“Free” isn’t a word that’s usually associated with Las Vegas. But despite the high price tags of Vegas hotels, restaurants and shows, it does offer a variety of daily, no-fee attractions for adults and children. Like the hotels and casinos, many offer 24/7 access.
? Masquerade Show in the Sky (Masquerade Village, Inside the Rio hotel) It’s Mardi Gras every day with exotically costumed dancers and carnival-themed floats in a series of scheduled parades. (For $12.95, you can don a costume and ride the floats.)
For late-night partying, there’s “Masquerade After Hours” with a live DJ and special musical performances (11pm to 3am)
? The Bellagio Fountains: The “choreographed” water ballet is accompanied by music. It’s less touristy — and more entertaining — than it sounds and a relaxing respite from nonstop gaming.
? Wildlife: Sneak a peak at Siegfried & Roy’s famous white tigers (Mirage White Tiger Habitat); visit the lions at the MGM Grand Lion Habitat; stroll along streams and waterfalls to view exotic foliage, 300+ birds, turtles and koi, at the Flamingo’s Wildlife Habitat.
? Conservatories: You can take a visual and sensory break by walking through super-sized atriums with seasonal floral and foliage displays at the Bellagio and the Wynn.
? Las Vegas Preview Studios (at the Venetian): Market researchers let you view movie trailers and preview new television shows; sample food; play prototype slot machines and more in exchange for your opinions.
? Candy lovers can head to M&M World, which covers 28,000 sq. ft. on four floors and includes a 3D theater and the M&M race car that Elliot Sadler drove in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. Yes, there are free samples.
? Big winners have been known to exchange their winnings for their fantasy autos at the Exotic Cars Showroom at Caesar’s Forum Shops. But it costs nothing to view the luxury cars — including Aston Martins, Bentleys, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Maseratis — on display.
? Get free admission to the Imperial Palace Automobile Museum with a printable online coupon.
? Other venues worth a visit: The Tropicana Bird Show; the Neon Museum (Freemont St.) and the Las Vegas Club Sports Hall of Fame.
© Cheapflights Ltd Marlene R. Fedin
