12+ Things to Do in Las Vegas Besides Gambling

Last updated: August 3, 2026
las vegas neon sign lit up at night

Gambling and Las Vegas typically go together hand-in-hand. However, there are so many fun things to do in Las Vegas besides gamble that you'll forget all about the casinos. To make planning a casino-free trip to Vegas a little easier, we put together a list of top things to do in Las Vegas, and none of them involve any bets at a casino. Some fun suggestions include...

  • Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Tour
  • The Big Apple Roller Coaster
  • Grand Canyon Tours
  • Las Vegas Downtown - Fremont St. Walking Tour
  • Hoover Dam Tour
  • and more!

Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Las Vegas Day Tour

big bus in las vegas

Explore all the highlights of the Vegas Strip and learn about the city's history with knowledgeable guides as you enjoy a Hop On Hop Off Las Vegas Big Bus Tour! Head to the top of the bus for an open-air experience or stay inside the lower level for shade and climate control. Buses leave the Big Bus Tours Welcome Center every 40 minutes and stop at a number of popular locations for hours of fun activities on the Classic Route.

The Big Apple Roller Coaster

people enjoying the thrilling big apple roller coaster in vegas

If you're looking for an adrenaline rush that doesn't involve gambling, The Big Apple Roller Coaster is a great option. You can experience a New York City subway-themed roller coaster that has a Las Vegas feel to it as well - the best of both worlds.  

Red Rock Canyon

red rock canyon

Get away from the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip and head to Red Rock Canyon for a grand tour of the great outdoors. No matter your skill or ability level, there are easy, moderate, and intense hiking choices to suit your style. 

If you want to see the beautiful desolation of the Mojave Desert up close, lace up and go explore!

 

Las Vegas Downtown - Fremont St. Walking Tour

shot of the strip at sunset

What better way to learn about the detailed history of Las Vegas than on a two-hour Las Vegas Downtown Walking Tour with a friendly, knowledgeable guide? See where it all began at the corner of Fremont and Main Streets and step underneath the largest video screen in the world, then continue past the tallest and most attractive casinos and hotels in the city.

You'll also explore the new hotels, restaurants, and shopping areas that are part of the urban revival project taking place on Fremont East, followed by information about the Downtown Container Park, where recycled shipping containers have been used to create an entire open-air shopping and entertainment complex! From the past to the present, the Fremont St. Walking Tour is one of the best ways to experience everything from Vintage Las Vegas sites to the area's most recent developments.

 

Hoover Dam Tour

hoover dam at dusk

With pick-up and drop-off service right from your hotel included in the Hoover Dam Tour package, you won't want to miss the most popular sightseeing attraction in the area! Known as a marvel of modern engineering and the "greatest dam ever built", the Hoover Dam is proof that there are plenty of things to do in Las Vegas besides gamble.

If you're fortunate enough to take this tour during the holiday season, you'll even be rewarded with a bonus stop at the Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Gardens! Enjoy an engaging narration and mini tour of the area on the way to the Dam as told by one of our expert guides. You'll then have two hours to explore the sights upon arrival.

Make sure to walk the Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge if you want to experience the very best views and photo opportunities! Enjoy the museum, exhibit areas, Visitor Center and movie room, and/or walk across the Dam and delight in the works of art lying on the Arizona side of this marvel. The choice is yours!

 

Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas

eiffel tower in las vegas

Experience the romance and charm of Paris within the city limits of Las Vegas! A glass elevator will take you up 46 stories during the popular Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas. On your way to the tower, you'll enjoy French flair and appreciate photo opportunities in front of the Arc de Triomphe, the Paris Opera House, the Louvre, and more.

The 460-foot, adrenaline-inducing ride up the glass elevator will take you to an observation deck where your jaw will drop at the sight of the incredible 360-degree views of the city. Ambassadors who spend their days on this deck will cheerfully point out all the famous landmarks of the stunning Las Vegas skyline and will answer questions about the tower's history. Touted as one of the most romantic and memorable things to do in Las Vegas, you won't want to miss this one!

 

Vegas Rockstar Club Tour

people enjoying a party at night

Guests over the age of 21 can enjoy the Vegas nightlife like a VIP from the inside of a luxurious limo party bus on the seasonal Vegas Rockstar Club Tour. Your VIP host will serve you drinks from the complimentary open bar while you tour some of the top clubs in the city. All cover charges are included in the tour, and you won't have to deal with any lines.

