Area venues offer several ways to spend time after dark

When the lights - and temperatures - go down in the city, Las Vegas gets active.

The old-time feeling

Glimpses of classic Americana can be hard to find these days.

One is still flickering at 4150 W. Carey Ave.

The Las Vegas Drive-in is the last remaining drive-in in the area and serves as a discount draw, too.

On a recent Friday night, the Robertson family of North Las Vegas sprawled out on chairs and an air mattress in the bed of father Keith Robertson's truck to view Pixar's "Brave."

The family of six relished the late viewing, and 4-year-old Jacob slept on his father's lap.

"Whether the kids know it or not, we're making memories," he said. "I did this as a kid, and I never forgot eating popcorn my mom made and watching a movie in my pajamas."

The theater is in the process of upgrading from 35 mm film prints to digital copies, allowing for 3-D movie runs, said Tony Maniscalco, marketing vice president for West Wind Drive-ins, which owns and operates the drive-in.

Drive-in interest has grown by about 40 percent in recent years, presumably because of the economic downturn, Maniscalco said.

Admission to the Las Vegas Drive-in is $6.25 per adult, $1 for children ages 5-11 and $4.25 for adults on Tuesdays. Ticket prices at most indoor theaters are about $8 to $10 for first-run films.

"Like anyone, we have to watch our pennies," said Robertson. "This just fits the price and everyone is happy. It's fun."

SHOOTING COMPLEX NIGHT SHOOT

Take aim under the stars during night shooting planned until 10 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays through Sept. 27 at the Clark County Shooting Complex, 11357 N. Decatur Blvd.

The complex illuminates the ranges with stadium lighting, and the retail and rental store stays open for guests, operations manager Steve Carmichael said.

"All people have to do is show up," he said.

Wednesday night has been popular, Carmichael said.

"It's been a mainstay," he said. "It seems ideal because it's hump day and people are looking for something to do."

Valley residents are also welcome to come to the complex for views of the city below, he said.

The rifle-pistol range is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, and the shotgun and archery ranges are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

For more information, call 455-2000 or visit clarkcountynv.gov/depts/parks/pages/clark-county-shooting-park.

Casino offerings

A hub for a cool, nighttime activity is the local casino, where fun reaches beyond gaming, officials said.

"Evenings and weekends are peak times when catering to the locals," said Lori Nelson, spokeswoman for Station Casinos. "We see, based on temperatures, a nice spike in family-oriented traffic during the summer."

The company conducts focus groups and surveys to customize offerings for guests and watches trends of repeat visitors, Nelson said.

Also, casinos seek to offer a variety of options for guests who enter a casino without a plan, Nelson said.

Attractions at casinos near Centennial Hills and North Las Vegas include:

n Santa Fe Station, 4949 N. Rancho Drive, has restaurants, a nightclub called Revolver, the Century 16 Santa Fe Station movie theater and the Santa Fe Lanes bowling center. The bowling center offers Cosmic Happy Hour from 5-7 p.m. each Friday in August. For $15 a lane, guests can bowl unlimited games. Shoe rental is extra. Military families can enjoy a two-game and shoe rental special of $5 per person from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday though Thursday. Night owl bowlers can enjoy the Moonlight Special from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. The fee is $5 per hour or $15 for unlimited games. Shoe rental is extra.

n The Fiesta Rancho SoBe Ice Arena, 2400 N. Rancho Drive, hosts public skating from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Cosmic Skate, with lights and entertainment, is hosted from 7-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

n Texas Station, 2101 Texas Star Lane, has a bowling center, Texas Star Lanes, and a free country show at 9 p.m. each Friday in its South Padre room. Up-and- coming country star Sam Riddle headlines the show.

n Aliante Station, 7300 Aliante Parkway, has a Regal Cinemas Stadium 16 and IMAX theater and regular concerts and events in its Access Showroom and ETA Lounge.

City PARK PErks

A free nighttime destination is the local park.

Officials advise to exercise caution and not to play past dusk.

City of Las Vegas parks are open until about 10 p.m. daily. Hours for water features vary.

For a complete list of parks and attractions, visit lasvegasnevada.gov/find/parks_facilities.htm.

North Las Vegas parks are staffed until 5 p.m. but are open until dusk. For a complete list of parks and attractions, visit cityofnorthlasvegas.com/Index.shtm.

Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs, 9200 Tule Springs Road, extends its hours in summer months. Guests can enjoy the park from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The daily fee is $6 per car.

Contact Centennial and North Las Vegas View reporter Maggie Lillis at mlillis@viewnews.com or 477-3839.