one with a heart-line twist that bobs and weaves past the replicated skyline of New York City. You might as well buy the all-day pass, because you’ll be back for more. JP (3790 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702740-6969, nynyhotelcasino.com)
Best place to r ide go-k a rts Mini Gr an Prix Go-karts for all! Two-seaters allow small children to feel the wind in their hair while their parents do the driving. Youngsters who want to race on their own can try the kiddie cars on the low-speed track. While the kids do their karting, grab a burlap sack and take the “don’t look down” trek to the top of the tall, multi-lane slide and relive your childhood. But try not to get too distracted. After all, there’s nothing like watching your daughter stare down a fellow driver as she speeds by him. SV (1404 N. Rainbow Blvd., 702-259-7000, lvmgp.com)
Best k ar aok e Dino’s From the sublime to the awful, they take their place before the microphone at Dino’s, an all-business, cement-floored hole-in-the-wall with Saturday-night-karaoke that’s a Vegas institution. You’ll want to get there early, not only to find a table (big crowds are routine), but also to pore over the massive songbooks. It’s not vocalism, it’s a spectator sport, even when you don’t know what the heck that last song was intended to be. Don’t be squeamish about taking the mic: We guarantee there’s someone in the crowd worse than you. DM (1516 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-382-3894)
D u ck c r e e k T r a i l : C h r i s to p h e r Sm i t h
B e s t pa r t y p o o l Treasure Island On the flip side, it’s one big dance party out here on the weekends, but never over-crowded. Partiers dance on the pool deck and in the water, grab drinks and dine on cuisine provided by the property’s Kahunaville restaurant. And the 50-seat whirlpool is affectionately dubbed the “Party Tub.” It all takes place against an immaculate backdrop of palms. Your most chic pool attire is a must. JP (3300 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-894-7111, treasureisland.com)
Happy trails: Duck Creek at the Wetlands Park
FEET FIRST Best hotel pool f o r r e l a x at i o n
Best running trail
Trump International Las Vegas Do you remember when a dip in the pool wasn’t impeded by throngs of partiers swaying to the beat of a DJ? Lined by a row of perfectly manicured palms, Trump’s pool is the ultimate spot for relaxation, whether you want to bask in the sun with a good book or glide through the water and refresh yourself. JP (2000 Fashion Show Drive, 702-982-0000, trumphotelcollection.com/las-vegas)
It’s finally open! Improvements include plentiful parking, shaded picnic tables, lights and a proper bathroom. The trails are open to joggers, dogs and bicycles, and are wide enough to give everyone their space. Tracks twist and turn through tall reeds to keep your run interesting, and with connections to the main section of the Wetlands Park, as well as the ever-expanding Vegas Valley Rim Trail, you can really rack up the miles. The area doubles as a bird and wildlife preserve, so keep your eyes peeled for coyotes, rabbits, beaver and migrating birds. AG (Broadbent Boulevard between Tropicana and Russell, 702-455-7522, clarkcountynv.gov)
Duck Creek at the Wetlands Park
B e s t wa l k i n g t r a i l Best couples s pa fa c i l i t y Costa del Sur at South Point This spa really knows how to treat locals. In addition to a menu of relaxing and romantic treatments for couples, what really sets it apart is its wet area and relaxation room specifically for couples. You can maximize your time together and kick back with a tray of fruit, or loosen up your muscles in the Jacuzzi together before your treatment begins. Getting used to such amenities spoils one for all other couples experiences. JP (9777 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702797-8030, spacostadelsur.com)
Best splurge-worthy spa Spa Aquae at JW Marriott It’s got all the things that add up to a great spa experience: a dimly lit relaxation room, luxurious water amenities, a yoga studio and picturesque view, plus rooms
Cottonwood Canyon Park
Thanks to its location below street level, Summerlin’s Cottonwood Canyon Park feels like a different world than its suburban surroundings. A winding 3-mile trail, green spaces, desert plants, shaded picnic areas and road-bypassing tunnels help make this linear park a relaxing place to spend a Saturday afternoon. Cottonwood Canyon is popular with dog-owners, so consider bringing Fido. SV (915 Canyon Bluff Circle, summerlink.com)
Best nighttime hike River Mountain Loop Trail near lake mead
Tip: Go during a full moon. This stretch of the faces Lake Mead, and when the moon reflects on the water it’s werewolf-howlingly beautiful. If you are also feeling reflective (or tired), take advantage of the benches along the way to simply sit and take it in. There are also several tunnels through the hillsides, just dark and mysterious enough that you can imagine a Stephen King story unfolding within. Thrilling! SD
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