Amusements
Adventure Canyon Log Flume
This adventure log ride takes thrill-seekers through a darkened tunnel, into swirling rapids, then up a mountain and into another eerie passage before descending down a 50-foot, drenching drop-off. $8, unlimited ride passes $12-$22. Buffalo Bill’s, 31700 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Primm, 702-386-7867; primmvalleyresorts.com
The Adventuredome
America’s largest indoor theme park at 5 acres offers visitors both thrill and traditional carnival rides that include two coasters, eight premium, two large, three junior and four family rides. And it keeps the fun going with seven featured attractions where guests can enjoy rock climbing, bungee jumping, miniature golf, midway and video arcade games, clown shows, bowling or navigating a maze of lasers. $6-$12 per ride, all-day passes $17.95-$31.95. Circus Circus hotel-casino, 2880 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, 702-794-3939; adventuredome.com
All Family Fun Center
A 3-D mini-golf, laser tag and arcade complete with an 18-hole indoor course that takes guests on a journey to new places and back in time to old favorites. Featuring glow-painted walls, black lights and high-energy music, the 2,000-square-foot laser tag arena can accommodate up to 10 players at a time. The arcade features numerous redemption prize games, as well as driving skills and shooting combat games. $3-$30; $24.99 unlimited play. 3315 E. Russell Road #4K, Las Vegas, 702-608-4653; allfamilyfuncenter.com
The Big Apple Coaster & Arcade
Experience the thrill of racing 67 mph on the world’s first roller coaster to feature a adrenaline-rushing 180-degree twist and dive, and afterward, spend some time playing a number of video and arcade games. $14 individual, $25 all-day Scream Pass, $60 Family Fun Flight for Four, specials for Las Vegas residents. New York-New York, 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas; 702-740-6969; newyorknewyork.com
The Desparado
Climbing more than 200 feet, riders can see the entire valley from The Desperado, one of the country’s tallest and fastest roller coasters, which plunges downward at breath-taking velocities before heading into a number of thrilling twists and turns. $12.99, unlimited ride passes $15-$22. Buffalo Bill’s, 31700 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Primm, 702-386-7867; primmvalleyresorts.com
Dig This Heavy Equipment Playground
Families will have loads of fun when they get behind the controls of either a fully climate-controlled massive Caterpillar bulldozer or excavator and begin to build dirt mounds, push gigantic tires, dig huge trenches, play “bucket basketball” and more. For guests’ safety, they must complete a breathalyzer, safety procedures and in-cab orientations, and warm-up exercises before digging in! $169-$249. 3012 S. Rancho Drive, Las Vegas, 702-222-4344; digthisvegas.com
Fast Lap Indoor Kart Racing
Whether using karting to develop your driving skills, as a prelude to other series or you want to satisfy your need for speed, Fast Lap provides an exhilarating real race experience. Vegas’ first and only indoor kart track with gas-powered karts, the karts are equipped with Honda 200cc engines that can reach speeds up to 50 mph on a race course designed by two former IKF racers. $26-$75. 4288 Polaris Ave., Las Vegas, 702-736-8113; fastlaplv.com
Game Over Arcade Buffalo Bill’s
Features action-packed video fun — from testing your driving skills at top speeds, to challenging your martial arts techniques — and pinball games. 31700 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Primm, 702-386-7867; primmvalleyresorts.com
GameWorks
This family-friendly fun destination features gastropub-style American cuisine, an outdoor patio for al fresco dining and a 8,700-square-foot arcade game floor containing classic and modern arcade attractions, including an eight-lane bowling alley, two pool tables, 30 TVs playing all your favorite sports and the flagship eGaming Arena complete with 60 computers that are designated for multiplayer online video gaming. $5-$52. Las Vegas Town Square, 6587 Las Vegas Blvd. S., #171, Las Vegas, 702-978-4263; gameworks.com
High Roller Observation Wheel
Situated parallel to Las Vegas Boulevard and facing north to south, this 520-foot-diameter wheel takes 30 minutes to make one full revolution, allowing riders to take in views of bird’s-eye views of the Strip and the valley from 28 glass-enclosed cabins. $16.95-$79. The LINQ Promenade, 3545 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, 800-634-6441; caesars.com/linq/high-roller
King Putt Entertainment Center
