Cheap Things To Do in Las Vegas - (Under $25) - Strip & Downtown

Inflation stings, and Vegas hasn't been spared.

That said, plenty of cheap activities still exist on the Strip, Fremont Street, and nearby, so I figured it'd help to call them out so folks can craft an itinerary that doesn't lead to bankruptcy.

Criteria: To qualify as "cheap", an adult ticket must cost less than $25.

NOTE: While the focus here is on affordable activities, everything below does cost something. I've also constructed the most comprehensive list of Free Things To Do in Las Vegas on the internet (90+ ideas!).

Let's get on with it, shall we?

Cheap Things To Do On The Strip

Pinball Hall of Fame: Located just south of Mandalay Bay, the Pinball Hall of Fame is a shrine to the game. Inside, you'll find an impressive collection of pinball games that date as far back as the 1930s.

Admission is free, but you'll need money to play ($0.25–$0.50 per game).

Change machines are available!

See a Bar Made of Ice: Looking to beat the heat? Check out one of Minus 5 Ice Bar's 3 locations on the Strip (Mandalay Bay, LINQ, and Venetian). Constructed completely of ice, this one-of-a-kind bar costs $26 to visit.

While the price includes entry, gloves, and a parka, drinks are extra.

I found the Icebar to be a fun novelty.

Taste Test Soda: The Coca-Cola Store on the Strip is chock-full of cola-branded merch, from headphones and clothing to home decor and candles.

For under $20, you can order the Around the World tray, which allows you to sample 14 sodas from around the world. You'll be shocked at what's popular elsewhere.

Play Video Games: The HyperX Esports Arena at Luxor offers 1-hour gaming passes for $15 and 2-hour packages for $25.

Whether you're looking to channel your inner child or find something to do with kids in Vegas, this could be the perfect option.

Play at an Arcade: On the topic of channeling your inner child, Arcades in Las Vegas are an inexpensive way to pass the time and can be found right on the Strip at several kid-friendly resorts, including Excalibur, NYNY, and Circus Circus.

The arcade at Circus Circus is the most impressive and pairs well with a visit to the popular Adventuredome theme park (not as cheap, unfortunately).

Big Apple Coaster: Sitting atop NYNY, the Big Apple Coaster is a wild ride that sends riders upside down several times. In addition to being thrilling, it also surprisingly ranks as one of the cheapest things to do in Vegas, with tickets costing $25.

Worth. Every. Penny.

Rent a Pool Cabana: If you're visiting with a group, a pool cabana could be a great splurge.

Acting as a home base with guaranteed seating and shade, a cabana could easily cost less than $25 per person and keep you busy all day!

I update a rundown of cheap cabana options on the Strip & downtown every summer.

See a Movie atop Cosmopolitan: During the summer, Cosmopolitan plays movies on their Boulevard Pool deck as part of their "Dive-in Movie" series. Examples of movies they screen on their marquee include "Encanto", "Men in Black", "Black Panther", and more.

Better yet, you can get in for $15 per person.

Snag Some Art at Cosmopolitan: Scattered about Cosmopolitan are repurposed cigarette vending machines that now distribute art for just $5 per item.

Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art: Showcasing a rotating assortment of work from artists that have included Picasso, Van Gogh, Warhol, and more, Bellagio's Fine Art Gallery is also affordable, with tickets landing well shy of our $25 threshold.

Despite not being an "art guy", I thought it was pretty cool.

Ride the High Roller: Weighing in at 550 feet tall, the High Roller provides some of the best views of the Strip available.

Tip: Tickets booked with the attraction start at just over $25, but pricing on Vegas.com usually lands closer to $23.

I've done 5 spins on the High Roller now (twice upgraded to the happy half hour package), and will almost certainly tackle a 6th.

Topgolf at MGM Grand: If you're looking for cheap group activities in Vegas, Topgolf could be a great option.

Hitting bays can accommodate up to 6 guests, and pricing starts at as little as $40/hr - That's total, not per person.

Pretty affordable activity if you're tackling it with a group.

Atomic Golf at STRAT: A concept similar to Topgolf, Atomic lets you to split the cost of a hitting bay with your group.

The range looks gray & boring during the day... but comes alive with cosmic illumination at night.

Despite not being "cheap", their new unlimited plans that combine golf with food & drink are a great value.

STRAT's Observation Deck: STRAT's SkyPod observation deck is over 1,140 feet above the Strip and costs $27 per person with STRAT, but you can often find deeper deals on Vegas.com.

It's one of my favorite things to do in Vegas.

There are 2 remaining rides atop the SkyPod Observation Deck that can be added to your observation deck ticket for just $5.

Big Shot shoots you straight up, and X-Scream (below) dangles you off the edge of the tower.

