Las Vegas can be a fun and exciting trip for families, but the cost of getting to the city, hotels, transportation, show tickets and other activities will certainly add up over time.
It can be easy to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars during your trip, which isn’t always feasible when you are traveling on a budget or if you have a larger family.
Thankfully, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have fun in Las Vegas! There are a surprising number of free things to do in Las Vegas with kids that cost nothing and are just as fun as the may paid attractions available both on and off the strip.
If you are looking for free things to do in Vegas with kids, then you don’t need to search endlessly for hidden gems or deals.
The following guide will help you discover the most exciting and fun free things to do in Las Vegas with kids that will make your vacation fun, exciting and memorable for years to come.
1- Children’s Park at Town Square
The Children’s Park at Town Square is an exciting park that is completely free of charge! There is so much to do here that you and your children could spend hours exploring and having endless fun.
The park features a splash pad with a Pop Jet foundation, an exciting hedge maze, a tree house, a bakery playhouse and plenty of other kid-friendly attractions that can be enjoyed for no cost at all.
2- Bellagio Fountain Shows
The Bellagio Fountains are some of the most iconic fountains in Vegas, and it’s all thanks to the regular fountain shows that are held here every night.
The shows vary from season to season and run every 15 to 30 minutes. Each fountain show features cool water jet patterns, lights and even music.
This is a perfect free show to take in while you’re in between meals or taking a rest during your Las Vegas vacation.
3- Bellagio Conservatory
If you’re in the area of the fountain show, make sure to check out the conservatory! The Bellagio Conservatory and Gardens feature a stunning 50-foot glass enclosure with a spectacular garden interior that changes with the seasons.
During spring, for instance, cherry blossoms and spring flowers are the order of the day–while in the fall, the conservatory is decked out in an array of orange, red and golden foliage.
If you’re heading to Vegas towards Christmas season, you and your kids will be treated to a truly beautiful Christmas garden display–and all for free!
4- Mirage Hotel Atrium and Tropical Rainforest
If your children love to explore the outdoors and want to know what it might be like to walk through a rainforest, this free rainforest atrium at the Mirage Hotel might be just the (free) ticket! The atrium features a 20,000 gallon saltwater aquarium with tons of aquatic wildlife, and just behind the aquarium is a tropical rainforest complete with lagoons, a waterfall, and tons of stunning tropical plants, flowers and more.
Kids who love gardens and the outdoors will love to imagine they’re heading through a real jungle as you make your way through this free indoor rainforest garden.
5- Flamingo Hotel Wildlife Habitat
Children and families who love animals will definitely want to check out this free wildlife habitat on view at the Flamingo Hotel.
The wildlife habitat features 15 acres of land, complete with–as you would expect–flamingos, penguins, turtles, fish, cranes and plenty of other birds.
The habitat is open from 8 am to 8 pm every day, so it’s perfect for visiting any time of the day during your Las Vegas trip. This is one free attraction that families with animal lovers won’t want to miss.
6- Calico Basin Red Springs
If you and your family are looking for something adventures in the great outdoors, then head a few minutes away from downtown Las Vegas to Calico Basin Red Springs.
This is the free area of the Red Rock Canyon National park which does not require an admission fee. The Calico Basin Red Springs features beautiful red and white sandstone cliffs as well as natural springs which attract wildlife and host interesting vegetation.
The area isn’t difficult to hike and is perfect for families with children who have a budding sense of adventure.
7- Circus Circus Show
If your kids love the circus, then you won’t want to miss this! Circus Circus is a free circus show produced by the Circus Hotel. The production runs every half hour, every day, from 11 am to 11 PM at the Circus Hotel.
Admission to the Circus Circus Show is free, but make sure to get there early to pick up your tickets as there are only 60 seats in the small theater.
There is a nearby ‘midway’ with carnival style attractions, but these cost money so be prepared to leave after the circus show is over if you want this to stay free.
8- Mirage Erupting Volcano
One of the most iconic sites in the city is the Mirage Hotel volcano, which is located just outside the Mirage Hotel entrance.
This outdoor volcano puts on a fiery show complete with fireballs, explosions, flowing lava as well as a musical soundtrack. The shows are held at 8 and 9 PM on Sunday through Thursday and 8, 9 and 10 PM on Friday and Saturday.
