Las Vegas end-of-season pool activities going out with a bang

Las Vegas’ dog days of summer are kind to no one.

While this summer seems like a never-ending heat wave, one thing Las Vegas isn’t short on is having fun with water. Rather than lying by the traditional community pool, there’s been a growing popularity in using water in unique ways throughout the valley.

Now is as good a time as any to plan a water day. Here’s what’s in store:

Water on the Meadow

A 50-foot-long slip’n slide provides quite a bit of water fun. The folks at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, 6375 state Route 159, are planning to turn this into an annual event.

Water on the Meadow involves multiple water slides set up throughout the state park’s meadow area. What makes it unique is that Spring Mountain Ranch’s water doesn’t come from the valley. It’s from the park’s 3-acre Lake Harriet.

“Our water doesn’t go to any subdivisions,” said park interpreter David Low. “We have an abundance of water, and we just want to share it with the rest of the community.”

One remaining session is planned for the season from 1 from 3 p.m. Aug. 27. Low said the reason why it’s planned for two hours is because the picnic area can take a beating.

The past two years have seen a huge spike in attendance. Low said 2015 was the first time the park had such high attendance, and that trickled over to this year. The Fourth of July and the following weekend saw the park reach its breaking point. “So much so, the park reached capacity,” Low said. “Gates had to close. A lot of people were disappointed.”

Low said the park workers have come to accept a high number of people who want to try out a water-covered slide, but there’s also been a spike in people coming to the park just to explore.

“Las Vegans have an appetite for going outdoors,” Low said. “Even on the hikes, we’re finding 200 to 300 people.”

If you plan to make the trip, Low advises to arrive at the park early and bring a picnic.

Wet ‘n’ Wild

The season is winding down at Wet ‘n’ Wild, 7055 S. Fort Apache Road, but it’s not short on activities.

Las Vegas’ famous water park has transitioned into a more family-friendly atmosphere since the new Wet ‘n’ Wild opened in May 2013. For its dive-in movies, for example, Wet ‘n’ Wild assistant brand manager Lindy Frye wants to tailor those for families to enjoy together.

“A lot of places you go to [that offer dive-in movies], they don’t cater to families,” Frye said.

The dive-in movies take place at the wave pool every Friday at 8 p.m., and snacks are available for purchase. Families can either enjoy the movie in the pool or on the deck. The last dive-in screening of the season is on Aug. 26, with “Guardians of the Galaxy.”

Wet ‘n’ Wild’s major end-of-the-season bash is on Aug. 25 with its High School Neon Night. Teenagers are asked to wear neon swimsuits and enjoy three different zones throughout the park — a foam party zone featuring an electronic dance music DJ; the wave pool zone with a mainstream music DJ; and an obstacle course over in the main grass area in the back of the park.

“One of the goals for us is to be Vegas’ summer playground,” Frye said. “We’re more than just a park with slides. We thrive on making this a positive, exciting environment.”

Wet ‘n’ Wild is also giving young DJs a chance to show what they’ve got on the ones and twos. Frye said of the between 300 to 400 employees the park hires every summer, the majority of them are teenagers. The DJs that are also used on nights like the High School Neon Night are teenagers.

“I really try to give teen DJs a chance to get some exposure,” Frye said, “to give them a chance to perform in front of a large audience.”

Wet ‘n’ Wild’s daily operations will come to an end on Aug. 28, but the park will remain open on weekends beginning Aug. 29 throughout Sept. 25. Frye said they’re planning something major for Labor Day weekend, but nothing had been finalized as of press time. Visit wetnwildlasvegas.com.

“There’s always something going on, Frye said. “Even if you’re not a water park person, get a ticket.”

Cowabunga Bay

The Henderson-based water park, 900 Galleria Drive, wants to close the summer in style.

For the remainder of the season, Cowabunga Bay is hosting evening Spectacular Slide Nights Fridays and Saturdays. Instead of its regular 7 p.m. closing time, the park doesn’t shut down until 10 p.m.

Performances from fire dancers, fireworks and a DJ are planned. Admission into the park after 5 p.m. is $25.99.

Tuesdays are also prime times to head to Cowabunga Bay. The Two-for-Tuesdays offer, which was scheduled to end in July, has been extended throughout August. It’s $22.22 for admission, and patrons can get pizza slices, Icees and soft drinks for $2 each.

There are also coupons across the valley at many retail stores and restaurants. Albertsons, Costco and various Roberto’s Taco Shop locations have coupons available for as much as $10 off general admission.

Boulevard Pool at the Cosmopolitan

Dinner and a movie sounds nice, but dinner, a movie and swimming is the bee’s knees.

The dive-in movie schedule is nearing a close at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. South, according to cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/dive-in-movies. “The Big Lebowski” is set to screen on Aug. 22. “The Goonies” is set to screen on Aug. 29 and “Dirty Dancing” on Sept. 5.

We’d advise you to not channel your inner Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey for poolside safety purposes.

To reach View copy editor Danny Webster, email dwebster@viewnews.com or call 702-477-3834. Follow him on Twitter: @DannyWebster21.