Six miles from Lake Mead and an easy 55-mile drive from Las Vegas, the Valley of Fire State Park is Nevada's oldest and biggest state park. The park takes its name from fiery sandstone formations, which were formed by shifting sand dunes years ago. The geology here is similar to Red Rock, but the area also offers a glimpse into early Native American cultures. It was frequently visited by the ancient Basket Maker people and Anasazi, who used the area for hunting and religious ceremonies. Excellent examples of their rock art and petroglyphs are found throughout the area. Stop at the visitor center to see exhibits and pick up easy-to-follow directions to climbing, hiking, picnic areas and rest rooms. A favorite scenic drive is to the left of the visitor center heading towards the "White Domes." There is a small entry fee upon entering Valley of Fire State Park.

Contact info: 702-397-2088
Valley of Fire State Park

MOUNT CHARLESTON

For ski information contact 702-872-5462
Snow Report: 702-593-9500
For campground or picnic reservations contact 877-444-6777
Lodging info 800-794-3456 or 702-872-5500
Mt. Charleston Hiking Map

RED ROCK CANYON

Contact info: 702-515-5350
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Sunset Park

One of the largest parks in Las Vegas, it is popular for festivals and picnics. Eight outdoor lighted tennis courts, baseball fields, basketball courts, picnic areas with barbeques, dog runs, and even peace and quiet can be found here. There also is a fishing pond, popular mostly with children. The fishing is year-round, and in winter the pond is stocked with rainbow trout, and catfish in summer. There is a three-fish limit, and children under 12 do not need a fishing license.

Desert Breeze Park

As skateboards and roller blades are not allowed on most streets in Las Vegas, enthusiasts frequent this park to satiate the adrenaline rush. The park has concrete tracks, benches and structures to suit the needs of beginners as well as advanced skateboarders. It also has a hockey rink, basketball courts, and a host of other sports facilities. Helmets are compulsory, and if you don't have your own, you can hire one at the park office

Callaway Golf Center

This remarkably designed driving range offers a full training facility on 42 beautiful acres. Featuring 110 lighted tees, this is a busy place just about any time of day. The facility is also home to the David Leadbettor Golf Academy and the Divine Nine . Find just the right putter or golf cap at St. Andrew's Pro Shop, and the Bistro 10 Restaurant will replenish your energy after a hard day of having fun.

Bonnie Springs Ranch Old Nevada

Open Hours Old Nevada: 10:30a-6p M-Su (Summer), 10:30a-5p M-Su (Winter) http://www.bonniesprings.com/

Give your family a taste of the West! A short drive from the city, this ranch is a miniature replica of the old days, when much of the country was a cowboy's domain. Built in 1843, as a wagon stop, this pretty, almost desert-like foothill town, with its wooden boards, tumbleweeds, stagecoaches and saloons will transport most locals back into history. A weekend here will be filled with activities, such as horseback riding, miniature train rides, wild animal spotting, a "posse" show, simulated street fights and melodramatic scenes complete with onlookers and stuntmen, all for USD10. Loads of curios and souvenirs source the memorabilia section, while those who'd like to stay just a little bit longer can avail of the motel facilities – themed rooms, with romantic decor and guided tours beckon guests at rates ranging from USD60 to USD100 per night.

Richard Petty Driving Experience

Open Hours By reservation only http://www.1800bepetty.com

Try out a 600-horse power race car on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Qualified professional instructors will prepare you to race solo in a genuine NASCAR Winston Cup-style stock car with speeds of up to 160 miles per hour. In the ride-along program, you ride in a two-seat stock car with a professional driver at high speed. This thrill goes for $99. Other programs prepare you to drive solo for 8-30 laps.

Helicopter Rides

Maverick Helicopters offers VIP level service from two departure locations: Las Vegas , and the Grand Canyon . Experience a breathtaking flight over the most beautiful scenery in the Western United States; whether it is a journey to the Grand Canyon, a flight over the Las Vegas Strip or witnessing the beauty of the southwest. Maverick Helicopters offers the highest level of safety and service in the industry and has over 10 years of making dreams come true!

If you can tear yourself away from the gaming tables, you'll find that the city is surrounded by a rough-and-rugged desert landscape that is ideal for a range of outdoor activities. The steep, jagged red rock valleys and canyons around Las Vegas are superb hiking and rock climbing territory.

• Golf

  There are dozens of golf courses in Las Vegas Valley, most within 16km (10mi) of the Strip. Unless you can hustle together US$30000.00 up front plus US$500.00 a month for membership of a private club, you'll be playing at a public course. Reserve your tee-off time a week in advance.

• Downhill

  Novice skiers are thrilled by the downhill at the Lee Canyon ski and snowboarding area on Charleston Peak in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, about 80km (50mi) northwest of Las Vegas.

• 10-pin bowling

  Bowling is very big in Las Vegas and most bowling centres are in casino hotels where you can work on your glide and release far into the small hours. Occasionally a venue can suffer an 'attack of the bowling league', so call ahead to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

• Watersports

  For boating and water-skiing, smear on the sunscreen, slither into your wetsuit and head over to Lake Mead, about 50km (30mi) east of Las Vegas. You can even scuba dive here. The lake's 880km (550mi) of shoreline offers plenty of sunbathing spots.

• Hiking

  Great for hiking, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, about 30km (20mi) west of the city, has multicoloured sandstone scenery that irresistibly draw climbers and hikers. The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, further northwest of the city, features Charleston Peak and trails that wind through pine forests and desert scrub. Camping is allowed at both places.