8- Sunset Stampede at Sam’s Town!

Similar to an old Western, the Sunset Stampede transports visitors back in time through the use of water, lasers, lights and animation.

The eight-minute show begins with the plaintive howl of an animatronics wolf, which suddenly appears at the top of the mountain. The wolf is joined by other wildlife, including a bear and an eagle.

The fountains come alive, shooting up to eight stories high and dancing along to a symphonic score recorded especially for Sam’s Town by the Indianapolis Philharmonic Orchestra. The show chronicles the Western pioneer experience.

Sunset Stampede is located in Mystic Falls Park, a 25,000-square-foot live forest within an atrium. There is plenty of room for viewing the show, although those standing up front are likely to get a bit wet. A bar situated in the middle of the park provides a good vantage point while offering onlookers the chance to stay dry.

Once the show concludes, Mystic Falls becomes peaceful once more. Filled with lush foliage, cascading waterfalls and a babbling brook, the spot is the ideal location for relaxation. Wooden benches are scattered throughout the park, providing a place to sit and take in the view. And for those interested in a leisurely stroll, stone walkways lined with rustic hanging lanterns weave their way through the park.

COST: ZERO!

9- The NEON Museum!

Who would have ever thought that a Museum of just Neon Signs could attract so many annual visitors? This is a bit of old Las Vegas preserved!

The face of Vegas has changed over the years as many old, historic hotels have been imploded to make way for the new mega-resorts of today. All that remains of many of those old properties is the neon signs that once adorned them.

The Neon Museum, currently an outdoor walking tour, is located downtown at the Fremont Street Experience. It was created by the city of Las Vegas to preserve that piece of Vegas history.

Not only are the signs historical, with their spectacular colors, intricate animation and sheer size, they are also considered by many to be true works of art.

Whether you go the museum to rekindle your memories of the Vegas that was or you are seeing the signs for the first time, it’s an interesting and enjoyable attraction.

The Neon Museum officially opened in 1996 with the installation of the Hacienda Horse and Rider sign at the intersection of the Fremont Street Experience and Las Vegas Boulevard. The sign was originally created in 1967 for the Hacienda Hotel, which was imploded in 1996 to make way for the Mandalay Bay Resort.

It’s pretty bright place and you might want to bring your sunglasses with you!

COST: ZERO!

10- Go to the RIO for Carnivale!

It’s Carnivale every day at the Rio, with the hotel-casino’s lavish Masquerade Show in the Sky.

The sexy new show, redesigned by Dick Foster Productions, takes visitors on a journey through the world’s greatest celebrations with energetic dancers, exotic costumes and plenty of fun, fun, fun.

But it’s much more than a sky show that takes place in the Masquerade Village — which, patterned after a northern Italian village, features shops, restaurants and a wine cellar — the party begins with a parade led by Rio Rita, with acrobats, mimes and the like — a true party in which patrons mingle with performers.

The show’s floats (the main two of which weigh 20,000 pounds apiece) remain intact; however, its choreography and length have been given an overhaul — once merely 12 minutes long, the show’s length has more than doubled. Dancers perform to “Swing and Disco,” “Venice Internationale,” “Contemporary Street Show” and “Beach Party.”

And what better way to take part in the spectacle than becoming part of it? For a mere $9.95, patrons can get into costume and ride the floats. After meeting at the Masquerade Village’s main stage, riders are funneled backstage and given beads and hats (including a souvenir medallion) before taking their spot on the floats.

COST: $13.99 (and you can’t throw beads at the crowd) to be a Show Participant! Memories - Priceless!