15 Fun Things to Do in Vegas

There are so many fun and exciting things to do in Las Vegas that it shines like a gem in the desert. If you’ve been to Sin City before or are planning your first trip, there’s always something new to find among the many things to do in Vegas.

Vegas has changed from a place just for gaming to a great place for fun and games. From the bright lights of the famous Strip to the secret gems downtown, Vegas has something for everyone. Vegas has some of the best shows, bars, sites, and one-of-a-kind events worldwide.

Wish you could find fun things to do in Vegas? This guide will show you more than just the casinos. You’ll visit both well-known and less-known Las Vegas attractions. Here are some fun things you can do:

• People who want thrilling, heart-pounding adventures
• Art and history buffs Families looking for kid-friendly events Foodies eager to try places that have won awards
• People who love the music and want to experience the city’s famous scene

Here are 15 great things to do in Vegas that show off the best of the city’s offers, whether on a budget or ready to splurge, going alone or with family. Let us look at what makes this dusty city a famous vacation spot.

#1 Visit the Iconic Las Vegas Strip

When you go to Vegas, you must check out the beautiful Las Vegas Strip. With its 4.2 miles of Las Vegas Boulevard, this area is the center of the city’s action and home to the most beloved must-see spots.

Free shows that will blow your mind are everywhere when the Strip comes to life. Watch the beautiful Bellagio Fountains dance to music, or go to The Mirage to see the powerful fire show. Several of these shows are daily, so it’s easy to fit them into your plan.

Notable Landmarks Along the Strip:

•  The High Roller: This massive observation wheel offers breathtaking views of the city
•  The Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas: A half-scale replica of the original
•  The pyramid-shaped Luxor Hotel: with its powerful sky beam
•  The famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign: It is perfect for photos

There are many things to see in Vegas, and each hotel on the Strip has its style and sights. In The Venetian, the waterways of Venice are brought to life, and in New York-New York, the skyline of the Big Apple is brought to the desert. The best part? You can walk along the Strip for free, but wear comfy shoes and bring water, especially when it’s hot outside.

#2 Experience the Bellagio Fountains

The Bellagio Fountains are one of the most popular things to do in Las Vegas. They perform a water dance that keeps people interested day and night. In an 8.5-acre lake in front of the Bellagio Hotel, these waterfalls put on a free show with water, music, and light that has become a sign of Las Vegas fun.

Every show has more than 1,200 strong jets that shoot water up to 460 feet in the air, making a dance to different songs that people will never forget. The music is wide, from great works to current hits by acts such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis, and Lady Gaga. 

Show Times and Viewing Tips

During the week, shows happen every 30 minutes from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. After that, they happen every 15 minutes until midnight. On weekends and holidays, shows happen every 30 minutes from noon to 8 p.m., then every 15 minutes until midnight.

Get a few minutes early to get a spot on the sidewalk right in front of the Bellagio for the best experience. The waterfalls are beautiful at any time, but at night, when coloured lights shine on the water, the shows are even more magical. You could watch from different spots around the lake to get a different view of this amazing show.

#3 Ride the High Roller Observation Wheel

With a height of 550 feet, the High Roller viewing wheel is one of the coolest things to see in Vegas. This huge wheel is at The LINQ Promenade. It takes 30 minutes to go around and gives you amazing views of the Las Vegas Strip, the mountains in the background, and the whole valley.

Each cabin is large, has temperature control, and can easily fit up to 40 people. Because the walls are glass, you can see clearly in every direction, which is great for taking pictures. Screens inside the ride show interesting facts about Las Vegas and its famous sites.

The best time to go is at sunset, because you can ride the tram and see views of both day and night. The biggest lights on the Strip can be seen on rides late at night, while the best views of faraway mountains are seen on rides early in the afternoon.

The best time to save money is during happy hour, which is Monday through Thursday from 4 to 7 PM. During this time, you can get special drink deals at lower prices. If you buy your tickets online ahead of time or look for deals that include other activities at The LINQ, you can save money. The lines are usually shorter in the afternoons during the week, but the experience is great no matter what the weather is like.

#4 Explore Fremont Street Experience

As one of the most exciting fun things to do in Vegas, the Fremont Street Experience lets you experience the city’s historic heart. In downtown Las Vegas, this five-block nightlife area is alive with activity under the world’s giant video screen, a huge LED canopy 1,500 feet long and 90 feet above the street.

