Hunt for Fun

Will you go out with me?

A difficult question for anyone to ask, but for Las Vegas teens another important question arises: Where can we go?

"It used to be all about Wet & Wild Nighttime," says Samuel Sanchez, 17, an Eldorado High School senior. "I had a year-round pass, so, after like three uses, I got in for free."

For years teenagers have gone with friends or dates to places such as SkyMania, an indoor trampoline center; Wet & Wild, an old water park that closed a few summers ago; the Adventuredome, an indoor amusement park at Circus Circus; and Scandia Family Fun Center, a place known for its miniature golf, which also closed recently.

"I grew up at Scandia," says Angela Drake, 17, also an Eldorado senior. "I miss that place so much. Good times."

Javier "Smiley" Rivera, 17, says he likes the drive-in movie theater on Carey Avenue and Rancho Drive.

"My girlfriend loves it and says it reminds her of those 1950s romance movies," the Eldorado senior says.

Petty Officer Jefferson Medina, a U.S. Navy recruiter, says two things never go out of style: putt-putt golf and parks. "I did them both when I was a teen and a lot of the kids I mentor do them also."

Taylor Jones, a 15-year-old Las Vegas High School sophomore, says he likes spending time at Hollywood Park.

"I go up their with a friend of mine," he says. "I skate and he writes."

The prices of activities can play a big part in where teens go for fun.

"It sucks," says Mac Esmeier, a 17-year-old Area Technical Trade Center senior. "Everything has become too expensive. ... I can't even go horseback or dirt bike riding."

Living in the desert, pools are common choices of entertainment.

"I love swimming," Sanchez says. "So my friends and I are always at muni," referring to the municipal swimming pool at Las Vegas Boulevard and Bonanza Road.

Jillian's at Neonopolis has a variety of entertainment including concerts, bowling, pool tables, an arcade and a small restaurant.

"I guess I'm kind of a scene kid, 'cause I'm at Jillian's for concerts fairly often," Jones says. "But, as long as it's not too crowded or some overpriced band, it's pretty nice there."

Sports are another option for those who don't mind breaking a sweat.

"Best place to go, definitely, has to be Las Vegas Sports Park," Rivera says. "Indoor soccer there reminds me of a snow globe. All that chaos, one small area. And occasionally you can get in on a pickup game."

And, of course, don't forget food.

"I love going to Tinoco's Bistro," says Rachel Valencia, 16, a junior at Clark High School. "It's this little hole in the wall, oh-mah-gosh, so romantic."