10 free things to do in Las Vegas

6) The lion habitat at the MGM Grand. This glassed-in enclosure, which opened in July 1999, showcases up to five lions daily, including the descendants of MGM Studios’ famous signature marquee lion. There’s even a transparent tunnel through the habitat. Walk through it if you wish to be surrounded by lions. When you’re ready to leave the “wilds” of Africa, take the skybridge across Las Vegas Boulevard to …

7) New York City. New York, New York Hotel & Casino opened in 1997. Outside, a faux Statue of Liberty stretches her torch between palm trees and a Coney Island-style roller coaster that does loop-the-loops in front of faux skyscrapers. Inside, patrons can pretend they’re in the Big City, strolling through an art-deco themed interior and a re-creation of Central Park. All the fun of New York — without the muggings! When you’ve had your faux bite of the Big Apple, leave the hotel and prepare for a long walk north up The Strip toward your starting point. Just when you think your feet might crumple beneath you, you’ll be re-invigorated by …

8) The dancing fountains of Bellagio. The Bellagio hotel opened in 1998. Every afternoon and evening, the hotel’s manmade turquoise lake becomes the staging ground for a 1,000-foot-long fountain display. Watch jets of water burst 240 feet in the air, sweeping and dancing up the lake to the strains of Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman singing “Con Te Partiro.” Or, you might hear the more whimsical “Singin’ in the Rain.” (“What a glorious thing … I’m happy again!”)

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Now it’s time for dinner. Tightwads, might we recommend the $11.95 Prime Rib or T-bone steak dinner at the Barbary Coast?

Wait for the sun to go down, then walk to …

9) The flaming volcano at the Mirage. Every 15 minutes from 7 p.m. to midnight, the Mirage’s faux volcano erupts only a few steps from Las Vegas Boulevard, sending fire 100 feet into the sky and transforming a waterfall into streams of molten lava. It’s a rough life for the mallard ducks who hang out at this tourist attraction, for they must take wing every 15 minutes or risk being flambéed. But it’s great fun for Homo sapiens.

Speaking of birds, cross the street to visit …

10) The Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Las Vegas. This resort is host to a collection of more than 300 birds, including a flock of pink Chilean flamingos. African penguins, swans, ducks, and turtles also cavort amid lush tropical foliage imported from all over the world.

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