Boasting more animations, pneumatics and interactive props than any other mini-golf course, this indoor Egyptian-themed black light course is unique and challenging. Also featured at the center is a laser tag arena where guests can explore multiple levels of an Egyptian pyramid with sophisticated laser tag equipment, an arcade and a pizzeria. $5-$17. 27 S. Stephanie St., Henderson, 702-541-6807; kingputtlv.com
King Putt Indoor Mini-Golf
This 18-hole indoor mini-golf course takes visitors through a winding black-lit jungle of exotic animals, then submerges them into an underwater world. An arcade with air hockey, driving games and prize-earning games are also on-site. $5-$9 per person per round. 7230 W. Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas, 702-823-1519; kingputtlv.com
KISS by Monster Mini Golf The Rio
Play miniature golf under black lights in this indoor KISS-themed glow-in-the-dark course featuring 18 holes surrounded by animatronic figures, exaggerated replicas and hit music of the iconic band, as well as a huge Gene Simmons head sculpture complete with outstretched tongue. The facility also offers a live DJ, contests and prizes, arcade games, gift shop, special event room and first-of-its-kind wedding chapel. $9.95-$11.95. 3700 W. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, 702-558-6256; monsterminigolf.com/kiss
Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix
At a total of 7 acres, the Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix provides a variety of family amusements. Having the longest go-cart track in Nevada, it offers rides for all ages, including four go-cart tracks with 80 carts. Also featured are four amusement rides, arcade games and a 600-seat restaurant serving pizza, chicken fingers, a wide range of coffees and more. $7.50-$23. 1401 N. Rainbow Blvd., Las Vegas, 702-259-7000; lvmgp.com
Maxflight Cyber Coaster
A virtual ride that takes you on your choice of roller coasters from around the world. $5.99 -$22. Buffalo Bill’s, 31700 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Primm, 702-386-7867; primmvalleyresorts.com
Pinball Hall of Fame
At 10,000 square feet and exhibiting the world’s largest pinball collection, this dedicated museum features wall-to-wall popular pinball machines from the 1950s through the 1990s that have been restored to like-new condition, as well as a few retro arcade games like Super Mario Brothers. But the best part is, visitors can play all the machines for 25 or 50 cents each, and since the PHoF is nonprofit, all excess revenue goes to nondenominational charities, such as The Salvation Army of Las Vegas. 1610 E. Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas, 702-597-2627; pinballmuseum.org
Pole Position Raceway Indoor Karting
Pole Position features 1/4-mile track, high-performance electric European carts for adults that can get up to 45 mph and side-by-side racing action. Also available are junior carts that get up to 25 mph for kids who are at least 48 inches tall. Several indoor racing options are offered, including the popular Arrive & Drive that allows walk-in customers to race on a first-come, first-served basis. Or sign up for one of the raceway’s public events. $5.95-$25.50. 4175 S. Arville St., 702-227-7223; polepositionraceway.com/las-vegas
SlotZilla Zip Line
This Fremont Street Experience thrill attraction is a 12-story zip line offering two ways to fly because it has a lower Zipline and an upper Zoomline. The Zipline starts at 77 feet up, and flyers land halfway down the FSE pedestrian promenade, while the Zoomline takes off 114 feet in the air, speeding flyers at up to 40 mph in a prone position 1,750 feet downward to a landing platform at the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino. $25-$45. 425 Fremont St. #160, Las Vegas, 702-678-5780; vegasexperience.com/slotzilla-zip-line
Stratosphere Thrill Rides
Big Shot blasts riders straight up 160 feet into the air, then sends them free-falling with some incredible G-force back to the launchpad. Insanity’s giant mechanical arm holds riders up 900 feet in the air and spins them 64 feet over the Tower edge, giving them an amazing view of the Strip. Sky Jump holds the Guinness World Record for having the highest controlled descent with guests free-falling at speeds up to 40 mph as they leap off the Observation Tower from 829 feet up. X-Scream catapults riders headfirst 27 feet over the Tower edge, allowing them to dangle weightlessly 109 stories up in the air, before being snapped back to the Tower and propelled over again. $25-$119.95. 2000 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, 702-380-7777 (Sky Jump), 702-383-5210 (Big Shot, Insanity, X-Scream); stratospherehotel.com
Vegas Indoor Skydiving
