Looking for the best indoor activities in Las Vegas? These are the things you should do when it’s summer.
The Las Vegas desert brings in scorching hot summers, so we don’t like leaving the house until sundown. Even when going you’re out at night, it feels like there’s a hairdryer blowing hot air on you.
Now that we’re more experienced adventurers, we are more strategic with where and when we explore.
We reserve late fall to early spring for outdoor activities, and you’ll find us indoors when the heat sets in. If you’re visiting in the summer or live here and can’t seem to escape like the other sunbirds, here’s a list of the best indoor activities in Las Vegas.
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Last Updated: September 23, 2024
25 Fun Indoor Activities in Las Vegas for Scorching Hot Summer and Rainy Days
1. The Wreck Room →
4090 Schiff Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89103, map
Step into a room full of bottles, electronics, VHS tapes, and more armed with bats, bowling pins, and crowbars. Then go to town and DESTROY EVERYTHING. It’s so much fun whether you need to get your aggression out or just try something new. See more of our experience here.
Local Tip: Although they provide protective gear, it’s not breathable, and you can work up a sweat. Wear shorts and a T-shirt or a sweat-wicking material under.
2. Las Vegas Escape Rooms →
We did our first escape room in NYC when we lived there and then proceeded to do eight more that winter when it was miserable outside. Now it’s the summer heat we have to worry about.
We’re reviewing all the top-rated Las Vegas escape rooms to determine which one is the best. So far we’ve done sixteen, and our favorites are at the Escape Game.
See More: Your Guide to the Best Las Vegas Escape Rooms
3. Dig This →
800 W Roban Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89044, map
Dig This is a giant sandbox for grown-ups. You can get behind the wheel of bulldozers and excavators as the instructors show you how to use them and perform multiple tasks. The machines are air-conditioned, so it’s a great way to stay cool in the heat.
Local Tip: We wished we had brought sunglasses since it’s so bright on sunny days!
4. Indoor Sports
If you love being active, there are plenty of indoor sporting options in Las Vegas.
- Topgolf Las Vegas – although it’s technically outdoors, it’s temperature-controlled and a lot of fun even for non-golfers! Plus, there’s a pool you can hop in if you want to cool off even more. There’s also Atomic Golf on the north side of the strip where they half a golf ball canon.
- Ice Skating Indoors – Las Vegas Ice Center, Pepsi Ice Arena, or Roller Skating at Crystal Palace Skating Center
- Indoor Rock Climbing – When it’s too hot to go to Red Rock, visit the indoor rock climbing gyms. We’ve been to them all and highly recommend this climbing gym in Vegas because it has the best community.
- Bowling – Brooklyn Bowl, Gold Coast Bowling Center, Orleans Bowling Center, Red Rock Lanes Bowling Center, Sam’s Town Bowling Center, Santa Fe Lanes, South Point Bowling Center, Sunset Station Strike Zone, and Suncoast Bowling Center (permanently closed: Texas Station’s Texas Star Lanes).
See More: Your Guide to the Best Las Vegas Climbing Gyms
5. Watch a Show →
We’ve seen a lot of shows in Vegas, and our current top three are Atomic Saloon, O by Cirque du Soleil, and Mat Franco. You can see a full list of shows on our post here.
See More: 15+ Las Vegas Shows You Can’t Miss
6. Area15 →
3377 S Las Vegas Blvd #2235, Las Vegas, NV 89109, map
Area15 is one of the newer attractions in Las Vegas and has a little bit of everything. You can walk through a trippy art experience at Meow Wolf, grab cocktails under a beautiful light-up tree, or check out other exhibits.
Local Tip: Each attraction has its own ticket prices and usually offers local discounts!
See More: Things You Can’t Miss at AREA15
7. Fly a Jet with All in Aviation
1410 Jet Stream Dr Ste 150, Henderson, NV 89052, map
Have you ever wanted to fly a plane or get your pilot’s license? At All in Aviation, you can get behind the wheel of beautiful Cirrus jets and log your hours toward a pilot’s license. Jacob logged his first hour flying. Should he keep going?
Local Tip: Depending on your chosen plane, you can bring 2-4 friends while you fly. That means you get air time, and they get to enjoy the view.
8. Fully Immersive Virtual Reality
Free-roaming VR is so much fun with a group of friends. We recently went to Zero Latency at MGM Grand and played Outbreak and FarCry. Outbreak is zombie-themed and was well done. The movement and story worked well, and we ran around screaming. FarCry was fun and less scary, but Outbreak was a better game overall. Each game is 30 minutes long and can accommodate up to 8 people.
Local Tip: You can work up a sweat playing so dress in comfortable clothes.