Catch a Karaoke Show: Whether you sing yourself, or you prefer to sit back and watch others make a fool of themselves, karaoke can be an inexpensive way to enjoy Sin City.

While the drinks will set you back some money, admission is completely free at most of these karaoke bars.

I don't sing, but Smelly Cat has become a staple for my group of friends that visits annually for the opening weekend of March Madness. It's a blast.

Go Souvenir Shopping: The unique, sprawling Bonanza Gift Shop is on the north end of the Strip near Sahara and offers the largest selection of collectibles, gifts, and souvenirs in Las Vegas.

I recently stopped by and was amazed by the number of items available at a sub-$10 price point.

Twilight Zone Mini Golf at Horseshoe: One of the more unique mini golf courses out there, Twilight Zone by Monster Mini Golf is illuminated by black light and features characters and scenes from the hit show.

It costs just $11.95 per person.

Swing Into a Comedy Club: Several comedy clubs up and down the Strip feature up-and-coming acts at prices commonly below $25.

Most shows feature 3-4 comics with comedic styles that span the spectrum, meaning there's usually a little something for everyone.

I recently stopped into Jimmy Kimmel's Comedy Club at LINQ to see Gina Brillon + a few openers and was thrilled with the value received for $22 plus fees!

Drink Cheap: No, don't pay $10 for a bottled domestic beer at the casino bar.

Instead, leverage our guide to find happy hours on Fremont Street and cheap drink deals on the Strip and create your own money-saving pub crawl!

Dueling Pianos: On that same note, most dueling piano bars in Las Vegas are free to enter. Just pay for drinks!

Options on the Strip include Eastside Lounge at Encore, The Piano Bar at Harrah's, and the Bar at Times Square at NYNY, among others.

Visit a Speakeasy: Speakeasies in Las Vegas are all the rage. Entry is free, and cocktails usually cost $20 each.

They're much more than a "bar", rather, an experience.

My favorites include The Ski Lodge at Cosmopolitan and Resorts World's Here Kitty Kitty Vice Den.

Cheap Things To Do on Fremont Street

Neon Museum: During the day, adults can buy a general admission ticket for $25.

For those unfamiliar, the Neon Museum is a 2.25-acre outdoor space packed with 250+ neon signs that once hung proudly around Las Vegas. It's amazing.

I've done a daytime guided tour and an evening self-guided tour. Evening visits are magical.

At night, check out "Brilliant! Jackpot", a show that brings signs in their north gallery to life with projection technology. Tickets start at $23.

See my Review of Brilliant! Jackpot!

Cheap Off-Strip Activities

Visit Springs Preserve: A short drive from the Strip, Springs Preserve is a collection of attractions, including a butterfly habitat, botanical gardens, a splash pad, a playground, and 3 museums that educate visitors on the history of southern Nevada and the region's scarce water resources.

It's a whole-day deal.

The premier draw to Springs Preserve, however, is Boomtown 1905, a recreation of an early 1900s town that guests can explore. A blast from the past, you're able to walk right into a bank, saloon, mercantile exchange, residential home, and even a hotel.

Best of all, tickets are $18.95 per adult and give you access to everything Springs Preserve has to offer.

I recently visited Springs Preserve and loved it.

Visit the Clark County Museum: Once administered by Mark Hall-Patton, or as you may know him, "The Beard of Knowledge", The Clark County Museum educates guests on the history of Southern Nevada from the ice age through today.

I recently visited the Clark County Museum and was blown away by the experience, especially Heritage Street, which is a collection of historic homes that tell the story of their former occupants and Clark County.

Recently, they dropped the admission fee and made entry free.

Area15: Area15 is an off-Strip entertainment complex packed with unique activities. Entry is free, but activities cost extra.

You can pick and choose the things you want to do, or buy an experience pass that bundles activities at a discount.

Many of those activities are under $25, including Haley's Comet, Wink World, Museum Fiasco, an arcade, and more.

Hike Red Rock Canyon: Just 20 minutes from the Strip by car, Red Rock Canyon is criminally overlooked by tourists.

For just $20 *per car*, you can cruise the 13-mile scenic loop, look at wide-open desert spaces from a scenic overlook, or hike one of the many trails.

Each trail has parking and restrooms, and adults & kids alike can tackle them. Pictured below is the Ice Box Canyon trail, which is my favorite to date.

The Natural History Museum: Located a short 5-minute drive from Fremont Street, the Natural History Museum offers exhibits on marine life, geology, ancient Egypt, dinosaurs, the African Safari, and Nevada Wildlife.

Adult tickets cost $12.

I recently visited the Natural History Museum and was underwhelmed.

Still. It's worth $12.

Take Advantage of Freebies: Lastly, I'd urge you to scope out our rundown of 90+ FREE activities in Vegas. After all, free is cheaper than cheap!