The 40 Best Things To Do In Las Vegas Besides Gamble (2024)
Want to know all the best things to do in Las Vegas besides gamble? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!
If you’re like me, you’d rather spend your money on something that promises something in return, so you want to do anything besides gamble when you’re in Las Vegas.
My first few trips to Vegas I didn’t gamble at all because I didn’t have the money to spare.
So I found other forms of entertainment to pass the time.
But maybe you’re visiting with kids or teenagers who aren’t old enough to gamble.
Regardless of the reason, we know of a ton of great activities to keep you busy on your trip to Vegas!
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Things To Do In Las Vegas Besides Gamble
Here are the best things to do in Las Vegas besides gamble!
✅ Explore The Las Vegas Strip
If you’re looking to stay on the Strip, there are seemingly unlimited things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling!
1. Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum
This is located right at the entrance to the Venetian, right on the Strip.
It’s one of the best things to do in Las Vegas if you’re visiting on a hot day.
You’ll get to be inside with air conditioning!
You can watch our walk-through of the wax museum in this video on our YouTube Channel.
We went in August and there were only a dozen or so other people there with us.
So it was much easier to get photos than on busier days.
Tickets go for about $30 per person, but if you do #6 on this list you may be able to go for free!
Each room has different themes like Pop Culture, The Hangover, Las Vegas, and Marvel.
So there is something here for everybody!
2. Gondola Rides at the Venetian
You can do an indoor, outdoor, day time, or night time gondola ride and feel just like you’re in Venice.
We opted for the outdoor night time gondola ride and it was perfect weather.
You can watch our experience on the gondola ride in this video on our YouTube Channel.
A little known fact is “The Gondolier March” which is done twice a day.
The team of gondoliers sing in unison as they march along the indoor canal to announce their arrival for a day of serenading.
They do this daily at 9:50 am and 4:20 pm beginning at the gondola turn-around in the Grand Canal Shoppes.
Tickets are $29 per person Monday – Thursday and $36 per person Friday – Sunday.
If you do #6 on this list, you may be able to do it for free like we did!
3. High Roller Las Vegas – Observation Wheel at the LINQ
This is currently the world’s tallest observation wheel at 550 feet.
It takes about 30 minutes to make a full rotation.
You have a complete 360 degree view of Vegas and the Strip.
Ticket prices vary widely depending on when you want to do this.
If you go during the day it is $20.50 + fees for an adult ticket.
If you want an anytime ticket it is $32.75 + fees.
We went at night so we could see the Strip all lit up.
I would definitely do it again to compare it with the day time experience.
Before the pandemic they also offered a “Half Happy Hour” ticket where your pod was an open bar for the entire 30 minutes around the wheel.
I could probably only manage 2 drinks in that time.
So it would never be worth the cost for me, but I’m sure many others could really get their money’s worth.
This is the last one where I’ll say this – if you do #6 on this list you might be able to do this for free like we did.
4. Test Your Skills At An Escape Room
The Escape Game is a popular escape room chain, who now has a location at Caesar’s Palace.
They have 6 themed rooms including Prison Break, The Depths, The Heist, Special Ops: Mysterious Market, Gold Rush, and Rugrats: Search for the Losted Toys.
5. The Conservatory at the Bellagio
This one is a favorite tradition of ours.
It is one of the completely free things to do in Las Vegas and you can check it out at any time.
You can watch this video on our YouTube Channel of a Fall themed exhibit.
Every time we visit they have a new exhibit and one of our first stops is to check it out.
I believe this exhibit changes quarterly, maybe slightly less often.
6. Attend a Timeshare Presentation for Freebies
We recently published a post about all the freebies you can get for attending timeshare presentations in Vegas.
They are desperate to get people in right now and they are giving out tons of stuff.
Whether you love timeshares or hate them, this post is worth checking out!
7. Check Out 24/7 Happy Hour Specials!
Whether you’re going for the food or the drinks, happy hour deals are awesome!
Saving money on food and drinks is great on any trip and we have compiled a list of Happy Hours that still exist post-pandemic because we discovered that most of the information online was not up to date.
8. Collect All The Birthday Freebies
If it’s your birthday or someone in your group’s birthday there are lots of things you can do in Vegas for free.
We’ve compiled a list of birthday freebies that we have found useful in our recent visits.
