How to NOT Gamble in Las Vegas, Nevada

GUEST POST OVERVIEW: I’ve been to Las Vegas twice in my life: at 16 and 21 years old. Both times, I had a blast taking part in all the non-gambling activities Vegas has to offer. That’s why I’m excited about this new post by my friend Julia that covers how to spend, not lose, money in Las Vegas.

When one thinks of Las Vegas, their minds immediately turn to bright lights and casino gambling. If you go to Las Vegas thinking that the casinos are the only thing to do in the town, then you are missing out on a lot of great adventures. Check out our selections for the best things to do in Vegas other than gambling.

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Pinball Hall of Fame

If you are a fan of classic pinball games or coin-op machines, then you should check out the Pinball Hall of Fame. The Pinball Hall of Fame and its owner have been featured on shows such as American Restoration on A&E. There are over 250 different machines that you can not only check out, but also play.

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Richard Petty Driving Experience

If you have ever wanted to feel what it’s like to be a NASCAR driver but legally, you should check out the Richard Petty Driving Experience at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. You can get being the wheel of real stock cars that meet NASCAR specs or if you do not feel confident in your driving ability, you can have a professional driver take you around the track at break-neck speeds.

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Mob Museum

Many of us have seen movies about “mob run Las Vegas.” Now there is a place where you can actually check out the truth about the Vegas Mob. The Las Vegas Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement looks at not just the history of the Vegas mob, but also at those that worked diligently to take them down.

(Mob Museum photography by Dustin Wax)

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Dig This

Just a short trip outside of Las Vegas you can experience the heavy equipment playground known as Dig This. There you can play with bulldozers, excavators, and other heavy equipment. In addition, you can try your hand at the target range where you can fire everything from hand guns to machine guns.

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Las Vegas Zoo

One of the more family-friendly activities in Las Vegas is the Vegas Zoo. Just located a short drive from the famous Las Vegas strip, the zoo has a variety of animals that kids will enjoy and some that you will only see in the desert climate of Vegas. In addition, this is one of the cheapest family activities in the town costing just $8 for adults and only $6 for kids. A family of four could go to the zoo for just $28.

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The above suggestions are just a few of the things that you can do outside of the casinos. Las Vegas is more than just a casino town. It is a thriving city with lots to offer anyone visiting. Take your time and do your research before your next trip and you will discover more reasons why Vegas is more than just gambling.