What is Freee in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is traditionally associated with casinos and late night club scenes, yet the city has much more to offer visitors and locals. Las Vegas has many things to do that differ from the stereotype--and won't cost you a lot of money. From the desert life to the free outdoor events, Las Vegas has something fun for everyone.

Best 'Dam' in Nevada

The Hoover Dam is located 30 miles south of Las Vegas and hosts nearly 1 million visitors annually. As of 2010, the dam was open year-round with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tours are offered daily. As of 2010, entry to the Hoover Dam's visitor center was $11 for an adult, $9 for senior citizens, juniors and military, and free for children under 3 and military personnel in uniform. Several marathons and half marathons take place each year at the Hoover Dam.

View the Wildlife

Just outside the hustle and bustle of the city are several nature preserves and trails that offer a cheap alternative way to enjoy Las Vegas. The Red Rock Canyon conservation area is located just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip and offers guests the chance to view the thriving wildlife of the Nevada desert. Low-cost guided wildlife tours are available at the Red Rock Canyon visitor center; as of May 2010, the fee was $7 per car, $3 per motorcycle or pedestrian and $30 for an annual pass. There is a 13-mile scenic drive as well as many different levels of hiking trails, picnic grounds and bike routes to enjoy.

Live Entertainment

Don't spend big bucks on pricey shows--Las Vegas has plenty of free live entertainment each night. The downtown area offers the Freemont Street Experience, which features Viva Vision shows on a 90-foot LED screen each night at dusk. In addition to the shows, the street itself comes alive with street performers, vendors and shops. Many hotels also offer free nightly shows such as the Rio All "Masquerade in the Sky" show.

Check out Local Hotels

Las Vegas hotels are known for their extravagant decor, which is always free to view, For example, the Bellagio Hotel's fountains are world-famous for their nightly displays and can be viewed by anyone strolling the Las Vegas Strip. Once inside the hotel, you can check out the exotic plants and pristine ponds of the indoor Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, which are open 365 days a year free of charge. Other hotels have entire shopping centers and attractions that are open to the general public; for example, the Venetian features gondola rides and live Italian-inspired "street" music.

Water Wonders

Even though it's in the middle of the desert, Las Vegas has many water-inspired exhibitions and attractions that are free or charge a minimal fee. The Silverton Hotel has a 117,000-gallon aquarium featuring more than 4,000 fish and live "mermaids" preforming 15-minute shows twice a day--all open to the public for free. The Mandalay Bay Shark Reef costs, as of 2010, $16.95 for adults and $10.95 for children 5-12; it's free for children under 4. The Shark Reef has 1,200 species, including sharks and 300-pound turtles. It has been accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association of Nevada.
Mandalay Bay Shark Reef
3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89119
Tel: 702-632-7777
sharkreef.com