A vacation in Vegas can be a ton of fun. If you're anything like most people, you would have probably set aside a few dollars to gamble with before coming. The only problem is what to do when you've lost it all on pai gow on your first night and you have three more days to kill. You don't have to be rich to enjoy Las Vegas. There are plenty of things to do that won't cost you an arm and a leg.

It might be difficult to believe that culture does, in fact, exist in Las Vegas. Nearly thirty museums exist in the Las Vegas area and most of them are pretty cheap. For those that want to see some art, the Bellagio and Venetian both have exhibits on loan from some of the finest museums in the world that are cycled out several times a year. Forget about going to the Guggenheim or The Louvre, they come here.

The Hoover Dam Museum is another good one. Going to the Hoover Dam is a nice excuse to get out of the city. As you close in on the dam, you drive through the mountains above Lake Mead giving you a spectacular view of the waters and hills below you. Once you get to the dam you can park and walk all over the top of the dam. The museum is right in the observation area and is very easy to spot. While you're out there you can go to one of the beaches on Lake Mead and have a swim.

The Atomic Testing Museum is very interesting. It's right near the strip and easily accessible. Most of the artifacts and stories on exhibition are of historical significance related to the nuclear testing that occurred here in Nevada. If you have never see anything like this with own your two eyes, it's really eye opening and you'll leave the museum with a completely different perspective and understanding on nuclear weapons. They're associated with the Smithsonian Institute so the exhibits are all top notch.

Now that you've killed some time in the museums, the sun has gone down and it has started to cool off. Take a walk. If you haven't been to every casino in Vegas, then you haven't been here. I'm not going to say it's the best activity to do in the world but you can kill several hours going from place to place and checking out the design and architecture. While you walk you can check out the free shows outside of the Bellagio, Mirage, and Treasure Island. You can also watch the lion keepers play with the cuddly cats at MGM Grand.

'I need some time out, some peace and quiet!' Head over to Red Rock. Red Rock Canyon is west of the Las Vegas strip and is just a few miles outside of town. You can rent some mountain bikes and enjoy miles and miles of serene trails or just hike them one foot. If that's a little too adventurous for your hung over body then just stay in the car and do the scenic drive. It's a 13 mile long one way road that has some incredible views along the way. Chances are good you'll spot several of the wild burros that patrol the area. Remember to take plenty of water and a camera.

These are just a few of the things that cost little to nothing and perhaps might have slipped under the radar. Obviously, I only scratched the surface and there are many, many other options. Perhaps next time we will discuss what to do when you win money.