This is a definite must-see at the end of the night, and it makes the perfect night cap to a fun filled Las Vegas vacation day.
9- Ethel M Chocolate Factory
The Ethel M Chocolate Factory is one of the most unique free things to do in Las Vegas with kids! The tour is self-guided and features free samples, along with an up-close view of how the famous Ethel M chocolates are made right in the factory.
Of course, the gift shop at the end of the tour isn’t free–but all tour guests do get some free samples, so you can keep this a free attraction as long as you steer clear of the paid gifts at the end.
10- Botanical Cactus Garden
The Botanical Cactus Garden is located right next to the Ethel M Chocolate Factory, so they make a perfect double visit when you’re on the hunt for free things to do in Vegas with kids.
The Botanical Cactus Garden spans 4 acres and is the largest cactus garden in the state of Nevada. In all there are 300 different species of plant on view, including native cacti, along with desert trees and foliage from as far away as Australia.
If you happen to visit around Christmas, you’ll see the cactus garden decked out in Christmas lights.
11- Mermaid Show at the Silverton Hotel
This is one of the most unique free things to do in Las Vegas with kids! Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday the Silverton Hotel features a free mermaid show in their aquarium.
The mermaid show is held about 3 to 5 times per day on the days it’s showing, but be sure to check with the hotel for the show hours to confirm before you head over for a visit.
The mermaid shows will definitely appeal to kids who still believe in a little magic or who don’t mind pretending for the sake of their younger siblings.
The Silverton Hotel aquarium is worth a free visit even outside the mermaid show hours, as there are thousands of different tropical fish on hand to see.
12- Pinball Hall of Fame
One of the most unique free things to do in Las Vegas with kids is to check out the Pinball Hall of Fame! This unique museum is dedicated to pinball machines, especially vintage pinball machines.
The museum boasts the largest collection of displayed pinball machines in the world, and children and adults alike will get a kick out of seeing the rows and rows of old pinball machines with their unique art and distinct flair.
13- Lake of Dreams
The Lake of Dreams is a special effects show held every day at the Wynn Las Vegas. Lake of Dreams starts at desk and runs every half hour until 12:30 AM.
The show features special effects projected on water, including over 4,000 different lights, holographic, as well as puppets. This is definitely one of the most unique night time shows in Vegas, and it can be viewed for free!
14- Fall of Atlantis at Caesar’s Palace
This unique free show is held every day at the famous Caesar’s Palace on the strip. The show is based around the legend of Atlantis and features everything from special effects to animatronics to fire effects and much more.
The show runs every day, every hour, on the hour, so you’ll be able to catch it whenever is more convenient for you and your family during your trip.
The show itself is held inside the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, so it makes for a perfect break when you’re doing some shopping in the area.
15- Rainstorm in the Desert
Rainstorm in the Dessert is one of the coolest free things to do in Las Vegas with kids. Rainstorm in the Desert is an indoor rainstorm show located at Planet Hollywood Miracle Mile Shops.
The show takes place every half hour on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and Sunday; the show runs every hour on the top of the hour, so make sure you get there in time to see the beginning.
The show simulates an indoor rainstorm, complete with thunder, fog, and lightning and of course, pouring rain.
16- Streetmosphere at Grand Canal Shoppes
Streetmosphere at Grand Canal Shoppes is definitely one of the most unique free things to do in Vegas with kids.
This unique outdoor shopping plaza features dozens of performers–including musicians, singers, actors and even living statues and vibrant performance groups–that perform free of charge.
There are around 30 different performances happening every day her, so there is always something new to see.
17- Court Jester’s Stage
Court Jester’s Stage is a free performance space inside Excalibur Casino, specifically located inside the Medieval Village in the casino.
This family friendly attraction features an array of magicians, jugglers and other performances that perform every 45 minutes starting at 11 am.
This is a great free attraction that makes a perfect alternative to the pricier Tournament of Kings dinner show held at Excalibur Casino.
18- Mystic Falls Park
Mystic Falls Park is located at Sash’s Town Hotel. This park is calm and quaint during most of the day, but once it’s show time, it becomes a stunning night show that is sure to entertain your kids at the end of the day.
