The L.A. Times recently put out a list of 21 things to do in Las Vegas for under $21.  Check it out.  There are some good ideas there that I wish I’d known about before my recent trip.  You can bet they’ll be going on my list for next time.  It also reminded me that I really want to go to the Pinball Museum one of these trips.  I haven’t played a pinball machine in decades.  It’s as much fun as a slot machine and a whole lot cheaper.

(Take what you read at the Times with a grain of salt, though.  They also have a feature on Finding reasonable prices in Las Vegas from April 2008 in which they say that the Peppermill Inn is “two miles from the Las Vegas Strip” and “an off-Strip hot spot”.  Actually it is on the Strip, right next door to the Riviera.)

Looking for more cheap fun in Vegas?  The Las Vegas Advisor is reporting that the Monday Night Football Parties at Sam’s Town (off the Strip) are the place to be.  Not only do you get in for free, but you get a choice of free hot dog or hamburger and a free beer. Sure beats sitting at home by yourself watching the tube.

If you’re thinking of a trip to Vegas, I highly recommend December.  After National Finals Rodeo and before New Year’s the prices in Vegas are pretty terrific.  It’s not pool weather, and many shows tend to go dark at that time, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had, and crowd levels tend to be lower.  For hotel deals, don’t forget to check sites like i4Vegas.com and smartervegas.com.

If you’re looking for cheap show tickets before you arrive, try Goldstar Events.  After you arrive, you can see what’s available at the Tix4tonight booth.