Don’t let the city’s reputation fool you; there are plenty of things to do in Vegas besides gambling or drinking. Whether you are looking for excitement, romance, adventure, or even a touch of nature, Vegas is a city that has it all. From kids to seniors, it’s a town appealing to just about anyone with an ounce of adventure in their veins.
Just the name Las Vegas conjures up an image of an adult’s playground. Bright lights, big city, gambling, drinking, bachelor parties, spontaneous weddings to strangers. Okay, possibly I went a bit too far with the last one. Perhaps lavish fun with a wild side might do better.
However, I formed my first memories of Las Vegas as a young tween. It was a stopover on a massive USA road trip. Presented as almost a gift to my sister and me, we were registered into an overnight camp for visiting kids (this camp no longer exists).
As a result, our parents had plenty of time to enjoy Las Vegas as a couple.
Years passed, and the city really grew up. Today, one can easily do all the wild partying and casino hopping, but there are also plenty of fun things to do in Vegas other than gambling.
Our favorite things to do in Vegas besides gambling or partying
Enjoy a view from the top
So many ways to overlook Las Vegas. No matter which you choose, you will discover a city rising from the desert. From a gentle sunrise balloon ride to a zipline, there is something for every level of adventure. Check out these options, and whichever you choose, be sure to bring your camera!
Photo credit: Travel Nevada/CP Photography
- Stratosphere Tower
An elevator ride to the observation deck in the Stratosphere Tower is probably the easiest way to get spectacular views of the city. Standing proud at 1,149 ft (350 meters), it is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States. Reserve your observation deck entry here - Ride the High Roller
The world’s tallest observation wheel, the High Roller is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity offering fabulous 360º views along with the fun. Reserve your High Roller here - Zip over the strip
Here’s your chance to soar 12 stories above The LINQ Promenade on the Las Vegas Strip’s only zipline experience. Get your fast-track ticket here - Take a helicopter ride over the Las Vegas Strip
15-minutes may not sound long, but from a helicopter, you can see an enormous amount in that time. Reserve your flight here - Fly in a hot air balloon ride
Enjoy views of the desert and mountains as you float as high as 10,000 feet, one of the highest flights available in the area. Reserve your hot air balloon ride here.
Check out a Las Vegas Museum
Vegas is filled with tourist-attracting museums. That aside, there are some really unique and interesting options too.
- Neon Museum
If you are enjoying the bright lights out on the strip, you won’t want to miss this one. Discover nearly all the retired iconic Las Vegas signs since the 1930s. See more at their official page. - The Mob Museum
You have heard the stories, now get the facts of how organized crime impacted the world and shaped this city. Reserve your Mob Museum entry tickets here - Madame Tussauds
If you have never been inside Madame Tussauds, you are actually missing out on a fun experience. Las Vegas is home to the first Madame Tussauds to open in the USA. Reserve your Madame Tussauds tickets here. - National Atomic Testing Museum
An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, this museum documents the history of nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site in the desert north of Las Vegas. See more at their official page
Hotels also offer some amazing things to do in Vegas other than gambling
At the Bellagio …
- Bellagio Fountain Show
Completely free and not to be missed, the impressive fountains dance to music every 15 to 30 minutes from 3pm to midnight (weather dependent). Best of all, each show is unique, so stay a while and watch it over and over. Check the current schedule. - World’s largest chocolate fountain
Where else can you see a floor-to-ceiling sculpture circulating over 2,100 pounds of melted chocolate (white, milk, and dark) thru 500 feet of pipes 24 hours a day? There’s even a document confirming it to be the world’s largest chocolate fountain. - Chihuly Glass exhibit
Entitled “Fiori di Como” this colorful glass ceiling sculpture is impressive enough to make an effort to see it. Master glassblower Dale Chihuly created over 2,000 pieces to complete this lobby project. (If you love his work as much as I do, don’t miss the Chihuly Museum in Seattle)
At other hotels …
- Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition (Luxor)
View over 250 authentic artifacts recovered from the wreck site of the Titanic. Plus, enjoy recreations of some of the most famous rooms from the Ship. - Tournament of Kings Show (Excalibur)
This time travel to the days of King Arthur is so much fun that we try to do it every time we visit Vegas. Enjoy dinner while watching live entertainment highlighted by knights jousting on horseback. Book in advance here - Cirque du Soleil (Bellagio)
The world-famous Cirque du Soleil is at the Bellagio, complete with world-class acrobats, synchronized swimmers, and divers. Reserve your Cirque du Soleil tickets here - Ride a gondola (Venetian)
Mirroring the look and feel of Venice, you can ride a gondola in a canal running through the Venetian Hotel. Check for a deal with Madame Tussauds entry - Ride the Big Apple Coaster (New York New York Hotel and Casino)
I’m not brave enough for a rollercoaster that travels over 67mph and dives 144 feet (44m). If you are, avoid the long ticket line with advance tickets.
