A heavy-equipment playground south of the Strip where you operate a real bulldozer, excavator or loader in a dirt arena, guided by an instructor over a headset.
Dig This is exactly what it sounds like: a large dirt lot where ordinary visitors get to drive real construction machines. You choose a package built around a particular machine, such as a bulldozer, an excavator, a wheel loader or a smaller skid-steer track loader. After a safety briefing and a short instructional video, you climb into an air-conditioned cab and spend about 50 minutes working the controls. An instructor watches from outside, talks you through every move over a headset and can stop the machine remotely if needed.
The challenges are simple and surprisingly satisfying. You dig a hole and move the dirt to an adjacent pile, push dirt into berms with a bulldozer, or stack giant tyres weighing about 800 pounds into a pyramid with an excavator. The trickiest test of control is picking up a basketball balanced on a cone and dropping it into a tyre. Nobody needs experience, and most people are surprised how quickly the controls start to feel natural. Larger packages combine machines, and there are special options such as smashing an old car with an excavator.
The site is at 800 West Roban Avenue, south of the Strip, so you do not walk through a casino to get there. It is open daily, and reservations are strongly recommended. Because the cabs are air-conditioned, it is one of the few outdoor-based activities that works in summer. Age rules depend on the machine. Some packages let children as young as 8 operate smaller equipment, and even younger children can ride along with a parent. Check the specific rules for your package before booking.
This is not cheap
Prices start in the low hundreds of dollars for the smallest machines and go up from there for the big equipment and combos. That makes it more of a special occasion than a casual add-on. It is popular for bachelor parties, birthdays and corporate groups, and friends and family can come along to watch. If you have ever stopped to stare at a construction site, it is one of the most memorable things to do in Las Vegas.
What to expect
The experience
Real construction machines, including bulldozers, excavators, wheel loaders and skid-steer track loaders. All have air-conditioned cabs, which makes the experience comfortable even in summer.
Best time
Reserve ahead, especially for weekends and group bookings.
How long
About two hours, with about 50 minutes in the machine.
Tips
Dig and move dirt, push berms with a bulldozer, stack 800-pound tyres with an excavator and try to drop a basketball into a tyre. The tasks are designed to be achievable for complete beginners. After a safety briefing and video, an instructor guides you through headphones the whole time and can stop the machine remotely. You will be wearing a safety vest. Popular for bachelor parties, birthdays and team outings. Friends and family can watch, and multi-machine packages let groups take turns or work side by side. The site is at 800 W Roban Ave, south of the Strip, and is open daily. Book ahead, arrive early for the briefing and wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you do not mind getting dusty. Choose the excavator for the most varied challenges, or the bulldozer if you want the biggest machine feel. Reserve ahead, especially for weekends and group bookings. Walk-ins are not guaranteed a slot.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Groups of friends, bachelor parties, machine-loving adults and older kids looking for something nobody else on the trip has done.
- Families
- Some packages allow children from about 8 on smaller machines. Check the rules for the package you want.
- Couples
- A playful activity for couples who like machines; confirm the package rules.
- Pair with
- Pairs well with SkyJump and Fly LINQ.
- Time needed
- About two hours, with about 50 minutes in the machine.
Good questions
What is Dig This Las Vegas?+
A heavy-equipment playground where visitors operate real bulldozers, excavators and loaders in a dirt arena, guided by an instructor over a headset.
Do I need experience or a special licence?+
No experience is needed. You get a safety briefing and instructional video, and an instructor guides you throughout. Check your package for any driving-licence or ID requirements.
How long is the experience?+
About 50 minutes in the machine, plus check-in and the safety briefing. Allow around two hours in total.
Can children take part?+
Yes, on some packages. Children from about 8 can operate certain smaller machines, and younger children can ride along with a parent. Age rules depend on the machine.
Where is Dig This?+
At 800 West Roban Avenue, south of the Strip. It is a short drive or rideshare from the south-end resorts.