America’s first indoor skydiving facility, complete with a vertical wind tunnel, mesh trampoline floor and foam-padded walls, here guests can experience body flight and the free-fall sensation during a simulated skydiving session. All participants attend a brief training class before suiting up for their flight. $50-$1,000. 200 Convention Center Drive, Las Vegas, 702-731-4768; vegasindoorskydiving.com
VooDoo Zipline Rio
Taking off from atop the Rio’s 50-story Masquerade Tower and sending guests higher than 500 feet in the air at exhilarating speeds of up to 33 mph, this zip line accommodates up to two riders at a time. On the return trip, guests ride 800 feet back to the starting point, facing backward. Free shuttle bus service for more than six riders. $27.49. 3700 W. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, 702-388-0477; voodoozipline.com
Art/Culture/Education
Barrick Museum
The museum’s goal is to provide an engaging space consisting of works of art and cultural objects that represent past and present cultures, as well as artistic creativity, that can be experienced directly by guests in an effort to promote the understanding of art as an enduring human endeavor. $2-$5. University of Nevada, Las Vegas Campus, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, 702-895-3381; unlv.edu/barrickmuseum
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
This fine art gallery features rotating world-class art and objects exhibitions that include paintings, sculptures, ceramics and more created by renowned artists ranging from Picasso to Warhol. The artworks showcased are drawn from prestigious internationally known museums and private collections. An audio tour of the gallery is included in the price of admission. $10-$14. Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, 702-693-7871; bellagio.com/attractions/gallery-of-fine-art.aspx
Bodies ... The Exhibition
Viewed around the world by more than 15 million people, this one-of-a-kind exhibit features nine rooms, each dedicated to different functions of the human body, including the circulatory, digestive, muscular, nervous and respiratory systems. $24-$32. Luxor, 3900 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, 702-492-3960; luxor.com/entertainment/bodies.aspx
Clark County Museum
Located on this 30-acre site is a unique collection of historic homes that re-creates the daily lifestyle of the decade in which each was built, the Ghost Town and Mining Trail, and a contemporary pueblo-style exhibit hall that presents a timeline of Southern Nevada from prehistoric to modern times. The exhibit hall also features changing art and artifacts, as well as special-themed displays. $1-$2. 1830 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson, 702-455-7955; clarkcountynv.gov/depts/parks/pages/clark-county-museum.aspx
The Discovery Children’s Museum
This nonprofit museum inspires kids to want to learn and consists of ongoing hands-on exhibits that feature interactive science, sliding and climbing structures, creative play, green living, design and engineering challenges, role-playing and problem-solving, a sensory area, educational water play, the art of investigation, and the elements of art and health education. Also on display is a traveling featured exhibit. $14.50. 360 Promenade Place, 702-382-3445; discoverykidslv.org
Hoover Dam
Drawing more than a million visitors annually, the Hoover Dam is considered one of the 20th century’s top 10 construction projects. Construction on the dam began in 1930, and today the one-hour guided Hoover Dam Tour provides a unique way to see, learn and appreciate this immense undertaking. The tour includes visitor access through to the power plant and tunnel passageways within the dam where guests will learn about the complexities of the construction of the dam. Free-$30. 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas on U.S. Highway 93 to Nevada State route 172, Nevada-Arizona border, 702-494-2517; usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/index.html
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
With 10 permanent interactive exhibits as well as traveling exhibits and a young scientist center with computers and microscopes, this private nonprofit institution is dedicated to educating the community in the natural sciences, such as wildlife, ecosystems and various cultures. Permanent exhibits include dinosaurs, Egyptian treasures, prehistoric mammals, African savanna and rainforest prehistoric primates, Mojave Desert plants and animals, marine life and terrestrial animals, and geological natural resources and minerals. Free-$10. 900 Las Vegas Blvd. N., Las Vegas, 702-384-3466; lvnhm.org
