Top 10 Free Things to Do in Sin City, Las Vegas, NV

Vacationing in Las Vegas, Nevada can get to be quite expensive, from buffets to hotel rooms, gambling, and more. As a Vegas local, I've compiled what I think to be the top 10 absolutely FREE things are to do here in town. Yes, I know, there are probably a zillion things to do here for free, but unfortunately I don't have the patience or concentration to name them all. Most are family friendly, however a couple aren't. Read on and enjoy FREE entertainment in Sin City, NV.

1. MGM Grand Lion Habitat

This is not to be missed; lions are featured daily inside MGM's lion habitat near the front strip entrance to the casino. It's an amazing experience to be so close to such a powerful animal, even if they are behind sound-proof glass. Admission is FREE for everyone, and it is recommended that you bring a camera along.

Hours: 11am - 7pm daily

Location: MGM Grand - 3799 Las Vegas Blvd S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

2. Hawaiian Marketplace

Features animatronic bird shows as well as Polynesian, Tahitian and Hawaiian traditional dances. Little kiosks selling tourist trinkets are spread throughout the marketplace, as well as a few select Asian restaurants. The marketplace layout is well shaded, which provides comfortable resting areas.

Hours: Folklore stories by the Birdman - Friday thru Tuesday 1pm - 3pm

Dance performances - 4pm - 9pm daily

Location: 3743 Las Vegas Blvd S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

3. Gaming Lessons

Coming to Vegas without playing at least one table game is like going to an amusement park without intending to ride at least one scary ride. Here's your chance to take that leap and have the time of your life! Most strip and larger casinos offer FREE gaming lessons open to the public 21 years of age and older.

• Excalibur, 3850 Las Vegas Blvd S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

Poker: Daily; 2pm

• Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd S., Las Vegas, NV 89119

Poker: Monday-Thursday; 2pm

• Palms, 4321 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89103

Texas Hold 'Em Poker: Monday-Friday; Noon

• Monte Carlo, 3770 Las Vegas Blvd S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

Craps: Friday & Saturday; 11am

Texas Hold 'Em: Monday-Thursday; 11am

• Sahara, 2535 Las Vegas Blvd S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

Blackjack: Monday-Friday; Noon

Craps: Monday-Friday; 11:30am

Texas Hold 'Em: Monday-Friday; 10am

• Hilton, 3535 Las Vegas Blvd S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

Blackjack: Monday-Friday; 2 pm

Craps: Monday-Friday; 10:30am, 4pm

Let It Ride: Monday-Friday; 3:15pm

5 Card Stud: Monday-Friday; 3:15pm

Pai Gow: Monday-Friday; 3:15pm

Texas Hold 'Em: Monday-Friday; 3:15pm, 5pm

• Planet Hollywood, 3667 Las Vegas Blvd S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

Blackjack: Monday-Friday; 10am

Craps: Monday-Friday; 11am

Roulette: Monday-Friday; 12:30pm

Pai Gow: Monday-Friday; 1:15pm

Mini Baccarat: Monday-Friday; 1:15pm

Texas Hold 'Em: Monday-Friday; 9am or upon request

• Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

Craps/Dice: Monday-Friday; 11am, 5pm

Roulette: Monday-Friday; Noon

Blackjack: Monday-Friday; 12:15pm, 3:15pm

Pai Gow: Monday-Friday; 2pm

Mini Baccarat: Monday-Friday; 4pm

• Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

Blackjack: Monday-Friday; 12:15pm

Roulette: Monday-Friday; Noon

Craps/Dice: Monday-Friday; 11am, 5pm

Texas Hold 'Em: Daily, times vary

4. Siegfried & Roy's White Tiger Habitat

Open to the public at no charge, and mesmerizing guests of all ages is the White Tiger Habitat inside the Mirage Hotel & Casino. The facility provides an open-air home to Royal White Tigers bred and cared for by Siegfried & Roy. The tigers are rotated throughout the day, and when not in the habitat, enjoy a comfortable living environment including occasional countryside excursions.

Hours: 9am - 5:30pm daily

Location: Mirage - 3400 Las Vegas Blvd S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

5. Fremont Street Experience

Sheltered by a 90-foot tall canopy, downtown Freemont Street provides an eyeful of excitement to families of all sizes and ages. Several festive programs are provided for entertainment each night (varies by season), with music blaring around the clock daily. Each hour daily between sunset and midnight the core comes to life as an integrated music and graphics show is played known as Viva Vision. The Viva Vision show lasts for a ¼ mile down through Freemont Street, and the kids love it.

Hours: Casinos - 24 hours

Viva Vision - Hourly from Sunset - Midnight

Location: 425 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101

6. Cruising the Strip

Either by car or by foot, cruising the strip during the evening and night hours is one event that cannot be missed. As the warm air envelops your every movement, much like silk, even the most experience of locals can easily become distracted. Shops, casinos, clubs and bars alike line this famous ever-crowded street. Be mindful of pedestrians if your driving, their feet tend to have minds of their own.

Hours: 24/7

Location: Core of the strip - On South Las Vegas Blvd, from Sands Ave to East Tropicana Ave

7. CBS Television City

This is your opportunity to watch, rate and experience new TV shows, yet to be released or already released. Shows are featured from CBS, MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, UPN, Showtime, TNN, and CMT, which are viewed in small theatres. Touch screen computers are provided to audience members to select their response through the viewing. Participants are occasionally selected for group discussions. Screenings generally run from 45 to 90 minutes. This is a fun opportunity to really have your opinion voiced on new and existing TV programs. Children under 18 are permitted as long as under the supervision of a parent/guardian.

Hours: 10am - 8:30pm daily

Location: MGM Grand - 3799 Las Vegas Blvd S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

8. Ethel M Chocolate Factory

On the self-guided tour of the chocolate factory, guests are given a behind-the-scenes look at the candy making process. When your tour has been completed, complimentary chocolate samples are given generously. In addition to the chocolate factory, the property also contains a 2.5 acre cactus garden a variety of cacti species.

Hours: 8:30am - 6pm daily

Location: 2 Cactus Garden Dr, Henderson, NV 89015

9. Sirens of TI

The shows feature dancing, music, sword fighting, acrobatics, pyrotechnics as well as the sinking of a full size ship. Approximate length of the show is 15 minutes. Not recommended for young children, the show features women in skimpy costumes fighting off a group of pirates.

Hours: 5:30pm, 7pm, 8:30pm, 10pm

Location: Treasure Island's Sirens' Cove - 3300 Las Vegas Blvd S., Las Vegas, NV 89109

10. Bellagio's Fountain Show

The unpredictable nature of the water and music combination is fascinating and not to be missed by any tourist. Choreographed to a T, and made famous by many movies, the show will not leave you disappointed. Children will love this show, having them entranced the minute it starts.

Hours: Monday - Friday; 3pm-Midnight

Saturday & Sunday; Noon-Midnight

Each show is every 30 minutes until 7pm.

From 7pm thru midnight each show is every 15 minutes.

Location: Bellagio Hotel and Casino - 3600 Las Vegas Blvd S., Las Vegas, NV 89109