shops and look and ask questions,I get a free sample!
Second floor of the California.Also at Mc Carran.

Del Miller May-20-2019

Big Elvis

I lost track of Big Elvis and I really like him. Glad to know where he is. Is he still as big as he used to be or did the diet he went on a few years ago shrink him substantially?

Marty May-20-2019

Parade of Shoes

If you are up early enough watch the working girls and party girls carrying their high heels and heading back to their lairs.  You can tell the difference because the working girls have over-sized handbags/tool boxes that contain some of their tools of the trade.

steve crouse May-20-2019

Kevin

I gotta admit that Kevin's post, while surely tongue-in-cheek, does hit home.
For me, the most entertaining free thing to do is watch the homeless people on Fremont scam folks out of their money during the day and then use it to party at night.
Some of them are purty good dancers (Early in the evening, that is).

Roy Furukawa May-20-2019

The Big One

You left off taking a picture with the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign which has to be a favorite of lots of first time visitors and even some regular visitors. Boy, legalize cannabis and this is what happens!  :D

[email protected] May-20-2019

Freebies

Talking about free samples at Ethel M's, Honolulu Cookie Company also has bins with free samples of all their delicious shortbread cookies at the front of the store.  I know there's one at the Grand Canal shops - may be others, too.
Plus, a number of slot clubs still offer little freebies to new members.

O2bnVegas May-20-2019

Eiffel tower lights

Eiffel Tower light show at Paris, on the hour and half hour.  Five minutes of winking and blinking, color changes, up and down and all around.

Pat Roach May-20-2019

Kevin Lewis whiners

Every forum needs a curmudgeon or two.  Leave Kevin Lewis be.

Edso May-20-2019

Flamingos

Not sure if they still have them, but we used to love to walk through the flamingo park at the Flamingo.  On our last trip we enjoyed just touring City Center and check out the galleries.

taxman May-21-2019

Free Parking

I just read your May 20 2019 QOD.  It would be nice to have a place to go on LVA to find out where there is free parking on the strip.  It would be useful for handicapped parkers like me.

Deke Castleman May-21-2019

This in via email

As for more Free Attractions in LV, you can add in the "Everything Coca Cola Store" as well as "M&M's World" and "Hershey's Chocolate World" locations on LV Blvd.

LVA Customer Service May-21-2019

@Richard Allen

We do have a parking page with a listing of free places to park on the Strip. Here's the link:

https://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/parking-fees/

Mario A Rosales May-30-2019

People watching

Freemont street is great for people watching.  The visitors, locals, vendors, performers, beggars, bar tenders, and anyone else passing by.

Question of the Day - 20 May 2019

Comments