Top 5 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas
5 Unique Things to Do in Las Vegas with Kids
5 Unique Things to Do in Las Vegas for Couples
5 Outdoorsy and Fun Things to Do in Las Vegas
5 Free Things to Do in Las Vegas
5 Unique Things to Do in Las Vegas for Locals
Las Vegas may be known for its casinos and entertainment, but there’s a lot more to Sin City than its bright lights and late nights. Beyond the Strip, you’ll find desert wildlife, a thriving local arts scene, and thrilling outdoor adventures that take advantage of Nevada’s stunning and underrated landscape. In other words, there are countless unique things to do in Las Vegas.
Whether you’re moving to Las Vegas, you’ve lived here for years, or you’re just visiting, this comprehensive list of things to do in Las Vegas should keep you busy and entertained.
Unique Things to Do in Las Vegas
What else is there to do in Vegas besides gamble? Honestly, a lot more than you might think. From ziplining and fine dining to boating on Lake Mead, we’ve put together a list of 25 unique things to do in Las Vegas for tourists and locals alike.
Our list includes kid-friendly adventures like wildlife encounters, thrilling date ideas like luxury car racing, and classic Vegas entertainment like free circus shows. With this guide, you’ll never be unsure about what to do in Las Vegas.
Top 5 Best Things to Do in Las Vegas
With so many things to do in Las Vegas, we know it can be overwhelming looking for ideas. That’s why we pulled our top choices from our longer lists below. Here are the top five best of the best things to do in Las Vegas.
1. Zipline over Fremont Street. Soar above the crowds and neon lights for one of the most thrilling views in Vegas.
2. Venture to the free circus on the Carnival Midway stage. Watch aerialists, trapeze artists, and other performers put on family-friendly shows throughout the day.
3. Get up close to the lions at Lion Habitat Ranch. Few places allow visitors to see these majestic animals so closely while also teaching about conservation efforts.
4. Escape the city and enjoy a day on Lake Mead or the Colorado River. Boating on Lake Mead and kayaking on the Colorado River offer refreshing ways to experience the desert landscape surrounding Las Vegas.
5. See local artists shine at The Arts Factory. Peruse the galleries, both indoor and outdoor, while enjoying live music.
Keep reading to find even more ideas of what to do in Las Vegas for locals, families, and tourists.
5 Unique Things to Do in Las Vegas with Kids
Though it may surprise some, Las Vegas can still be kid-friendly. From interactive museums and indoor theme parks to wildlife encounters and underwater shows, there are plenty of unique things to do in Las Vegas with kids.
1. Spark Their Curiosity at Interactive Museum Exhibits
There are so many museums to take the kids to in Las Vegas. One favorite is the Discovery Children’s Museum, where your kids can engage in hands-on science learning and explore interactive exhibits on topics like tech innovation and water conservation. Or you can embark on a prehistoric adventure with dinosaurs and marine life at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum.
2. Seek Thrills and Family Fun at The Adventuredome
With rollercoasters, laser tag, arcades, and so much more, visiting The Adventuredome, located at Circus Circus Hotel, is one of the most unique things to do in Las Vegas. The indoor theme park has rides fit for both younger kids and older thrill-seekers, so no one will feel left out.
3. Visit the Lion Habitat Ranch
Families can step up close to 21 majestic lions at the Lion Habitat Ranch, whose mission is to help preserve wildlife habitats. Get a tour of the grounds and watch handlers feed the lions right in front of you. The ranch is also home to ostriches, emus, parrots, and tortoises, and offers a variety of opportunities to feed and interact with the animals.
4. Meet Their Heroes at Madame Tussauds
With over 75 lifelike wax figures, Madame Tussauds allows the whole family to snag a photo with their favorite celebrity, real or fictional. You can even come face-to-face with a few beloved Marvel superheroes, including The Hulk, Captain America, Iron Man, and Spider-Man.