I went for my birthday in 2020 and back in 2017 and JP went for his birthday in 2022.
Most birthday freebies you need to sign up for in advance, but we explain it all to you in this post, so don’t worry.
9. Resort and Casino Hopping
FREE entertainment and FREE exercise!
We’ve enjoyed doing this on every trip and our goal is to eventually visit every resort and casino on the Strip and Downtown.
We’ve made pretty good progress, but we typically only go to Vegas for long weekend trips and by the time we visit our favorite places we’ve run out of time to visit new ones.
Luckily, this year we had all the time in the world to explore and we stayed at several different places along the Strip, making it easier to explore new places.
Last October was the first time I ever visited The Luxor, Excalibur, and New York New York.
Usually we always go to the Bellagio, Paris, Flamingo, Bally’s, The LINQ, and the Venetian.
Downtown I think we’ve made it through most of the casinos, but they do have a brand new place called Circa that just opened with a massive renovation.
It’s cool just to walk around and see how each place is themed differently.
I loved how immersive New York New York, Excalibur, and The Luxor were.
10. Oxygen Bar and Aqua Massage
There are a few of these spread throughout the Strip and we could never remember where we saw them, but we passed by them frequently.
I did a Google search to try to narrow it down and it seems some of the locations include: Venetian Grand Canal Shoppes, The Stratosphere, Fashion Show Mall, Fremont Street, New York New York, and Miracle Mile Shops.
I’ve seen a couple different companies doing it – Vitality and BreatheO2, but there might be others.
The oxygen bar is super fun and the aqua massage feels so good.
My college had them during exam week once where you could get a free 5 minute aqua massage and it was very popular.
This time we opted for the longest time which I think was 20 minutes and JP actually fell asleep!
✅ Use The GoCity Pass To Bundle Activities For Less
These next few things to do on the Strip besides gambling can all be purchased as a bundle with the GoCity Las Vegas Pass.
I’ll explain more as I go, but this is a great way to streamline your Vegas visit by using one pass for admission to dozens of attractions on and off the Strip.
11. SkyJump at The STRAT
Head up to the 108th floor of The STRAT and take a controlled jump from a height of 855 feet.
You’ll reach speeds up to 40 mph.
This experience takes about 35-45 minutes total.
Fun fact, SkyJump holds the Guinness World Record for being the highest commercial decelerator descent facility in the world.
It is also the only SkyJump in North America.
This experience normally costs about $139 per person, but it is included as a premium attractions on 3, 4, and 5 day all-inclusive GoCity Las Vegas pass.
12. Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Classic Tour
This double decker tour bus takes you on a scenic trip along the Las Vegas Strip, Downtown, and even to the famous Las Vegas welcome sign.
What’s great about this tour is the ability to get on and off the bus as many times as you want throughout the day.
Normally is costs about $53 per person per day, but it is included in the GoCity Las Vegas pass.
13. FlyOver: The Ultimate Flying Ride ft. Wonders of the American West
Have you been on Soarin’ at Disney World or Disneyland?
It’s a similar experience with the flight motion seats that have special effects like wind, mist, and scents.
This experience in particular highlights all the best destinations across the American West like the Grand Canyon, Golden Gate Bridge, Zion, and the Las Vegas Strip!
This experience is normally about $36 per person, but it’s included with the GoCity Las Vegas pass.
14. Discovering King Tut’s Tomb at the Luxor
Explore some of the ancient artifacts found in King Tut’s Tomb.
This immersive experience will really feel like you’re in ancient Egypt.
Normally this experience is about $33 per person, but it’s included with the GoCity Las Vegas pass.
15. SkyPod at The STRAT
SkyPod is the observation tower at the top of The Strat.
It’s also the tallest freestanding observation tower in the US.
If the other attractions at the top of The STRAT are not your thing, this is something that is much less daring.
Normally this is about a $34 per person experience, but it is included with the GoCity Las Vegas pass.
16. Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.
Train to become an agent of S.T.A.T.I.O.N. and check out some of the more famous props and equipment from the movies like Captain America’s shield, Bruce Banner’s lab, and more.
This immersive experience is at Treasure Island and usually is about $50 per person, but with GoCity Las Vegas it’s included in the pass.
17. Fly LINQ Zipline
Zipline along the LINQ Promenade!