After picking you up at some of the best ultra-lounges in Las Vegas, you'll get VIP entrance privileges at three of the top Vegas clubs.

Rockstar Pool Party Tour

friends enjoying cocktails at a pool party

For a daytime experience as a VIP, guests over 21 can spend their time poolside and touring the area in a Limo Party Bus during the seasonal Rockstar Pool Party Tour. A perfect way to spend a day after a long night out, you'll begin at a relaxing party pool complete with daily drink specials.

Next, hop on board a Limo Party Bus complete with a daiquiri bar, which will take you on a tour of the famous Las Vegas Strip. Following the tour, you'll get the pleasure of enjoying Las Vegas sunshine at one of the area's hottest party pools. 

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

woman sitting next to audrey hepburn waxwork at madame tussauds

Step onto the red carpet and get up-close photos with all your favorite celebrities (or at least their very convincing life-like wax figures) to fool your friends back home. Pose for the paparazzi with Lady Gaga, relive a crazy Vegas night with Bradley Cooper, and fight crime alongside Nick Fury all at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas. Don't miss your favorite Marvel Super Heroes brought to life in the Marvel Super Heroes 4D Experience too.

The Mob Museum

mobster drenched in shadow

Did you know that Las Vegas was essentially built by notorious mobsters? Hear both sides of the story from the notorious battle between law enforcement and organized crime and walk away with a new appreciation for Las Vegas's unique history at The Mob Museum. Real stories are brought to life with engaging, multi-sensory exhibits, rare artifacts, and exclusive insights from people on both sides of the ongoing battle.

Ride the High Roller

the high roller observation wheel towering above the strip

For some of the best views of the Strip, take in the amazing panoramic views on the High Roller Observation Wheel, the world's largest observation wheel at 550 feet above ground level. Grab a drink before boarding at the wheelhouse at the base of the ride, and be sure to spend some time exploring the LINQ outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment area.

The Tower at the STRAT

Tower at the STRAT viewing platform overlooking the Las Vegas skyline

Head to the standout Tower at the STRAT, one of the tallest freestanding observation towers in the United States at 1,149 feet tall, for 360-degree views of the city and beyond.

Outdoor deck: Scan the city through viewfinders or watch a desert sunset. The outdoor observation deck sits atop the Stratosphere building and is the tallest observation deck in the United States.

Indoor deck: Take in views of the Las Vegas Valley from inside the Stratosphere. With uninterrupted 360-degree views, your fear of heights will still be tested.

 

Real Bodies

real bodies exhibit of the muscular structure beneath the skin

This immensely popular exhibition is one for all those interested in science, and for anyone curious about how the human body works. Stroll through nine galleries featuring respectfully presented human remains, from skeletons to preserved organs and beyond. You'll learn a great deal about how the human body works, and get an up-close look inside the skeletal, muscular, reproductive, respiratory, circulatory, and other systems of the human body.

Knowledgeable docents will also make the experience that much more informative, so don't be shy to ask questions! Check out the interactive elements, too.

 

 

Looking for more Las Vegas inspiration to fill out your itinerary? Find out how to see the city in a week, and discover how to eat your way around Sin City.

Step up your sightseeing with Go City®

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See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® - just choose a pass to get started!

Lindsay Eagan
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Las Vegas for a Birthday

