Las Vegas Frugal Fun

10 Free Things for Families to See and Do in Vegas

By Jill Weinlein

Years ago you could get a round-trip package to Las Vegas for under $100. It included airfare, hotel and even a show. With developers building billion-dollar resorts, those bargain days are few and far between. Visitors can pay up to $500 for a show ticket, and more than $200 just for a hotel room.

Seeing Vegas doesn't have to break your pocketbook to have a fun time. Some of the best shows on the Strip for families are free!

If you have small children it's difficult to see all the resorts because of the distance between each themed property. Splurge and buy tickets for the Las Vegas Monorail with its seven stops and above-ground views that runs four miles along many of the major hotels and family-friendly attractions. The best place to start is at the MGM hotel. We parked at the free visitor parking lot, walked up to the monorail and boarded the train.

Here are 10 free attractions to enjoy with your family during your monorail ride or anytime:

1. Flamingo Hotel: Our first stop on the monorail was Flamingo/Caesars Palace. We walked to the wildlife habitat to see Chilean flamingos, swans, ducks, huge koi fish and turtles all surrounded by lush landscape and waterfalls. It's a peaceful setting away from ringing slot machines and bright lights inside the casino.

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