10 Non-typical Things to Do in Las Vegas

Las Vegas isn’t just about dazzling casinos, extravagant shows, and endless buffets. Beyond the neon-lit Strip lies a playground for adventure seekers looking to experience the wild side of the desert. If you’re tired of slot

and crowded nightclubs, it’s time to discover the adrenaline-pumping activities that make Vegas truly unique. Swap poker chips for desert dust and cocktail lounges for canyon trails as we explore ten non-typical things to do in Las Vegas that will completely transform your Sin City experience.

1. ATV Dune Tour: Desert Thrills Beyond the Strip

Trade the casino floor for the desert floor with an exhilarating ATV dune tour just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. Feel the rush as you conquer massive sand dunes, navigate challenging terrain, and witness breathtaking desert vistas that most Vegas visitors never see. These guided adventures take you through the Mojave Desert’s most spectacular landscapes, where you’ll experience the raw beauty of Nevada’s natural playground while satisfying your thirst for adventure.

Most tours operate out of the Las Vegas Dunes Recreation Area, approximately 15 miles northeast of the Strip. Companies like Las Vegas ATV Tours and SunBuggy Fun Rentals offer various packages ranging from 1-hour quickies to half-day expeditions. Tours typically include safety gear, instruction, and transportation from your hotel.

For the best experience, book a morning tour (especially during summer months) when temperatures are cooler and the lighting is perfect for photos. Prices range from $99-$299 per person depending on tour length and vehicle type. No previous ATV experience is required, but you’ll need a valid driver’s license and closed-toe shoes.

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2. Horseback Canyon Ride: Cowboy Adventures in Red Rock

Channel your inner cowboy with a horseback riding adventure through the stunning canyons surrounding Las Vegas. As your trusty steed navigates ancient trails, you’ll be transported back to the Wild West while taking in the breathtaking scenery of Red Rock Canyon. The contrast between the vibrant red sandstone formations and the clear blue desert sky creates a photographer’s paradise and a memorable escape from the artificial lights of the Strip.

Wild West Horseback Adventures offers some of the best riding experiences, including their popular sunrise ride with cowboy breakfast. Their ranch is located about 30 minutes from the Strip in the picturesque Moapa Valley. Bonnie Springs Ranch and Cowboy Trail Rides also offer excellent guided horseback experiences through Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

The ideal time for horseback riding is during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures are most comfortable. Summer rides should be booked early morning to avoid the heat. Prices typically range from $129-$189 per person for 2-hour rides including breakfast or dinner. No riding experience is necessary, but weight restrictions (usually 225-250 lbs) may apply.

Saddle Up for Adventure!

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3. Outdoor Shooting Experience: Desert Firepower

Las Vegas offers some of the most unique shooting experiences in the country, taking the activity out of indoor ranges and into the dramatic desert landscape. Outdoor shooting experiences let you test your marksmanship with an impressive arsenal of firearms while surrounded by the natural beauty of the Nevada desert. From machine guns to sniper rifles, these experiences offer firepower you can’t find at your local range.

Battlefield Vegas and Desert Adventures Outdoor Shooting Experience are among the top-rated operators, offering packages that include transportation from your hotel to their secure desert shooting locations. Machine Gun Experience by Shoot Las Vegas also provides exclusive outdoor shooting packages with professional instruction.

These experiences are available year-round, though early morning or late afternoon sessions are recommended during summer to avoid peak heat. Packages typically start around $199 and can go up to $500+ depending on the firearms selection and experience duration. All necessary safety equipment is provided, and no previous shooting experience is required. Participants must be at least 18 years old (or 10+ with parent/guardian) and should wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes.

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4. Emerald Cave Kayak: Hidden Gems on the Colorado River

Just an hour from the Las Vegas Strip lies one of nature’s most magical phenomena – Emerald Cave. This hidden gem on the Colorado River creates a mesmerizing spectacle when sunlight filters through the cave entrance, illuminating the water with an otherworldly emerald glow. Kayaking to this natural wonder offers a peaceful yet adventurous escape from the city’s chaos and reveals a side of Nevada that few tourists ever experience.

