Things to Do in Las Vegas at 18 Years Old

Exploring the Las Vegas Strip

Las Vegas is famous for its glitzy and glamorous Las Vegas Strip, a 4.2-mile-long stretch of road lined with casinos, hotels, and entertainment venues. Even if you’re under 21, there’s plenty to see and do on the Strip. Here are some ideas:

• Take a stroll along the Strip: You don’t need to be 21 to walk along the Strip and admire the neon lights and towering structures. Be sure to visit landmarks such as the Bellagio fountains and the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign.
• Visit attractions and exhibitions: The Strip is home to a number of attractions and exhibitions that are suitable for all ages. These include the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at Luxor, and the High Roller observation wheel at The LINQ Promenade.
• Shop ’til you drop: The Strip is a shopper’s paradise, with numerous malls and stores catering to all budgets. Some of the most popular shopping destinations include the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, and the Fashion Show Mall.
• Dine at world-class restaurants: Even if you can’t gamble, you can still indulge in some of the best cuisine in the world. The Strip is home to numerous celebrity chef restaurants, including Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars Palace and Giada De Laurentiis’ eponymous restaurant at The Cromwell.
• Enjoy free entertainment: Many of the casinos on the Strip offer free entertainment, such as live music, magic shows, and street performers. Check out the schedule of events at each casino to see what’s on offer.

Enjoying Outdoor Adventures

Las Vegas may be in the middle of the desert, but there are plenty of outdoor activities for those who love adventure. Here are some ideas for outdoor fun in Vegas:

• Go hiking: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, located just 17 miles west of the Strip, offers numerous hiking trails for all skill levels. You can also go hiking in the Valley of Fire State Park, located about an hour’s drive from the city.
• Take a helicopter tour: See Las Vegas from above by taking a helicopter tour over the city and surrounding areas. Companies such as Maverick Helicopters and Papillon offer a range of tours, including trips to the Grand Canyon.
• Go ziplining: If you’re feeling brave, try ziplining over the crowds on the Fremont Street Experience in downtown Vegas. SlotZilla offers two zipline experiences – a 850-foot lower line and a 1,750-foot upper line – that provide great views of the city.
• Rent an ATV: If you’re looking for a more adrenaline-fueled adventure, rent an ATV and explore the nearby desert. Companies such as Las Vegas ATV Tours and Adrenaline ATV offer guided tours of the desert and mountains.
• Relax by the pool: Las Vegas is famous for its luxurious pool parties, but many of the hotels also offer more relaxing pool areas for those who want to soak up the sun and chill out. The MGM Grand’s lazy river and the Venetian’s rooftop pool are popular options.

Visiting Museums and Galleries

Las Vegas may be known for its flashy casinos and entertainment, but it also has a thriving arts scene. Here are some of the best museums and galleries to visit:

• The Neon Museum: Located in downtown Las Vegas, the Neon Museum is a unique outdoor museum that showcases vintage neon signs from old casinos and businesses. It’s a great place to learn about the history of Las Vegas and see some cool retro signs.
• The Mob Museum: Located in a former federal courthouse downtown, the Mob Museum tells the story of organized crime in America and its impact on Las Vegas. Exhibits include artifacts from famous mobsters, interactive displays, and a replica of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre wall.
• The Art Museum at Symphony Park: This museum is located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas and features a range of contemporary art exhibitions. It also hosts special events and programs, such as artist talks and workshops.
• Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art: Located inside the Bellagio hotel, this gallery features rotating exhibitions of world-renowned art. Past exhibitions have included works by Picasso, Warhol, and Monet.
• The Cosmopolitan’s art program: The Cosmopolitan hotel has a unique art program that features works by emerging artists from around the world. The hotel has a dedicated space for art installations and also hosts events such as artist talks and exhibitions.

Attending Shows and Concerts

Las Vegas is known for its world-class entertainment, with a wide range of shows and concerts to suit all tastes. Here are some of the best options for those under 21:

• Cirque du Soleil: Las Vegas is home to several Cirque du Soleil shows, including “O” at the Bellagio, “Mystère” at Treasure Island, and “Zumanity” at New York-New York. These acrobatic shows are suitable for all ages and are sure to impress.
• Blue Man Group: This unique show at the Luxor combines music, comedy, and art to create a memorable experience. The Blue Man Group is known for its use of unusual instruments and audience interaction.
• Magic shows: Las Vegas is also home to many magic shows, such as Penn & Teller at the Rio and David Copperfield at MGM Grand. These shows combine illusions and humor to create a fun and entertaining experience.
• Concerts: Many of the major music acts and bands perform in Las Vegas, and there are also several concert venues that cater to all ages. The House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel, and The Pearl at the Palms are all popular venues for concerts.
• Comedy shows: Las Vegas has a thriving comedy scene, with many top comedians performing in the city. Some of the best comedy clubs include the Comedy Cellar at the Rio and the Laugh Factory at the Tropicana.

Trying Your Luck at Gaming and Casinos

While gambling may be off-limits for those under 21 in Las Vegas, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the city’s famous casinos and gaming culture. Here are some ideas:

• Play arcade games: Many of the casinos on the Strip have arcades that offer a variety of games, such as skee-ball, air hockey, and racing games. Some popular arcades include the Adventuredome at Circus Circus and the Fun Dungeon at Excalibur.
• Watch sports: Las Vegas is a sports lover’s paradise, with numerous sports bars and lounges that show all the major games. Many of the casinos also have sports books where you can place bets on your favorite teams.
• Visit the Pinball Hall of Fame: This unique museum in Las Vegas has a collection of over 200 pinball machines from different eras. It’s a great place to relive some nostalgia and try your hand at classic games.
• Take a casino tour: Many of the casinos on the Strip offer free guided tours that provide an inside look at the gaming industry. The Wynn Las Vegas and the Bellagio are two popular casinos that offer tours.
• Enjoy the nightlife: Las Vegas is known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous nightclubs and bars that cater to all tastes. Many of the casinos also have lounges that offer live music and entertainment. Even if you can’t drink or gamble, you can still enjoy the lively atmosphere and people-watching.