MGM Grand is a sprawling resort with an abundance of dining, gaming, and entertainment options. With just over 5,000 hotel rooms and 170,000 square feet of gaming, MGM Grand is the biggest hotel in Vegas.
Originally opening in 1993, MGM Grand initially sported a Wizard of Oz theme, which has been shed slowly over the years.
Notably, every room at MGM Grand has been recently renovated, and I think their Main Tower rooms are among the best values on the Strip.
Even sans theming elements, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy at MGM Grand and nearby in Las Vegas.
Itinerary Ideas at MGM Grand
See KA: A production featuring a cast of 80 performers, KA will blow you away with aerial acrobatic stunts and feats that Cirque du Soleil is known for.
The Egyptian belief in “an invisible spiritual duplicate of the body that accompanies every human being throughout this life and into the next” inspired the show’s name.
I don’t know what that means, but I do know that you’ll be impressed by the acrobatics and stage effects of this show. My wife and I loved it.
Tickets start at around $70.
The FRIENDS Experience: A newer attraction, The Friends Experience provides the opportunity to “step inside the world” of the hit show you grew up on.
Inside are set recreations, photo ops, props, and costumes.
Tickets start at $39.
Swim in an elaborate pool: MGM Grand’s pool complex spans 6.6 acres and is comprised of 5 separate pools and hot tubs. It’s one of the best pools in Vegas.
My favorite aspect of the pool complex is the lazy river. Few things beat slowly floating your day (or hangover) away.
For those not scared off by chilly temperatures (I’m looking at you, Canadians & midwesterners), MGM Grand also keeps a small portion of their pool open in the winter.
Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club: If laughter is something you enjoy, check out Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club, where an assortment of comics perform nightly.
Brad Garrett, known for his role in “Everybody Loves Raymond”, isn’t going to be there, but does make appearances from time to time. Tickets range from $39 – $79, depending on who is performing.
See the Jabbawockeez: Appropriate for all ages, the masked Jabbawockeez have been delighting audiences for years with their choreographed dance routine.
Tickets start at around $50.
David Copperfield: One of the most recognizable names in magic calls MGM Grand home.
The self-proclaimed “Greatest illusionist of our time” likely won’t disappoint.
Tickets start at around $90.
Level Up: A portion of MGM Grand’s casino designed to attract a younger crowd, Level Up offers arcade games like shuffleboard, pool, Pac-Man, and bubble hockey in a sports bar-like environment.
Level Up also has a small arcade and a virtual reality experience in the space.
See Tape Face: While a show featuring a comedian with tape over their mouth doesn’t sound overly appealing, Tape Face is well-regarded.
A finalist on “America’s Got Talent” in 2016, Tape Face is bound to make you laugh, all without uttering a single word.
Tape Face tickets start at around $50.
Eat at MGM Grand’s Buffet: While the Buffet at MGM Grand doesn’t rank among the top buffets in Vegas (it isn’t even close, tbh), it offers quality food at a comparatively painless price.
I recently stopped in for brunch and found it to be a rock-solid value, albeit unfancy. The food was solid, but the setting felt like a high school cafeteria.
See my full Buffet at MGM Grand Review here.
Grab a Cheap Pizza: Pieology is my new favorite hidden gem at MGM Grand, hidden in a hallway just off the hotel lobby.
Pieology is like “the Subway of pizza”. You pick the toppings (meat, cheese, veggies, etc.), as many as you want, and then they cook it up for you. The price is the same no matter how many toppings you add.
This was my $14 sausage & banana pepper personal pizza – Fantastic value. They were even offering a 2 for $22 deal at the time.
Itinerary Ideas Near MGM Grand
Topgolf: Topgolf is located right behind the resort and is MUCH more than a simple driving range.
In addition to competitive and social golf games that are enjoyable by all, Topgolf has a gorgeous 2-level pool that is free to use, whether you’re golfing or not.
Even if you don’t golf, Topgolf is a blast. They have a full menu, numerous bars, and more TV screens than you can count.
FlyOver Vegas: A few steps north of MGM Grand, FlyOver Vegas is in the Showcase Mall and offers the opportunity to “fly” over Iceland, the American West, or the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
They give the illusion of flight by suspending a row of seats over a massive spherical screen. Wind and scents are also simulated.
Grab a Brew with a View: Also steps away, BrewDog is perched atop the Showcase Mall and offers breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Strip.
I recently visited BrewDog for dinner & drinks and was impressed with the food, view, and venue… but service was abysmal.
Rollercoaster, Arcade Games, and a Slice at NYNY: Take a spin on The Big Apple Coaster at New York New York, which is an aggressive, upside-down, wild ride across the street from MGM Grand.
At the base of NYNY’s rollercoaster is the Big Apple Arcade, which is home to a diverse selection of modern and classic arcade games.
After the fun, stop in at Sirrico’s and grab one of the best slices of pizza in Vegas. Cheap and satisfying.
Dueling Pianos: Sing, or scream along with the dueling pianos at Times Square Bar at NYNY nightly.
I’d suggest snagging a spot at one of the video poker machines on the outside of the bar facing in. That will allow you the opportunity to enjoy the show while drinking for free all night (provided you’re gambling).
Walk The Miracle Mile: Among my favorite things to do near MGM Grand is walking through the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood to take advantage of cheap food deals and numerous happy hours.
A popular drink deal, Blondies offers an all-you-can-drink deal from 3-6pm on weekdays for $20. Challenge accepted.
Smoke-Free Gaming: Park MGM, located across the street, is the first Vegas casino to go smoke-free.
While there, grab a bite at Eataly, a beautiful market-themed food hall with a diverse set of culinary offerings.
Explore nearby themed properties: Walk across the street to Excalibur and take the free tram to both Luxor and Mandalay Bay.
In a city that seems to be committed to “de-theming”, Excalibur still holds onto her medieval heritage, and it’s worth seeing.
At Luxor, enjoy the intricate theming that is now so rare in Vegas and check out museum attractions like Bodies and the Titanic Artifact Exhibition.
Luxor recently added a 3rd museum attraction, Discovering King Tut’s Tomb. While there are no real artifacts on display, guests walk along with Howard Carter as he makes his monumental discovery.
While I was somewhat underwhelmed, those who are really into ancient Egypt are likely to enjoy the education.
Hopefully, I was able to help you identify an activity or two to add to your itinerary!
One thing is for sure, with the resort’s position on the Las Vegas Strip, there will be no shortage of options. If you need additional inspiration, check out my resort by resort breakdown of things to do on the Strip.
Related: A complete list of free things to do in Vegas!
Feature image credit: ©raagoon/123RF.COM
I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.