Every night, from dusk until late, the Viva Vision light show turns the dome into a beautiful show of lights and sound. Each hour, a different themed show plays. The area has three stages where live bands play music ranging from rock to country.

People who like to be scared can fly above the people on SlotZilla, a one-of-a-kind zip-line ride that starts from a giant slot machine. You can fly while sitting down or like a superhero, and you’ll zoom right under the LED dome for a view of the action below that you’ll never forget.

Many skilled entertainers, such as singers, comedians, artists, and dancers, fill the street with life. The street is lined with old-school casinos like Golden Nugget and Binion’s. It’s a less crowded place to gamble than the Las Vegas Strip. The area also has unique shops, restaurants, and bars, and drinks there often cost less than on the Strip.

#5 Discover Unique Museums – The Neon Museum

One of the most interesting hidden gems in Las Vegas, the Neon Museum’s collection of old signs keeps the city’s past alive. In the area, this outdoor museum is called the Neon Boneyard, it has more than 200 signs taken from old casinos, hotels, and companies that used to light up the city of Vegas.

You can walk around the almost two-acre lot during the day and get a good look at these vast signs. The famous Stardust casino sign and the massive guitar from the Hard Rock Cafe are just a few signs in Vegas that tell stories about the city’s history. Tour guides tell interesting stories about each piece, using these renovated treasures to bring the city’s past to life.

The museum offers two distinct experiences:

• Daytime tours showcase the detailed artistry and craftsmanship of each sign
• Evening tours feature several restored signs illuminated in their original glory

Since the museum is one of the unique things to do in Las Vegas, it’s a great place to take pictures. Professional shooters love the golden hour right before sunset when the light in the desert makes it easy to capture these old works. Tours often sell out, especially during busy tourist times, so buy your tickets beforehand.

#6 Enjoy Outdoor Activities at Red Rock Canyon

Not far from the Strip, Red Rock Canyon offers some of the best outdoor activities in Las Vegas and is a top choice for family-friendly activities in Vegas. This natural wonder features beautiful red sandstone rocks, desert scenery, and many exciting things to do.

The 13-mile drive through the canyon has many rest stops to enjoy the stunning views and look for wildlife. Hikers will enjoy more than 26 trails in the park, with paths that range from strolls to rugged hills. Great views of the city can be seen from Calico Tanks, and the yearly waterfall at Lost Creek is a big draw for many people.

Rock climbers love the canyon’s world-class routes, and mountain bikers love the trails marked out all over the protection area. The park is also a great place to have lunch and watch wildlife, which makes it a great place for families to get away from the city’s bright lights.

In the summer, plan your trip for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat of the desert. The tourist center has valuable information about the geography, wildlife, and path conditions. Bring lots of water, sunscreen, and comfy shoes because even short hikes in the desert can be challenging.

#7 Experience a Show – Cirque du Soleil

As one of the best shows in Las Vegas and most-wanted things to do in Vegas at night, Cirque du Soleil puts on amazing shows that mix music, dance, and gymnastics. Each show creates its magical world through beautiful outfits, sets, and sports feats.

Current Shows and Their Themes:

 O at Bellagio – A water-themed masterpiece featuring synchronized swimming and diving

•  Mystère at Treasure Island: A colorful celebration of circus arts and acrobatic skills
•  Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay: An energetic tribute to the King of Pop
•  Love at The Mirage: musical journey through Beatles classics
•  KÀ at MGM Grand: An epic adventure told through martial arts and aerial performances

Buy your tickets a few weeks ahead to get the best seats since shows tend to sell out quickly. Most shows happen twice a night, and some even have matinees some days.

There is plenty of time to eat dinner before or after each show, which lasts about 90 minutes. Most of the time, the best views of the stage and flying shows are from seats in the middle, 15 to 30 rows back.

#8 Indulge in Fine Dining Experiences

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Vegas, the restaurants are some of the best places to visit in Las Vegas. There is something for every taste and price in Las Vegas, from kitchens run by famous chefs to places with unique themes. 

Must-Try Celebrity Chef Restaurants:

• Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars Palace:  Experience the famous chef’s signature dishes in a setting inspired by the TV show
• Giada at The Cromwell: Enjoy Italian cuisine with a California twist while overlooking the Strip
• Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen at The LINQ: Savor bold American dishes in a casual atmosphere

Unique Dining Experiences:

• Top of the World at Stratosphere: Dine in a rotating restaurant with 360-degree city views
• Tournament of Kings at Excalibur: Eat medieval-style while watching knights joust
• Eiffel Tower Restaurant in Paris: French cuisine served with stunning Strip views

Make plans early, especially for special events or meals on the weekend. Many fancy places have taster meals and fixed-price plates that let you try their best foods. If you want to get the best deal, try lunch at high-end places or happy hour deals at restaurants in casinos. 