More things to do in Vegas besides gambling
Photo credit: Travel Nevada/Sydney Martinez
- Fremont Street
A pedestrian-only street known to locals as Glitter Gulch. The bright lights shine 24 hours a day. It’s easy to explore on your own, but if you want more, this Fremont Street walking tour is well-rated. - First Friday’s Food & Art Festival
Aptly named, this festival takes place on the first Friday of every month and features emerging artists and inspires creativity. We have heard it’s loads of fun. - Bullets and Burgers
If shooting a machine gun is on your bucket list, here is your opportunity. Starting from Vegas, you will travel out to a military-style outdoor range in the Mohave Dessert. You will learn and shoot a variety of weapons alongside your expert instructor. There is even an optional 3-hour ATV tour available. Reserve your outdoor shooting range experience here
We stopped at Bullets and Burgers many years ago when it was still attached to what was then called Uranus Gas. I even had the opportunity to hold (not fire) the actual M60 that Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) was holding in Rambo – First Blood Part 2 as he walked out of the swamp. - Take a day trip to …
There are loads of amazing day trips from Vegas. Some of our favorites are Hoover Dam, Seven Sisters Mountains, Grand Canyon, Death Valley, the Valley of Fire, or one of several other exciting spots in Nevada and Arizona. Or check out some of the weirdest things to see in Nevada.
Save with a Go City Pass
If you are in the city for more than a day, consider the Las Vegas Go City Pass. It’s a great way to get big savings during your visit.
Forget about buying separate tickets; this pass offers exclusive savings. Just use your phone to access the pass conveniently. Discover top-notch exhibitions, amazing shows, open-top bus rides, and even Grand Canyon tours.
Choose a 2-, 3-, 4-, or 5-day pass with a digital guide included. It’s flexible to suit your needs. Jeff and I have personally benefited from these passes in other cities, and we highly recommend them. Reserve your Vegas Go City Pass here.
A few of the obvious things to do in Vegas besides gambling
- Swim in your hotel pool.
- Eat at one of the super cheap yet massive buffets.
- Walk the strip and absorb some of the excitement.
- Take your photo under the famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign” which has been standing since 1959, although I am fairly sure they moved it at one time to its current location.
- Shop till you drop. Vegas is home to a number of high-end malls, as well as three major premium outlet centers.
Ravi kumar
nice work man i see your effort that you put into this thing great work
Anda
It may be counterintuitive, but gambling is the only thing we DON’T DO in Vegas! Like you say, there is so much more to do in this city than gamble. Besides, why loose money when you can spend it on food, or entertainment, or to go shopping. Shopping in Las Vegas is the best that I have ever seen: great quality stuff at very affordable prices. Our son loved to go on rollercoasters in Vegas, but that’s not my cup of tea, lol.
Feline Opines
What a great list of fun things to do!
Madison
Vegas has some great things to see and do. We stayed at a resort in Lake Las Vegas to relax and went into town a few times.
Nancy
What a concept! People seem to think gambling and drinking is the ONLY thing to do in Vegas. I’ve never been thrilled by either activity myself, so would prefer to check out your list.
Lydia C. Lee
Would love to get there one day….looks hilarious! #WWOT
Julie
I had my first date with my husband and then married him two years later in Vegas, it will always hold a special place in my heart. Our ten year anniversary is coming up and I told him we should go back and renew our vows 🙂
Carol Kilgore
I’ve never been to Las Vegas, but I’ve been to Caesar’s Palace at Lake Tahoe. Great pictures 🙂 Thanks for stopping by my blog this week.
Gina
These photos are great! I’ve had a lot of fun in Vegas when I went.
Theresa
You have to tip the characters? That would make me mad! I have never been, by my husband goes there on business every November.
PJ Anderson
I’m very jealous because I’ve always wanted to go to Vegas. Until I go, I stalk photos of Vegas……….
