Las Vegas, Things To Do in Las Vegas

The Best Things To Do in Las Vegas During the Day [Updated in 2023]

things to do in las vegas during the day

Last updated: March 27, 2023

Las Vegas is renowned for its nightlife, but it has a daytime scene, too. Whether you’re visiting with your kids or you’re simply not interested in outings that begin after 8pm—and, quite frankly, we’re right there with you—there are lots of exciting morning, afternoon, and early evening activities and entertainment options for you to explore in the city away from the casino.

Daytime Las Vegas offers both fast-paced and leisurely excursions that will still get you home for tuck-in-time by 10pm, including:

  • Roller coaster rides
  • A glut of dining options
  • Pools to cool off in and lounge by
  • Museums
  • Performances
  • Sightseeing
  • Day trips to nearby locales

Here are some of the best things to do in Vegas during the day:

Take a wild ride

Whether you identify as an “adrenaline junkie” or you simply enjoy the thrill of a roller coaster or race car, Las Vegas has lots of ride options for you to explore. Here are just a few to get your heart racing:

The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Skypod

  • SkyJump
  • Big Shot
  • X-Scream
  • Insanity

New York-New York

Las Vegas Motor Speedway

  • Exotics Racing
  • NASCAR Racing Experience

LINQ Promenade

Circus Circus Adventuredome

  • Canyon Blaster
  • Chaos
  • El Loco
  • Inverter
  • Sling Shot

Dine out

Depending on your dedication to the Food Network, you may or may not be aware that Las Vegas is a foodie fantasy come to life. Sin City is home to the restaurants of innumerable celeb chefs, as well as local stars that should not be overlooked. From buffet to gourmet, you will find every flavor of cuisine at a variety of price levels both on and off the Strip.

Check out Eater Las Vegas’s 38 Standout Dining Destinations in Las Vegas for their list of essential restaurants to visit.

Whet your appetite with a peak of what Vegas has to offer in our Guide to Dining Out in Sin City.

Make a splash

Las Vegas gets hot, and there is no better way to cool off than in one of the impressive pools or dayclubs you’ll find dotted along the Strip. Some of the more renowned spots include:

  • Mandalay Bay Beach
  • Caesars Palace’s Garden of the Gods
  • Drai’s Beachclub at the Cromwell
  • The Pool at Aria Resort & Casino
  • The Tank at the Golden Nugget
  • The Venetian Pool Deck
  • Grand Pool Complex at MGM Grand

Some locations require reservations, so make sure you secure your spot in advance.

Check out Lavish Vegas’s up-to-date list of the Best Las Vegas Hotel Pools for more info.

Enjoy a museum or exhibit

With over 15 museums to explore, there is no shortage of interesting artwork, historical artifacts, and exhibits to enjoy. Some of Las Vegas’s most popular, memorable, and fun museums include:

  • The Mob Museum – Explore the history of organized crime that helped cement Las Vegas’s reputation as Sin City.
  • The Neon Museum – Enjoy the iconic neon signs of Las Vegas’ past and present.
  • The National Atomic Testing Museum – “Experience Nevada’s Explosive history” at this museum that explores the U.S.A.’s nuclear history and the nuclear testing that took place at Nevada’s Test Site.
  • DISCOVERY Children’s Museum – A great place to keep kids entertained, full of hours of imaginative (and educational!) activities.
  • Pinball Hall of Fame – Pinball wizards rejoice! In Las Vegas you will find history you can play with at the Pinball Hall of Fame, home to hundreds of classic and new pinball games.

If perusing a museum is your idea of a good time, check out 9 Weird & Wonderful Las Vegas Museums.

See a show

If the prospect of a show starting at 9pm makes you yawn, perhaps a matinee is more your speed. Thankfully, Las Vegas has no shortage of afternoon and early-evening options so you don’t have to miss out on your favorite stage spectacular or your bedtime.

The easiest afternoon shows to catch currently include:

  • Magic shows (including David Copperfield)
  • Variety shows
  • Impersonator & drag shows
  • Comedy shows

More options for afternoon shows are often available, including a few Cirque du Soleil shows and star-studded residencies, which sometimes include a 7 PM performance. Be warned—the 7 PM time slot is largely performance- and artist-dependent, so you may not always get your first pick.

TRAVEL TIP: Don’t forget your earplugs! It’s easier to fall asleep post-show if your ears aren’t ringing.

Explore the city

If you’re interested in stepping away from the bright lights and big glamor of the Strip, Las Vegas has an amazing downtown district worthy of exploration. From restaurants and shopping to free performances and art installations, the Container Park and Fremont Street don’t disappoint with their classic Old Las Vegas charm. Learn more about this sector of Sin City in our Guide to Exploring Downtown Las Vegas.

Take a day trip

If you’re looking to escape the city and see some of the scenic Southwest, Las Vegas is a great starting point for discovering the many National and State Parks, National Conservation Areas, Recreation Areas, Preserves, cities, and small towns that are located within driving distance of the Strip. If you’d like to avoid the stress of navigation and driving to your destination, consider taking a guided tour to a nearby spot instead:

Interested in hitting the road alone? Check out our guide to 11 Easy Day Trips from Las Vegas.

Conclusion

Las Vegas has lots to offer outside of its litany of late-night activities. If a daytime excursion is more your speed, you can be sure you’ll find something to enjoy. If you need help with where to begin planning, make sure you check out Las Vegas’s:

  • Roller coasters
  • Delicious dining options
  • Plethora of pools
  • Museums
  • Matinee or early-evening shows
  • The city itself
  • The stunning scenery outside the city

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About Ria Borja

Ria is a Customer Experience Manager at Canyon Tours and an avid lover of the outdoors. When she isn't helping other travelers check destinations and dream vacations off their bucket lists, she's busy exploring the Southwest. Her favorite place to visit is (unsurprisingly!) the Grand Canyon.