Halloween in Vegas on a Budget

Friday, October 30th, 2009

Halloween weekend is a great time for budget travelers to head out west to the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, Nevada, a nonstop party destination with a number of free and low-cost activities. Whether you're in the mood for a haunted house experience, scary thrill rides, or want to go trick-or-treating with the kids, here are some fun, budget-friendly activities to add to your itinerary as you explore Las Vegas:

Fright Dome is part of the Adventuredome attraction at the Circus Circus hotel, and is a fun haunted house experience the whole family can enjoy. The Fright Dome includes five haunted houses, a scary thrill ride, and an all-you-can-eat buffet. It's located at the Circus Circus Hotel & Casino at 2880 Las Vegas Boulevard South, and general admission is $34.95 for full access to all of the freak shows, scare zones and haunted houses. Visit www.frightdome.com for more information.

Harrah's Carnival Court hosts a Halloween costume contest each year, and you can enjoy some good times with friends, family and locals for the entire weekend here when you're on a budget. The destination offers cheap drinks and snacks throughout the evening, and also hosts live music and entertainment over Halloween weekend.

Make your way to the Boca Shopping complex to take part in the Monster Mayhem bash. This event is fun way to kick off your Halloween revelries and see hundreds of fun and unique costumes.

Don't miss the Zombie Precinct Haunted House on the Las Vegas Strip this Halloween. For $20, you can explore this spooky house located at the New York New York Hotel. The fun starts at 6 p.m. each night from October 8 through Halloween, and discounted packages are available with an overnight stay at the hotel.

If you want to enjoy a safe trick-or-treating experience with young kids, head to the Springs Preserve on Valley View Boulevard. The botanical garden is transformed into a 'fright zone' on the weekends before Halloween, and on Thursday through Saturday of Halloween weekend. Kids can enjoy a trick-or-treating experience, and take part in the narrated Haunted Hay Ride and other Halloween-themed activities throughout the night. Ticket prices are just $8 for adults and $4 for children. Children under 4 years of age get in free.