Several outfitters offer guided kayak tours to Emerald Cave, with Evolution Expeditions and Desert Adventures being among the most popular. Tours typically depart from Willow Beach Marina, about 45 minutes from Las Vegas. The full experience includes paddling through the Black Canyon section of the Colorado River, where you might spot desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and other wildlife.

For the best emerald glow effect, book a midday tour when the sun is positioned to create the most vibrant colors (usually between 10am-2pm). Tours operate year-round, with spring and fall offering the most comfortable temperatures. Prices range from $99-$159 per person for 3-4 hour tours, including equipment, guide, and often snacks and water. No previous kayaking experience is necessary, making this adventure accessible to most fitness levels.

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5. Dune Buggy Adventure: Off-Road Thrills in the Mojave

For the ultimate desert adrenaline rush, nothing beats tearing across the Mojave in a high-powered dune buggy. These purpose-built off-road machines let you conquer terrain that would be impossible in conventional vehicles, from soft sand dunes to rocky desert trails. Feel the rush as you power through the desert landscape, experiencing the raw freedom that comes with leaving the pavement—and the typical Vegas experience—far behind.

SunBuggy Fun Rentals and Vegas Off-Road Tours offer some of the most exciting dune buggy adventures, with their “Mini Baja Chase” and desert racing experiences being particularly popular. Most tours operate out of Jean Dry Lake Bed or the Las Vegas Dunes Recreation Area, both about 30 minutes from the Strip. Transportation from your hotel is typically included.

Morning tours are recommended during summer months, while afternoon runs work well during cooler seasons. Expect to pay between $149-$299 per person depending on tour length and buggy type. Some tours allow two people per buggy (driver and passenger), while others offer solo driving experiences. Drivers must be at least 18 years old with a valid license, and passengers must be at least 4 feet tall. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dusty, as this is definitely a dirty adventure!

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6. Exotic Car Driving at Speedway: Fulfill Your Racing Dreams

Las Vegas offers the rare opportunity to legally push exotic supercars to their limits on a professional racetrack. The Las Vegas Motor Speedway transforms your racing fantasies into reality, putting you behind the wheel of Lamborghinis, Ferraris, McLarens, and other dream machines that most of us only experience through video games. Feel the raw power as you accelerate down the straightaways and test your skills navigating the challenging turns of a real NASCAR track.

Exotics Racing and SpeedVegas are the premier providers of exotic car experiences in Las Vegas. Both offer impressive fleets of supercars and professional instruction to help you get the most out of your driving session. The Las Vegas Motor Speedway is located about 20 minutes north of the Strip, with complimentary shuttle service provided from select Strip hotels.

These experiences are available year-round, though early morning or evening sessions are preferable during summer months. Prices start around $299 for 5-7 laps in a single car, with multi-car packages available for the ultimate experience. No manual transmission experience is necessary, as most exotic cars feature paddle shifters. Drivers must be at least 18 years old with a valid license. Spectators are welcome (often for a small fee), making this a great activity even for non-drivers to enjoy.

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7. Black Canyon Raft Tour: Colorado River Adventures

Experience the majestic Colorado River from a unique perspective on a Black Canyon raft tour. Launching from the base of the Hoover Dam, these smooth-water rafting adventures take you through the dramatic Black Canyon, where towering walls rise 2,000 feet above the emerald waters. Unlike whitewater rafting, these tours focus on scenery and wildlife, making them accessible to adventurers of all ages and abilities while still delivering an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Black Canyon River Adventures and Desert Adventures are the primary operators for these tours, offering half-day and full-day options. Tours typically begin at the Hoover Dam security checkpoint, where you’ll board a bus that takes you down to the river launch point at the dam’s base – a restricted area that can only be accessed through authorized tour operators.

These tours operate from March through November, with summer months offering warmer water for swimming opportunities. Prices range from $89-$169 per person, typically including lunch, guide, and all necessary equipment. Morning departures are recommended for the best lighting for photos and cooler temperatures during summer. The smooth water makes this suitable for all ages (usually 5+) and swimming ability levels, though some mobility is required to board the rafts.

Float Through Black Canyon

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8. Heavy Equipment Playground: Operate Real Construction Machinery

Release your inner child at Dig This, the world’s first heavy equipment playground. This unique Vegas attraction puts you in control of massive construction machinery, allowing you to operate real bulldozers, excavators, and other heavy equipment in a safe, supervised environment. Dig trenches, build mounds, stack giant tires, and even play “excavator basketball” in what might be the most satisfying stress-relief activity ever invented.