This experience is usually about $47.50 per person, but it is included with the GoCity Las Vegas pass.
18. Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas
Visit the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas.
This experience is normally about $30 per person, but it’s included with the GoCity Las Vegas pass.
19. The Big Apple Roller Coaster
The Big Apple Roller Coaster is located at New York New York.
It’s about a 3 minute long roller coaster and you must be 54″+ to ride.
This experience is usually about $23 per person, but with the GoCity Las Vegas pass it is included.
20. The Hunger Games: The Exhibition
The Hunger Games Exhibition is located at the MGM Grand.
Check out props and costumes from the movies and explore interactive and immersive exhibits.
This experience is normally about $40 per person, but it is included with the GoCity Las Vegas pass.
21. REAL BODIES at Bally’s
Find out what your body looks like under your skin and what your nervous system looks like.
This exhibit consists of over 20 human bodies and over 200 preserved specimens on display in the name of science.
This experience is normally about $32 per person, but it is included with the GoCity Las Vegas pass.
22. Ultimate 4D Experience All Day Pass at Excalibur
Choose from 3 different 4D IMAX movie experiences.
Currently you can choose 15 minute experiences inside the worlds of San Andreas, Aquaman, and Wonder Woman.
These offerings are subject to change as new movies release.
With the all day pass from GoCity, you can see all 3 instead of choosing just one!
This experience is normally about $20 per person, but is included with the GoCity Las Vegas pass.
Additionally, this experience may only be operating Wednesdays through Mondays.
23. National Geographic ‘Rarely Seen’ Exhibition at Bally’s
Another interesting exhibit at Bally’s. The National Geographic features 40 visual wonders from around the world.
This exhibit is usually about $31 per person, but it is included with the GoCity Las Vegas pass.
24. Leonardo: The Universal Man
This exhibit is near Circus Circus. Leonardo is an immersive hour long experience into the Renaissance and into the mind of Leonardo da Vinci.
Separated into 3 distinct zones, start by exploring the story behind The Mona Lisa.
Then move onto The Last Supper and experience it as if you were there.
You can even experience da Vinci’s flying machine and parachute.
This experience is usually about $40 per person, but is included with the GoCity Las Vegas pass.
25. Big Bus Las Vegas Night Time Tour
Remember the double decker hop-on hop-off bus tour I told you about earlier?
This night time version is one continuous tour where you can explore how different Las Vegas looks with the neon lights all lit up.
This tour is normally about $50 per person, but is included with the GoCity Las Vegas Explorer Pass.
26. Rockstar Nightclub Tour
Board a luxury Limo Party Bus, complete with a complimentary open bar and VIP host.
This 5 hour tour gives you skip-the-line access to all 3 clubs included in the tour and takes care of the cover charge for you.
The club lineup changes periodically, but here are some of the clubs that are regularly part of this tour:
The Bank at the Bellagio, Hakkasan at the MGM Grand, 1OAK at the Mirage, Tao at the Venetian, Lavo at Palazzo, Body English at the Hard Rock, Chateau at Paris, Light at Mandalay Bay, Tryst at Wynn, and more.
You’ll know beforehand about any club dress codes and any other questions you have about how it works.
This tour is normally about $99 per person, but it is included with the GoCity Las Vegas Explorer Pass.
✅ See Some Iconic Vegas Shows
Another fun thing to do in Las Vegas besides gambling is to see their iconic shows.
There are some staples that have been around forever and then there are major performers doing short term residencies.
With some of the GoCity Las Vegas passes you actually get admission to the below shows.
So if you don’t know where to start with so many show options, these are some great (and popular) ones.
27. Blue Man Group Show
This show usually runs for about 90-105 minutes and is interactive.
There is a splash zone if you choose to be seated there where you will be given a poncho.
There are some elements of the show that are exclusive to Las Vegas that cannot be seen in any other Blue Man Group Show around the world.
This premium attraction is included with the 3, 4, and 5 day all inclusive GoCity Las Vegas passes.
Normally tickets go for about $150 per person.
28. America’s Got Talent Las Vegas LIVE
Based off of the popular tv show, major stars from the show perform here.
Tickets are distributed on a first come first serve basis beginning at 10 am, so you’ll want to get to the box office to secure your spot for later.
This show typically runs 5 nights a week with 2 shows per night.
