Sometimes it’s tough to break away from all the noise. There’s 24-hour news channels, constant social media notifications and endless telephone calls from Scam Likely. Then the coronavirus pandemic happened and cranked up the volume. Instead of letting your hair down and going out for a few drinks with friends, you were stuck inside arguing about the economy with your estranged uncle on Facebook. It was enough to drive you crazy. But now that Vegas is opening up again, it’s time to take all of that pent-up energy and stress you’ve carried since your quarantine and blow off some steam with a couple of physical activities.
For some brass therapy, fire off a few rounds at Las Vegas Shooting Center (702.778.5872), a haven for gun enthusiasts. But if you don’t know the difference between a machine gun and a garden hoe, the shooting center breaks down the experience into convenient packages to get you started. Try the First Base package, which allows you to shoot either an MK9 rifle or MP5 submachine gun, as well as your choice between a Glock 19, HK USP or SIG P226 handgun.
But there’s a way to relax with less explosive weaponry. At Axe Monkeys (702.844.2439), grab a hatchet and launch it into a log target. Bonus points if you hit the bull’s-eye on your first try. If you’ve never thrown an axe, their knowledgeable staff will show you a few techniques that will have you looking like a pro in no time. And the fun doesn’t stop with axes; you can even throw knives and ninja stars.
If you’d rather blow off some steam outdoors, however, kick up some dust and ride through the desert on a one- or two-hour ATV tour with Vegas ATV Adventures (702.2540770). You’ll zoom through terrain that’s part of the Mint 400 off-road track, where you’ll encounter several bumps, jumps and turns, along with straightaways that are perfect for high-speed chases.
Wash off all that dirt from the ATV track at Lake Las Vegas Water Sports (702.600.9860), a dreamy oasis that offers a ton of ways to have fun on the water. Float around in a kayak or on a paddle board, or explore the lake and relax on an electric boat. But if you really want to get wet and wild, book the flyboard experience, a jetpack that shoots you into the air through water propulsion.
If that doesn’t get you high enough, stop by Vegas Indoor Skydiving (702.731.4768) for some serious air. A 1,000-horsepower motor generates enough wind flow to send you skyrocketing, simulating the free-falling feel of skydiving without ever having to hop out of an airplane. But still, maybe wait to eat lunch until you finish flying.
For less of a stomach-churner, ride the SlotZilla (vegasexperience.com), a zipline that zooms above Fremont Street Experience at speeds up to 40 mph. You can ride in a seated position, or channel your inner hero by riding superhero-style. So spread out those arms, feel the breeze, and let that pent-up energy go.