5. See the Mermaids at the Silverton Aquarium
Stop by the free Silverton Casino Aquarium Mermaid Show to add some whimsy and magic to your day. Watch as “real-life” mermaids swim through the aquarium and interact with the sea creatures. Kids can even take part in Mermaid School to join the swim too.
5 Unique Things to Do in Las Vegas for Couples
Vegas’s glamorous casinos are always perfect for date night. But if you’re looking for more unique things to do in Las Vegas for couples, here are five of our favorites.
1. Grab a Drink in a Speakeasy
The Underground, hidden within the Mob Museum downtown, is the perfect place to mix up date night. The venue transports you back to the Prohibition Era with stunning decor and hand-crafted cocktails in its old-school speakeasy and distillery. Go on weekend evenings to catch some live jazz, too.
2. Savor Las Vegas’s Fine Dining
A romantic dinner is a classic Vegas date night, and the offerings of the best restaurants in Las Vegas range from elegant tasting menus to inventive chef-driven concepts. But if you want a truly unparalleled dining experience, try Blackout, where you’ll be wined and dined in the dark, or Superfrico, a restaurant-meets–house-party concept that will keep you entertained all night long.
3. Explore the Neon Museum
Walk around or take a guided tour of The Neon Museum, an homage to Vegas’s colorful history. This outdoor “boneyard” preserves iconic casino and hotel signs from decades past. Visit at sunset or after dark for an especially romantic atmosphere.
4. Race Exotic Cars on a Private Racetrack
Get in the driver’s seat of one of twenty different luxury sports cars, including Porsche and Ferrari, at SPEED VEGAS. Zoom through laps on your own or ride along with a professional drift racer. The high-adrenaline experience goes above and beyond a typical dinner date.
5. Zipline over Iconic Fremont Street
Fremont Street is considered the original Las Vegas entertainment district, but why not see it from a new perspective? The SlotZilla ziplines fly you over Fremont Street’s lively venues, where you’ll be surrounded by sweeping lights and visuals under The Canopy, a massive LED screen overhead.
5 Outdoorsy and Fun Things to Do in Las Vegas
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Las Vegas that go beyond eccentric indoor venues, you won’t have to go far. The surrounding desert landscape offers unforgettable outdoor experiences, including scenic trails, rivers, and more.
1. Camp in the Spring Mountains Range
The Red Rock Canyon Campground on the eastern foothills of the Spring Mountains is one of the best camping spots in the area. The site is a short, 30-minute drive from the city and has dozens of campgrounds available for reservation. While camping, enjoy easy access to hiking trails and views of the area’s iconic red sandstone cliffs.
2. Kayak Down the Colorado River to Emerald Cave
Enjoy a relaxing day on the water, either by paddling on your own or taking a kayak tour to Emerald Cave. Floating along the Colorado River offers a peaceful escape from the city and a chance to take in the beautiful desert scenery. For the best view of Emerald Cave and its glowing green water, plan to arrive around midday when the sun is highest and reflects against the river’s algae.
3. Take a Boat or Jet Ski Out on Lake Mead
Spend a sunny afternoon cruising across Lake Mead by boat or jet ski. The lake, formed by the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River, is a year-round favorite for getting out on the water. Many locals keep their watercraft at the marina or in Las Vegas self-storage so they can head out on spontaneous lake days whenever they like.*
4. Mountain Bike Through the Blue Diamond Loop
Just 45 minutes away from Las Vegas, the Blue Diamond Loop is a favorite trail among cyclists. Park for free near the McGhies Bike Outpost before starting your ride. The 16-mile route is challenging but rewarding with stunning views of the Spring Mountain valleys.
5. Hike to Natural Hot Springs in Goldstrike Canyon
The roughly five-mile hike to the hot springs on Goldstrike Canyon Trail climbs 1,000 feet in elevation. The trail is considered a canyoneering route, as it requires climbing some rock formations to get through. It’s a difficult trek, but for experienced climbers it offers an exciting and rewarding adventure.