Tickets normally go for about $112 per person, but with the 3, 4, and 5 day all inclusive GoCity Las Vegas pass it’s included as a premium attraction option.
29. Awakening Show at Wynn Las Vegas
Experience the mesmerizing allure of the Awakening Las Vegas show, a captivating production that has taken the city’s entertainment scene by storm.
Nestled within the enchanting Awakening Theater at the renowned Wynn Las Vegas Hotel, this show is a true spectacle of creativity and artistry.
Despite its resemblances to Cirque du Soleil’s renowned productions—boasting intricate costumes, breathtaking acrobatics, and a captivating atmosphere—Awakening is a distinct marvel in its own right.
The show’s circular stage, providing a 360-degree visual feast, immerses the audience in a symphony of sights and sounds.
Guided by the iconic voice of Sir Anthony Hopkins, the performance unfolds like a magical journey, accompanied by an original soundtrack that weaves seamlessly with the performers’ graceful acrobatics.
The brainchild of accomplished producers Baz Halpin, Bernie Yuman, and Michael Curry, the Awakening show redefines Las Vegas entertainment with its unique blend of puppetry, myth, and illusion.
Don’t miss your chance to witness this one-of-a-kind spectacle.
Secure your Awakening Wynn tickets and embark on an unforgettable adventure of wonder and awe.
30. KA by Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil is a popular acrobatic show experience around the world.
In Las Vegas they are currently performing KA at the MGM Grand.
The box office opens at 12 pm daily, so get there early to secure your spot for later.
There are usually performances between Saturdays – Wednesdays.
Tickets usually go for about $150 per person, but they are included as a premium attraction choice with the 3, 4, and 5 day all inclusive GoCity Las Vegas passes.
31. Banachek’s Mind Games
This mind trick and illusion show is one of the most popular of its kind in Las Vegas.
Banachek is actually the most awarded mentalist in the US. Penn and Teller have even said that Banachek is “the greatest mentalism act in the world”!
This show is located at The STRAT and generally goes for about $42 per person, but is included with the GoCity Las Vegas pass.
32. Legends in Concert
Legends in Concert is the longest-running show in Las Vegas right now.
During November-December is an Elvis themed show and they only have shows Wednesday through Monday.
This show is located at Tropicana. The box office opens at 12 pm, so you’ll want to get there as early as possible for the best available seats.
Tickets are normally about $84 per person, but it is included with the GoCity Las Vegas pass.
✅ Explore Off The Strip
If you’ve already explored all the things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling on the Strip, Downtown, and things outside of town, here is a place that has it all.
33. AREA15 Las Vegas
This is a new, state of the art, indoor entertainment center, featuring Las Vegas’ most sought after experience – Omega Mart.
✅ Explore Downtown on Fremont Street
Another great area for things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling is Downtown on Fremont Street.
This is the old Vegas, with just as many things to see and do as The Strip.
34. Slide Through The Shark Tank at The Golden Nugget
This iconic pool has a water slide that goes right through a shark tank!
If you’re not staying at The Golden Nugget, you can get a reservation pass just for the pool area.
You can also see it from inside the hotel, so you can just roam about and check it out too.
35. The Neon Museum
This is one recommendation of things to do in Las Vegas that is actually off the Strip.
This is near Downtown/Fremont Street and it is awesome.
We were lucky enough to be hosted by them back in August and you can check out our post about it.
36. The Mob Museum
This place is located Downtown and is in walking distance of any of the hotels and casinos in that area.
They have a speakeasy in the basement that I highly recommend checking out.
I don’t want to ruin any surprises, so I’ll just say that the way they serve your drinks is super cool.
General admission is about $30 but for about $12 you can add on special experiences like the Crime Lab, Firearm Training Simulator, or the Distillery Tour & Tasting.
You can take $10 off those prices if you go after 5 pm Sunday – Friday.
We went with a small group last year during one of JP’s fraternity brother’s 50th birthday party and it was a fun way to experience the museum and the speakeasy.
✅ Get Out Of Town
If you’ve done all the things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling and you’re still looking for something to do, check outside of town.
If you want to see a bit of what is outside the Las Vegas city limits, here are some great places to see on your own or on a guided tour with round trip transportation.
You can also check out our post on day trips from Las Vegas.
37. Grand Canyon National Park
From Las Vegas it’s super easy to visit the North Rim area of the Grand Canyon.
