Frank Scoblete Presents: Free things to do in and around Las Vegas by The Goddess

After you have lost all your money, or you have won and want to keep your winnings, there are several places to go within the city of Las Vegas as well as within a short drive. There are several free shows if you have never seen them. The Bellagio has fountains, whose dancing waters are set to music. The Mirage has a volcano that erupts periodically. There are the Sirens of Treasure Island, putting on an outdoor show. You can watch the lions being fed at MGM and, for a fee, have your photo taken with them. There are periodic circus acts at Circus Circus. Downtown, there is the Fremont Street Experience, which has a canopy above with a light and sound show in the evenings. There are also live musical performances and free entertainment on the street.

At the Ethel M chocolate factory, you can take a self-guided tour, and also enjoy the beautiful cactus garden, which has 300 species. The address is 2 Cactus Garden Dr., Henderson. Call 702-458-8864 for hours and special events.

One of my favorites is at Caesars Palace. Next to the "Fall of Atlantis" fountain show is a 50,000 gallon salt water aquarium with 100 species of ocean life. A diver feeds the fish at 1:15 and 5:15, and there is a second staffer on the floor to answer questions. There is also an infirmary tour to see where and how they treat fish that have become sick. This is also free, and you meet the tour guide next to the aquarium at 3:15 weekdays.