I go to Vegas at least once a month. The biggest thing is before you go and play find the players club or rewards center. Go get the free card. Sometimes if your new they give you a small gift. Next is make sure you always have it in the machine. The points rack up quickly and you can earn free meals and free play.
Free stuff to do Fremont street at night they have a laser light show also cheap shopping, flamingos at the flamingo, lions at mgm, fountains at the bellagio, volcano at the mirage, ti sirens show on the strip and m&m store.
Must see stuff: shark encounters at Mandalay Bay, Dolphins at Mirage and a show. I love jersey boys at the Venetian.
Cheap food: Palace Station 2 people can have a soda and meal for under 20.00