Northern valley nighttime activities range from hikes to outdoor movies
Summer is almost here. The days are longer, and the nights are shorter, but that doesn’t mean people can’t enjoy the cooler summer evenings.
DRIVE-IN MOVIE THEATER
For a romantic date night or fun family outing, head back to the 1950s and catch a flick in North Las Vegas.
The West Wind Drive-In, 4150 W. Carey Ave., shows a variety of movies, including double features daily.
Admission is $7 per person, $1 for children 5-11 and free for those younger than 5.
“The drive-in is a special place. It offers a little bit of Americana that’s been disappearing for a long time,” said Tony Maniscalco, vice president of marketing at West Wind. “There’s a huge upside to going to the drive-in. People have a certain freedom that comes with sitting in your own space. They can talk on their phones, kids can be kids, and it’s the perfect babysitter.”
Family Fun Night is held every Tuesday, and admission is $5 per person.
Maniscalco said that a pajamas night is planned next month where everyone, including employees, is encouraged to come in pajamas.
In addition, the drive-in hosts three free movie nights a year with family-friendly activities. The next events are planned in August and September.
A snack bar is also on site, which sells hot dogs, cheeseburgers, popcorn, nachos, candy, cotton candy and beverages.
For more information, visit westwinddi.com or call 702-646-3565.
MOVIES IN THE PARK
Families searching for a low-cost way to entertain children can head to the park.
A Ward 6 Movie in the Park is planned at 7:30 p.m. June 19 at the Centennial Hills Park Amphitheatre, 7101 N. Buffalo Drive.
Families are invited to watch the movie “Big Miracle.” Admission is free. People are encouraged to bring blankets or folding chairs. For more information, call 702-229-6154.
The Movie Madness Series is set at 6 p.m. once a month at Craig Ranch Regional Park, 628 W. Craig Road.
Families are invited to watch the movie “Maleficent” June 19, “Paddington” July 24 and “Big Hero 6” Aug. 14. Admission is free.
For more information, visit cityofnorthlasvegas.com.
JAZZ UNDER THE STARS
Looking for a way to relax to music?
Jazz Under the Stars, summer concerts by the pool, are planned at 7 p.m. the last Thursday of every month through September at the Aliante, 7300 Aliante Parkway.
“This is such a nice way to spend a summer night,” said Kris O’Brien, advertising manager at the Aliante. “Drinks are flowing, and there’s good music. It’s just such a relaxing atmosphere. People can also get in the pool, hang out in the cabanas or just sit poolside.”
Alex Bugnon, Lao Tizer with Chieli Minucci, Vincent Ingala and Marcus Anderson are scheduled to play.
Tickets are $15. Visit aliantegaming.com.
ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY HOLDS OUTREACH EVENTS
The Las Vegas Astronomical Society holds events every month for those interested in learning about astronomy.
The society meets at 7:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the College of Southern Nevada Planetarium, 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave., usually with a speaker or program on an astronomical topic.
Annual member dues are $36 per person or family or $15 for students and teachers.
The group also holds star-gazing events every month, which are open to the public for those interested in learning about astronomy.
For more information on the group, visit lvastronomy.com.
PLANETARIUM EVENING SHOWS
Needing an alternative weekend family activity?
The College of Southern Nevada Planetarium provides shows suitable for families.
Programs are presented at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Fridays and at 3:30, 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Saturdays. Presentations start on time, and there is no late seating. All programs last approximately one hour.
Seasonal stargazing follows each feature show, and viewing the night sky through the Planetarium’s telescopes follows the 8 p.m. show.
General admission is $6, and discount admission for seniors older than 55, children younger than 12, active military and CSN students is $4.
For more information, visit csn.edu/planetarium.
NIGHT HIKES AT MOUNT CHARLESTON
Travel with a trained naturalist into the forest or along a trail after the sun has set at Mount Charleston.
Night hikes are timed with dusk to ensure that participants’ eyes can adjust properly.
“Participants can learn about nocturnal animals and how they have adapted to the twilight in order to survive or about astronomy and how one can use the stars to navigate and even tell what time of year it is,” said Bob Loudon, director at the Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway.
Night hikes include a small amount of hiking through easy terrain and various activities in the dark.
Participants are encouraged to bring a flashlight but do not have to plan to use it.
Average night hikes are 90 minutes and start between 7 and 8 p.m. They are set every Friday and/or Saturday during the summer at the recently opened Spring Mountains Gateway Visitor’s Center.
Those with night blindness or vision problems may have issues on this hike.
For more information, visit gomtcharleston.com or call 702-872-5486.
CLARK COUNTY SHOOTING COMPLEX
For a different type of rush, people can head to the Clark County Shooting Complex, 11357 N. Decatur Blvd.
The shooting complex is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
Archery, rifle, pistol and shotgun shooting are available.
For a list of public shooting fees, visit clarkcountynv.gov/shootingcomplex or call 702-455-2000.
To reach North View reporter Sandy Lopez, email slopez@viewnews.com or call 702-383-4686. Find her on Twitter: @JournalismSandy.
