In a world where screens constantly demand our attention, many Las Vegans are looking for a new, analog hobby. There’s a club for just about anything, but why not learn a new skill along the way?
Here are five new hobbies you can take up this spring and summer (and learn a little something):
Pottery
There are a few lovely pottery studios all around the city, but our recommendation for where to start to hone your skills is Clay Arts Vegas (1353 S. Arville St). Beginner classes, wheel-throwing classes and hand-building classes are available for all skill levels. A cost of $195 for eight weeks includes one three-hour class per week and one hour of open studio, as well as the first firing or glaze firing of works made in-studio.
For something more casual, check out Common Ground Pottery (10895 S. Eastern Ave., Suite 160). While the studio offers a four-week pottery course for $250, it also hosts one-off classes and experiences (like a girls night) for around $80. On Sunday, April 5, check out their two-hour, beginner-friendly berry basket workshop for $80.
Rock climbing
We know from personal experience: Rock climbing is intimidating, even if it’s indoors under the safest conditions. Southern Nevada is a phenomenal place to learn this hobby, since its indoor lessons can later be applied to the stunning sandstone in Red Rock Canyon.
Speaking of Red Rock, hit up Red Rock Climbing Center (R2C2 for those in the know) at 8201 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 150. The gym offers top-rope and lead climbing over 8,000 square feet of climbing walls. They offer membership pricing starting at $78 per month, or daily drop-in fees of $20 per adult and $15 per kid. They also have gear for rental, including harnesses and shoes. Just starting out? Try their introductory climbing class for $105.
We’ll also point you to Nevada Climbing Center (3065 E. Patrick Lane, No. 4), priced at $18 for an adult day pass ($14 for kids), weekly passes for $50 and a punch pass good for 12 punches at $150. The gym also offers lessons, including an introduction ($55), indoor lead climbing and belaying ($80) and gym to crag. Follow them on social media for details on the latter classes.
Hiking
We hear it all the time: Who knew Southern Nevada was home to such beauty? Thankfully, we do. But if you just moved here, you might not know where to start. Here’s the 30-second rundown: In hot weather, hike in the Spring Mountains either at Mount Charleston, Lee Canyon or Lovell Canyon. In colder weather, take on any of the peaks around the valley, as well as lower Red Rock Canyon and Lake Mead, both parks harboring seemingly endless trails. In this warmer spring, every location is an option, though early mornings and extra water may be required.
There is a lot to choose from, so Las Vegas has an extensive and active hiking community. Hiking Las Vegas, a Facebook group, has nearly 42,000 members. There are a bunch of smaller communities always welcoming newbies, including Black People Hike LV, Vibe Girls Hike Club and HikerBabes.
For some more guidance, check out interpretive events on Red Rock Canyon’s calendar. Through April, park employees lead light trail hikes and nature walks, along with daily strolls at the visitor center at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Advance registration is required, and spots fill up fast.
Pickleball
Pickleball (think: easier tennis) can probably no longer be called a craze since its initial blow-up nationwide, but it’s proving to be here to stay. Thankfully, with so much interest from all age groups and sporting ability, there are leagues, socials and pickup games at just about every park. Check your local park, city or county schedules for details.
There are also several indoor pickleball courts. Chicken N Pickle (3381 St. Rose Parkway) offers open play daily from 7 to 9 a.m. for $5 per person, and leagues for just about anyone. Courts can be booked for $20 to $40 per hour, and there’s a restaurant and bar attached to this one. Vegas Indoor Pickleball can be found at 7575 W. Sunset Road, No. 110, offering daily sessions from $20 to $80, depending on the length of the session. “Midnight Dinkers” can play from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. at $10 per person, with preregistration required. For first-timers, lessons are available by filling out an interest form.
Glass blowing and glass art
If pottery isn’t your game and you are looking for something a big more intense, visit LeFrancis Studios (4310 E. Alexander Road). Introductory classes for glass blowing are currently discounted for $75 for flameworking, with intermediate classes starting at $85. In the first class, learn basic safety and technique, leaving with a leaf bottle stopper and a glass pendant, ornament or suncatcher. Classes last about an hour and are offered Wednesdays through Saturdays at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on some days.
Or, stop by Glass Art Studio (4310 Cameron St., Suite 3), a material, repair and custom stained glass shop. They offer 15 different stained glass, mosaic and fusing classes. Their first-listed beginner class, “3DBrd: 3-D Stained Glass Birds,” will leave artists with a three-dimensional stained glass bird for $75.
Contact Kristen Di Chiara at [email protected].