Missoula Children’s Theatre Presents “Peter and Wendy”
Kids in K–12 can star in a classic story about the adventures of Peter Pan and Wendy Darling. Registration: July 18, 3-4 p.m., with auditions from 4-6 p.m. Rehearsals: July 18–22, 4-8 p.m. Performances: July 23, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; $5 child/senior; $8 adult; tickets available at the rehearsal site beginning July 20. Henderson Convention Center, 200 S. Water St., Henderson, 702-267-4050; cityofhenderson.com
The Mob Museum
The 41,000-square-foot, world-class, interactive museum presents an authentic view of organized crime and the impact it’s had on the world throughout American history. Real stories come to life in engaging, multisensory displays, and eye-opening insights are gained through an insider’s look at Mob-related individuals and events, as well as hundreds of artifacts. $13.95-$19.95. 300 Stewart Ave., Las Vegas, 702-229-2734; themobmuseum.org
National Atomic Testing Museum
The National Atomic Testing Museum features one of the most comprehensive collections of nuclear history that includes a wide variety of materials and more than 12,000 unique artifacts relating to atomic testing, the Nevada Test Site, the Cold War, and nuclear and radiological science and technology. The current display includes thousands of rare photographs, videos, artifacts, scientific and nuclear reports and data, and one-of-a-kind scientist collections, as well as the “Area 51— Myth or Reality” exhibit. $18-$65. 755 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, 702-794-5151; nationalatomictestingmuseum.org
The Neon Museum
Dedicated to preserving the city’s most iconic art form, the museum’s outdoor Boneyard is home to more than 200 of Las Vegas’ most treasured and world-famous signs from Caesars Palace, Binion’s Horseshoe, Golden Nugget and the Stardust. Also part of this 2-acre campus is the adjacent Neon Boneyard Park and the Neon Boneyard North Gallery, which contains about 60 additional signs from the Palms, New York-New York, Lady Luck and O’Shea’s. $12-$18. 7700 Las Vegas Blvd. N., Las Vegas, 702-387-6366;
neonmuseum.org
Nevada Southern Railway
Climb aboard your choice of an authentic open-air car or air-conditioned/heated Pullman coach for a 3.5-mile train ride and learn about the history of the railway dating back to the 1930s, when Union Pacific Railroad constructed the Boulder Branch Line to bring supplies to the Hoover Dam project. $7-$10. 601 Yucca St., Boulder City, 702-486-5933; nevadasouthern.com
Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas
Focusing on the prehistory, history and natural history of Nevada, this two-level, 70,000-square-foot museum features a 13,000-square-foot permanent exhibit gallery that informs visitors about the state’s geology, early flora and fauna, Native Americans and first settlers, mining and railroad histories, the Hoover Dam, the atomic era and more. $9.95-$19.95. Inside Springs Preserve, 309 S. Valley View Blvd., Las Vegas, 702-486-5205; springspreserve.org/attractions/nsm.html
The Planetarium College of Southern Nevada
Southern Nevada’s only public planetarium presents programs to the public and local schools, utilizing a high-definition hemispheric video projection that creates virtual realities on a domed screen above the audience. As an added bonus, after the 8 o’clock showing, the telescopes at the Student Observatory are open for viewing when the weather is clear. $4-$6. 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave., North Las Vegas, 702-651-4138; csn.edu/planetarium
Shark Tank Tours
Take an interesting behind-the-scenes tour led by staff marine biologists who show you the inner workings of the hotel’s 200,000 gallon shark aquarium, including what they eat and how the feeding process takes place. And, you get to take home a souvenir shark tooth in memory of your visit. $40. Golden Nugget, 129 E. Fremont St., Las Vegas, 866-946-5336; goldennugget.com
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
Travel back in time at this 25,000-square-foot exhibit and experience the wonder, magnificence and tragedy of the world’s most famous ocean liner, including 250 authentic recovered artifacts from the wreck site and re-creations of some of the most popular rooms of the ship. $24-$30. Luxor, 3900 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, 702-262-4400; luxor.com
2016 Presidential Debate-Themed Educational Initiatives
