Activity Ideas

Ok ladies and gents, I'm planning a trip to Vegas in early march and it will be my third in a year. I'm certainly never going to get bored of gambling and the vibe of the city however this time I don't want to be on the felt all day every day. I've been in every casino on the strip and on Fremont, done the fountains, seen the volcano show, ect. All your first time to Vegas and "best of" type attractions I've seen (I think) and I'm looking for suggestions of other attractions that aren't terribly expensive.

My plan had been to follow what my father did two years ago and rent a motorcycle for a day and go see Hoover Dam and Death Valley, unfortunately you must be 25 to rent the bikes and I am only 23. Looked into the Strat "sky jump," I thought it was a bungee jump and was considering it but under further review it is a controlled fall and IMO not worth the $100 (unless someone can REALLY convince me otherwise). I'm open to really anything; shows, nearby museums, guided tours, or close to Vegas sight seeing. Let me hear your suggestions.

Beats me. There are some desert lovers who rave about nearby attractions such as mines, ghost towns, etc.

I'd look for closer in quality enhancements: "best of winners" such as pizza joints, or bars such as Money Plays or AcesandEights or other places noted for vibes, booze or clientele.

Bikers groups might be able to help you since that 25 thing might be insurance rather than the law. Perhaps rent in Arizona and ride to Nevada there are several biker spots to hit on the scenic routes.

The Sky jump,

some of the videos look kinda cool, I mean you ARE jumping off a perfectly good building, in Vegas. My only question is, can you do the jump at night!?
Wrist Watch Sky Jump HD Youtube

I hear that Criss Angel sucks but haven't seen it. Jabbawockeez at the MC is good depending on what you like. Back in 2004 there was a place that had actually good prices on renting ferrari's, lambo's, etc, but I think they either went out of business or were replaced with a place that charges outrageous prices. Haven't checked on that in awhile though.

Quote: FleaStiff

I'd look for closer in quality enhancements: "best of winners" such as pizza joints, or bars such as Money Plays or AcesandEights or other places noted for vibes, booze or clientele.

I heard the Burger Bar at the Mandalay was really good. I just haven't been able to make a stop down south for a dinner yet. Anyone been there?

Hi feltron,
I'm not sure how much $100 means to you, but I am 53. In college, I made 6 solo sky dives from 3,000 feet, and I have been cliff diving from around 30'. I did the Skyjump with my 24 yo daughter last year and really enjoyed it. When you are standing on the platform and are looking down at the landing pad, and you know there is someone standing down there, yet you can't pick them out, that got the blood flowing.
I have never had the opportunity to bungee jump yet, so I can't compare the two, but I am betting it is close. If I remember it right, it was about a 6 second ride down from 885'. I think you fall about 35 mph or so. I'm too lazy to do the math to figure out what the right speed is.
We did it during the day, and both of us would like to do a night jump. I think you can jump up to 11:00 PM

Visit the Valley of Fire. It takes about 4 or 5 hours to do including travel time. Walk across the Tillman bridge. You can do both in one day. Take a morning to drive up to Mt. Charleston and have some lunch and then visit some of the 'off strip' casinos like Red Rock, M Resort and maybe Aliante Station. If you're feeling like communing with nature, there's a natural spring right about here that's a nice walkabout. Then you can go visit the Bass Pro Shop at the Silverton Casino.

One of the things I do is sign up for and collect a players card from every casino that I visit. I just recently for my Dotty's card to add to my collection.

Quote: s2dbaker

One of the things I do is sign up for and collect a players card from every casino that I visit. I just recently for my Dotty's card to add to my collection.

I used to do that too, and there's nothing wrong with it, but if you
want to get the most out of the Promo offers that casinos have
from time to time, I would advise you NOT to get a player
card at every place you go.

Why ?

Usually, the most lucrative Free Play / Rebate / Etc offers are
for NEW Members only.

- Example: Loss rebate at Tropicana.

So, if you are going to play somewhere for a while, then definitely
go ahead and get a card so you can get follow-up offers in the
mail.

Otherwise, get a card if there is a good promo for first time
members.

Quote: s2dbaker

Visit the Valley of Fire. It takes about 4 or 5 hours to do including travel time. Walk across the Tillman bridge. You can do both in one day. Take a morning to drive up to Mt. Charleston and have some lunch and then visit some of the 'off strip' casinos like Red Rock.

Great List.

I've done most of these.

