Best Things to Do in Las Vegas (That are NOT Casinos)

Vegas is known for being a casino hub and party hotspot. Bachelor and bachelorette parties have been frolicking up and down the Strip for decades. It used to be all about dazzling shows, hardcore partying, and gambling around every corner. But Vegas is getting a mini-makeover... well, actually, it's more like an expansion. Each year, we're seeing more and more "active activities" popping up. Excursions that are family friendly, active, and don't fall into the casino/party/drinking category.

1. Stratosphere

The Stratosphere is a hotel and entertainment hub at the northernmost point of the Strip. Even if you’re not staying there, you can check out the SkyPod, the tallest observation deck in the United States, or one of the insane attractions they offer. They offer BigShot, a bungee jump, Insanity, which is a huge mechanical arm that dangles you almost 1000 ft above the strip, and Xscream, a ride where you shoot headfirst 27ft over the tower edge before dangling weightlessly 109 STORIES ABOVE GROUND. Looking for more? They also offer SkyJump, a skydiving experience. If you aren’t much of an adrenaline junkie, you can spend some time shopping, at the spa, or one of the pools.

2. CSI Experience

Located at the MGM Grand Hotel, this interactive experience is like no other. You’ll get to play the part of ~crime scene investigator~ to solve a triple murder. You’ll feel like a part of the show with 2 forensic crime labs and dope special effects. They offer real forensic scientists and videos of the cast members to guide you along. You’ll perform realistic tests like matching DNA, examining bullet casings, and identifying strands of hair. As an SVU enthusiast myself, this sounds AMAZING.

3. Apocalypse Las Vegas

(This establishment is veteran owned and operated.) This interactive experience starts by receiving your mission. You’ll be notified that terrorists have released a virus into society, and it‘s turning everyone into zombies! You’ll need to gear up, train, and then eliminate all your enemies. If you've ever wanted to be inside of a video game, this is your chance.

4. Trapeze Las Vegas

If you've never been to a circus, trapeze artists are the performers who do tricks on silk drapes while suspended in the air. At this establishment, you become the performer. You'll be raised into the air and taught how to hang from your knees and a few tricks! You can choose from the outdoor or indoor locations, but the outdoor has an incredible view of the Strip. Learn from the pros in classes, private lessons, circus camps, or special events.

5. Land Sailing

Land Sailing is exactly like water sailing except... it's on land. If a dune buggy, a go kart, and a tricycle had a baby, it would be a land sailing vehicle. It sounds crazy, but these vehicles can go faster than wind and can even travel upwind. All while, allegedly, being as easy to ride as bicycle. You'll be transported to a dry lake bed in the desert just outside of Las Vegas for a 2 hour ride. The details on destination, length of excursion, and whether you get free food and drinks or not varies based on the tour company.

6. Dig This Vegas

At this heavy equipment amusement park, you can play with a bulldozer, an excavator, and more. You can even schedule an "aggression session" where you crush an entire car! Dig This Vegas offers group sessions, team bonding, or individual sessions. You just have to be older than 8 years old, pass a breathalyzer test, and pass the safety orientation they put you through before you're allowed to get on any equipment.

7. Shark Reef Aquarium

The Shark Reef Aquarium has 14 exhibits which hold "unique and dangerous aquatic predators". The largest exhibit is a 1.3 million gallon shipwreck with an almost 360 degree view. It looks similar to the Georgia Aquarium's tunnel - if you've never seen it before, you can see it in this video.

8. Neon Museum

The Neon Museum collects iconic Las Vegas signs and restores as many as possible. They seek out as much information about each sign as possible. Anything they're able to find, they document and display so visitors can get the full story. The "main attractions" are the Neon Boneyard and the North Gallery. The Neon Boneyard has some restored signs and some unrestored, and it's probably the coolest place to take at-night Vegas photos. The North Gallery is filled with unrestored signs, so it's slightly less popular but still cool to see. This museum offers not only art exhibits, but also dope events. Right now, they're doing a Tim Burton event for Halloween. Say no more, I'm IN.


Connect with me:

Vegas Mini Itinerary





100 Ways to Make Travel More Affordable

  • White Instagram Icon
  • White Pinterest Icon
  • White YouTube Icon

© 2017 by Adventures With Anna. Proudly created with