Top 10 Things to Do in Las Vegas This Summer (That Aren’t Just the Pool)
Let’s face it—Las Vegas in the summer is no joke. When temperatures soar past 100°F, most people make a mad dash to the nearest pool. But while a splash in the water is nice, Vegas is way more than cabanas and cocktails. Whether you’re a local looking for a cool change of pace or a tourist hunting for memorable experiences, the city has a ton of creative ways to beat the heat in Vegas summer.
From indoor things to do in Las Vegas to immersive entertainment, family fun, and chill nightlife options, here’s your go-to list of top 10 summer activities in Las Vegas—and yes, they’re all cooler than a pool party.
1. Play Indoors with the Atomic Golf Summer Pass 🎯
Location: Atomic Golf, just off the Strip
Best For: Groups, families, tourists, locals, and golf-curious first-timers
Hands down, one of the best ways to beat the heat in Vegas this summer is with the Atomic Golf Summer Pass. This indoor golf experience blends high-tech gameplay, social vibes, and cold drinks—all in air-conditioned comfort.
Here’s why it stands out:
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Unlimited walk-in golf every day, all summer
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Covers up to 8 guests per pass
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No blackout dates—play 7 days a week
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No reservation required—just show up and swing
With immersive bays, interactive games, and elevated food and drinks, it’s not just golf—it’s an experience. Plus, Atomic Golf is centrally located, making it an easy meet-up spot for locals and tourists alike.
🔥 Local Tip: Midweek afternoons are quieter. Bring coworkers for a midday break or surprise the kids with post-lunch play.
👉 Explore the Summer Pass
2. Catch a Vegas Show (Without Roasting Outside First) 🎭
Location: Various theaters on the Strip
Best For: Couples, friend groups, first-timers
Vegas shows are iconic—and thankfully, fully air-conditioned. From the high-flying stunts of Cirque du Soleil to comedy, magic, and tribute acts, there’s something for everyone.
Beat the heat and get a culture fix by catching a matinee or early evening show before dinner.
🔥 Local Tip: Sign up for ticket apps like TodayTix or Vegas.com for last-minute deals, especially midweek.
3. Explore Omega Mart at Area15 🌀
Location: Area15, minutes from the Strip
Best For: Art lovers, thrill-seekers, families, Instagrammers
If Willy Wonka built a supermarket on acid, it’d look like Omega Mart. This immersive art installation by Meow Wolf is a trippy, story-driven, interactive space filled with puzzles, secret portals, and mind-bending visuals.
Best of all? It’s a completely indoor thing to do in Las Vegas, making it the perfect escape from the blazing sun.
🔥 Local Tip: Grab a combo pass and stay to explore Area15’s other attractions like Museum Fiasco or Lost Spirits Distillery.
4. Sip Craft Cocktails in an Ice Bar 🧊
Location: Minus5 Ice Bar, The LINQ and Mandalay Bay
Best For: Couples, partygoers, nightlife lovers
Looking for cool Las Vegas group entertainment? Try a bar made entirely of ice. At Minus5 Ice Bar, you’ll get suited up in thermal coats and gloves before stepping into a frozen lounge where even the glasses are made of ice.
It’s the literal way to beat the heat in Vegas summer—and an unforgettable photo op.
🔥 Local Tip: Book packages in advance online to save money and skip the line.
5. Take a Food Tour Indoors 🍽️
Location: Various locations including Downtown and the Strip
Best For: Foodies, small groups, families
Skip the sidewalk sweat and book a food tour that focuses on indoor eateries. Companies like Lip Smacking Foodie Tours take you behind the scenes of Vegas’ best restaurants with VIP access, chef tastings, and indoor seating.
It’s dinner, entertainment, and air conditioning—all in one.
🔥 Local Tip: Try the Downtown or Arts District routes for a more local feel.