Red Rock Casino was mentioned, but Red Rock Canyon
scenic area wasn't specifically. I believe it is just past
the Natural Spring.

Getting to Red Rock canyon is relatively easy, even though
you still need a car to get there. While you are on that
side of town, the Red Rock Casino is worth a visit.

I'm taking my 15 year old daughter to Vegas in early December to see her childhood idol, Shania Twain. Planning of weekend activities, I came up with the following non-gambling list:

Pinball Hall of Fame
Fountains of Bellagio
NYNY Roller Coaster
Stratoshpere rides (x4).
Grand Canyon
Hoover Dam
Mt. Charleston
Volcano at Mirage
Other Vegas shows
Explain the Porn Slappers (covers prostitution, 1st amendment rights, illegal immigration, trespassing laws).

Should be awesome.

Thanks everyone for the replies.

S2dbaker, I assume those attractions would require rental of some mode of transport and they aren't guided bus tours or anything correct? And you're not alone, I too collect players cards. I'm up to 17 which is pretty modest, but I'm young haha.

RaleighCraps, obviously I can just use google, but as you seem to have a bit of experience in the matter, can you recommend any sky dive places in Vegas?

Quote: boymimbo

Explain the Porn Slappers (covers prostitution, 1st amendment rights, illegal immigration, trespassing laws).

Damn if only I had a kid, this sounds like the best idea out there.

Again thanks everyone for the replies defiantly got my mind moving, if I can convince my boring friends to pitch in on a rental car this sight seeing will probably be awesome as I can't get enough of the desert (I'm from NJ). I've read some of the reviews on here but if any of you have first hand experience in the matter, this trip we want to stay on Fremont (the Plaza is the front runner now) instead of on the strip. How does it compare? I assume its got the same Vegasy feel but I was wondering about any major pros or cons.

The Atomic testing Museum is worth visiting. Once.

Quote: boymimbo

I'm taking my 15 year old daughter to Vegas in early December to see her childhood idol, Shania Twain. Planning of weekend activities, I came up with the following non-gambling list......

I would highly recommend trying to see Mac King
in the afternoon at Harrah's. Fantastic family
friendly entertainment, just hilarious for everybody
imho.

Also, the silly wax museum can be fun if you
take your camera and are willing to ham it
up a bit.

Quote: boymimbo

Grand Canyon.

Maybe I shouldn't criticize what I haven't done, but everyone I speak with says the West Rim of the Grand Canyon is a tourist trap. If you go to the GC, do it right and go to the South Rim. However, you'll need to allow three days from Vegas for that.

'I've readsome ofthe reviews onhere but if any of you have first hand experience in the matter, this trip we want to stay on Fremont (the Plaza is the front runner now) instead of on the strip. How does it compare? I assume its got the same Vegasy feel but I was wondering about any major pros or cons.'

My wife and I have fallen in love with Downtown....you will see for yourself. I enjoy Fremont's casino, but have not stayed there (Golden Nugget is the place we stay). Enjoy Fremont St. and all it offers.

When I go to Vegas (haven't been there for years) if there's time I like to see Down Town. Apart from driving, which is easiest but sometimes it's nice to do something different. There was a monorail that ran round the back on the casinos, another time I got a bus ticket (book of 10) which was fairly convenient as it took you from the strip to downtown. Personally I always like to see a different side to Vegas rather than just the "shopfront" and can especially recommend the trip out to the Valley of Fire.

Yeah, I'm not sure how I would tackle the Grand Canyon. It's definitely an overnighter. I was assuming south rim

Yes I like down town quite a bit, the low limits are especially good for someone such as myself, that is, still a graduate student without major income. Also the older feel I really like, that's why we want to stay there this time.

I did the sky diving back in college, 30+ years ago, so I have no useful info on Vegas. I only mentioned it to demonstrate to what I would be comparing the SkyJump.
Vegas does have one of those indoor sky flying centers, the one with the big fan in the floor and you get to 'fly' in the air. I have wanted to do that for a few years now, but I always seem to run out of time when I am in Vegas.

I did the SkyJump when I was in Vegas in July last year. I did it at night, somewhere around 10pm if my memory serves me correctly, and it was close to the best thing I have ever done. Considering my fear of heights, I was surprised I talked myself into it, but I loved it.

Sunset is the best time to be up top of the Stratosphere, absolutely spectacular watching the sun go down, the choppers flying about, scaring yourself silly on the rides.....