Vegas is known for it's high rollers. However, not many people know there are many free things to do in Las Vegas.

In an effort to lure more tourist onto the gambling floor, many casinos have started offering elaborate shows free for the family. This is a win win situation for tourists and locals alike. The Casinos do this for several reasons. One reason is that it get's you into their house and away from the casino across the street. The other is to get your money.

One of the great shows that is available free to families is the Fall of Atlantis Show at Caesar's Palace. This show time is every hour on the hour. This particular show is a laser, water, and light show that features wonderful animatronics. The show's platform is actually a salt-water aquarium. You can see divers feed the fish each day at 1:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. while another staff member is on hand to answer any questions you may have and explain a little about the facility. You can actually take a tour of the facility at 3:15 p.m. Monday through Friday. Enjoy watching the gods as they entertain you for a change.

On Saturday afternoons, the Cambridge Community Center at 3900 Cambridge, Las Vegas, Nevada, offers a free movie and popcorn at 1:00. During the week, a different show is shown and children under 12 must bring an adult. You can check out which movie will be playing by checking out the posting on Friday.

A local favorite as well as a favorite with tourist is the free show at the Hawaiian Marketplace Island Performers. These performances take place throughout the day from 11:00 am until 10:30 pm.  The dances will remind you of the great island. See hula dancers, fire and knife dancers, musicians, lei makers, and animatronic birds. The Hawaiian Marketplace is modeled after the world famous Waikiki's International Marketplace. You'll find native island culture along with some great shopping at the Hawaiian Marketplace.

For the Elvis fan in all of us, catch Pete "Big Elvis" Vallee from Monday through Friday with shows that take place at 3, 5 and 6:30 pm at Bill's Gambling Hall and Casino. The admission for this show is free and he brings in quite a crowd with his vocal talent and heartfelt renditions of Elvis' ballads.

M & M World should need no introduction. It is a wonderful place for kids and grown ups alike. Plus it's free place to visit, grown-ups love FREE stuff! This museum is open Sunday through Thursday from 9 am until 11 pm and Friday and Saturday from 9 am until midnight. This really is a neat attraction to visit and is much more than initially meets the eye. Take a stroll, look around and make sure you see all there is to see or you just might miss something fantastic.

Another "Must See" when in Las Vegas is the Ethel M's Chocolate Factory. The admission for this self-guided tour is free (yep, once again, we like free!) as is the first sample of their delicious chocolate. In addition to the chocolate factor is the Botanical Cactus Garden that is open from 8:30 until 7:00 daily. Another great thing to see on this particular tour is the Living Machine, which as waste-consuming ecologies that turns 32,000 gallons wastewater each day into water that is clean enough to use for irrigation purposes.

Check out the video below of Ethel M's Chocolate Factory.

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbAVrh651jQ]

The Marjorie Barrick Museum of History, which is located on the University of Nevada Las Vegas Campus. This museum is another place to go and visit while being entertained. Admission is Monday through Friday from 8:00 until 4:45 and on Saturday from 10:00 until 2:00. Admission is free and the museum is closed on all state and federal holidays. While there, check out their display of ancient Mexico, it will really amaze you.

No matter what you are interested in, there are plenty of wonderful and interesting things to see and do when visiting or vacationing in Las Vegas. A Las Vegas vacation doesn't have to break the bank and with these free tips, you should have enough to take back home or take to the casino's (in which case, it may just break your bank )

You'll likely find more free things to do in Las Vegas once you get there!

If it's been a while since you've visited Las Vegas, or if it's your first trip here, there are a few basic things you're going to need to know.

• Bring your walking shoes! Make sure you bring comfortable walking shoes as you'll likely be spending a lot of time on your feet. Nothing ruins a Las Vegas trip faster than having blisters on your feet or uncomfortable shoes. 
• Be prepared for the weather. Everyone has heard about the old joke of "It's 120 outside, but it's a dry heat". 120 is hot no matter where you're at! What many folks don't understand is that between October and April, Las Vegas can have some downright cold weather. Bring a jacket!
• Best time to avoid the crowds. Surprsingly one of the busiest times in Las Vegas is around the holidays. If you're not a crowd lover, I would recommend planning a trip to Las Vegas in the slower months. If you're intent on coming during the busy season, make sure you book well in advance to insure you get the accommodations you want.
• Hey, we're in the middle of the Desert here! People are amazed at how fast their skin dries out here. Also, it's important to drink lots of water, especially if you site seeing trips include walking. This is a much drier climate than many people experience in their day-to-day lives and the heat and dryness can sneak up on you for a double whammy if you aren't prepared.
• Bring your Golf clubs! You should bring your best clubs along and be prepared to play a few rounds.
• Las Vegas on a Dime. While Vegas is famous for high rollers, it is possible to penny pinch and have a nice vacation for two at around $100 per day. But this is Las Vegas and the Casino's love the big spenders. Big spenders can drop thousands on one game without breaking a sweat. Pay attention to the places you are considering before you enter if you are on a limited budget.
• Rent a car. If you're planning to get out away from all the lights and glitter in Las Vegas it's a good idea if you plan to rent a car or drive your own. There are many wonderful places to visit in and around Las Vegas that don't include a Casino or gambling.
• Elvis is waiting for you. Las Vegas is almost as famous for weddings as it is for Casinos. If you are hoping to get married in Las Vegas you have many different themes to choose from. More than 125,000 couples apply for marriage licenses in Las Vegas each year. The licensing fees for marriage in Las Vegas is around $50 (keep in mind that this rate is subject to change). There are also chapel fees involved plus any extras you might want to have. You can choose to go as informal and small or as bold and lavish as you can afford.

Remember the commercials, "What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas".  Unless you're OJ, that's still pretty much the going theme here in Las Vegas. So let your hair down and have some fun while you're visiting Las Vegas!

In recent years, the Las Vegas industry has really went out on a limb to become more Family oriented. You'll find a wide range of things for the whole family to do.

This can be a wonderful vacation experience for you whether you are planning marriage, a few rounds of golf, world famous smorgasbords, gambling adventure, seeing one of the award winning acts, or just spending quality time with the Wife and kids hanging out around the pool. 

Relax, pull off your shoes and tip up a cool beverage. I suggest you have as much fun as possible. Enjoy the sights and sounds, watch the extravagant shows, enjoy the many great buffets, and spend some time at the hotel spa relaxing and rejuvenating as you prepare to go back home and face the rigors of the day to day world. And remember, Las Vegas will be waiting for you the next time you need a little R and R.