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Best Free Things To Do In Las Vegas: Ball On A Budget

There are many gorgeous free things to do in Las Vegas. They can range from family-friendly activities to late-night soirees, and we’re here to give you a pure local guide…

Seven Magic Mountains during a meteoroid shower. This is an atraction that always lands on the list of best free things to do in Las Vegas
Ethan Miller via Getty Images

There are many gorgeous free things to do in Las Vegas.

They can range from family-friendly activities to late-night soirees, and we're here to give you a pure local guide to amazing activities that you can do for free 99.

Free Attractions On The Las Vegas Strip

The first free thing to do in Las Vegas that we recommend as locals is the Arts District. From the Community Healing Garden, murals, eclectic shops, sculptures and more, the Arts District is a cool place to check out. You don't have to spend money to soak in the beautiful art and great ambiance of the Arts District and even the downtown area.

Another great free experience is the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. This is the beautiful garden that rotates themes inside of the Bellagio Hotel & Casino. This is a free attraction inside of the hotel, and it's captivating in detail and story.

The shopping malls are gorgeous in Las Vegas such as the Canal Shops at The Venetian, the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace and the Miracle Mall Shops at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort & Casino are a few fun malls to check out. We picked these shopping centers out specifically because you don't have to buy anything for a good time.

Another attraction that we adore is the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. Some may say that going to this TV-famous pawn shop completely changed their perspective of the store. Many people are surprised at how quaint the shop truly is.

Famous from the show "Pawn Stars," this shop is free to walk through. The shop does sell coins, memorabilia, collectibles, jewelry and more. But the real beauty of the store is seeing the items and areas that were featured in the show.

The stars of the show don't really make an appearance unless it's a special event. But, it's still fun to see the store, the items and the workers are fabulous.

Another great FREE attraction is the aquarium at the Silverton. The Silverton's aquarium has been voted as one of the "best" free things to do in Las Vegas. Aside from the beautiful tropical fish in the aquarium, the other stunning attraction with this aquarium is the free mermaid shows!

The famous Silverton mermaids swim every half an hour on Monday - Friday from noon until 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Free Things To Do In Las Vegas: Nature Edition

The next activity that any tourist or local can do for free is visit the Seven Magic Mountains. This is a famous attraction when it comes to the best free things to do in Las Vegas.

The Seven Magic Mountains is an art installation in Ivanpah Valley by the Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. Colorful and stunning rocks erect from the ground in the middle of the desert and create a colorful break in the monotony of neutral desert tones. This is a great activity for the family, and there's no entrance cost. Kids will enjoy running around the colorful rock sculptures while being the scenic desert valley.

You will need to drive to see this installation and figure out transportation for this experience. Along with the glittering lights of the Strip, there are many free attractions in Las Vegas that can be alluring to nature lovers.

Gold Strike Hot Springs is part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and it's a hidden gem right outside of Boulder City. It's a hiking trail for an intermediate hiker due to the rope system and very slight exposure.

The beauty of the canyon lies in the natural hot springs dotting throughout the canyon. According to Travel Nevada, the hot spring locations can change depending on the weather and season.

"At the cliffs, water temperatures average 109 degrees, so go a little further from the heat source to soak up the natural goodness. Hot spring pools are a much milder 100 degrees—perfect for relaxing after the hike," Travel Nevada states.

5 Of The Best Nevada Campgrounds And State Parks

Nevada campgrounds are probably one of the best ways to see the beautiful silver state of Nevada. And there are some gorgeous spots that can get you up close to nature, like a hotel room cannot.

For those of us who live in Nevada, we already know the state is so much more than just Las Vegas and Reno. But visitors may not know that.

Nevada Campgrounds Are One Of The Best Ways To The Silver State

Throughout the state of Nevada, there is a beauty that is unexpected, until you experience it. The low, dry, hot desert of Las Vegas, and the milder high desert, and four seasons of Reno are spectacular.

Las Vegas' Lake Mead, is a beautiful sight in the hot dry desert. Especially in the summer. It's the one refuge that Las Vegas has to cool off. And in Northern Nevada, you have even more lakes to choose from: The natural wonder of beautiful Lake Tahoe, historic Donner Lake, and mysterious Pyramid Lake.

There are countless amazing places to see, and visit, in Nevada. You can go hiking, or visit state park. But if you really want to see Nevada's natural beauty, and get close to it, how about one of the beautiful campgrounds.

There Are A Lot More Nevada Campgrounds Than You Probably Think

According to Only In your State, the Nevada State Park System runs 27 state parks. Each park offers amazing ways to enjoy the beauty of Nevada. You may not be familiar with all of them - or any of them, for that matter. But being a native of Nevada (yes, there are some of us), I can tell you they are all even more beautiful than you could imagine, because I've been there.

Camping might be the best option you never even considered! Here are some of the best campgrounds in Nevada for your next nature exploration adventure.

Valley Of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire is the largest state park in Nevada. It is about 50 minutes outside of Las Vegas, in Moapa. The natural rock formations are absolutely mesmerizing. And the petrified trees, and ancient petroglyphs are quite a sight. The park charges a day-use fee of $10 per vehicle with Nevada license plates, $15 for non-Nevada license plates. Cost is $20/night for Nevada residents; $25/night for non-residents. There's an additional $10 charge for utility hookups. Water, restrooms and each site has a shaded picnic table and a grill available.

5 Of The Best Nevada Campgrounds And State Parks

 

Washoe Lake State Park

In Northern Nevada, about a half hour from Reno. Boating, horseback riding, and beautiful views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Year round camping with grills, fire pits, picnic tables and a shower in the bathhouse. Very close to Virginia City, and Nevada's Capital of Carson City, as well. There is an entry fee of $5 per vehicle with Nevada, $10 for non-Nevada license plates.  Cost: $15/night for NV residents, $20/night for non-residents. $10 fee for utility hookups.

5 Of The Best Nevada Campgrounds And State Parks

 

Nevada Beach at Zephyr Cove, Lake Tahoe

One of my favorite areas, because it is at Lake Tahoe (Zephyr Cove). I spent a lot of time here growing up. There is nothing more beautiful than Lake Tahoe, to begin with. And camping in the beautiful forested area right at the lake is amazing! At almost a 7000 foot elevation, it's some of the freshest air imaginable. Tent and RV camping are available, and some even have views of the lake. However, the lake is literally a minute long walk away. The cost is about $40 to $45/night.

5 Of The Best Nevada Campgrounds And State Parks

 

Beaver Dam State Park

Beaver Dam State Park is in Caliente, Nevada. It is about 2 hours from Las Vegas. It is very peaceful, and at the Nevada Utah border. Streams, waterfalls, and lots of forest. Drinking water is only available from April through November, but you can camp at Beaver Dam year round. There is a day use fee of $5 per vehicle with NV plates and $10 for non-NV license plates. Cost is $15/night NV residents; $20/night for non-residents.

5 Of The Best Nevada Campgrounds And State Parks

 

Pyramid Lake

Pyramid Lake is about 40 miles outside of Reno. It is a very beautiful, and mysterious lakes in Nevada. You'll see some of the strangest, and oddly beautiful rock formations, and reel in some very different fish. The Cui-ui trout - which is only found at Pyramid Lake. Lahontan cutthroat trout, and other varieties of trout. There are several campgrounds, and also Crosby's Lodge - a budget friendly hotel. If you're doing old fashioned tent camping, it's $30/night. RV sites are $40.

5 Of The Best Nevada Campgrounds And State Parks