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Explore the Cool Side of Vegas… When It’s Too Hot to Handle

by Sandi Hemmerlein • Published on
SUMMER
Station News

Summer may not officially begin — scientifically, that is — until the solstice on June 21. And Vegas’ own Mojave Max — the Mojave Desert’s answer to Punxsutawney Phil — only just emerged from his burrow in mid-May, marking a record late start to spring. But with triple-digit temperatures hitting the valley weeks earlier than usual, it’s already felt like summer in Southern Nevada for a while now.

And we’re just getting started.

Don’t worry — even when it’s sizzling outside, you can stay cool as a cucumber! Here’s some inspiration for beating the summer heat, whether you’re staying in or venturing out.

INDOORS

Check out the cultural destinations around Southern Nevada! 

Enjoy experimental theater at Fallout Fringe Festival 2026, catch a screening at The Beverly Theater, or check out the
indoor/outdoor First Friday art walk event in the Arts District. The Library District of Las Vegas and Clark County and Henderson
Libraries both have regular schedules of literary and other events for all ages, too!

Pick up a new hobby!

You can start learning how to play a
musical instrument — like guitar or keyboard — at any age at East Las Vegas Community Center, with group lessons starting
in June, July, and August. Starting June 2, The Bridge Center of Las Vegas is offering free lessons for first-timers. And Vegas PBS offers Lifelong Learning programs to help you start your own edible garden, write your memoir, find your family roots, and more.

Go virtual! 

Great Basin National Park is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a Virtual Speaker Series that dives into the park’s history, natural wonders, and resources (like the Great
Basin Observatory). The Library District also hosts its Virtual Author Talk Series, and the PBS Books website has a recording of its talk with the filmmakers behind The American Revolution, which is streaming now on the PBS App. 

Take a vicarious vacation! 

It may feel too daunting to take a trip while it’s hot out — but you can start planning your future adventures by taking inspiration from Rick Steves and the Art of Europe, Martin Clunes’s journeys through the Islands of America, and Samantha Brown and her Places to Love.

OUTDOORS

Explore new heights! 

At nearly 12,000 feet — roughly 10,000 above the valley floor — Mt. Charleston is a popular summertime escape where temperatures can run as much as 30 degrees cooler than down in the valley. Stop by the visitor center to discover its scenic hiking trails, including several with spectacular waterfalls. For more pro tips on exploring the area, Vegas PBS Originals Outdoor Nevada and Tales from the Trails have you covered.

Take the plunge! 

Southern Nevada has no shortage of outdoor
public pools where the entire family can take a dip — including the many aquatic facilities in Henderson, Clark County’s seasonal water parks, and the new Olympic-sized pool at Pavilion Center in Summerlin. The City of Las Vegas also operates dozens of splash pads throughout the region, open daily May 1 through September 30.

Head for the water! 

Kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, and snorkeling are all ways to get some fun in the sun without overheating this summer. If you don't have your own equipment, Lake Las Vegas Water Sports in Henderson offers rentals, and concessionaires at Lake Mead provide access to even more aquatic fun. For more inspo, watch Maria Silva take to the Colorado River for Tales from the Trails, or follow Connor Fields north to the Kirch Wildlife Management Area's waterways on Outdoor Nevada (watch in the player above).

Discover Southern Nevada after the sun goes down! 

Las Vegas area nighttime options include hitting the links after dark (Angel Park’s Cloud 9 Course has full lighting for night putting), hiking under the stars, stargazing in Red Rock Canyon, or one of the Las Vegas Astronomical Society’s star parties. For more inspiration, watch as Outdoor Nevada host Connor Fields goes on a glow-in-the-dark adventure hunting for scorpions.

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