Thursday

06-05-2025 Vol 1982

Beat the Heat: Exciting Summer Activities in Las Vegas

As the temperatures in the Las Vegas Valley continue to soar into the triple digits, many are tempted to take refuge indoors, sticking to their homes and pools.

However, there is no need to miss out on summer fun.

From ice skating to gallery shows and escape rooms to classic nights at the movies, Las Vegas offers a plethora of enjoyable indoor activities.

Think of this guide as your insider’s itinerary to make the most of your summer.

**Cinematic Adventures**
Gone are the days when a simple trip to the movies sufficed.

In an age dominated by streaming and massive home televisions, moviegoers have become choosier about what they watch and where they watch it.

If you’re planning to catch interesting films like the franchise crossover **Karate Kid: Legends** on May 30, or the new action thrillers **Ballerina** on June 6 and **Nobody 2** on August 15, consider visiting one of the several **Galaxy Theatres** locations across the Valley.

These venues enhance the traditional movie experience with luxurious reclining seats, impressive picture quality, and delicious food options.

You could also opt for **Maya Cinemas** in North Las Vegas for a similar experience.

But that’s just the beginning.

For those who love independent films, this summer also features an impressive lineup.

Check out films like **The Phoenician Scheme**, directed by Wes Anderson (May 30), or **The Life of Chuck**, Mike Flanagan’s adaptation of a Stephen King story (June 6).

Ari Aster’s latest, **Eddington**, will hit theaters on July 18, while Spike Lee’s **Highest 2 Lowest** and **Honey Don’t!** from Ethan Coen are set for August 22.

Darren Aronofsky’s film **Caught Stealing** will be released on August 29, and other festival favorites will also be screening, ensuring that cinephiles have plenty to choose from.

For families looking for blockbuster action, you have several options, including **The Fantastic Four: First Steps** and **Jurassic World Rebirth**.

Don’t forget the exhilarating horror films lined up for summer, like **M3GAN 2.0** and **I Know What You Did Last Summer**; these could be best enjoyed at the **West Wind Drive-In** for a unique drive-in movie experience.

Fans of the independent film scene can check out the **Beverly Theater**, which will host select Sundance films alongside its classic midnight screenings and retro summer blockbusters.

For a special treat, catch the magical adaptation of **The Wizard of Oz** presented at the **Sphere** starting August 28, enhanced with AI for a mind-bending viewing experience.

**Sporty Activities**
While the heat can keep you inside, there are plenty of fun, adrenaline-pumping activities to engage in.

For thrill-seekers, head to **Spy Ninjas HQ** on West Sahara to experience the longest indoor zipline in Las Vegas, alongside a range of family-friendly activities.

If speed is what you crave, challenge your friends at **K1 Speed’s** indoor go-kart racing, where you can zoom up to 45 miles per hour.

Alternatively, enjoy an action-packed session of laser tag at **Battle Blast**.

Ice skating also provides an excellent cardio workout while keeping you cool, with several popular rinks including **America First Center** in Henderson and **Las Vegas Ice Center** on West Flamingo.

For those who prefer skating with wheels, consider trying out **Crystal Palace** for roller skating fun.

**Swimming** is another great workout option.

At the **Silverton’s** impressive 117,000-gallon aquarium, adults and kids can even take mermaid swimming lessons, complete with tails.

Never miss a chance to bounce around at one of the town’s indoor trampoline parks—**Flip N Out Extreme** claims to be Vegas’ largest, while **Sky Zone** is another entertaining option.

And let’s not overlook the latest craze: **pickleball**!

Stay cool while engaging in this exciting sport at venues like **Vegas Indoor Pickleball** or **Chicken N Pickle** in Henderson.

For competition enthusiasts, consider enjoying indoor mini-golf or bowling at places like **Swingers Mini Golf** at Mandalay Bay, or try your hand at billiards at **Griff’s** or **Good Timez**.

**Art and Culture Adventures**
As the heat takes its toll, find refuge in the air-conditioned comfort of art galleries and cultural venues.

A recommended stop is the **Left of Center Gallery**, currently hosting Harold Bradford’s show **A Purpose**, featuring raw and honest works that emphasize resilience.

Another artistic experience can be found at the **Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art**, where you can enjoy **American Duet: Jazz & Abstract Art**, surrounded by evocative modernist paintings and groovy jazz music.

If you seek total immersion, visit **Arte Museum** for a sensational sensory experience, with rooms designed to evoke smells from ocean spray to floral blooms.

For something uniquely engaging, explore **Atomic Pop Culture** at the **National Atomic Testing Museum**, where you can uncover post-war artifacts related to the atomic era.

At the **Windmill Library**, engage with the **Flatlays from the Office of Collecting & Design** exhibit, featuring an artistic arrangement of small objects telling their own stories.

The **Las Vegas Clark County Library District’s** permanent art collection is worth checking out; this includes **Pieces: From the LVCCLD Permanent Art Collection** at **Whitney Library** showcasing rarely seen works through July 15.

At the **Summerlin Library**, you can see **The Old School Art of Traditional Illustration** by Walt Sturrock, displaying meticulous hand-drawn illustrations.

For those who appreciate music and punk culture, a trip to the **Punk Rock Museum** offers tours filled with history and excitement.

End your cultural day at Area15’s **Rolling Stone Presents: Amplified**, an immersive show celebrating rock ‘n’ roll history, or get close to majestic sea life at the **Shark Reef Aquarium** at Mandalay Bay.

**Playtime Activities**
Las Vegas serves as a playground, inviting locals and visitors alike to enjoy a variety of fun activities.

At **Luxor’s Play Playground**, you can explore more than 20 interactive games and puzzles, including a fun adults-only bounce house and more challenging games.

Virtual reality experiences await at **Sandbox VR** at Venetian, offering themed escapades from the **Squid Game** universe to exhilarating zombie apocalypses.

For those who enjoy mind games, **PanIQ Escape Room** at the Venetian provides the perfect setting for an engaging escape room adventure.

Families will adore the children’s treasure hunt, while friends can confront frights in the Haunted Manor.

**Paradox Museum** on Las Vegas Boulevard presents an 11,000-square-foot maze filled with over 80 optical illusions, intriguing visitors of all ages.

If you need to breathe fresh air, **Flyover** transports you across mesmerizing landscapes from the comfort of your seat from thrilling virtual reality experiences.

Families can also visit the Discovery Children’s Museum and engage with sustainability activities in the new **Water World** exhibit.

The **Pinball Hall of Fame** is a must-visit for anyone who loves games, featuring a vast collection of pinball machines housed in a sprawling 25,000-square-foot space.

Game enthusiasts will appreciate **Game Nest** arcade; this hidden gem in Chinatown features over 100 arcade games, delivering endless nostalgic entertainment.

If you want a more interactive experience, the **John Wick Experience** at Area15 allows you to participate in a thrilling story within the Wick-verse.

Enjoy your summer in Las Vegas by engaging in these fun-filled activities, keeping cool while embracing the diverse culture and entertainment this vibrant city has to offer!.

image source from:https://lasvegasweekly.com/news/2025/may/29/beat-the-heat-las-vegas-summer-indoor-tainment/

Charlotte Hayes