6. Get Competitive at Atomic Golf’s Gaming Bays 🏌️♂️🎮
Location: Yep, still Atomic Golf
Best For: Friendly competition, date nights, summer squad hangouts
We’re not done talking about Atomic Golf, and for good reason. In addition to the Summer Pass perks, the venue itself is one of the top destinations for Las Vegas group entertainment. Each bay includes interactive screens, competitive games, and even themed challenges—think darts-meets-golf-meets-arcade.
Don’t be surprised if you spend your whole afternoon here without realizing how long you’ve been playing.
🔥 Local Tip: Post-game drinks on the rooftop bar offer great Strip views, minus the chaos.
7. Visit the Neon Museum at Night 🌙
Location: Downtown Las Vegas
Best For: History buffs, photographers, couples
The Neon Museum preserves Vegas history through its iconic signs. While daytime tours are available, the night tours are next level—the signs are lit up, the temperatures are cooler, and the experience is pure magic.
🔥 Local Tip: Pair your visit with dinner at a Downtown local favorite like Le Thai or Carson Kitchen.
8. Unleash Your Inner Kid at the Pinball Hall of Fame 🎰
Location: South Las Vegas Boulevard
Best For: Families, retro lovers, budget travelers
No frills, no heat, just rows and rows of playable pinball machines. This nonprofit museum features vintage arcade games from the 1950s through today—and most cost just 25 to 50 cents per play.
It’s one of the most budget-friendly indoor things to do in Las Vegas, and yes, it’s air-conditioned.
🔥 Local Tip: Bring cash. They have change machines, but it helps to have quarters ready.
9. Chill in Style at a Speakeasy 🍸
Location: The Underground at The Mob Museum, The Laundry Room, or Here Kitty Kitty Vice Den
Best For: Adults, nightlife explorers, couples
Vegas is known for glitz, but it also has a booming hidden-bar scene. Tucked behind bookcases, vending machines, and faux storefronts, speakeasies offer a cool way (literally and figuratively) to spend your summer nights.
The best part? Most are intimate, moody, and climate-controlled.
🔥 Local Tip: Some speakeasies require a password or reservation, so do your homework before heading out.
10. Test Your Teamwork in an Escape Room 🔐
Location: Multiple throughout the city
Best For: Groups, corporate teams, friends
If you’re searching for Las Vegas group entertainment that’s fun, active, and doesn’t involve sweating buckets, an escape room is your move. These puzzle-filled adventures challenge your mind, not your sweat glands.
Popular spots include Escapology, The Basement, and Lockdown Rooms—all offering themes ranging from spy missions to haunted houses.
🔥 Local Tip: Book a private room for your group—it’s usually worth the small upcharge.
Why You Should Mix It Up This Summer
Sure, Las Vegas is known for sun-soaked parties and pool scenes, but this summer, don’t limit yourself to the lounge chair. With so many indoor things to do in Las Vegas, you can pack your days with fun, stay cool, and try something new, without baking under the desert sun.
Whether you're in town for three days or a local plotting weekend plans, the Atomic Golf Summer Pass tops the list for flexibility, value, and sheer fun factor. Pair it with other cool experiences from this list, and you’ve got your ultimate summer activities Las Vegas bucket list.
TL;DR: Your Cool, Fun, Indoor Summer Checklist
Here’s your cheat sheet of the top 10 things to do in Las Vegas this summer (besides the pool):
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Atomic Golf Summer Pass – Unlimited indoor golf for 8 guests
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Vegas Shows – Air-conditioned entertainment with flair
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Omega Mart – Immersive art meets storytelling
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Ice Bars – Chill out… literally
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Indoor Food Tours – Flavorful and refreshing
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Atomic Golf Gaming Bays – Competitive group fun
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Neon Museum Night Tour – Old Vegas in a new light
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Pinball Hall of Fame – Retro fun for all ages
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Speakeasies – Hidden gems with cold cocktails
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Escape Rooms – A cool challenge for your crew
Ready to Beat the Heat in Style?
Forget frying on the Strip or sweating through your sightseeing plans. This summer, stay cool, have fun, and find your flow indoors. And remember—Atomic Golf’s Summer Pass is your go-to ticket for unlimited, air-conditioned fun, all summer long.