Birthdays are precious things, a rare opportunity to make a whole day all about you. And, unless you’re the British monarch, you’ll only get to be this self-indulgent once every 365.25 days, a total of maybe 80-90 times in your lifetime.  Want to smash your special day right out of the park? There’s perhaps no better place to do so than Las Vegas, the hedonistic neon-lit Nevada playground that’s widely considered to be the entertainment capital of the world. Is Vegas fun for a birthday? Heck, you might as well ask if the Pope is a Catholic. Read on for our fun-packed guide to all the best things to do in Las Vegas for your birthday, including adrenalin-fueled activities, spectacular spa days, exciting live extravaganzas and, of course, a spot of birthday roulette. Las Vegas Birthday Ideas #1: Cake! Everything about Sin City feels supersized, technicolored and, well, magnificently and flamboyantly OTT. And the cakes in Vegas are no exception. There are dozens of bakeries on and around the Strip. Follow your nose for delectable French fancies at Patisserie Manon, Délices Gourmand, and Bouchon Bakery at The Venetian. Or pick up a face-sized wedge of the good stuff at the self-explanatory Cheesecake Baker, where the kaleidoscope of flavor options includes tiramisu, matcha, butterscotch and black forest. Rainbows of freshly baked doughnuts are the order of the day at Pinkbox and there are TV-famous gateaux to be had at Freed’s. Heck, it’s your birthday. Go wild, get sinful, and try 'em all! Las Vegas Birthday Ideas #2: Thrills and Spills Adrenalin junkies rejoice! Las Vegas is where it’s at for high-octane birthday adventures. It doesn’t matter how old you are: the appropriately named X-Scream roller coaster which teeter-totters over the edge of the STRAT hotel some 866 feet above the Strip will make you feel gloriously intensely alive. Likewise the Big Shot, which fires riders straight up the STRAT’s mast to a dizzying 1,081 feet above terra firma. For something (marginally) less terrifying, hit up the SlotZilla zipline at the Fremont Street Experience downtown, or head out on a skydive over the Strip or Grand Canyon. Top tip: all of these experiences are best enjoyed before cake, rather than immediately after, for fairly obvious reasons. Las Vegas Birthday Ideas #3: Next-Level Pampering The proliferation of mega-resorts in Las Vegas means football-pitch-sized spa centers are par for the course. Make like an emperor or empress and spend your day fully horizontal in the treatment rooms, snowy Arctic ice zone and balmy Roman baths at Qua Baths & Spa in Caesars Palace, where a 24-karat gold collagen facial massage is just about as decadent as it gets. Or mosey on down to the distinctly 21st-century Spa at Wynn, where the opulent surroundings and broad range of treatments have earned a coveted Forbes 5-star award. Meanwhile, the simultaneous head-and-foot Euphoria massage in The Spa at Encore has to be experienced to be believed.  Las Vegas Birthday Ideas #4: Pink Jeep Tour It’s your birthday, so you’ll want to kick back, put your feet up and make someone else do all the hard work. Which is where Pink Jeep Tours come in. All you have to do is choose your adventure – think in-depth guided drives along the Strip, cruises to Red Rock Canyon, and even 10-hour round-trips to Badwater Basin in Death Valley – climb into the titular shocking-pink 4WD and let your driver take up the slack, leaving you to soak up all the very best of Las Vegas and beyond without lifting a finger. Las Vegas Birthday Ideas #5: Roll the Dice You’re in Vegas and it’s your birthday. Frankly it would be rude not to try your luck in one of the dozens of casinos for which Sin City is famous. Get your glam on at some of the glitziest addresses on the Strip. We’re talking winning streaks at The Wynn, blackjack and bubbly at the Bellagio, and poker in Paris. Or go old school Vegas at Caesars Palace, the Golden Nugget and the Fremont. Top tip: many casinos, including the Wynn, Excalibur, Luxor and MGM Grand, offer free casino credit on your birthday. So grab your ID, stake your claim, and get ready to roll! Las Vegas Birthday Ideas #6: Buy Yourself a Birthday Gift Vegas’s arsenal of credit card-melting activities isn’t just limited to gambling, dining and entertainment you know. No! There’s world-class shopping to be had too, much of it with eye-watering Vegas price tags to match. But, hey, it’s ya birthday, so get yourself over to The Venetian, where the Grand Canal Shoppes boast some of the most luxurious brands in town, and gondola rides along the replica of Venice’s Grand Canal might just be exciting enough to distract you from that four-figure designer watch you’ve been ogling… Las Vegas Birthday Ideas #7: The Grand Canyon Outdoor types will struggle to resist the lure of the Grand Canyon, just a short and spectacular helicopter or plane ride out of Las Vegas (or a long and rather less wow coach trip). For our money, helicopter rides are the best value, affording quite remarkable panoramas and the flexibility to touch down among the canyon's rust-red rocks and wildflowers for bolt-on champagne picnics and other special birthday experiences. The sunset ride back along the Strip against flaming orange and bruised purple skies, as the city lights up with its trademark neon glow, is the kind of unforgettable experience of which Las Vegas birthday dreams are made. Las Vegas Birthday Ideas #8: Showtime! Fancy taking in a show? You’re spolit for choice in Vegas. Hit up the legendary Colosseum at Caesars Palace to experience some of the planet’s biggest music and entertainment stars up close (Cher, Mariah, Elton, Celine and Adele have all had residencies here), or catch one of the ubiquitous Cirque du Soleil spectaculars at major hotels across town. Then there’s the Blue Man Group at the Luxor and countless other live spectaculars, including magic shows, musicals, comedy, cabaret and more up and down the Strip and beyond. Fill your birthday boots! Save on attractions in Las Vegas  Save on admission to Las Vegas attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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Family-Friendly Vegas: Amazing Things to Do with Parents