9. Learn a New Skill or Take Up a New Hobby
What better time to pick up a new skill or hobby? Especially one that keeps you in an air-conditioned space. Here are some fun skills you can look into if you’re looking for a new hobby:
- Pretty Done Pizza and Paint Night – our favorite Vegas muralist hosts a pizza and paint night once a month. Follow @prettydone to see the next dates.
- Corks n Crafts – We did resin pouring with wine and charcuterie for a date night, but they also offer many other craft classes, such as alcohol ink, slime, candle making, watercolor, and more. Watch the Reel here.
- Pinspiration Splatter Room – Paint like Jackson Pollock in their splatter paint room!
- Mixology Masterclass at The Cabinet of Curiosities – Learn how to make cocktails from expert mixologists in a speakeasy space. The class teaches you the basics then let’s you come up with your very own creation with the mixologist’s guidance. You can even do mocktails!
See More: 101 Hobbies to Start This Year
10. Check Out Museums →
Although you may not think to visit museums in Las Vegas, we have a wide range of them. We recommend these first: Mob Museum, National Atomic Testing Museum, Punk Rock Museum (newest in town), and Springs Preserve. See our full post for a list of the best museums in Las Vegas.
See More: 17 Best Museums in Las Vegas + Local Tips
11. Afternoon Tea
I love going to Afternoon Tea, especially with my girlfriends. I’ve done five in Vegas and plan on checking out the others soon.
- Afternoon Tea at the Tea Lounge Waldorf Astoria – our favorite.
- Petrossian Bar at Bellagio – the afternoon tea service is decent, but it’s right in the middle of the Casino and is noisy.
- Veranda at Four Seasons, Mandalay Bay – this was pretty standard.
- Mrs Coco in Lake Las Vegas – It’s cute for photos, but it’s pricey for what you get, and the afternoon tea is not great. The only thing we liked was their egg sandwich.
- Cafe Lola in Summerlin: A friend said her kid loves their afternoon tea, but the food tastes like playdough.
- Coffee Religion
- LaPostte
- Lobby Bar at Aria, Ri Ra Irish Pub
- The Stove in Henderson
- The Tea Terrace
- Queen of Hearts
12. Have a Spa Day
Spoil yourself with and feel refreshed and relaxed after a day at the spa. Like everything in Vegas, they don’t hold back. Here are some of the best spas in Las Vegas:
- The Spa at the Waldorf Astoria – our favorite so far.
- The Spa at Encore Las Vegas – a close second with the Forbes Five-Star award.
- Spa at Green Valley Ranch – our fave off-strip spa.
- Spa Aquae at JW Marriott – great option on the west side.
- ESPA at Vdara – I did this over ten years ago and hardly remember the experience. Our friends who went recently said it was small.
See More: 7 Best Things to Do at Green Valley Resort
13. Hang out at a Unique Bar
You can drink practically anywhere in Las Vegas, but why not go to a unique bar? Here are some to check out:
- The Underground at the Mob Museum (Speakeasy) – see our experience here
- More Speakeasies – 1923 Prohibition Bar at Mandalay Bay, Easy’s Donut Shop at Aria, Ghost Donkey at Cosmo, Here Kitty Kitty at Resorts World, Laundry Room at Commonwealth, The Lock at Horseshoe, Mas Por Favor in Chinatown.
- Tiki Bars – Frankies Tiki Room, Golden Monkey Tiki Lounge, Golden Tiki (also read are tiki bars cultural appropriation).
See More: What You Need to Know Before Going to the Mob Museum in Las Vegas
14. Tour the Coffee Shops
If you’re looking for a chill afternoon or need a break from all the madness on the strip, head to one of the local coffee shops. PublicUs, Mothership Coffee, Vesta, and Makers & Finders are popular spots for coffee lovers.
See More: Fergusons Downtown – Your Complete Guide
15. High Roller →
3545 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, map
This isn’t your typical ferris wheel (or observation wheel as they are now called). It stands 550 feet tall with observation cabins that hold up to 40 people each. The entire ride takes roughly 30 minutes. Get tickets here.
Local Tip: If you want to keep the booze flowing, there is an open bar option as well.
See More: Your Ultimate Guide to the LINQ Promenade
16. Vegas Indoor Skydiving →
200 Convention Center Dr., Las Vegas, Nevada 89109, map
We haven’t been skydiving yet, but we did get a taste of it at this indoor skydiving spot. Get your tickets here.
Local Tip: Be sure to wear secure shoes.
See More: Las Vegas Indoor Skydiving
17. Throw an Axe →
Release your inner woodsman at Axehole Vegas or Axe Monkeys, where you can learn to throw and axe and practice your aim.
See More: 17+ Fun Things to Do in Downtown Las Vegas
18. Electric Playground →
Electric Playground is a new 10,000 square foot social gaming spot inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. The AR tech lets guests play games by moving their bodies around. There are a handful of smaller bays with games for 1-4 people and a large room with games for up to 20 people. Our favorites were the interactive textures and patterns for photos. In addition to that, there is a bar, a unique dining experience, and even an outdoor patio overlooking the strip.
