Free Daytime Activities on the Strip

If you're at all interested in reading or writing, make your first stop Bauman Rare Books, which is located in the Shoppes at the Palazzo. This 2,300-square-foot gallery is home to many valuable first-edition books and other rare manuscripts. Visitors are welcome to admire the store's collection even if they have no intention of buying.
---
Phone: 702-948-1617
Hours: Daily 10am-11pm

You'll find a spectacular indoor waterfall and well-manicured garden plots in the open plaza of the Palazzo. The waterfall is located where the Palazzo and the Venetian meet, and while this area is not nearly as extravagant as the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, it is still quite beautiful and impressive as the displays change by the season. Because the Palazzo is generally not as heavily visited as the Venetian or other resorts on the Strip, this can be a quiet place to relax as well.

Though you'll need to pay to ride in one of the many gondolas that float through the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, it's free to watch. The gondoliers in Las Vegas wear traditional garb and sing to their passengers, just like they do in Venice. Find a spot on a bridge or a bench and enjoy the serene scene among the madness that often encapsulates Las Vegas.

St. Mark's Square is the hub of the Grand Canal Shoppes. In addition to the restaurants and free-standing shops located here, there are a number of live performances by costumed characters that take place on the stage throughout the day. In addition, you'll find live statues in the shopping areas.

Make your way to the far reaches of the Forum Shops in Caesars Palace and you'll find an automaton performance that follows the story of the fall of Atlantis. Though it's a bit cheesy, it's still a fun stop, especially for families. While you're here, check out the aquarium on the backside of the performance space.
---
Hours
Sunday-Thursday 10am-11pm
Friday-Saturday 10am-Midnight
Shows start every hour on the hour

One of the most unusual things about the Cosmopolitan is that it fosters a sense of comfort and openness not found at any other Las Vegas resort. In addition to having open spaces where people can sit and lounge without the pressure of ordering a drink or tossing quarters into a slot machine, visitors are welcome to kick back with billiards or a board game on the third floor. Though many people enjoy the games while they wait for a table for dinner, anyone is welcome to pass the time up here.

Just as the Palazzo has small gardens in the plaza below the waterfall, CityCenter has random art pieces and garden spaces scattered across the bottom floor. Poke around this area for awhile and, if you're particularly interested in the art located at CityCenter, stop by the concierge desk and ask for the free arts walking tour, which leads visitors to several sites within Crystals, Vdara, Aria and Mandarin Oriental.