Las Vegas is known for its luxurious hotels and robust casinos. Going to Vegas often means spending a lot of money in a very short period of time. But if you’re looking to go on a budget, there are plenty of other things that you can do in the City of Sin.
We all want to get away from the online casinos and hit the incredible floors of Las Vegas’ hottest casinos. Unless you plan way ahead of time, just getting up and going to Vegas isn’t really all that plausible.
Even with time, going to Las Vegas can cost an arm and a leg. If you want to give yourself some wiggle room and ensure that you can do a lot on a little, check out the list of some of the most affordable things to do in Las Vegas.
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
While the bright, flashing lights are certainly worth checking out, the Bellagio is home to a lot more than that. In fact, you can visit the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art to fully immerse yourself in the very underrated Las Vegas art scene.
Feel fancier than ever by paying your $18, grabbing a cocktail, and enjoying world-class exhibits. With offerings from both private collections and famous museums, you may even catch a glimpse of something that has never been publicly seen.
Warhol, Monet, and virtually every other famous artist of the modern era have had their works shared here. Maybe grab a thesaurus before you head out so you can keep up with all the high-class conversation.
Shark Reef Aquarium
Though the hotels and expensive casinos are the main attractions when going to Vegas, there are things that fly under the radar as a memorable experience. Near the top of the list is the Shark Reef Aquarium.
At just $29 for adults and $24 for children, visitors can see more than 100 sharks featuring 15 different species. Every week is “Shark Week” inside the Shark Reef located at Mandalay Bay. Even if you don’t particularly love sharks, it is an incredible site with more than 2,000 animals.
The 1.6-million-gallon aquarium offers an awesome walkthrough tunnel and even a sunken ship to create an adventure like no other. This isn’t like your average aquarium and the kids will want to come back again and again.
Dino Safari
Almost everyone had something resembling a dinosaur phase in their lives and how could you not? These giant reptiles have been featured in textbooks, stories, and films for decades. So, why not get to live the experience right there in Vegas?
For $19 on weekdays and $22 on weekends, you can travel back to the Jurassic Period and get interactive. Check out the litany of animatronic dinos, the latest in archeological findings, the Sauropod Slide, and even a cool fossil dig!
This walkthrough adventure is perfect for the entire family. Take the kids with you to get right up close and personal without all the danger that would come from being in an actual Jurassic Park.
Springs Preserve
Maybe the cheapest option on this list is perfect for the entire family. Adult passes cost $9.95 while it is just $4.95 for kids. Those who love to see wildlife and take a stroll through the great outdoors will be thrilled.
Check out the botanical garden, see all of the flying beauties in the butterfly habitat, or learn history at one of the various on-site museums. It is the perfect opportunity to learn and enjoy the natural beauty of Las Vegas.
Perhaps best of all, there is a playground right there on-site if you want to have the kids expend some of that energy. If you’re looking for an action-packed day that will leave them feeling tuckered when bedtime rolls around, this is a fantastic option.
Red Rock Canyon
Speaking of the natural beauty of Las Vegas, don’t underestimate the desert. When the sun sets, some of the most beautiful, vibrant colors come to life and create the kind of scene you would only find in a work of art.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area has a wide range of fantastic views, hiking trails, and climbing that would challenge any serious enthusiast. Grab your bikes and hit the trails or camp out in a few of the open areas.
At just $15 per vehicle, it is the perfect day trip for anyone who loves the outdoors or a good photo opportunity. The natural beauty of Las Vegas is something that deserves more attention and you can check it out for next to nothing.
Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show
Entertainment is one of the best aspects of Las Vegas. Check out concerts, comedy shows, magicians, and more at any time and at just about any of the major casinos and theatres. High up on the list should be the Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show.
Burton hits the sweet spot between comedy and magic, using impressive sleight of hand illusions, lightning-fast zingers, and enough audience participation to keep everyone invested. Even if you don’t participate, you’ll feel like you are right in the middle of the show.
For just $20 per ticket, you can enjoy a break from the buzz of the Strip to have a great laugh and a few drinks. It’s better than having to shell out hundreds for one of the major casino or hotel shows.
Vegas Superkarts
Las Vegas was recently host to a Formula-1 race featuring the fastest cars in the world zipping around the Vegas Strip. While you might not be able to become a full-fledged racing star, this is a pretty good second option.
For $29, you can enjoy safe but top speeds and top-level performance with go-karts featuring a 4-stroke Honda engine. The massive 1,600-foot outdoor racetrack offers a whopping 14 turns that will test your nerve and your skill.
Slam down the pedal on the straightaways and get your thrills out in a safe setting. Whether by yourself or with the family, this is a fantastic option to rev your engines and feel like a professional driver.
Flyover Las Vegas
What better way to get familiar with a city that you are visiting than by getting to see it all in one go? Driving around Vegas would take hours even if you just drove through and didn’t stop. How are you supposed to see it all?
With a flyover, that’s how. You can see every single one of the most notable Vegas landmarks with an unforgettable flyover of the city. Located on the Strip, take a trip to see all that Vegas has to offer and be back before you know it.
A ride is $28 for adults, $20 for kids, and uses the latest and greatest in technology to make everything feel as legitimate as can be. You can even choose from one of several different adventures to create your own memorable experience.
Start Tower Observation Deck
There is nothing quite like being able to see all that Las Vegas has to offer all in one view. Thankfully, you can get up into the stratosphere and see it all in one go when you check out the Start Tower Observation Deck.
It’s just $20 for adults ($12 if you’re a hotel guest) and $10 for kids. Stationed nearly 900 feet above the Las Vegas Strip, guests are offered a 360-degree view of all that Sin City has to offer. It is one of those sights that you won’t soon forget.
For the thrill-seekers out there, a few extra bucks will provide another experience. There are some pretty incredible thrill rides available as well, providing hours of fun for next to nothing.
4D Ultimate Experience
Seeing a movie can be the perfect option for a date night. There is nothing quite like heading out to the theater, grabbing some popcorn, and enjoying all the action as it plays out on the big screen.
Take things to the next level and save some time by checking out the 4D Experience at the Excalibur. Each adventure is just 15 minutes long and makes you feel as though you are living out the story yourself.
State-of-the-art projection, sound systems, and unreal special effects will have you living out your fantasies. With a short but impactful movie experience, you can feel like an action star without all the collateral damage and all for $20.
Comedy Cellar
Sometimes there is no better way to end your night than with a good laugh. Why not pack in as many laughs as possible in front of professional comics? That is why visiting the Comedy Cellar can be the perfect low-cost option.
For just $25, you can have a night of high-quality laughter and watch comedians do what they do best. It is a perfect place to enjoy a few drinks, kick your feet back, and laugh your face off before heading back to your hotel.
The Comedy Cellar features up-and-comers as well as some of the superstars you know and love. You never know who is going to be there when you plan your trip or who you’ll be able to say that you saw when they blow up down the line.
Enjoy Vegas in a Different Way
At the end of the day, Las Vegas can be anything that you want it to be. Whether you stay at the Moon Resort Las Vegas or go with a cheaper option on the fringe part of town, there is a little something for everyone.
Using our list, you can find a litany of things to do at any time. Best of all, you don’t need to save for ages to enjoy yourself. Ball on a budget in the desert’s most desirable city.