Nick Wilford
I thought of Friends when Joey is playing the Roman soldier! It does look like a film or TV set, doesn’t it? Looks like you all had a fun time. When we went on a family cruise, it seemed like everywhere you went routed you through the casino, but I guess you expect it in Vegas!
Julie
Though we didn’t stay there, it was fun to walk through Ceasars Palace. One of the best parts of our trip was visiting all of the ellaborate hotels. Great photos! BTW, I tried visiting your daughter’s blog, but couldn’t find her. Will you send me the info?
Paula J
I’ve never been to Las Vegas, but I did smile at that last photo 🙂
Leovi
Fun and wonderful photos! A mythical place!
WordTrix
Great photos! Have never been west of the Rockies, but maybe some day…
Rosey
Hubby never EVER wins there, so he’s not a big fan. I like how they do things up for decorating though. 🙂
PK Hrezo
Hi Robin! Yes I love Vegas–in small spurts of course. Never seen Hangover, but I can imagine. My fave hotel is Manadalay Bay. During my 20s I went with girlfriends on a few different trips and it was always so much fun! We brought boas and fancy dresses once and really painted the town!
clairejustineoxox
Wow it looks an amazing place to visit 🙂
Great pictures …
Judy Haughton-James
Looks like a great place to visit. Great shots and the last one certainly made me smile. Thanks for hosting.
Sukhmandir Kaur
Never have been to any of Caesars palaces. Looks to be a pretty swanky place and those Romans, Oh my he looks gigantic in that helmet!!!
Joyce
I’m sure they did better there than I did because they are too young to lose money gambling.
Ai Sakura
I haven’t been before either but it actually reminds me of the show CSI more than Hangover ;p
L. Diane Wolfe
I honeymooned in Vegas, but that was 22 years ago. I’d love to go back and ride all of the roller coasters. And the Big Shot!
tara tyler
awesome shots!
we went to vegas but didnt get to caesars palace. did see blue man group tho. it was terrific!
Alissa Apel
That looks like a very fun time! I’d love to go.
Susie Levine
Great pictures! Look like you had fun!
Danielle Royalegacy
I have not been to Vegas in years. Looks like it would be fun just to walk through.
Karly
I’ve always wanted to go to Vegas, and I live in Phoenix, which is sooo close but sooo far, ha ha ha!
Alex J. Cavanaugh
It’s been a few years, but I have been there! You got some good shots.
YAM
Hari OM
I have yet to even reach the Americas, never mind LA – I’ll be honest and say that CP would not be on my list of ‘must sees’… but you made it look good! Yes the last shot brought a giggle – very well posed! YAM xx
NYCSingleMom
Love Caesars, I think Vegas would be hilarious for kids and I have families with stroller wandering the casinos. I dont think there is a way out unless you go through the casino. There is a method to their madness.
melanie schulz
I’ve been to both, and my ears are still ringing from the sound of all those slot machines! Talk about overstimulation!
Karren Haller
Wonderful photos, we live in Vegas and had the occasion just last night to be on the strip when the had the dancing water feature running outside, it is so beautiful!!
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos
This is a beautiful hotel, I’d stay there on our next visit!
Comedy Plus
Hubby and I have been to Las Vagas, but didn’t really care for it much. We aren’t gamblers and the smoking almost did us in. It’s a great place for adults to play though. Billions upon billions of our money went into making it the way it is.
Have a terrific day. 🙂
Melgie
I haven’t been to Las Vegas, but I’ve seen a lot of photos. Thanks for sharing yours:)
Patricia
Actually I never have been there, but just think these are great photos…..especially the last one..haha!
keiths ramblings
Cool place – must see it myself one day. I’m just back from real Rome and that’s what my WW is about this week! Hope to see you there
Sophia
Our family never visited there and I have never seen the movie Hangover. My husband really loves it though.
Sophia
twentyfiveseasons.com
Dominique Goh
Haven’t been there yet..but love her picture. 🙂
z
I loveeee VEGAS! I did not get to explore C.Palace as much, but it looks so inviting. Thanks for sharing.
stevebethere
Rhonda these are brilliant full of fun and colour heheh!.
It reminded me of the old Frankie Howard comedy Up Pompeii LOL
Have a palacetastic week 😉
Christina Morley
I’ve never been, but it looks like you all had a good time!