Stayin’ cool in Southwest Las Vegas
Around the globe, the summer season marks months of lazy days, special festivals and good ol' fashioned fun.
In the Midwest, it means capturing fireflies in a mason jar to watch the mites glow once the starry backdrop falls.
In Pamplona, Spain, thousands bravely race through the streets each July for the Running of the Bulls.
In New York, Central Park is a performance playground of various music events and theater acts almost every day.
In Cancun, Mexico, the time is for sipping piña coladas under an umbrella as the ocean waves crash along the shore.
In Iowa, corn shoots above farmers' heads before it's shucked and barbecued at family cookouts.
In Japan, hanabi, or fireworks, explode as a unique competitive art form in the night sky.
In Las Vegas, however, summer is known best for being served scorching with a side of nearly inescapable.
It is the time when you can't buckle your seatbelt without enduring what feels like a third- degree burn or when your Popsicle melts before you take the first lick. It is the season of sweat, the months of misery.
Although it may seem impossible, you can beat the heat without traveling to some far-off land. Here are a few ways to cool off in your neighborhood:
Refreshing recreation
n Las Vegas Ice Center, 9295 W. Flamingo Road, Suite 130, 320-7777
Open skate
Depending on events, public skating times are subject to change. Be sure to call and confirm the schedule. It is $9 for adults, $8 for skaters ages 6 to 18 and $5 for children under 6 . Prices include rental skates.
Mondays: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Tuesdays: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Wednesdays: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and 6:45 to 8:45 p.m.
Thursdays: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Fridays: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 1 to 3 p.m. and 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Sundays: 1 to 3 p.m.
Various classes for all age and ability levels are available. Private lessons are also offered. Price packages vary for sessions, and drop-in classes are available. Contact skating director Vassili Mourzine at 320-777, extension 103.
Youth classes
Mondays: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Tuesdays: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Wednesdays: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Thursdays: 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. (hockey)
Saturdays: noon to 1 p.m.
Adult classes
Tuesdays: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
n Vegas Indoor Skydiving, 200 Convention Center Drive, 731-0051
Single flight (one flight for one person), $75
Repeat flight (second flight on same day), $40
Book of five (five flights for one person), $200
Family block (15-minute block with video shared with up to five people), $325
n Desert Breeze Water Park, 8275 Spring Mountain Road, 455-7798
Youths ages 3 to 17 are $2; adults are $3, and seniors older than 50 are $1.
Mondays-Thursdays: noon to 4 p.m.
Fridays: Closed
Saturdays-Sundays: noon to 6 p.m.
Cool Culture
n Las Vegas Little Theatre, 3920 Schiff Drive, 362-7996
"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels"
The show is based on the 1988 film of the same name, focusing on two con men living in the French Riviera. The pair unsuccessfully attempt to work together in this comedy.
Friday through July 31, Thursdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $25.
n Color Me Mine, 9350 W. Sahara Ave., 363-0866
Pick your ceramic piece, paint and design it. Color Me Mine will glaze and fire it for you and have your finished masterpiece ready for pick up.
Mondays-Fridays: noon to 9 p.m.
Saturdays-Sundays: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
n Spring Valley Library, 4280 S. Jones Blvd., 507-3820
This library is home to the Asian Culture Collection and offers free wireless Internet. Check lvccld.org for special events.
Mondays-Thursdays: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Fridays-Sundays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
n Windmill Library, 7060 W. Windmill Lane, 507-6030
This branch houses a Young People's Library and offers free wireless Internet. Check lvccld.org for special events.
Mondays-Thursdays: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Fridays- Sundays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Frosty Foods
n Poppy's Frozen Yogurt, 9345 S. Cimarron Road, 483-3599
Every day: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
n Tuttibella Yogurt, 7910 S. Rainbow Blvd., 207-2228
Every day: noon to 10 p.m.
n Yogel's Frozen Yogurt, 4220 S. Grand Canyon Drive, 566-8200
Mondays-Thursdays: noon to 10 p.m.
Fridays-Saturdays: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sundays: noon to 9 p.m.
Contact Southwest and Spring Valley View reporter Jessica Fryman at jfryman@viewnews.com or 380-4535.