#9 Visit Area15 – An Immersive Experience

The strange mix of art, technology, and fun at AREA15 makes it stand out as one of the unique things to do in Las Vegas. Mind-bending installations and hands-on activities make this indoor playground one of the most exciting fun things to do in Vegas. 

Must-See Attractions Inside:

• Omega Mart: A surreal supermarket where everyday items transform into portals of adventure
• Meow Wolf: An immersive art experience filled with secret passages and strange dimensions
• Museum Fiasco: A sound and light show that creates mesmerizing visual experiences
• Lost Spirits Distillery: A themed tasting journey that feels like a theme park ride

The complex also features virtual reality experiences where you can fight zombies, explore space, or race through fantasy worlds. Between adventures, visitors can enjoy unique dining options like the Beast Food Hall or grab drinks at Oddwood Bar, famous for its glowing digital tree centerpiece.

Most attractions require separate tickets and general admission, so check the website and book ahead. Evening visits offer the most dramatic atmosphere, though the indoor setting makes area 15  perfect for any time of day. Plan for at least 3-4 hours to fully experience the main attractions.

#10 Take a Gondola Ride at The Venetian

A ride on a boat at The Venetian is one of the most romantic things to do in Vegas. It feels like you’re in Italy but on the Las Vegas Strip. Consistently ranked as one of the best places to visit in Las Vegas, this magical experience lets couples and families float through beautiful canals. At the same time, skilled gondoliers sing Italian songs for them.

People can choose between two different boat rides. Inside, the path goes through the Grand Canal Shoppes, going under bridges and beside bars, with a painted sky that stays blue and bright. The outdoor route lets you enjoy fresh air and amazing views of the Strip, but it’s only open when the weather is good.

Gondola rides last about 15 minutes, plenty of time for couples to take pictures and fall in love. The real Venetian gondolas, which Italian craftsmen make, can fit up to four people. For the most beautiful experience, couples should book a private ride in the evening, when the lights make the setting feel magical. While you wait your turn, check out the nearby copy of St. Mark’s Square. Street musicians and artists add to the Italian feel.

#11 Explore the Mob Museum

The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, which is what the Mob Museum is really called, is one of the most interesting places in downtown Las Vegas. The three-story museum is housed in a historic building that used to be a courtroom. It tells the interesting story of organized crime in the United States through interesting displays and real items.

People can listen to real FBI surveillance records, watch real mob videos, and look at real items used by notorious thieves. At the bottom of the museum, there is a real-life bar from the Prohibition era and a brewery where people can try real booze. Visitors can also learn about real investigative methods used to catch crooks in the crime lab show.

The museum is one of the hidden gems in Las Vegas, offering special, hands-on activities. You can attend a gun training model used by police, sit in the courtroom where real mob trials happened, and have your picture taken in a gangster-themed area. The museum’s crime lab and investigative exhibits let people use real-life methods to solve fake cases.

You can use radio speakers to take your museum tours, but guided tours offer extra information and off-show stories. It would help if you planned to spend at least two to three hours looking at the exhibits and doing activities on all four floors.

#12 Relax at Mandalay Bay Beach

Mandalay Bay Beach is one of the best family-friendly things to do in Las Vegas. It’s like going to a tropical island in the desert. This water park covers 11 acres and is a popular fun thing to do in Vegas. It lets people feel like they’re on a beach in California without leaving the Strip.

The 1.6-million-gallon wave pool is the main attraction at this water park. It has gentle waves that roll onto a sandy beach like the ocean. Waves up to six feet high come from the pool and are great for body surfing or swimming on tubes. Visitors can relax in private cabanas, on beach chairs, or by digging their toes into the more than 2,700 tons of natural sand surrounding the beach.

The complex has a lazy river that flows through tropical scenery and is fun for people of all ages. Those who want more action can enjoy three swimming pools and a special place for kids to swim. You can get drinks and light meals delivered to your chair at the Beach Bar and Grill.

On summer weekends, the Beach becomes a place for public concerts. People can enjoy live music while swimming in the water. Visitors stopping at other hotels can buy day passes for a fee, and hotel guests can get in for free.

