Time to Play: Dig This Attraction Bulldozes the Competition

By Scott Roeben, on July 31 2013

2 min read 0 comments

We may just have a new activity to top our “Best Things to Do in Las Vegas” list!

Dig This offers an only-in-Vegas opportunity to operate large machinery—specifically, excavators and bulldozers—solo. Las Vegas is already considered an adult playground, and Dig This turns it into a literal one.

When it comes to Vegas attractions, we've got all the scoop. See what we did there? — When it comes to Vegas attractions, we’ve got all the scoop. See what we did there?

Here’s the dirt: Not far from The Strip, five acres of fun await. Visitors are briefly trained on two pieces of heavy equipment, a hydraulic excavator or track-type bulldozer, then they set out to dig, push, lift and maneuver through a series of challenging but exhilarating tasks.

A couple of caveats for potential Earth-movers: Guests must be 14 or older. There’s no hand-holding here, you’re operating these machines solo (with expert guidance through headphones).

Also, since it’s Las Vegas, Dig This requires guests take a blood-alcohol test.

Sadly, we had no alcohol in our system. We have no idea how that happened.

Seasoned veterans use miniature versions of the machines to illustrate the basics before heading out to play.

The training helps get past the jitters. Not that we'd have those. No way. — The training helps get past the jitters. Not that we’d have those. No way.

Then it’s time to jump on board your machine of choice and experience the thrill of controlling thousands of pounds of sheer power. Here’s a look at some of the fun to be had.

Your adrenaline will be pumping a mile a minute, that’s for sure.

Excavator activities, for example, include digging a 10-feet-deep trench, lifting and stacking 2,000-pound tractor tires, doing an excavator “push up” (tilting the excavator’s cabin up by pushing down with its massive arm) and picking up basketballs and making baskets with them!

You heard correctly, basketballs. Despite the enormity of these machines, they’re also capable of precision movements. Our instructor mentioned there’s even an equipment rodeo where operators lift an egg with the excavator’s “thumb.”

The "thumb" is on top, above the "bucket." We're all over this excavating business. — The “thumb” is on top, above the “bucket.” We’re all over this excavating business.

Oh, and it should be mentioned our instructor Roger (below) was awesome. Knowledgeable, patient, and never once had to use the emergency engine kill switch each instructor keeps around their neck. It was reassuring knowing he had it, though.

Once the session is complete, your instructor presents a certificate to memorialize your Las Vegas adventure. We’re not the only ones who love this attraction. Dig This also gets rave reviews on TripAdvisor. Take a look.

The typical Dig This session runs $250, which might feel a little steep until you realize you’re driving a flipping excavator! Learn more at the official Dig This site.

Thanks to Roger and the whole crew at Dig This for hosting our day in the sandbox. Dig This is definitely a Las Vegas must-go. Enjoy a few more photos in our exclusive gallery, which makes it sound much more alluring than it really is, granted.

Update (4/23/19): Dig This has moved since we wrote our story, to a location about a mile south of M Resort. Read more.