Dig This is located just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip at 3012 S. Rancho Drive. The facility features a 5-acre “sandbox” where guests can operate various pieces of heavy machinery under the guidance of experienced instructors who communicate with you via headset throughout your session.

This experience is available year-round, with covered equipment cabs making it comfortable even during summer months. Sessions typically last 90 minutes to 3 hours, with prices ranging from $169-$499 depending on the equipment package and session length. Participants must be at least 14 years old (with signed parental consent for those under 18) and cannot be under the influence of alcohol or drugs (breathalyzer tests are administered). No previous experience is necessary – the instructors provide comprehensive training before you start digging.

Operate Real Construction Equipment

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9. Red Rock Canyon: Scenic Hiking and Rock Climbing

Just 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip lies Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, a natural wonderland of crimson sandstone peaks, ancient petroglyphs, and diverse desert ecosystems. This dramatic landscape offers over 30 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging scrambles, plus world-class rock climbing opportunities on its distinctive sandstone faces. The stark contrast between the neon city and this pristine natural area makes for a refreshing and visually stunning day trip.

Red Rock Canyon features a 13-mile scenic drive with numerous pullouts and trailheads, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. For those seeking guidance, companies like Red Rock Canyon Tours and Pink Jeep Tours offer guided hiking and sightseeing experiences. For rock climbing, Red Rock Climbing Center provides guided climbing trips for all skill levels.

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most comfortable hiking temperatures. Summer visitors should start very early in the morning to avoid dangerous midday heat. Entry to the conservation area costs $15 per vehicle for a day pass. Guided hiking tours typically range from $99-$179 per person, while guided climbing experiences start around $199. For the best experience, bring plenty of water, sun protection, and proper footwear. The visitor center provides excellent orientation information and exhibits about the area’s natural and cultural history.

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10. Lion Habitat Ranch: Up-Close Wildlife Encounters

For a wildlife experience you’d never expect in the desert, visit the Lion Habitat Ranch in Henderson, just 15 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. This non-profit wildlife sanctuary is home to over 40 lions, many of which are descendants of the famous MGM Grand lions, along with ostriches, emus, and Ozzie the painting giraffe. Unlike a traditional zoo, this intimate sanctuary allows for remarkably close encounters with these magnificent animals while supporting their conservation and care.

The Lion Habitat Ranch is located at 382 Bruner Avenue in Henderson, Nevada. The sanctuary offers self-guided tours as well as special behind-the-scenes experiences including hand-feeding the animals (under staff supervision) and watching the lions enjoy their meals during feeding time. Don’t miss Ozzie the giraffe’s painting demonstrations – you can even purchase his artwork as a unique Vegas souvenir!

The ranch is open Friday through Monday from 11am to 3pm, with extended summer hours. General admission is $25-$35 for adults, with discounts for children and seniors. Special experiences like the trainer for a day program or behind-the-scenes tours range from $50-$200. For the best experience, visit during feeding times (usually around noon) when the lions are most active. The facility is mostly outdoors with some shade structures, so morning visits are recommended during summer months.

Meet the Kings of the Jungle

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Redefine Your Vegas Experience with These Non-typical Adventures

Las Vegas has evolved far beyond its reputation as just a gambling and nightlife destination. These ten non-typical adventures offer a fresh perspective on Sin City, allowing you to experience the natural beauty, adrenaline rushes, and unique attractions that most visitors never discover. Whether you’re racing exotic cars, kayaking to hidden emerald caves, or operating heavy machinery, these experiences create memories that will last long after the neon lights fade.

The best part? Most of these activities are just a short drive from the Strip, making them easy to incorporate into even the busiest Vegas itinerary. Consider booking at least one or two of these adventures to balance out your casino time and nightclub hopping. Your Instagram feed—and your sense of adventure—will thank you.

So on your next trip to Vegas, trade the poker table for a dune buggy, swap slot machines for lion encounters, and exchange nightclub lines for hiking trails. These non-typical Las Vegas experiences might just become the highlight of your visit, revealing a side of the Entertainment Capital of the World that most tourists never see.

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