I’m always looking for unique experiences that I can’t replicate anywhere else.
I found several extreme adventures to add to your Las Vegas bucket list.
These Las Vegas adventures appeal to thrill seekers and adventurers who like unique experiences.
This article was written in partnership with Visit Las Vegas. This article contains affiliate links.
1. Play with Real Construction Equipment at Dig This
800 W Roban Ave, Las Vegas, NV
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to operate REAL construction equipment?
Purchase Your Las Vegas Heavy Equipment Playground Ticket Here
At Dig This Las Vegas that dream can become a reality.
I didn’t know it was possible to do a wheelie in an excavator. What’s even better is that I was the one doing the wheelie…at the instruction of my guide.
Guests at Dig This begin their adventure with safety instructions and demos explaining the challenges before going outside.
Hands-On Learning on Construction Equipment
Next, you get to experience hands-on learning outside.
Don’t worry, you’ll have an instructor on the ground giving you directions every step of the way through a two-way communication headset.
You can play in the heat while staying cool in the air-conditioned cabin.
Ages 14 and up can operate the bigger equipment and 7 and up can operate the smaller equipment.
All participants are required to take a breathalyzer before operating machinery. So keep that in mind and save the drinks for AFTER your adventure.
Which Equipment Do You Want to Try?
We had the option of the excavator (ages 12+) or the bulldozer (ages 14+) for our visit.
We opted for the excavator, which allowed us to test our construction skills on a few tasks.
The most challenging part of the experience was connecting the voice commands to moving your hands on the controls.
I’m confident that I know my right from left in everyday life.
What’s crazy is that when you are called to do a series of movements with voice commands, somehow it blurs a bit.
Our instructor seriously had the patience of a saint as he led us through each task.
Construction Themed Games at Dig This
We picked up and moved GIANT tires from one section to another, excavated dirt, and tried to see whose pile was bigger and we even had a modified game of basketball.
We also got to spin around while honking our horn as loud and often as we wanted which was just fun.
This type of adventure has you smiling the entire time you’re on the equipment.
Dig This gives you a great introduction to the fun of construction work without the work.
Additional Equipment Options at Dig This Las Vegas
There are additional equipment options for you to choose from:
- 1 Ton Excavator – Ages 2+
- Skid Steer Track – Ages 8+
- 6 Ton Excavator- Ages 8+
- Mini Mega Dig – Ages 8+
- Big Dig Excavator – Ages 12+
- Mega Dig – Ages 14+
- Big Dig Bulldozer – Ages 14+
- Agression Session – Ages 14+
- Big Dig Backhoe – Ages 16+
- Wheel Loader – Ages 16+
2. Take a Controlled Jump off of The Strat at Sky Jump
2000 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV
This is the smile that only comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone and facing your fears.
Fun fact: SkyJump is the Guinness Book of World Record holder for Highest Commercial Decelerator Descent.
Purchase SkyJump Tickets Here
For 3 nights I had a hard time going to sleep in anticipation of making the 855 ft controlled jump off The Strat building. (The building was rebranded from The Stratosphere to The Strat.)
Safety Procedures for SkyJump on The Strat
Jumpers are asked to remove everything from their pockets before they put on the one-piece jumpsuit.
Next, you have to change into their special shoes. You can put your valuable items in a secure locker at no additional cost.
Jumpers have the option to purchase a video package before they jump. I highly recommend buying the package because the experience only lasts around 17 seconds.
The GoPro is securely wrapped to your wrist to capture your expressions on the way down. You’ll want to relive your bravery and show the footage to friends and family.
There are multiple safety inspections downstairs before the elevator ride to the 108th floor.
Next, you’ll have a few more safety checks by staff before you jump.
The jump takes place from the 108th floor and gives you a birds-eye view of Las Vegas.
I watched a lot of YouTube videos to help visualize my jump. Watching other jumpers also helped reassure me that there have been over 250,000+ successful jumps.
If they could be brave, I could be brave too.
I was fine with all the additional safety checks because I wanted to live to tell about this adventure.
Ironically, when I reached the top, the height wasn’t as bad as I had rehearsed in my mind.
As I looked out the window, I didn’t fear the height. I know that seems counterintuitive.
This was one of those moments where you just had to face your fears and take the leap of faith.
The workers count you off the platform quickly after your final safety checks are complete,.
Before You Jump Off The Strat in Las Vegas
Don’t hesitate, don’t overthink it.
You don’t get a refund if you chicken out, so just go!
3 seconds of bravery.
That’s all you need.
Friends and family can film from below on the landing deck to help document your jump as you go down.
I was instantly mad at myself for losing so much sleep over such an incredible experience.
After The Strat Jump
The adrenaline rush was nothing short of AMAZING!
The safe and secure feeling of a smooth ride in your harness is fused a sense of flying while taking in a bird’s eye view on the way down is like no other.
If you are on the fence about making the jump, I highly encourage you to “just do it!”
I promise that you won’t regret it!
Tips For Your First Time Jumping Off The Strat
- If you are observing from below have your camera ready!
