20 things to do in Las Vegas when you’re 20

By Katie Visconti

Friday, July 18, 2014 | 2 a.m.

Finding things to do in Las Vegas when you're not quite 21 can be daunting. You’re too old to gamble for stuffed animals at Circus Circus’ Carnival Midway but not yet old enough to shake your glowstick at Hakkasan.

Whether you're tired of cosmic bowling and nights wandering the Strip with friends or you just want to see more of your city, here are 20 things to do in Las Vegas when you’re 20.

1. Stop by Stoney’s Rockin’ Country Bar on Friday nights at 7. The bar allows the 18-and-older crowd to line dance and partake in the country vibe.

2. Hike Red Rock Canyon. With 19 hiking trails and a 3-mile bike loop, Red Rock is a cool break from the city with something for adventurers of every age.

3. See local artists and eat delicious street food at First Friday. Held downtown the first Friday of every month from 5-11 p.m., the event is open to all and lets you see the local talent and culture of Las Vegas.

4. Attend a concert at Brooklyn Bowl at the Linq. The venue is open to the 18-and-older crowd and features bands on the rise in an intimate setting.

5. Be a tourist for the day and take a picture at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. Local or not, this is a must.

6. Show off your skills at the Pinball Hall of Fame. This player’s paradise has more than 250 machines, from tradition pinball to modern games with digital displays.

7. Enjoy a summer concert poolside at Soundwaves in the Hard Rock Hotel. You can reserve a cabana, chill out by the pool, or dance by the stage. This 18-and-over event promises summer fun.

8. Take advantage of being a local. The Hard Rock Hotel and the Rio offer free access to their pools on weekdays.

9. Visit the Bellagio Conservatory and fall in love with the Summer Garden Party exhibit. It’s free and open 24/7.

10. Paint and create at Buzz’N Brushes. This studio provides you with all you need to paint your own canvas in a fun atmosphere with other wannabe artists.

11. Defy gravity at Sky Zone. This indoor trampoline park is young adult- and wallet-friendly at only $16 for an hour of jumping. Daring spirits can also sign up for ultimate dodgeball or enter the Foam Zone, which is filled with 10,000 foam cubes you can run, jump and fly into.

12. For those who want a good laugh, Improv nights at Harrah’s welcomes anyone 18 and older. The comedy show runs in 60-minute segments at 8:30 and 10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

13. More of a performer than a spectator? Sing, dance, act and show your talent at The Beat Coffee House’s open mic night. The Human Experience goes from 7-11 p.m. every Monday.

14. Support your local cinema. Red Rock, the Orleans and Town Square offer $5 movie specials every Tuesday.

15. Retail therapy is available everywhere in Las Vegas. With Fashion Show Mall, the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace and many others, shopping is one pastime that will probably never discriminate based on age.

16. Thrill seekers can ride the New York-New York roller coaster or spend the afternoon seeing the city from the High Roller at the Linq.

17. Explore local art and farm-fresh food during local farmers markets around the valley. The Las Vegas Farmers Market at Floyd Lamb State Park takes place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays of each month; features food, art and music; and supports local businesses.

18. Take a break from the summer heat and go ice skating at the SoBe Ice Arena at Fiesta Rancho. The 31,000-square-foot rink offers public skating nights and several youth and adult hockey leagues.

19. Picnic at Spring Mountain Ranch Park. It’s a perfect day trip getaway with easy walking trails and features the hidden gem Lake Harriet. During the summer months, the park runs the “Super Summer Theatre” series, which features musicals and plays in an outdoor theater.

20. For those who just can’t imagine not getting the nightlife experience, FroZEN75 is a Henderson club open to the 18-20 crowd. Open every Saturday night, FroZEN75 is great for those who want to dance and hang out with friends in an environment that emphasizes safety.