10 Fun, Free, & Family Friendly Things to do in Las Vegas

1. Las Vegas Sign

Did you really visit Las Vegas if you didn't stop by the iconic "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign? This infamous sign has been a staple of Sin City since it was erected in 1959, and was actually designed by a woman named Betty Willis. Whether it's your first time in Las Vegas, you're a seasoned pro, or you're a local, take the time to stop by and appreciate this classic piece of history. No matter if you go day or night, you are sure to get a memorable picture from an unforgettable place.

5100 Las Vegas Blvd S. Las Vegas, NV 89119

Open 24/7

2. Pinball Hall of Fame

It's like playing the slots, but with no chance of losing. Conveniently located across the street from the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign, the pinball Hall of Fame transports you to an arcade straight out of an 80s movie. The 25,000 square-foot building features hundreds of pinball machines and other arcade games from the 1950s to 1990s that you can still try and beat. Admission is free, and games can be played for as little as 25 cents (don't worry, there's a quarter ATM on the premises).

4925 Las Vegas Blvd S. Las Vegas, NV 89119

Sun - Thurs, 10am - 9pm & Fri - Sat, 10am - 10pm

3. Marjorie Barrick Museum

There's more to Las Vegas than Cirque shows and buffets. Take a step inside the Marjorie Barrick Museum, where the works of UNLV's finest are proudly displayed to the public. Exhibitions are always changing, and feature the rich cultures and identities of students from the most different, daring, and diverse university in the nation. Current displays include "Two Cultures, One Family: Building Family, Finding Home," "Meanwhile, A Few Feet Away From You: An Exhibition," as well as "Untitled (L.A.)."

4505 S. Maryland Pkwy Las Vegas, NV 89119

Tues - Sat, 10am - 5pm (Closed on all state and federal holidays)

4. Ethel M. Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Garden

Escape The Strip and explore the Ethel M. Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Garden where you will experience Nevada's largest, and one of the world's most prolific, collections of its kind. The chocolate factory itself offers free self-guided tours, free samples, and delicious treats. The cactus gardens can be visited year-round, and are also self-guided. You can even stick around and attend a chocolate tasting class! Visit near the holidays and take in a lighted cactus garden, drink some hot chocolate, and maybe even see an appearance from Santa Claus himself.

2 Cactus Garden Drive Henderson, NV 89014

10am - 10pm Daily

5. Bellagio Fountains

The Bellagio is a great place to start your journey through the Las Vegas Strip due to its central location within the newer portion of The Strip. Experience the iconic Bellagio fountains, set to music as water shoots as high as 460 feet in the sky, while taking in all that Las Vegas Boulevard has to offer.

3600 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89109

Shows every 30 minutes between 3pm & 7pm, and every 15 minutes between 7pm & 12am, daily.

6. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

The Conservatory & Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio transform the 14,000 square-foot space into an imaginary world each season. As one of the most beautiful exhibits in Las Vegas, the garden is breathtaking and features luscious flowers and plants, in unique designs that perfectly encapsulate the season.

3600 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89109

Open 24/7

7. World’s Largest Chocolate Fountain

The Bellagio Patisserie is more than just a delicious cafe, and is home to the world’s largest chocolate factory. The fountain circulates more than 2100 pounds of melted milk, dark, and white chocolate through 500 feet of piping, and cascades down 14 feet from the ceiling to the floor. The sculpture stands stands 27 feet tall and circulates the chocolate at a rate of 120 quarts per minute. You’ll feel like you took a step inside Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory!

3600 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89109

Viewable 24/7

8. Seven Magic Mountains

Take a break from The Strip and take a drive out into the desert to experience a fun and colorful art installation. The man-made stacked boulders, standing 30 feet high in the Ivanpah Valley, were originally a temporary art exhibition, but became a permanent feature of the desert due to its immense popularity. Seven Magic Mountains offer a breathtaking view as well as a perfect photo-op. Location can be found at sevenmagicmountains.com

Viewable 24/7

9. Fremont Street Experience

You can’t visit Las Vegas without seeing all that Fremont Street has to offer. From zip lining to free concerts to light shows, there is something for everyone. The Viva Vision light show features the world’s largest digital display, composed of 16.4 million brilliant pixels suspended 90 feet above Fremont Street’s pedestrian mall. While you’re there, make sure to take in the many free concerts, street performances, and unique vendors.

425 E Fremont Street Las Vegas, NV 89101

Fremont Street is open 24/7, but light shows run at the top of the hour daily between 6pm & 1pm, and run for 6-7 minutes.

10. Visit the Flamingos at The Flamingo

The Wildlife Habitat at The Flamingo Hotel allows you to get up close and personal with their namesake animal. The habitat features more animals than just Chilean Flamingos and also includes Sturgeon, Koi, Albino Catfish, turtles, hummingbirds, and songbirds. The four-acre gardens are complete with meandering streams and waterfalls, making this habitat an unforgettable experience.

3555 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89109

7am - 8pm Daily