However, the South Rim is considered the more popular area to visit.
Since it’s a bit further, I recommend taking a tour here so you don’t have to drive.
With the GoCity Las Vegas all inclusive pass, you can choose this tour as a premium attraction on the 3, 4, and 5 day passes.
This 13 hour round trip experiences allows for 3 free hours along the South Rim, deluxe coach transportation, views across the famous Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, and a brief stop at Lake Mead.
There are also complimentary granola bars and bottled waters during your tour.
This tour is normally about $119 per person without the GoCity pass.
38. Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks Tour
This tour is normally $159, but is included with the 3,4, and 5 day all inclusive GoCity Las Vegas passes as a premium choice attraction.
Enjoy round trip transportation on a luxury coach, a snack with bottled water along the way, and exploring both of these National Parks in one day, then return to Las Vegas.
If you need some ideas on what to see and do in Bryce Canyon and Zion, we’ve got blog posts for visits to both parks.
Check out our one day Bryce Canyon National Park itinerary.
Check out our one day Zion National Park itinerary.
39. Hoover Dam
Enjoy round trip transportation to Hoover Dam on a deluxe coach.
This tour usually costs $55, but is included with the GoCity Las Vegas pass.
👉 Click Here To Book Your Go City Las Vegas Pass Today!
40. Seven Magic Mountains
This was meant to be a temporary art exhibit, but has been around for 5+ years now.
You’ll pass by it on your way in to Vegas if you’re coming from California.
It’s a bit of a way outside of town, so it’s perfect to stop in on your way in to Vegas or your way out.
It’s free and can sometimes be busy.
Also beware of snakes because you’re out in the desert!
Must Try Restaurants In Las Vegas
You’ve gotta eat right?
After you’re done doing all the things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling, you’ll be good and hungry.
We’ve broken down and categorized all the best restaurants in and around Las Vegas for every budget and every cuisine.
✔️ Best Cheap Restaurants in Las Vegas
If you’re looking to do Vegas on a budget, then these places are for you.
You can definitely enjoy some food for less here.
✔️ The Best Drinks in Las Vegas
If you’re wanting to go out for drinks, these are our favorite places to go around Las Vegas.
✔️ The Best Las Vegas Desserts
Las Vegas is a city of indulgence.
There’s no better way to indulge than these best desserts around town.
✔️ The Most Romantic Restaurants in Las Vegas
Whether it’s date night, your wedding night, a honeymoon, or anniversary, these are the most romantic restaurants you can find in Las Vegas.
✔️ Best Italian Restaurants in Las Vegas
Pasta lovers, this one is for you.
If you could eat Italian every night for the rest of your life, Las Vegas is the place for you (if you can’t make it to Italy obviously).
Best Places To Stay In Las Vegas
These are our favorite timeshares and hotels to stay in when we visit Las Vegas.
Even if you’re not gambling, it is still a good idea to stay at the casino hotels for their locations and amenities.
☑️ Bellagio Hotel and Casino
This top tier resort can be surprisingly afford if you’re a member of MGM Rewards.
It’s free to join and you’ll always get a discounted rate.
Usually some bonus offers are always available as well like upgrades or food and drink credits, unless it’s a major holiday.
👉 Click Here To Book Your Stay At The Bellagio Today!
☑️ Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
The Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino is right next door to Bally’s.
So again it is very centrally located on The Strip.
It is also part of the Caesar’s Rewards program, so I highly recommend joining that to save some money on your next stay.
It’s not always the cheapest place on The Strip, but pretty regularly throughout the year you can get a room for less than $100 a night, including the resort fee.
Everything about this resort really makes you feel like you’re in Paris, so it’s luxury on a budget.
👉 Click Here To Book Your Paris Las Vegas Stay Today!
☑️ Delano Las Vegas
This is another luxury resort, but on the far south end of the Strip, attached to Mand alay Bay.
I most enjoyed the soaking tub with a water fountain faucet and the tv in the bathroom.
Our room also had a separate half bath out in the living room.
👉 Click Here To Book Your Stay At The Delano Today!
Conclusion: Things To Do In Las Vegas Besides Gambling
As you can see, there are so many things to do in Las Vega besides gambling!
It doesn’t matter if you’re staying on the Strip, Downtown, or just outside of town.