The show is called Sunset Stampede Laster Light and Water Show and is inspired by Western pioneers; the show runs 5 times starting from 2 PM. It features everything from dancing water displays, laser lights, as well as thrilling music.
19- Marjorie Barrick Museum of Natural History
One of the best things to do when on a vacation to Vegas is to check out some of the many cool museums in the area.
The Marjorie Barrick Museum of Natural History is completely free and will help children learn more about native Southwestern American Indian tribes, ancient Mexico and much more local history.
Admission to the museum, which opens at 9 AM on weekdays and noon on Saturdays, is perfect for kids curious about the world around them.
20- Neon Museum Urban Gallery
The full Neon Museum does require admission to enter, but there is one gallery in the museums that is free for visitors: the Neon Museum Urban Gallery.
This gallery features neon signs that have been refurbished into artistic pieces, all of which can be viewed for no cost at all. This is a great option for older kids who might get a kick out of seeing repurposed art.
21- Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam is one of the most significant innovative marvels in the country, and it can be viewed for free as long as you stick to free parking and avoid paid tours. Free parking tends to get filled up fast, so make sure you get there early in order to find a spot.
Your children will love to explore the Visitor’s Center area which provides essential trivia and other tidbits about the Hoover Dam, how it works, as well as hits construction. And make sure to take plenty of photos!
ِAlso If you’re looking for day trips from Las Vegas, look no further than the truly stunning options offered at our guide.
22- Paris in Vegas
This is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas with kids for families that don’t mind something a little kitschy.
The Paris Casino features multiple replicas of some of Paris’ most famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe.
Seeing these impressive replicas is completely free of charge. And who knows, if you plan on taking the kids to Paris anytime in the future, they’ll be able to get a preview of what is to come on their next vacation!
23- Freemont Street Experience
Freemont Street is one of the landmarks of the original Las Vegas strip. Freemont Street features live performances, daily shows, light and music shows and everything in between.
The Street is nestled in plenty of shopping, so it makes a perfect free attraction while you’re getting some shopping done in the area. Kids will especially appreciate the daily light and sound show produced by Viva Vision.
You may need to steer clear of certain shows on the street if you have younger kids, some since of the live performances are geared towards at least a teenager audience.
However, most of the shows are completely family friendly no matter how old your children are during your Las Vegas trip.
Free Things To Do In Las Vegas With Kids? It’s more likely than You Think!
Las Vegas is one of the most exciting places to take your family on vacation, but the potential cost of a Vegas vacation can seem daunting.
Thankfully, there are a surprising—if not shocking—amount of free attractions and destinations in Las Vegas that will help keep the costs of your family vacation on the lower side.
Free attractions aren’t always as flashy as some of the paid shows available on the Las Vegas strip, but many of the shows featured above are just as vibrant, fun and memorable for children as anything that might cost a pretty penny for admission.
Children of all ages will be able to appreciate the many free attractions on this list, whether they are stunning light shows or wildlife exhibits or something in between.
If you are looking to save money and have some unique fun on your next visit to Las Vegas, you won’t want to miss the above free things to do in Las Vegas with kids.
Just remember to double check factors such as location and hours in order to make sure that your free destination will be open during your trip. Good luck—and have fun!
Angelica says:
Las Vegas is truly an ultimate playground, the city is colorful and vibrant, making it an ideal destination for various travelers looking to explore its entertainment, cuisine, and nightlife scene with a minimal budget. My siblings will appreciate it here! Thanks for coming up with this list.
Christian Marcos says:
I love Las Vegas! This is my dream destination maybe after the pandemic, hopefully. Cheers to the author of this article. Will surely check this article once I’m all set for Las Vegas.
Giselle Corpuz says:
Las Vegas is truly amazing.
Eric says:
Thanks for this! I’m planning to bring my family this weekend.
Devi Colombus says:
thanks for these! hope we can visit las vegas soon, we are from Kingsport
Paul says:
I do live too in Las Vegas. I’ve been working here too!
Yvette Martin says:
That’s a great list. Looks like you guys had a great time. I visited Las Vegas with my family last year and we had a great time. Vegas has so much to offer other than casinos.