less boozy entertainment

Hey - I'll be spending some nights with two ladies who don't drink alcohol.... I do, though.

I'd appreciate any input about fun places/clubs/scenes around the downtown area that aren't drink-driven, and can be a good time for anyone that isn't tipsy.

(I'll be handling their share, of course... it's my duty)

And, unfortunately, gambling isn't their thing either.
(watching my bone-rolling is acceptable for a while, however)

No, don't tell me that "it's VEGAS, after all!!!".

Keebs

 

Would something like this interest them?

http://www.insertcoinslv.com/

 

As mentioned by Sonya, Fremont has a lot going on. You also may want to take the walk down to Pawn Stars (if they have seen the show)...short walk...less than one mile.

 

El Cortez has a free Elvis impersonator lounge show that is very low-key but a good time. The mixed age crowd keeps things pretty mellow and you can have a drink.

Binion's free million dollar display is also fun:
http://www.binions.com/million_dollar_photo.php

Golden Nugget has a free display with the worlds largest (surprise) golden nugget:

http://www.goldennugget.com/lasvegas/stay_handoffaith.asp

I think the short walk to Main Street Station is well worth the time to see the antiques inside and the Pullman cars outside:

http://www.mainstreetcasino.com/stay/antiques

At night the neon museum displays (throughout Freemont Street) are very cool. A description is 3/4 down the page here:

http://www.neonmuseum.org/grand-opening

 

So they don't drink, and they don't gamble...but they think vegas is the right place to go.

Yeah, you got me.

 

In the evening you can get a lot of mileage out of the free concerts on Fremont. There are three stages plus the sax guy (Carl Ferris) in between, so if you don't like one band you can just wander to the next stage. I just posted an article all about it, including a couple of videos at my blog (see my signature for a link). I also recommend grabbing a fried twinkie in mermaids... it's much tastier than it sounds, and about as healthy.

If you don't have a rental car, you might be better taking a cab to Gold and Silver pawn (the Pawn Stars shop), it's near downtown but not the nicest neighborhood. Same goes for Rick's Restoration (of American Restoration fame), which I personally prefered. The Beat Coffeehouse down in East Fremont is a nice place to relax with a cup and while you're there you can check out the Burlesque Hall of Fame, if that interests any in your party.

Main Street Station is a good take for the antiques, the piece of the Berlin Wall in the Men's room (which you should be able to escort the girls in to see), and the food in the 777. On weekdays (except Monday Night Football) they have some great food specials from 3-6 (and two dollar brewed on the premesis beers for you).

 

I would suggest a fine meal like at the nice place at Golden Nugget Chart House. Other than that for non drinkers/gamblers I'm not sure outside of people watching (which isn't great DT) there isn't much to do.

 

You could kill a couple of hours at Drink and Drag bowling.

 

Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, Vegas Mob Museum (the downtown one...not the Mob Experience) - soo much to see, Rides (on top of The STRAT are cool - buy the $30 ride as much as you want pass and go durring the day and night), Wander into every casino hotel and see their theme, gondola ride at Pallazzo? (did it but can't remember where), ride a mechanical bull (near or in Planet Hollywood), go to Peppermill (go to the lounge side and enjoy the fire in the water), indoor skydiving (never tried it) but it is down Convention center Drive

 

Vegas Mob Museum downtown is an excellent suggestion
http://themobmuseum.org/ No alcohol served so if you spend too much time in there, you can work up a thirst.

If the girls like that sort of thing. Otherwise they might be very bored.

 

In the spirit of history, the Neon Museum Boneyard was a good way to kill an hour. It's a bit removed from downtown (3 minute car ride, 20 minute walk) and requires reservations. I believe it's closed for September, 2012 while they finalize their new home.

http://www.neonmuseum.org/tour-info for information.

Beyond

 

Things to Do Near Downtown

If they enjoy shopping, the best outlet mall in Vegas is only about a 10 or 15 minute walk from downtown. Very safe during the day (or you can take the bus for $2 each way). The new Smith Center for the Performing Arts is a short walk north of the outlet mall and has amazing architecture. It's very impressive to just walk around. You can't get in unless you see an event or sign up for the (free) tour given on Wednesdays. There are a number of other buildings along the way that also have very unique modern architecture.

 

The Neon Boneyard is indeed a good take. You used to have to sign up two weeks in advance, but it appears that as of their grand (re) opening on Oct 27th walk-in tours should be available on the half hour. The visitor center is the original lobby of the 1960's La Concha hotel, which they had moved to their downtownlocation at great expense. I'll be posting a writeup with some pics on my blog (see signature) on Monday if you're interested i learning more.