UNLV, CCSD, and LVCVA are partnering to provide hands-on educational opportunities for local K–12 and college students. Through election-themed school activities focusing on American history and government, political and policy debate, the election process, voter education and other related issues, these groups hope to raise awareness and learning leading up to the final 2016 presidential debate, which is being held, Oct. 19, on UNLV’s campus. UNLV campus, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, 702-895-3011; unlv.edu/2016debate
Entertainment/Attractions
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Guests can leisurely stroll through and take in the enticing sights and smells that fill the conservatory’s seasonally themed gardens, which are made up of beautiful, captivating displays of plants, flowers, trees, water features and more. The gardens present changing themes that reflect the holidays, seasons and Chinese New Year and are meticulously maintained by 140 expert horticulturists. Through Sept. 10: “Under the Sea,” free. Bellagio hotel-casino, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, 702-693-7111; bellagio.com
Dolphin Habitat
This 2.5-million-gallon habitat containing four connected pools and an artificial coral reef system is home to a family of Atlantic bottle-nose dolphins. Both an educational and research facility, visitors can observe these magnificent creatures in a naturalistic environment above and below ground and participate in two special programs — Painting With the Dolphins and Trainer for a Day. $17-$42. The Mirage hotel-casino, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, 702-791-7188; miragehabitat.com
Ethel M Chocolate Factory & Cactus Garden
Not only can visitors take a self-guided Ethel M factory tour, learn about making chocolates and get a free taste sample, they can step outside the factory and explore the Botanical Cactus Garden, touted as Nevada’s largest and one of the world’s largest collections of its kind. Free. 2 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson, 702-435-2608; ethelm.com
Outdoor Movie Nights
Enjoy PG and PG-13 movies under the stars on the green in back of Whole Foods. Aug. 20-Sept. 24, 7:30 p.m. Sat. (weather permitting), free. Aug. 20: Zootopia; Aug. 27: Minions; Sept. 3: Star Wars: The Force Awakens; Sept. 10: Dirty Dancing; Sept. 17: Inside Out; Sept. 24: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. The District at Green Valley Ranch, 2225 Village Walk Drive, 702-564-8595; shopthedistrictgvr.com
Regal Summer Movie Express
Enjoy great movies this summer for only a buck. Through Aug. 10, 10 a.m. Tue. and Wed., $1. Both movies are shown both days each week. July 12-13: Minions, The Peanuts Movies; July 19-20: Alvin & The Chipmunks: The Road Chip, Curious George; July 26-27: The Book of Life, Hotel Transylvania 2; Aug. 2-3: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, Shaun the Sheep; Aug. 9-10: The Croods, Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax. Regal Colonnade, 8880 S. Eastern Ave., Henderson; Regal Village Square, 9400 W. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas; Regal Aliante, 7300 N. Aliante Parkway, North Las Vegas; Regal Texas Station, 2101 Texas Star Lane, North Las Vegas, 844-462-7342; regmovies.com
Summer Screen Movie Series
Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy complimentary family-friendly movies on Park Centre Drive next to H&M. Taking place before the showings are special character appearances, giveaways and prizes, and free USTA-hosted tennis clinics. A VIP section with chairs is available for guests who spend at least $20 at the center on the day of the movie. Through Aug. 25, 7-10 p.m. Thursdays (weather permitting), free. July 15: Kung Fu Panda 3; July 21: Cinderella; July 28: Star Wars: The Force Awakens; Aug. 4: Rio; Aug. 11: Zootopia; Aug. 18: Inside Out; Aug. 25: The Good Dinosaur. Downtown Summerlin, 1980 Festival Plaza Drive, Las Vegas, 702-331-2007; downtownsummerlin.com
Parent Resources
Baby’s Bounty
This nonprofit organization provides essential new and gently used infant clothing and gear, such as car seats, bottles, teethers and toys (new only), and baby carriers, receiving blankets, diaper bags, bath tubs, reclining strollers, bouncy seats and more, to babies born to victims of domestic abuse, teen mothers and low-income families. 840 Rancho Drive, #4-556, Las Vegas, 702-485-2229; babysbounty.org
Best Buddies Nevada
Heightens confidence and social skills, and provides tools necessary for intellectually challenged individuals and those with developmental disabilities to become more independent and active in school and their community by creating opportunities for friendships through socialization programs, job coaching, and leadership development. 500 N. Rainbow Blvd. #314, Las Vegas; 702-822-2268; bestbuddiesnevada.org
Children’s Medical Assistance Inc.