After a season packed with outdoor fun, you might find yourself wondering how to store summer vacation gear like kayaks, bikes, and camping equipment until your next trip. Many locals rely on storage solutions around Las Vegas to keep their gear stowed and ready for their next adventure.
5 Free Things to Do in Las Vegas
Entertainment in Sin City can be expensive, so what are some unique free things to do in Vegas? Luckily, there’s plenty to keep you entertained that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Here are some free things to do in Las Vegas.
1. Walk Around the Downtown Container Park
The Downtown Container Park, a sprawling outdoor mall, offers more than just shopping. It’s become a gathering point with free, live entertainment, a playground featuring an interactive treehouse, and lawn games available for public use. Many retailers and restaurants also offer resident discounts, which puts it high on the list of things to do in Las Vegas for locals.
2. Enjoy the Bellagio Fountain Shows
Every 15–30 minutes, the Bellagio fountain show springs to life. With over a thousand fountains made even more magical with music and light, the show is one of the most unforgettable free experiences on the Las Vegas Strip.
3. See Wildlife at the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
Step into a four-acre peaceful garden oasis at the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat. If you go in the morning, you might catch a keeper giving a talk about the flamingos, koi fish, and turtles that call the habitat home. It’s a relaxing break from the energy of the Strip and is completely free to enjoy.
4. Catch Free Circus Acts at Circus Circus
The Circus Circus Hotel and Casino hosts free circus acts on the Carnival Midway stage every day, where performers showcase amazing stunts on aerial silks, trapeze, and more. Admission is free and the shows are kid-friendly!
5. Explore the Pinball Hall of Fame
Retro gaming fans will love exploring the rows of classic pinball machines at the Pinball Hall of Fame. This unique museum displays one of the largest pinball collections in the world. Admission is free, and for a few quarters, you can play a game or two.
5 Unique Things to Do in Las Vegas for Locals
Las Vegas isn’t just a tourist destination. From creative communities and outdoor adventures to sports and stargazing, Las Vegas offers so many unique things to do for locals.
1. Explore Vegas Culture at The Arts Factory
The Arts Factory, located within the Las Vegas Arts District, is a hub for the community’s arts and culture scene. Stop by Preview Thursday or First Friday for live music, local food trucks, and to see features from local artists, photographers, architects, and more.
2. Learn How to Rock Climb at Red Rock Canyon
If you’re a local interested in picking up a more daring hobby, consider taking rock climbing lessons at Red Rock National Conservation Area. The Red Rock area has options for both beginners and more experienced climbers, so you can gradually build up your technical skills in canyoneering, no matter your experience level.
3. Snag Season Tickets for Your Favorite Sports
Vegas sporting events have been growing quickly over the last few years as more teams make the city their home. Locals may want to snag season tickets for their favorite teams, whether you’re cheering on the Las Vegas Raiders, Las Vegas Aces, or the A’s.
4. Stargaze with the Las Vegas Astronomical Society
On select evenings throughout the year, the Las Vegas Astronomical Society hosts public observing events where locals can learn about planets, constellations, and deep-sky objects.
5. Start a New Hobby like Glass Blowing or Pottery
New hobbies can connect you with a community of fellow Las Vegans. Join Clay Arts Vegas for beginner-friendly pottery classes and connect with others interested in hands-on, creative work. LeFrancis Studios is another great local studio offering beginner glass-blowing classes.
Self-Storage to Help You Enjoy the Unique Things to Do in Las Vegas
Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or settling into one of the best neighborhoods in Las Vegas, there’s no shortage of unique experiences to explore. From exciting entertainment and dining spectacles to thrilling outdoor adventures, Las Vegas has something for everyone. Make room for all the Las Vegas fun with CubeSmart self-storage. We offer storage to fit a variety of needs, including options for bicycles, kayaks, camping trailers, and more.* Find a CubeSmart storage facility near you.
*Storage unit sizes are approximate and subject to availability. Temperature and humidity levels within any storage space, including climate-controlled spaces, may vary.
