1. Fountains of Bellagio (Bellagio, 702.693.7111) Whether you’ve visited Las Vegas five times or 50 times, you’re always going to swing by and take a look at its most iconic free attraction. As its swirling waters rise high into the air, accompanied by classical and pop music, you momentarily forget all your troubles and remember why you love visiting this town so much.
2. Adventuredome (Circus Circus, 702.794.3939) Families have been enjoying this indoor theme park for decades. Whether it’s the high-octane thrills of roller coasters like El Loco, interactive experiences like a 4-D SpongeBob SquarePants movie, or kid-friendly rides like the merry-go-round, you’ll quickly lose track of time here and fill your phone with photos to last a lifetime.
3. The High Roller (The Linq Promenade, 866.328.1888) The world’s highest observation wheel lives up to the hype and then some. For 30 minutes, you slowly go through a full revolution, taking in the sights of the Strip and valley beyond like you’ve never seen them before, while a video tour guide gives you interesting tidbits about the city. This is one attraction you’ll want to experience twice—during the day and at night.
4. SpeedVegas (14200 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 888.274.4365) Whether you’re a fan of high-speed thrills or off-road excursions, this is your new favorite place. Drive a Porsche, Ferrari or Lamborghini around hairpin turns or drive a state-of-the-art off-road monster on a custom-built course. Whatever you choose, you’ll come out feeling like the next Kurt Busch.
5. The Big Apple Coaster (New York-New York, 702.740.6969) Anyone remember that episode of CSI where Grissom goes on a roller coaster to relieve stress? Yep, this was the one he picked. The setting—it goes in and out of the hotel—is cool enough, but this ride adds in a 203-foot drop, along with a 180-degree heartline twist and dive. Stress relief, indeed!
6. Wildlife Habitat (Flamingo, 702.733.3349) It seems strange that an ideal area for meditation is located in the heart of the bustling Las Vegas Strip, but this 4-acre sanctuary is as relaxing as it gets. Plus, you get to watch 300-plus birds watch you, from Chilean flamingos to swans. The best part? This is completely free of charge. Talk about relaxing!
7. Shark Reef Aquarium (Mandalay Bay, 702.632.4555) An ultra-humid paradise in the middle of the desert? Only in Vegas! Take your time exploring all there is to offer here, from Johnston’s crocodiles and Komodo dragons to Burmese pythons and piranhas. Oh, and of course sharks—lots and lots of different types swimming all around you. A new virtual reality experience that lets you see like a shark in 360 degrees.
8. Minus5 Ice Experience (Multiple locations) Remember that James Bond movie with the palace made completely of ice? Yep, that sort of thing actually exists, at least in Las Vegas. At Minus5, everything is made of ice, including the glasses you drink quality cocktails out of and the chairs you sit on while imbibing.
9. HyperX Esports Arena Las Vegas (Luxor, 702.723.2345) Even if you’re not a fan of video games, just watching games in this spectacular, 30,000-square-foot venue is enough reason to check it out. A 50-foot LED video wall features weekly tournaments including games like Mario Kart (who doesn’t love that game?), and there are fantastic food and drink specials as well.
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