A nonprofit organization dedicated to giving uninsured and underinsured children the opportunity to receive the same medical care as the more fortunate through community and professional partnerships, such as The Children’s Free Clinic of Southern Nevada. Other partnerships provide immunizations, children’s mental health services, free health school-based clinics for Clark County School District students and more. 1120 Village Center Circle #3-411, Las Vegas, 702-823-4954; childrensmedicalassistance.org
Family TIES of Nevada
Run by staff and board members who have a disability or chronic disease, or are the parents of children who do, this full-service,
nonprofit agency offers extensive resources internally and referrals externally, in addition to hosting events, conferences and workshops to provide advocacy services to help navigate public and private systems of care. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. 6830 W. Oquendo Road #100, Las Vegas,
702-740-4200; familytiesnv.org
Head Start
This federal government-created and -funded program helps lower-income children up to 5 years of age and their families gain access to various social services and development programs, such as educational programs, free medical and dental care, and overall child development assistance. Parents may be able to receive assistance through the program to gain long-term self-sufficiency in terms of finding a job or other social services. benefits.gov
HopeLink of Southern Nevada
The mission of this Family Resource Centers program, which is funded by a grant from the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, is “to build a better community by preventing homelessness, keeping families intact, and promoting self-sufficiency.” Since its beginnings, the organization has made such notable contributions as distributing school supplies, backpacks, clothing and books to schoolchildren; assisting families with rent and utilities; establishing a literacy program that is held in 12 at-risk elementary schools; providing food, bus passes and parenting and life skills classes, and parental resources; assistance with job searches and interviews. 178 Westminster Way, Henderson, 702-566-0576; link2hope.org
Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Welfare Southern Offices
Offers numerous agencies and family resources to assist with child support enforcement, child care and development, professional development, energy, food, financial and medical assistance to Nevada families, the disabled and elderly. dwss.nv.gov
The Nevada Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants & Children (WIC)
For more than 40 years, this federally funded short-term special supplemental nutrition program has been providing free nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and health and social services referrals to pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants and children younger than 5 years of age who are at nutrition risk and meet income eligibility requirements.800-8-NEV-WIC, nevadawic.org
Opportunity Village
Provides vocational training and work experience; building of independence and self-esteem through partnerships with local businesses; community job placement; art and life skills enrichment; advocacy; and social recreational programs to those with intellectual disabilities. 6300 W. Oakey Blvd., Las Vegas, 702-259-3700
Parenting Project
Offers a series of free classes to help parents be more effective in raising their children through such programs as Triple P for parents of children ages 2-11 years with challenging behavior issues; BabyCare for expecting or new parents with children ages birth-6 months; Nurturing Parents & Families for parents of children aged 6 months-4 years; ABCs of Parenting for parents of children aged 5-10 years; Staying Connected for parents and youth 11-17 years; and Teen Triple P for parents of teens 11-17 years. 3900 Cambridge St., #203, Las Vegas, 702-455-5295; clarkcountynv.gov/family-services
The Public Education Foundation
The Public Education Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that addresses the toughest challenges facing schools by championing educational strategies that foster innovation, promote excellence and produce results. Programs include Clark County READS, which offers a variety of literacy programs to children and families in Clark County to empower educators and students, while improving student attitudes toward reading; higher education scholarships; We R Community service-learning and volunteerism project for teens; Artists 4 Kidz; and Project Smile, which provides high-need children with dental health treatment and prevention services. 4350 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, 702-799-1042; thepef.org
The Ronald McDonald House of Greater Las Vegas
Creates and supports programs that directly improve the health, education and well-being of children in the community. Provides temporary housing, transportation and support to families, while their children receive critical medical treatment. 2323 Potosi St., Las Vegas, 702-252-4663; rmhlv.com