- You will start to see the jumper’s shadow and they arrive at the ground REALLY quick.
- There’s a seating area sectioned off at the bottom for observers watching friends or family.
- If you’re considering checking out the other thrill rides at the top of the Stratosphere make sure you purchase your ticket at SkyJump.
- Completed jumpers can purchase a discounted unlimited rides pass.
3. More Extreme Thrills on Top of The Strat
After my incredible SkyJump experience, it was easy to brave enough to try the thrill ride at the top of the tower too.
Big Shot! propels riders up 160 feet in the air at 45 miles per hour going from a platform height of 921 feet to 1,081.
The hardest part of this ride is the anticipation of your launch. After you are up in the air, it’s a wonderful way to take in an incredible view.
Stand at the Highest Elevation Point in Las Vegas
Don’t forget to take a picture by the sign after you ride on Big Shot! It proves that you were at the highest observation point in Las Vegas!
X-Scream Thrill Ride on The Strat Tower
X-Scream dangles riders 27 ft over the Tower edge 109 stories in the air. Of the two thrill rides, this was the ride that I was most intimidated to go on.
As fate would have it that day no one else was in line for X Scream. This meant that I had to ride it by myself because the ride does not need to be weight-balanced before you ride it.
I realize that my photo doesn’t look real which is why I have the video footage in this article to prove it.
If you just want the view you can purchase a Strat Tower Observation Deck Admission Ticket here.
While at the top of the tower you can enjoy 360° panoramic Las Vegas Skyline and you might even work up the courage to try the SkyJump yourself.
4. Experience the SlotZilla Zipline Over Fremont Street
425 Fremont St #160, Las Vegas, NV
You have two position options for zipling on the Slot machine-inspired thrill attraction.
The Zipline takes you halfway down Fremont Street, 7 stories up, 77 feet in the air in a seated position.
This is a great introduction to ziplining or facing a fear of heights.
For the extra adventurous or the “go big or go home” type, Zoomline is the perfect option!
Ride Slotzilla Superhero Style
Zoomline riders travel 5 blocks superhero style flying 11 stories in the air. Of course, Zoomline was my preferred option.
For Zoomline, you’re in a harness with your stomach facing down.
Riders don’t see the street until the slot door opens which is good if you are scared of heights.
SlotZilla also has bags that zip and go with you during your ride.
It’s also nice that you don’t have to worry about where you will put your latest purchases.
Superhero style definitely gives you a feeling of flying. It’s pretty wild to travel overtop of crowds of people below.
You can purchase pictures after your ride as a souvenir of your bravery.
5. Enjoy Viewing Mermaids at the Silverton Aquarium
I don’t see mermaids often but when I do, it’s amazing!
I honestly thought that a “Mermaid Show” would be geared toward little kids and wouldn’t be my thing.
On the contrary, we discovered the experience was better than we anticipated!
The Mermaid shows happen frequently in the free Aquarium at the Silverton Casino.
The Aquarium is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Your mermaid dreams can come true at Silverton Aquarium at their Mermaid School.
My husband and I went to Silverton kid-free and enjoyed the experience.
What I loved most about this adventure was how relaxing the experience was watching the aquatic life.
Enjoy a Drink at a Mermaid Themed Bar
As an added bonus, you can also enjoy a drink at the mermaid-themed bar with views of the aquarium.
6. Take a Helicopter Ride Over the Las Vegas Strip
See the Las Vegas Strip in all its glory from the sky for an incredible aerial view via helicopter at night.
Sundance Helicopters takes guests on a 12-15 minute flight over the major landmarks on the Strip.
Book a Helicopter Ride on The Strip HereDuring the flight, you’ll hear an overview of Las Vegas by the pilot accompanied by perfectly timed music.
For the best views try to sit by the pilot or on the left side of the helicopter.
This is a great adventure for a special occasion. It’s also an amazing experience for anyone who enjoys seeing the city from another perspective.
7. Watch “Brilliant! Jackpot” at the Neon Museum
One of my favorite museums in Cincinnati is the American Sign Museum so of course, we had to check out the Neon Museum during our visit!
The Neon Museum is great to visit during the day and even better at night!
Purchace Tickets to the Neon Museum Here
I also recommend getting special tickets for the “Brilliant! Jackpot” show in advance.
The show combines music and lights projected on former neon signs.
The light show projection is a pretty spectacular experience shared with a limited number of people.
Brilliant! Jackpot observers are asked to wait until the end of the show before they taking pictures.
This allows you to really be present in the moment. Just enjoy the songs and lights that take you on a trip down memory lane.
The name definitely lives up to the experience!
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I’m not a huge casino fan but that underwater eating sound so epic!
Looks fun!
Hi Nedra, those are wonderful to do list on budget in Las Vegas. Las Vegas is a city of fun, Me, my girlfriend and our 3 kids were in Las Vegas in 2017, and we had nice fun there, but we did not try some adventure thrilled activities as you mentioned above, may be I should try it on my solo travel to Las Vegas next year 🙂
It looks a great fun in Las Vegas…Las vegas itself is in my bucket list so surely going there !!