Traveling with your parents in Las Vegas is a chance to see the city through fresh eyes—and make memories you’ll be talking about for years. Sure, Vegas can turn up the wild factor, but it’s also packed with activities that delight every generation. Think panoramic city views, retro magic, museums steeped in intrigue, and shows with universal wow. Whether you’re a local hosting family or planning a much-anticipated getaway, Las Vegas has something for every travel style, taste, and energy level. Ready to discover what makes the city sparkle for families? Let’s jump in.  Our favorite things to do with parents in Las Vegas include:  High Roller Observation Wheel  The Mob Museum  Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour  Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art  The Neon Museum  Explore Fremont Street  KA by Cirque du Soleil  The Eiffel Tower Experience  Madame Tussauds  Sweet Sin Bakery & Cafe at The LINQ Promenade  High Roller Observation Wheel  If your parents are fans of city views—and who isn’t?—the High Roller Observation Wheel is an absolute standout. It’s the tallest observation wheel in North America, but don’t let that intimidate anyone: the enclosed pods are spacious, comfortable, and surprisingly calming. This is more than a quick spin; the whole ride lasts 30 minutes, giving everyone plenty of time to spot classic Vegas landmarks, mountain vistas, and the sparkling Strip below.  One of the best things about the High Roller is its relaxed atmosphere. Even if the Strip feels hectic, up here it’s peaceful, with gentle music and air conditioning to beat the desert heat. Plus, the slow and steady rotation means it’s perfect for all ages—no stomach-dropping surprises! For extra sparkle, go at sunset or after dark when Vegas transforms into a sea of neon.  We love how the ride sparks conversation. It’s a wonderful place to reminisce, share some family laughs, and snap photos you’ll cherish forever. Whether your family group is two or twenty, the High Roller makes everyone feel like they’re on top of the world.  The Mob Museum  For families who appreciate a good story, nothing beats the intrigue of The Mob Museum. Housed in a historic courthouse downtown, this museum explores the fascinating tales of organized crime and law enforcement in America. But don’t worry—you don’t have to be a history buff to have a blast here.  The exhibits are immersive and interactive, with everything from forensic science labs to a Prohibition-era speakeasy with its own secret entrance. Travel through the infamous days of Las Vegas’ founding, listen to real-life wiretaps, and get a close-up look at artifacts from famous cases. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance: intriguing, fun, and packed with conversation starters.  Parents tend to appreciate the museum’s detailed storytelling and unique setting, while anyone who loves quirky history will find endless nuggets to discuss afterwards. It’s a great way to mix education with a bit of Vegas drama—plus, that speakeasy serves some of the city’s best mocktails and cocktails.  Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art  If you’re craving a dash of culture amid the neon, step into the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. The setting inside the Bellagio Resort is all refined glamour, but the gallery itself feels warm and inviting, not intimidating. Exhibitions rotate regularly, but you’ll find masterpieces from world-renowned museums, with a mix of classic and contemporary art.  Parents tend to love the peaceful atmosphere—an oasis away from the casino buzz. The gentle lighting, uncluttered layout, and thoughtful curation means you can get up close to each painting or sculpture, pausing to share your thoughts without feeling rushed. Even reluctant art fans will find something to spark curiosity, from ancient works to mind-bending modern pieces.  The gift shop is filled with books and beautifully made souvenirs, perfect for a little keepsake dash before you’re back to exploring the Strip.  The Neon Museum  Step into Las Vegas’ luminous past at The Neon Museum. This outdoor attraction houses a treasure trove of restored neon signs from casinos, hotels, and restaurants. Walking through the “Neon Boneyard” feels like stepping onto the set of a vintage movie, with signs glowing against the desert sky in every direction.  Guided tours bring these historic artifacts to life, blending engaging anecdotes with plenty of local color. Parents are often surprised by how much history each sign carries—did you know there’s drama behind nearly every bulb? Sunrise and sunset tours are magical, but night tours are unforgettable with the signs fully illuminated.  