Want to dig with real heavy machines?

At Dig This in Las Vegas, you get a chance to run the controls on excavators and bulldozers like it’s a life-size playground, complete with games such as bucket basketball. I especially like that it feels goal-free and fun while still taking safety seriously. Your session ends with a certificate of completion and a photo to remember what you did.

I love the hands-on pacing. You get training in the cab, then you actually operate, not just watch, with an instructor like Brian and Mark guiding from the ground while you’re working the levers. I also like the communication setup: a 2-way radio headset lets you follow directions clearly without shouting over machine noise. One drawback to note: there’s a breathalyzer test before you dig, and if you fail, the experience is non-refundable.

If you want a Vegas activity that’s physical, practical, and a little ridiculous in the best way, this one hits the sweet spot.

Key takeaways before you book

• Real-operation time: you practice digging, pushing, trenching, and lifting instead of only touring equipment
• Small group energy: capped at 9 travelers, so instruction stays personal
• You get the tools and the rules: hard hat, high-vis vest, safety briefing, and radio headsets are included
• Games make it memorable: bucket basketball and dozer teeter-totter-style challenges
• Comfort is planned for Vegas: machines are fully climate-controlled, and there are spectator areas

A Vegas sandbox built for real excavators

This is not a toy-yard where you push buttons and hope for the best. At Dig This, the equipment is big, real, and built for controlled practice in a fenced play area. You show up, get suited up, learn how the machine responds, then work through the sandbox like it’s your own job site for the day.

What makes it feel special is the mix of structure and play. You get a safety briefing first, plus hands-on cab training so the controls stop being mystery levers. Then you get to do things that most people only see from behind a barrier: digging holes, building mounds, moving heavy items, and stacking tires that can weigh thousands of pounds.

And yes, it can feel goofy, too, in a good way. The day often includes games like bucket basketball, which turns a heavy machine into something closer to a sport. One instructor can make the difference between nervous-and-clueless and confident-and-grinning fast, and that’s exactly what people praise again and again.

What $27.50 buys you and how long you’ll play

At $27.50 per person, this is priced like an attraction, but it operates more like a short lesson that happens to be fun. Your session runs about 1 hour 30 minutes and includes check-in, orientation, training, and moving between the terminal and the site. You’re not stuck waiting around on a bus or in a long line for a briefing that eats your time.

You also get value in what’s included:

• a 15-minute orientation and safety briefing
• safety equipment (high-vis vest and hard hat)
• a radio headset for instruction
• the right equipment and tasks based on your selection
• a completion certificate (plus a photo)

Transportation is the main “cost” besides the ticket. Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t offered, and the location is about a 10–15 minute ride from the Strip. Plan for a ride share or taxi, and if you’re budgeting, factor that in. Once you’re there, on-site free parking is available.

From hard hats to bucket basketball

Your session has a clear flow, and that matters because you’re learning heavy controls while you’re excited. First you make your own way to Dig This at 800 W Roban Ave, check in, and start with the safety briefing from the staff. Then you’re outfitted with safety gear—high-vis vest and hard hat—and you’ll take that breathalyzer test.

After the paperwork and screening, you hop into the cab for training. This is where first-timers often relax, because you get shown what key controls do and how to move the machine safely in the play area. You’re not expected to know a joystick or lever pattern on day one.

Then the real work starts: warm-up exercises like digging and trenching, plus pushing and dragging tasks so you get a feel for momentum, traction, and bucket response. If you want a confidence boost, this is when it usually clicks.

To keep it from becoming repetitive, instructors often lead mini-challenges such as excavator basketball and bulldozer teeter-totter-style games. The best part is that you can typically keep going and try more once you understand the basics, because the whole environment is designed for repetition and safe practice.

Finally, you wrap up with the certificate and a photo. There’s also a retail store if you want a memento of the day—handy if you like bringing home a “proof I did it” item.

Safety briefing, breathalyzer, and dust-proof comfort

Safety here is real, not performative. You’ll sign a waiver, and the breathalyzer test happens before you start. That’s important because it’s not a refundable situation if you fail the test, so I’d treat it like you’re going to a driving training scenario. If you’re even a little unsure about alcohol or substances, skip the temptation the night before.

The good news: once you pass, the operation feels calm because staff instructions are consistent. People repeatedly describe the trainers as patient and clear, even when it’s someone’s first time on heavy equipment. Instructors like Brian and Phil are praised for encouragement without taking over the fun, while Mark and Erika are noted for thorough demonstrations.

Vegas weather can be rough, especially wind and dust. The site has ways to manage that. On breezy days, staff may use a water truck to reduce dust, which helps a lot if you’re trying to keep your shoes and clothes from turning into something archaeological.

Also, don’t assume you’ll be roasting. The machines are fully climate-controlled, so you get comfort even when it’s hot outside. That makes a difference for first-timers because you can focus on steering and digging instead of sweating through the lesson.

