5 Things To Do In Las Vegas That Aren’t Gambling

Las Vegas may be known as Sin City, but in recent years, it has become noticeably more diverse in its offerings. For those who want to experience the legendary town without the late nights, party atmosphere and smoky casinos, there are plenty of things to do in Vegas besides gamble—both Vegas classics and more recent additions—to fill your itinerary.

Take a walk through Sin City’s past

You’ll love this showy museum that pays homage to Sin City’s past. At the Neon Museum’s outdoor display space (a.k.a. “The Boneyard”), you can view some of the most iconic casino signs in Vegas history. The museum houses more than 200 retired signs, 11 of which have been fully restored. Day tours are available, but to get the full effect, spring for the night tour. It costs a few more bucks, but it’s worth it to see the signs in all their dazzling, neon glory. The two-acre campus is a popular spot for photo shoots, weddings and special events, so charge up the camera phone—you’ll definitely want to Instagram this!

Live the island life...Vegas Style

The island lifestyle may just be within driving distance! Built by “Bamboo Ben,” the world’s foremost tiki bar designer, Frankie’s Tiki Room is a Vegas must-visit. Open 24 hours a day, you’ll find classic tiki drinks like Mai Tais, Fog Cutters, Zombies and Lapu Lapus on the menu, as well as some fun twists like the Sea Hag—an enchanting concoction of gold rum, blackberry brandy and Heering cherry liqueur. Boasting intricately carved tiki sculptures throughout the space, Frankie’s also offers hand-carved tiki cups in its gift shop, so you can even take a piece of the iconic bar home with you.

Party 550 feet above the strip

Get a soaring vantage point above the Las Vegas Strip during the 30-minute ride of the High Roller.

Aptly named the High Roller, the world’s tallest Ferris wheel whisks riders more than 500 feet above Las Vegas in futuristic-looking cabins. The colossal contraption features 28 passenger pods and can carry more than 1,000 passengers at a time. Consider each cabin a mini-club: The party starts as guests are ushered past a handful of bars on their way to board the observation wheel. With drinks in hand, revelers then check out the ride’s impressive neon light show—which is programmed to various flash patterns, designs and holiday colors—from high above the strip.

Go where the grass is greener

A Chinese New Year theme is one of the distinct rotating seasonal displays to be found at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.

One of the most impressive displays in Las Vegas isn’t a towering modern skyscraper or a glitzy, glamorous attraction. At the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, Mother Nature is the star. With help from a team of more than 100 horticulturists, this top Vegas for non-gamblers attraction is lavishly decorated five times a year to reflect the seasons. Starting with Chinese New Year, the talented staff transforms the 14,000-square-foot space into a colorful wonderland that is open all day, every day. Nearby, check out the famous fountains, which feature synchronized light, music and water shows every half hour Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and every 15 minutes from 8 p.m. to midnight, with extended hours on weekends and holidays.

Build and break stuff

At Dig This, a five-acre construction-based theme park just off the strip, you can try your hand as a heavy equipment operator. After a brief orientation and safety lesson, you’ll be set loose behind the wheel of a D5G bulldozer or a massive 315C excavator to build dirt mounds, dig trenches, stack 2,000 pound tires and more. For those who really need to let off some steam, spring for the Aggression Session: After spray-painting your negative thoughts on a perfectly good car, you’ll crush that bad boy to pieces with a 30,000-lb Caterpillar excavator. Who needs therapy when we have this?

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