Safe Kids, The District at Green Valley Ranch
Hosted by Safe Kids Clark County and Sunrise Children’s Hospital, Trauma Services monthly car seat checks are conducted in the parking lot behind REI by nationally certified child passenger safety technicians who can help to ensure your child’s car seat is properly installed. 2225 Village Walk Drive, 702-564-8595; shopthedistrictgvr.com
Social Services Department, Clark County
Provides a variety of assistance services and aid — emergency crisis and financial, medical, child care, protective services for seniors, help with rent and utility bills, food, transportation, debt and foreclosure, legal aid, cremation and burial and more — for needy residents of Clark County and Las Vegas who aren’t assisted by other federal, state or local government assistance programs. 702-455-4270; clarkcountynv.gov
Southern Nevada Health District Immunization Program
The SNHD provides adolescent, back-to-school, flu, immunizations and travel vaccine clinics. For children younger than 18 years of age, written consent must be provided to the health district from a parent or legal guardian at the time of service. 702-759-0850; southernnevadahealthdistrict.org
Spread the Word Nevada
Serving children in at-risk, low-income Southern Nevada communities by advancing early childhood literacy through book drives and distributions, one-on-one mentoring, storytelling events, summer reading programs, and a family literacy program. 1065 American Pacific Drive #160, Henderson, 702-564-7809; spreadthewordnevada.org
St. Jude’s Ranch for Children
Transforms the lives of abused, neglected and at-risk children and young adults up to 25 years of age, and helps families to create new chances, choices and hope by empowering them through residential foster care; pregnant and parenting teens program; transitional living, housing and homeless services for 18- to 25-year-olds; therapeutic programs; job-training; child-focused sibling preservation; emergency placement; and USDA child-nutrition programs. 100 St. Jude’s St., Boulder City, 702-294-7152, stjudesranch.org
Strong Start for Children
A community outreach campaign supported by many state and national partners that’s aimed at mobilizing parents to make quality early childhood education a priority in the state. It identifies and finds quality child care, helps pay for child care through child care subsidies; Head Start and Early Start; and the Nevada state-funded Pre-Kindergarten Program, provides parenting tips and resources, and community resources such as Alert ID, Child Protective Services, Nevada 211, Nevada Check Up, State of Nevada Welfare Division, Child Care Aware, HealthyChildren.org, PBS Parents, Zero to Three, Too Small to Fall and more. strongstartnevada.org
The Shade Tree
A Las Vegas based shelter providing a safe haven for homeless and abused women, children and pets in crisis, and offering life-changing services promoting stability, dignity and self-reliance. Programs and services include day, emergency and transitional shelter programs; a Survivor’s
Service Center that assists victims of domestic violence, sexual assault/abuse, street crime and elder abuse, and more. 1 W. Owens Ave. (at Main Street), North Las Vegas, 702-385-0072; theshadetree.org
Ultimate Summer Camp at Alexander Dawson School
The Alexander Dawson School, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada, runs an affordable pay-as-you-go summer camp program. Open to the public, the camp utilizes more than 15,000 square feet of indoor space, including the gymnasium, a large game room, cultural arts center, acting lab, science center and dining hall, as well as multiple outdoor fields and playgrounds. 10845 W. Desert Inn Road, Las Vegas, 702-367-2582; bgchevents.org/dawsonschool/home
Sports/Recreation
Black Mountain Recreation Center/Aquatic Complex
Offering a wide selection of programming and special events, this 41,000-square-foot center is designed for all ages. It features a fitness center, gymnasium, indoor cycling area, racquetball and wallyball courts, tennis courts, an adjacent seasonal aquatic complex with an outdoor pool, Kids Corner, game room, classes and meeting rooms, a multiuse room and a covered patio. The aquatic complex offers interactive water apparatus and a raindrop waterfall and three-loop slide. 599 Greenway Road, 702-267-4070, Henderson; cityofhenderson.com
Cowabunga Bay Water Park
Offering eight one-of-a-kind water slides, including Wild Surf that features the world’s largest man-made wave and the new Beach Blanket Banzai that carries raft-riders to a height of 60 feet where they are let loose to race more than 600 feet through 180-degree turns, sidewinding S-curves, dips and drops at thrilling speeds; beaches, pools, bays and rivers; and an area just for the kiddies. $9.99-$116.50. 900 Galleria Drive, Henderson, 702-850-9000; cowabungabay.com
Desert Breeze Aquatic Facility
The facility features an indoor pool with lap swim and family swim hours, as well as a seasonal outdoor water park that provides a shallow water beach entry, play structure and two water slides designed for those 48 inches and taller. 8275 Spring Mountain Road, Las Vegas, 702-455-7798