The games felt like they were geared more towards kids, but they will be adding more games so we’ll have to visit again to check them out!
See More: 49 Best Places to Eat in Las Vegas
19. Ride a Helicopter →
Whether you want to see the Grand Canyon or get a better vantage point of the Strip, you can hop in a helicopter and enjoy the views.
Local Tip: Bring a wide and long camera lens to get a variety of shots. If you had to only choose one, I would bring this wide lens or something equivalent.
See More: The Ultimate Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Road Trip
20. Drive Experiences
If you’re hoping to show off your trip to Vegas, why not get a photo of you driving a fancy car? Our favorite driving experience in Vegas is Exotics Racing. (World Class Driving is permanently closed).
Local Tip: The cars are rotated every 18-24 months, so you can check back in to see what other cars they have in the future.
21. Hop Around Art Galleries
Casinos invest heavily in seasonal displays, and some have world-class art galleries. Area15 is one of the newest attractions in Vegas combining art, food, and shopping.
- Area15 has the famous Meow Wolf and many rotating exhibits.
- Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
- The Gallery at Aria
- Art of Richard MacDonald / Cirque Art
See More: Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens – What You Need to Know
22. Go on a Tour →
There are multiple tour options in Las Vegas, whether you’re into mob history, chocolate, beer, or shoes. Here are the ones we went on that we recommend.
More Tours to Check Out:
- Big Bus Tour
- 420 Tour
- Secret Food Tour
- Helicopter Tour
- Ghost Tour
- Club Crawl
- Vegas Mob Tour
- Pink Jeep Tours
See More: Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Gardens
23. Try a New Fitness Class
It may be too hot outside to get your blood pumping, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of some of the unique fitness classes offered in Las Vegas.
- Aerial Silks
- Pole Dancing – we tried it with Sunny in Container Park, which was so much fun!
- Trampoline Studio
See More: Best Alternative Fitness Classes and Gyms in Las Vegas
24. Indoor Activities for Kids in Las Vegas
This was hard to narrow down to a specific activity, but we found many great family-friendly activities.
- Interactive Museums – Marvel Avengers STATION
- Trampoline Parks – Sky Zone Sports Trampoline Park or Flip N Out Xtreme
- Games – Pinball Hall of Fame, GameWorks, Dave & Busters
- Rides – Adventuredome Theme Park, Big Apple Coaster and Arcade
- Mini Golf – GlowZone, KISS by Monster Mini Golf, Twilight Zone Mini Golf and Arcade, Rex Center
- Indoor Playgrounds – Kangamoo Indoor Playground, Kinderland Indoor Play and Cafe, Jumper’s Jungle Family Fun Center
- Zoos & Aquariums – Shark Reef Aquarium
See More: Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
25. Check Out the Indoor Tourist Traps
- Gold & Silver Pawn Shop
- Coca-Cola Store – tastes of the World
- M&M’s World
- Hershey’s Chocolate World
More Indoor Activities Las Vegas
- Shopping – Shops at Crystals, the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, Fashion Show Mall, Shoppes at Palazzo, Miracle Mile Shops, Grand Bazaar Shops
- Breweries – Ellis Island Casino & Brewery, Banger Brewing, Hop Nuts Brewing, Tenaya Creek Brewery, Lovelady Brewing Company, CraftHaus Brewery
- Watch Sports – T-Mobile Arena & City National Arena
- Play Playground – Drink and play games at Play Playground, where you can feel like a kid again.
Sponsor
It is our second year working with CORT, and it has been such an amazing experience being able to move from city to city without having to worry about our furniture.
For the first 4 years, we would either move our own furniture or deal with the stress of buying and selling every year. Once we discovered that we could rent furniture from CORT, it was a game changer.
We order the pieces that we want, they deliver it right to our apartment and help us get it set up. When we’re ready to move, they’ll come pick it up! Check out our home tour here.
Having a comfortable home was extremely important for us moving back to Vegas. Not only will we be spending a lot of time indoors during the summer, we’ve been hosting guests every other week. It’s been nice having a home furnished and decorated to help us relax and host. Read more on the CORT blog.
Where to Stay in Las Vegas
Planning Checklist
- Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
- Download these helpful language apps.
- Find a great deal on Las Vegas hotels.
- Arrange a rental car for your trip.
- Book a tour for your visit.
- Get airport lounge access.
- Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
- Get a new backpack for your trip.
- Buy a Las Vegas travel guide.
- Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
- Don’t forget your in-flight essentials.
- Save money on attractions with Go City.
More Las Vegas Guides and Resources
Can you think of any more indoor activities in Las Vegas? What do you plan on doing to beat the heat this summer?
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.
Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.