The atmosphere is equal parts nostalgic and playful, perfect for swapping stories about old Vegas or imagining the city’s next chapter. Don’t forget to snap a family photo among the flashing lights!  Explore Fremont Street  If your parents are curious about the “other” Vegas—the one beyond the Strip—bring them straight to Fremont Street. This pedestrian zone in Downtown Las Vegas bursts with street performers, dazzling light shows overhead, vintage casinos, and live music. The Viva Vision canopy, an LED display that stretches over several blocks, pulses with energy and color all night long.  Fremont Street strikes a perfect note for families: lively, quirky, and packed with surprises, but just far enough from the Strip for a more relaxed mood. Browse for souvenirs, take in a cover band on one of the free stages, or share a round of classic shrimp cocktails at a retro casino diner. There’s energy and nostalgia in equal measure, making it easy for everyone to find something that delights.  If you’re feeling brave, just around the corner you can try the Fly LINQ zip line—rollers and adrenaline fans in the family will love soaring above the crowd!  KA by Cirque du Soleil  For a shared experience that’s both dazzling and family-friendly, KA by Cirque du Soleil is hard to match. The entire show is an adventure story brought to life with jaw-dropping acrobatics, martial arts, and spellbinding visuals. The production value is sky-high, with a rotating stage, larger-than-life puppetry, and a sweeping original score.  KA manages to be stunning without being overwhelming; the music, visuals, and performances are all perfectly paced for audiences of every age. The storyline is easy to follow—especially helpful for parents who aren’t into abstract theater—and you’ll all leave wowed by what the human body can do.  The seats offer great views from almost any angle, and the pre-show atmosphere builds excitement from the very first note. It’s a shared thrill, an artful spectacle, and a Las Vegas must for families.  The Eiffel Tower Experience  The Eiffel Tower Experience transports you (and your parents) straight to Paris without leaving Las Vegas Boulevard. Take the glass elevator up 46 stories for an unbeatable view of the Strip and beyond. From the airy observation deck, you can point out landmarks, spot the Bellagio fountains below, and let the breeze brush your face as you look out over the city.  It’s particularly magical around sunset or after dark, when the lights glimmer and the streets below pulse with excitement. Parents tend to appreciate the low-key romance of the experience and the chance for incredible photos. Knowledgeable guides share fun Paris Las Vegas trivia, making the visit feel special and personalized.  Feeling peckish? Treat yourselves to French pastries or a celebratory toast at the café below, which has its own stylish, Parisian flair.  Sweet Sin Bakery & Cafe at The LINQ Promenade  Every great outing deserves something delicious, and Sweet Sin Bakery & Cafe is the kind of spot your parents will be raving about long after the last crumb is gone. Find this gem tucked on The LINQ Promenade, surrounded by lively shops and people-watching opportunities.  What makes Sweet Sin so special? The baked goods strike that perfect balance between nostalgic comfort and Vegas-worthy flair. Try the tiramisu (it’s a bestseller for a reason), fluffy, flavor-packed cupcakes, or the rich, indulgent pistachio cannoli. For a lighter bite, go for the tangy lemon tart or a flaky fruit croissant. Coffee here is a treat too—robust, fragrant, and served with a smile.  The vibe is cheerful and inviting, with décor that hints at both Parisian café and modern oasis. There's cozy indoor seating and a few tables right beside the bustling promenade, perfect for a mid-morning break or an afternoon recharge. It’s the kind of place where you can swap travel stories, recap yesterday’s adventures, and fuel up for whatever’s next.  Before you leave, snap a sweet family photo out front—every trip deserves a little dessert memory!    There you have it—Las Vegas is a city for everyone, and sharing it with your parents means discovering unforgettable experiences together. Whether you’re reliving classic Vegas, finding peaceful escapes above the glitz, or diving into delicious treats and spellbinding shows, these activities offer the perfect blend of fun, nostalgia, and family connection. Enjoy every minute!    Enjoyed this? Check out our guide to all the best bits just outside the Vegas Strip, and learn how to the make the most of your mornings.  Step up your sightseeing with Go City®  We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  See more, do more, and experience more with Go City®– just choose a pass to get started! 

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