Cool Things to Do in the Las Vegas Heat
With summer comes extreme temperatures. The Vegas heat packs a punch, reaching well over 100 degrees most days.
With days like that, the last thing you want to do is be out all day without a plan of cooling down. Dehydration and more issues become apparent in high temperatures—so be sure to pay attention to how you’re feeling.
Planning for a day of fun in the sun? Keep reading for things to do to keep you cool and safe during summer!
Visit a Pool or Water Park
Pools and water parks are aplenty in the desert. Most hotels have a pool or two where guests can enjoy cooling down. For higher-end hotels, you can rent poolside cabanas where you’ll be served refreshing drinks and treats without having to be far from the water.
As for water parks, Vegas has one: Cowabunga Bay (since Wet ‘n’ Wild, unfortunately, closed recently). Cowabunga Bay offers lazy rivers, pools, kid areas, wave pools, and original attractions such as Point Panic, a pitch-black tube ride! You just have to decide what kind of excitement you’re in the mood for.
Experience an Indoor Winter Wonderland
Over at Caesars Palace is where you’ll find their Qua Baths and Spa, which also houses an indoor winter wonderland. Their Arctic Ice Room features snow falling from the ceiling.
While you’re there, might as well treat yourself to one of their hydrotherapy facials. It’s also the only spa in the world to feature Nobu treatments.
So instead of slaving in the heat all day, stop by to relax, unwind, and feel refreshed. Nothing complements a hot summer’s day than spending it at the spa.
Hang Out with Sharks
Get close to aquatic animals by making the trip to Mandalay Bay. There, you and your family can visit the Shark Reef, home to over 2,000 animals.
Sea turtles, stingrays, piranhas, and most importantly, sharks, are all creatures you can get up close and personal to. If you really want to take full advantage of this adventure, opt to be an Aquarist for a day. You’ll be able to feed the sea creatures and interact with them.
Cool Down by an Iceberg
In 1912, the famous “unsinkable” Titanic sank to its doom, taking more than 1,500 passengers and crew members with it. It took the gigantic ship 2 hours and 40 minutes to sink after colliding with an iceberg.
Today, you can see real and replicated artifacts, including a full-scale recreation of the Grand Staircase and the outer Promenade Deck. Located inside the Luxor, they even have a lifelike version of the iceberg with frigid temperatures to match that fateful night. It’s a place to escape the heat while experiencing a history lesson.
Swim in Lake Mead
Even though it gets blazing hot in the summer doesn’t mean you can’t spend time outside. Lake Mead is the perfect place to soak up the sun and have some fun!
For fishing enthusiasts, the lake is filled with tons of rainbow trout, catfish, and sunfish. Choose how you fish: on the boat or at one of three piers.
For adventurous types, canoeing and kayaking bring you to hidden coves to explore, including Black Canyon, a 30-mile-long water trail which leads to Emerald Cave. If water activities aren’t your thing, take one of the backcountry roads to experience desert surroundings firsthand. Just be sure to bring plenty of water for both you and your car.
Play with Dolphins
Over at the Mirage is their Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. Open since 1990, it houses beautiful creatures like white tigers, lions, leopards, and bottlenose dolphins.
Visitors can explore the premises, watching how big cats behave in their natural environments. Afterward, make your way to their dolphin habitat where you’ll see trainers interacting with these cute sea creatures.
To get the most out of this experience, there are various options you can partake in. There’s painting with the dolphins, trainer for a day, and even yoga with the dolphins.
Take the Family to Circus Circus
One place that’s a guarantee for family fun is Circus Circus. If you haven’t guessed, it’s a circus-themed casino (but don’t worry, clowns aren’t waiting around the corner to scare you).
Downstairs is where you’ll find the adults area; gambling and plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy while the kids do their own thing. Upstairs is where all the fun happens. There are carnival-style games at every corner.
And we can’t forget about their indoor amusement park, AdventureDome! For kids of all ages, there are various rides to keep them occupied for hours.
One of their newest attractions is an old-school roller-skating rink. Not only that but there’s a mini-golf course that the whole family can enjoy! So why not bring the kids along on your trip to get in on the summer fun too?
Head to Mount Charleston
Nearly an hour drive away from the Strip is where you’ll find Nevada’s highest mountain, Mount Charleston. Up there, it’s usually 20 to 30 degrees cooler, making it the ideal place to escape the Las Vegas heat.
While you’re there you can go hiking, taking one of the many trails suited for various skill levels. Or, take a scenic drive through the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area for those not up for a hike.
Stay Cool
Temperatures which get well over 100 degrees doesn’t mean you have to stay inside! There are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities you can enjoy while staying cool. As always, drink plenty of water and seek shade.
Looking for unique experiences while visiting Las Vegas? Check out our list of unusual things to do!
