Community Recommendations: Fun Things to Check Out in Vegas

The conference will likely be where you spend most of your time while at DevLearn, but in your off-hours there’s lots of other things to check out nearby.

For this post, we asked our 2019 DevLearn Ambassadors and eLearning Guild Advisory Board about their recommendations for amusing things to do in Vegas.

Have your own suggestions to add? Be sure to include them in the comments!

Tim Slade – DevLearn Ambassador

• Get out of the hotel! Las Vegas has a lot of offer, so make sure to explore! Even if you’re alone, you’ll have a blast with all of the sights to see. Oh, and don’t go just off the strip. :)

Kelli Klee – DevLearn Ambassador

• There is something for everyone here. For me it’s the people watching… and the food. Take advantage of the unique dining experiences and of course invite others from DevLearn to join.

Debbie Richards – DevLearn Ambassador

• There are wonderful restaurants in the hotels but also off the strip. But distances are further than they appear. Bring good walking shoes if you plan to trek out on foot. The Strip is four miles long and the buildings appear closer than they really are
• If you want to attend a show, book before you come! Many shows sell out fast. I use vegas.com to get a discount on tickets. My favorite affordable show is Penn &Teller at The Rio. But if you haven’t seen The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil at The Mirage you must go!
• Bringing your spouse or partner along? Need to find something for them to do while you’re at the conference? The MGM Resorts in Las Vegas have a number of interesting options, including Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage. Visitors can select any three attractions at MGM Resorts in Las Vegas for only $57 (ask at the concierge desk for details).

Jeff Batt – 2019 eLearning Guild Advisory Board

• I love magic and grew up watching David Copperfield specials. It was really fun to watch his Vegas show.
• Explore! I used to just stay in my hotel room and work but there are so many things you can go out and do right in Vegas. A couple years ago I decided to get out and just walk around and found the coolest Marvel Avengers store so close to our hotel. Also found an awesome river inside the Venetian. Get out and walk around, go explore the shops and stores all around. You’ll make some great memories.

Meg Bertapelle – DevLearn Ambassador

• The Black Tap at the Venetian has the most amazing and completely over-the-top milkshakes I’ve ever seen. Share with someone, but check them out!
• Cirque du Soleil is always amazing – if it’s in your budget, try to make the time.

Karl Kapp – DevLearn Ambassador

• It’s a little pricy but minus5° Ice Experience.

Megan Torrance – 2019 eLearning Guild Advisory Board

• Las Vegas really is awake 24/7. It’s pretty astonishing and worth checking out, even if you’re just up wandering around the hotel in the middle of the night. There’s an entire cadre of humanity out and a whole army of service staff at work.
• Get outside! Nevada is beautiful and there are great hikes and outdoorsy options close by. Red Rocks National Conservation Area has great terrain and a range of hiking options (note: it is NOT the Red Rocks concert amphitheatre). Also, for more hike ideas check out this article.

Mike Taylor – DevLearn Ambassador

• Get outside and away from the strip. There are excellent outdoor options within close range of the strip. Try the Red Rocks area for hiking or rent a mountain bike and hit the trails. My favorite is the kayak tour that starts right below the Hoover Dam and includes stops at some hot springs along the way.

Jennifer Murphy – 2019 eLearning Guild Advisory Board

• Word on the street is they do decent work at the tattoo parlor inside the hotel.