East side of town is packed with ways to beat the heat

Yes, it's hot out. We all know that. Newer residents may still be dealing with the basics of summer in Las Vegas or trying to survive on denial. Even native Las Vegans may be trying to come up with new tricks for keeping cool when the temperature insists on hovering in the triple digits. Here are a few ideas, in case you're too hot to think of any:

Pools and Water play areas

Cool water and the physics of evaporative cooling combine for simple and effective cooling. Unfortunately, pools and water play areas usually mean a lot of exposed skin and little shade, so remember the sunscreen and don't be afraid to apply it liberally and reapply it, especially right after getting out of the water. Clark County offers several options for water play. For a full list of pools and swimming events, visit clarkcountynv.gov/depts/parks.

Play inside at Casinos

If you're the type of local who rarely ventures into a casino, summer may be the time to reacquaint yourself with the amenities they offer. The majority of the casinos on the east side of the valley run along the Boulder Strip. The newest is the Eastside Cannery, 5255 Boulder Highway, which offers lounge entertainment, concerts, restaurants and, of course, gaming. For information about events, visit eastsidecannery.com.

Up the road, the more established casinos have additional offerings, including the 11-screen Regal Cinemas and Kids Quest at Boulder Station, 4111 Boulder Highway, and bowling and Mystic Falls Park at Sam's Town, 5111 Boulder Highway. Mystic Falls offers a park-like setting indoors. What all the casinos offer is abundant air conditioning and room to stretch your legs. For more information, visit boulderstation.com and samstownlv.com.

Head to the Movies

In addition to Regal Cinemas showing first-run films at Boulder Station, the east side boasts the valley's sole bargain movie theater, Tropicana Regency Cinemas at 3330 E. Tropicana Ave. The theater shows films that viewers may have missed when they were released a month or two back for $1.50, a fraction of the cost of other theaters. For movies and showtimes, visit regencymovies.com.

The only thing more affordable than catching a movie at the bargain theater is watching a film at the valley's libraries, which offer free screenings several times each month. Typically the libraries show movies new to DVD or classics. The libraries also host a number of indoor activities such as special events, classes and clubs. For a complete schedule, visit lvccld.com.

Contact Sunrise and Whitney View reporter F. Andrew Taylor at ataylor@viewnews.com or 380-4532.