The Best Off-the-Strip Activities in Las Vegas

Las Vegas holds a well-deserved reputation as a place for fun and excitement — unless, that is, you are one of the many who don’t enjoy gambling, drinking or nightclubs. In that case, Sin City might be better termed Can’t Win City. But wait — not so fast. Did you know there are a plethora of activities available for the less party-inclined who, for whatever reason, find themselves faced with a trip to Lost Wages? Before barring yourself (and your wallet) from the inevitable rush of tables, showgirls, and cocktails, consider this range of cool off-Strip ideas ready to engage casino-phobes, the underaged and those who’d just plain rather be outside breathing real (not man-made) oxygen. Ready to explore? Grab a few bottles of water, some sunscreen, comfy shoes and a lightweight jacket or sweater to make sure you’re covered in case you decide to stay out after sundown. (Yes, there is nightlife off the Strip, just a slightly different kind.)

Even if the Strip’s flashy glitz makes you squint, you can still enjoy the lights: Take a fascinating tour of Las Vegas’ retired/restored neon signs at this museum. You’ll see hotel/casino, store and restaurant signs from decades ago! Located very close to the Strip, the museum can be reached by a short cab ride. The tour lasts one hour and is available seven days a week; day tours are $18, night tours $25 per person. One thing to keep in mind: The yard contains lots of broken glass and rusty metal, so it may not be the best place to bring young children (older kids should be fine). Regardless of your age, be sure to wear closed-toed shoes to protect your feet.

For those who are shepherding a crowd of the way under-21 set, Vegas can be a huge challenge. Either the rugrats are irresistibly tempted by the forbidden flashing slot machines, or turn your back and they’re eating cigarette butts out of a (“it’s pretty!”) Roman-styled ashtray. Need a break? The Discovery Kids Museum offers 26,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, including a “water world” experiment spot, invention-creation space, immersive art projects and a special area just for toddlers to get hands-on. The museum is closed on Mondays but otherwise is a great option for those who need to let their youngest buddies blow off some steam.

Vegas has no shortage of places to grab a decadent dessert, but for a different change of pace, visit the city’s Ethel M Chocolate Factory. Just 15 minutes from the Strip, the facility — the only Ethel M factory in the world — allows guests to observe candy preparation from start to finish. Best of all, the tour is totally free of charge, and you can also make a pit stop at the adjacent Botanical Cactus Garden, which boasts more than 300 varieties of cacti.

If you’re renting a car, have some extra time and enjoy the great outdoors, consider driving out about 40 minutes from the Strip to Hoover Dam. Visitors can tour this historic landmark by foot, Hummer, helicopter, biplane, boat or bike — your choice. You may also choose from many paid tours (the park itself offers a basic guided tour for a fee), then explore the public areas on your own. More than 1 million tourists visit this area, established in the ‘30s, every year. You’ll see scenic views of the Colorado River, explore tunnels, tour the power plant and even raft or kayak down the river. Just be cautious if you’re going in summertime: The weather can be extremely hot.

So, you think a “ghost town” is just something make-believe or out of a movie or TV show? The state of Nevada actually has many real ones! They’re Gold Rush-era towns that fell into ruin and currently stand deserted. Rhyolite, which is about 100 miles out of Vegas, is a great example. If you can make the drive (about an hour and a half), you’ll be able to explore several structures still partially standing, including one made completely of liquor bottles! If you feel as if you’ve walked onto an old Western movie set, you won’t be surprised to know that many films have been shot at this very location over the years. Like Hoover Dam, consider the weather before heading out and dress appropriately. The desert can get brutally hot in the summer months. Some other ideas? Las Vegas also has a range of fun activities, including race tracks where you can indulge your NASCAR fantasies, shooting ranges and thrill rides (consider driving to nearby town Primm, which boasts a terrifying roller coaster dubbed Desperado), or try a variety of cuisines from the city’s food truck program. Enjoy!