Which machines you may drive: excavators, bulldozers, skid steers

One of the best parts of Dig This is that you’re not stuck on a single machine type. The fleet includes:

• Four 315C/313FL excavators (20-ton)
• Two D5K bulldozers (10-ton)
• Two 279D track-type skid steer loaders (5-ton)
• Two 305.5E excavators (6-ton)
• Four 301.7DCR excavators (1-ton)

What you operate depends on what you select when booking, and on the age rules for each machine. The minimum age to participate is 14 with parental consent, but then there are specific minimums by machine:

• Bulldozer: 14+
• 20-ton excavator: 12+
• 6-ton excavator: 8+
• Skid steer loaders: 8+
• 1-ton excavator: 3–5 with guardian assistance, and independent operation for those 48 inches or taller with the right setup

You do not need a driver’s license. That lowers the barrier for everyone who just wants to learn.

One key safety rule is that each machine is for one person. No one rides in the cab with you for safety, and that includes kids with adults. The only exception is with the smallest 1-ton excavators, where guardians can assist kids if they’re under 48 inches tall.

If you love the idea of spinning, lifting, and moving things like a real operator, you’ll probably want to choose the larger excavator or bulldozer options. People mention moments like spinning the cab, popping a wheelie, and moving heavy objects precisely as highlights—so yes, you can have a lot of wow-factor in a controlled way.

Small group energy, headsets, and instructors who teach

This is built around small groups, with a maximum of 9 travelers. That small size keeps the experience from feeling like a factory line. It also helps the instructors stay hands-on, since they can watch multiple operators without losing track of who needs what next.

The 2-way radio headset is a smart touch. You hear directions clearly and can communicate while you work. It means you’re not relying on hand signals in a dusty yard while an engine is rumbling.

The coaching style is a big reason people give top marks. Instructors like Dakota and Dave are praised for clear instruction that doesn’t feel intimidating. Others, including Patrick and Tiny, are described as funny, patient, and encouraging, which matters because heavy equipment can feel overwhelming at first.

If you want a quick learning curve, watch how the instructor positions you before you start. They’ll explain what each lever does and what the “safe move” looks like. Once you see that pattern, it becomes less about fear and more about control.

And that’s the heart of the value: you leave feeling like you learned something real. Not just a photo and a ride. Actual skills—digging, trenching, pushing, lifting—plus the confidence to do it again.

Getting there, what to wear, and where spectators stand

Plan to arrive under your own power. Hotel pickup isn’t included. The site is near public transportation, but in practice you’ll likely use ride share or taxi from the Strip. The plus: there’s plenty of free parking on site, so if you’re traveling with a car, this gets easy fast.

What to wear is simple and strict: sturdy, closed-toed shoes. Wear what you can tolerate getting dusty. You may track in dirt once you step into the play area, and the whole point is you’re operating equipment in a sandbox environment.

If you’re bringing friends or family, you can still make this a group day. There are two dedicated spectator areas for watching and taking photos. Because each machine is one-person only, spectators can enjoy the show without crowding you in the cab area.

One small practical tip: wear clothes that let you move. You’ll be getting into and out of the machine and spending time in the yard while you’re waiting for instructions between tasks.

Who should book (and who should think twice)

This experience is great if you want a break from the usual Vegas loop and you like doing instead of watching. It’s also ideal for people who want a challenge that feels empowering. Even first-timers often report that the training makes it manageable, and that once they got the basics, the time flew by.

It helps if you have a strong physical fitness level, since the session involves active handling, getting into position, and working through tasks that can feel like real labor. If you have back problems, the experience is not recommended. Pregnant women also aren’t advised.

Age-wise, it can work for teens with the right machine options, and for adults of all levels of experience. One person’s bucket list story often shows up in the same way: they worried they couldn’t control the levers, then they did, with an instructor guiding them step by step.

If you’re traveling with someone who gets nervous about heights, machines, or driving complexity, this can still be a good fit because you’re learning in a controlled environment and communicating with staff through headset instructions.

Should you book Dig This Las Vegas?

I think it’s worth booking if you want hands-on fun that doesn’t feel staged. The price is relatively low compared with the amount of real control you get, and the included coaching, safety setup, and certificate make it feel like a genuine activity, not just a photo stop.

Book it if you’ll enjoy physical, messy, hands-on play and you’re comfortable following safety rules. Skip it if breathalyzer screening could be an issue for you, if you have back problems, or if you’re in a situation where you can’t handle the physical side of the experience.

If you want a practical memory from Vegas that feels unique, Dig This is hard to beat.

FAQ

Where is the Dig This Heavy Equipment Playground in Las Vegas?

The meeting point is 800 W Roban Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89044. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the Las Vegas heavy equipment experience?

Total session time is about 1 hour 30 minutes, and it includes check-in, orientation, training, and travel between the terminal and site.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You make your own way to the facility.

What should I wear?

Wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes. You should expect some dust.

Is there a breathalyzer test?

Yes. A breathalyzer test is administered prior to your dig, and it is non-refundable if you fail.

What ages can participate?

Minimum age is 14 with consent from a parent or guardian. Each machine also has its own age rules, with younger participants allowed only on the 1-ton excavators with guardian assistance.

How many people are in a session?

This activity has a maximum of 9 travelers.

Do you get a certificate at the end?

Yes. You receive a certificate of completion after your session.