#13 Visit The LINQ Promenade

As one of the best places to visit in Las Vegas, the LINQ Promenade is a lively outdoor area with shops, bars, and entertainment. This path is great for people who want to do fun outdoor activities in Las Vegas right in the middle of the Strip.

Along the quarter-mile walkway is a fun mix of places to eat, from casual restaurants to one-of-a-kind specialty shops. Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips, In-N-Out Burger, and the Haute Doggery, which serves fine hot dogs, are all well-known places. People who want sweets can go to the Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop or Sprinkles Cupcakes.

There are many places to have fun, like Brooklyn Bowl, which has both bowling stages and a music hall. Both well-known and up-and-coming comedians perform at the Jimmy Kimmel Comedy Club. For people who like to play games, O’Shea’s Gambling has gambling games in a casual Irish pub setting.

The walkway’s focal point is the High Roller viewing wheel, which offers stunning views of the city. At night, street entertainers and an LED light show make the sidewalk come to life. Since it’s outside, it’s great for strolls in the evening, watching people, and taking pictures, especially at night when the lights from the High Roller make a bright background.

#14 Discover Hidden Gems – The Pinball Hall of Fame

At the Pinball Hall of Fame, one of the funniest hidden gems in Las Vegas, guests can go back in time and see how games have changed over the years. As one of the most memorable unique things to do in Las Vegas, this museum has the world’s most extensive collection of pinball machines.

This 25,000-square-foot space is only minutes from the Strip and has over 400 pinball games, from old classics from the 1950s to brand-new high-tech wonders. The best part? You can play on any machine; most only cost 25 or 50 cents each. A small card contains information about each machine’s history and how it works.

The museum sets up the machines by decade, which makes it easy to see how the technology and design of pinball have changed over time. People can play well-known games like Addams Family, Theater of Magic, and Medieval Madness, as well as rare machines that were never made in large numbers. There are also old-school video games from different decades in the building.

This non-profit museum is run by passionate pinball fans who keep all the machines in excellent playing shape. The venue has a simple goal: to keep prices low and machines running so everyone can enjoy these old video game machines. People only pay for the games they want; there is no entry fee.

#15 Enjoy Nightlife at Popular Clubs

There are many fun things to do in Vegas at night, but the city’s famous bars offer unique experiences. These places have the best DJs, amazing light shows, and lively atmospheres for nightlife activities in Las Vegas.

Some of the best clubs in the city are XS at Encore, known for its fancy swimming setting and EDM artists, and Hakkasan at MGM Grand, which has five levels with different kinds of music and entertainment.Many clubs open around 10:30 PM and stay busy until early morning. Men must wear buttoned shirts and dress shoes, and women should wear cocktail dresses or other stylish evening wear. You can’t wear athletic clothes, flip-flops, or casual clothes.

To ensure you can get in, buy tickets beforehand or ask your hotel’s staff to put you on a guest list. When you arrive before midnight, the lines are generally shorter, and sometimes the cover charge is less. For the best experience, you might want to book table service, but you have to do so in advance, and the minimum spend is higher. Most clubs have different DJs and themes every night of the week, so check their plans to find the music style you like.

Make the Most of Your Vegas Adventure

Las Vegas is a popular place because it has something for everyone. This article has covered many fun Vegas activities unrelated to gambling. Some of the best places to visit in Las Vegas are the ones that combine fun, culture, and excitement, like the High Roller observation wheel and the beautiful Bellagio water show.

We’ve seen some of the city’s most well-known sights, such as the lively Fremont Street Experience and the calm Bellagio Conservatory. Mandalay Bay Beach and the AdventureDome are great for kids. The Mob Museum and the Neon Museum are great for people who like art. If you’re looking for somewhere new to visit, we recommend the Pinball Hall of Fame and the Quiet Springs Preserve.

There are lots of fun things to do in the city, like seeing shows on Broadway and at Cirque du Soleil or resting at a club or a great bar. Las Vegas is a great place to make memories that will last a lifetime. At New York-New York, you can ride thrilling roller coasters; at The Venetian, you can take a romantic boat ride or along the LINQ Promenade.

FAQs about Things to Do in Vegas

Before you plan your Vegas adventure, check out these common questions about the city’s attractions and activities. We’ve compiled expert answers to help you make the most of your visit, whether you’re traveling with family, as a couple, or solo.