If you don’t really enjoy gambling and you’re not much into drinking and partying late at night – you might be looking for things to do in Las Vegas other than casinos. I’ve been to Vegas twice and only later in life as I didn’t think there would be much for me to do in this town. As it turns out, we are not alone and there are plenty of non gambling Las Vegas tourists and there are some really cool things to see and do here!
1. The Neon Museum
Among my favorite non gambling Las Vegas attractions is the incredible Neon Museum. The Neon Museum is just north of the strip and is a boneyard of old Las Vegas signs. The best time to visit the Neon Museum is obviously at night, when the giant signs are lit and the entire place glows of vibrant colors.
Guests touring at night can also opt for an additional ticket to view “Brilliant” – a fabulous creative light display set to music across the street. You sit, surrounded by old Vegas signs that no longer function – and through the magic of projection technology, these signs come back to life. Not only do they light up, they dazzle and dance – while classic songs like “Luck Be A Lady Tonight” and “Viva Las Vegas” play in full surround sound. It’s amazing!
2. Dig This!
If you’ve ever wanted to hop behind the controls of a large piece of construction equipment – look no further than Dig This! Dig This is a heavy equipment playground in Las Vegas where travelers can experience amusing challenges and tasks on large excavators and other machines.
It’s located south of the Las Vegas Strip and is currently ranked by TripAdvisor as the #1 attraction in Vegas. Even young kids can experience the fun, as an instructor guides you through the dirt via wireless headphones while you stack tires, pick up basketballs, and yes – dig lots of dirt! Definitely a great non gambling Las Vegas attraction!
3. Fremont Street Experience
A visit to Las Vegas isn’t complete until you’ve explored Fremont Street. Though it’s obviously better at night with the lights and atmosphere, a visit during the day can be fun as well. (Especially if you hate crowds or drunk people.) Yes, there are casinos but you don’t really have to go into them.
If you can brave the crowds, the light show overhead is worth seeing and there are plenty of restaurants around to grab a bite to eat. If you’re visiting the Mob Museum, it’s literally right down the street. Just pay the $8.00 parking fee at the Mob Museum and walk to Fremont Street afterwards. You have a four hour window for parking.
4. Michael Jackson ONE
Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque de Soleil is one of the most amazing shows I’ve ever seen. (Assuming you love Michael Jackson’s music!) The performers are absolutely incredible at what they do. One minute they’re all dancing in the dark with suits made of blinking lights and the next they’re soaring across the crowd on ropes. It’s insane!
The videos of Michael Jackson are really great as well. If you had to see one show in Vegas, I can’t recommend this one enough. I had so much fun! While this is obviously a non gambling Las Vegas attraction, you’ll still have to work your way past the casino to get there! (Moonwalk with your wallet in your pocket!)
It’s currently showing at the Mandalay Bay Resort on the south end of the Vegas Strip.
5. Valley Of Fire State Park
This one actually requires a bit of a drive but it’s worth the trip! Valley Of The Fire State Park is one of Nevada’s most popular state parks and guarantees some mind blowing scenery! It’s about one hour from downtown Vegas and you can explore most of the park in one day. It does get busy so arrive early to beat some of the crowds!
6. Mob Museum
This is one of the best museums in Las Vegas! The Mob Museum, located a short walk from Fremont Street is full of interesting stories, history, and exhibits. I will admit, I didn’t know much about the mob before I went to explore the museum and I learned so much!
One of my favorite quotes from the museum was about Italian immigrants who heard great things about America that weren’t always completely true. One immigrant was quoted as saying: “I heard the streets of America were paved with gold. When I arrived, I discovered they weren’t paved with gold. The streets weren’t paved at all. And I was expected to pave the streets.” Ha!
7. The Strat
The Stratosphere (now known as “The Strat”) is a fixture of the Las Vegas skyline and one of the tallest observation towers in the world. At 1,149 feet in the air, visitors can enjoy a 360 degree look at Las Vegas and the surrounding desert and mountains. It’s so beautiful! While it’s technically a non gambling Las Vegas attraction, you’ll have to make your way through the casino to get there!
In addition to the observation deck, you can also take a ride on one of the thrilling attractions the Strat offers.
8. Pinball Hall of Fame
Not only is the Pinball Hall of Fame a great non gambling Vegas attraction, it’s also free! You’re welcome to stop by, take a look around and enjoy these awesome vintage pinball games. Yes, if you want to play, they have change machines as you walk in the front door.
It’s easily walkable from the famous Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas sign right down the street. Be sure to check out some of the other unique machines they have as well – including an old Disney machine that would build you a Disney character while you wait.
9. Bellagio Fountain Shows
Of course the Bellagio Fountains had to be on our list! If you’ve never seen these spectacular fountains in person, please do yourself a favor and be sure to get there. It doesn’t cost anything to watch the shows and you never have to set foot in the casino to enjoy them.
The fountains have over 1,200 water nozzles used for each performance! The shows begin every half hour during the daytime and then every 15 minutes after 6:00pm. Check out their website for exact times.
10. The Atomic Museum
Las Vegas and the surrounding region has a long history with atomic energy and nuclear testing. The Atomic Museum explores the history of the nuclear bomb and all of the science, research, and testing that went into developing this destructive weapon of war.
The museum is an interesting non gambling Las Vegas attraction with lots of historical artifacts. It also has a small theater where you feel a simulated nuclear test and learn the pros and cons of this research and development.