Fit4Mom Stroller Strides Classes
A stroller-based fitness program for moms and their babies, Stroller Strides classes offer moms a total body workout while their babies are engaged in songs and activities in their strollers. The program features hourlong classes led by certified fitness instructors that include a five minute warm-up, 45 minutes of power walking with intervals of strength and body toning exercises using tubing, the stroller and the environment. various locations; lasvegas.fit4mom.com
Helen Meyer Community Center
This center’s amenities include ball fields, tennis courts, a recreation center, fitness course, walking course, playground, spray pool and picnic areas. The center also offers a variety of classes and events, including a 10-week Kindergarten Prep session, a 10-week Preschool Prep session and an open recreation program. 4525 New Forest Drive, 702-455-7723
Henderson Multigenerational Center/Aquatic Complex
This 84,120-square-foot center features an aquatic complex, including indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, walking-jogging track, dance and aerobics rooms, indoor cycling area, indoor mulitsport area with basketball court, rock climbing wall, Kids Corner, an art gallery, teaching kitchen, adult lounge with reading area and kitchenette and a game room. 250 S. Green Valley Parkway, Henderson, 702-267-5800
Las Vegas Ice Center
This ice rink provides public skate sessions, skating lessons, figure skating, youth and adult hockey leagues, camps and clinics, a weight room, an ice shooting room and training room, full-service pro shop, and rental skates child size 8-men’s 14. 9295 W. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, 702-320-7777; lasvegasice.com
Red Rock Riding Stables
Riders will experience breathtaking scenery and an abundance of native desert plants and animals during their choice of one, one-and-a-half- or two-hour guided trail rides. Pony rides, horseback weddings and horse boarding are also available. $60-$155. Bonnie Springs Ranch, 6395 Bonnie Springs Road, Las Vegas, 702-875-4191; bonniesprings.com
Silver Mesa Recreation Center & Pool
This 5-acre rec center provides numerous leisure activities, educational opportunities and athletic outlets, including a fully equipped fitness facility with free weights, circuit and cardiovascular machines, exercise classes, a gymnasium, swimming pool with water slide and mushroom shower and shaded picnic areas. 4025 Allen Lane, North Las Vegas, 702-633-2550
Silver Nugget Bowling Center
If you’re looking for family fun on a budget, this 24-lane AMF bowling facility features $1 games, automatic scoring, cosmic bowling on Fridays and Saturdays, an arcade and air hockey tables, a snack bar and pro shop. Inside Silver Nugget Casino, 2140 Las Vegas Blvd. N., North Las Vegas, 702-399-1111; luckysilvergaming.com/bowlingparties
SkyView Multi-Generational Center
This state-of-the-art community center accommodates all ages and fitness levels. It offers a heated indoor lap pool with spacious deck and lesson area; wellness center that houses cardio equipment, circuit machines and dumbbells; cycling studio; aerobics and yoga studio; fully equipped locker rooms with showers; kids’ gym; lounge areas with free Wi-Fi; multipurpose rooms for public use; and games such as Xbox, Kinect, air hockey, billiards and foosball. 3050 E. Centennial Parkway, North Las Vegas, 702-522-7500
Whitney Ranch Recreation Center and Aquatic Complex
The 41,000-square-foot center includes a fitness center, dance and aerobics room, gymnasium, courts for racquetball and wallyball, a Kids Corner, game room, classrooms and meeting rooms and a conference room. The aquatic complex offers two pools: an outdoor activity pool featuring 25-yard competition lanes, a shallow training area and water play features. 575 Galleria Drive, Henderson, 702-267-5860
Walnut Recreation Center
This northwest rec center features a water park; fitness center; numerous recreation and education classes, such as dance and cheer, early childhood for kids and their parents, exercise and fitness, martial arts and sports; computer lab; game room; day camps; community service program; free supervised open recreation program for ages 6-17; and party room. The facility also serves the community through several programs like Nurturing Parents and Families; ABCs of Parenting; Parent/Teen Solutions; and more. 3075 N. Walnut Road, Las Vegas, 702-455-8402
Wet ’n’ Wild
This 33.5-acre water-themed amusement park offers more than 25 adrenaline-pumping water slides, but for those who desire a milder form of excitement, it also features a winding river, interactive fun zones, nine slides and a wave pool. Amenities include shower and changing facilities, lockers, cabana rentals and tube rentals. Dive ’n’ Movie program offers a unique outdoor movie-viewing experience shortly after sundown every other Friday. $9.99-$39.99. 7055 S. Fort Apache Road, Las Vegas, 702-979-1600; wetnwildlasvegas.com