While you may not think of Las Vegas, Nevada, as having cold weather, the temperatures can drop enough to make for chilly days during the winter. Instead of staying home on cold North Las Vegas days, why not visit these six places to get warm this winter?

Shoot Hoops at SkyView YMCA

Playing basketball is a great way to warm up as you run up and down the court defending the basket and shooting hoops. When you join the SkyView YMCA, you’ll have access to all the amenities this YMCA offers, including an outdoor basketball court. Other ways to stay warm at SkyView YMCA are by doing cardio in the fitness center, taking group exercise classes, or playing billiards or foosball in the recreation area of this YMCA. Kids can even take group fitness classes designed for children.

Location: 3050 E. Centennial Parkway

Contact: 702-522-7500

Explore the Las Vegas Natural History Museum

It’s easy to spend the whole day at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. This large museum has a variety of exhibits that everyone in the family will enjoy exploring. Kids will get a thrill when they stop by the Prehistoric Life and Prehistoric Mammals Gallery filled with skeletons from extinct animals and dinosaurs. You’ll learn about the diverse species of animals found around the world at the International Wildlife Gallery with dozens of mounted animals displayed realistically.

For those interested in ancient history, stop by the Treasures of Egypt Gallery. This exhibit leads you through a realistic, simulated entrance to Tutankhamun’s tomb with recreated artifacts, including the Golden Throne and Golden Shrine. The Las Vegas Natural History Museum holds special events throughout the year, including shark feedings, science Saturdays, and seasonal events. You and your family will work up an appetite after spending the day at this museum, so you’ll appreciate eating a healthy meal at any of these plant-based restaurants in the North Las Vegas area.

Location: 900 Las Vegas Blvd. N. in Las Vegas

Contact: 702-384-3466

Play at Discovery Children’s Museum

For over 30 years, the Discovery Children’s Museum has entertained kids throughout the Las Vegas area. This nonprofit museum encourages kids to play and explore to spark their creativity and imagination to learn about the world around them. Kids have three floors of interactive exhibits and labs where youngsters can satisfy their curiosity.

Kids of all ages can learn about engineering, coding, and robotics in the DISCOVERY lab, and aspiring actors can dress up and use their imagination in the Fantasy Festival. In the Eco-City area, kids learn what it’s like to live in an environmentally friendly city, and critical thinkers will gain valuable knowledge in the Patents Pending room. There’s even a place for young children to play and learn in Toddler Town.

Location: 360 Promenade Place in Las Vegas

Contact: 702-382-3445

Learn the History of Pinball at the Pinball Hall of Fame

Hear the sounds of pinballs whizzing and see lights flashing when you spend a chilly afternoon at the Pinball Hall of Fame. As you walk into this one-of-a-kind museum, you’ll see pinball machines from the 1950s to current times in the 25,000 square feet of space dedicated to nothing but pinballs. While you can spend time visiting and admiring the beautiful pinball machines, you can also play them.

The Pinball Hall of Fame is a unique museum in Las Vegas, and a nonprofit organization runs it. Proceeds from players using the pinball machines and buying candy from the vending machines go toward supporting nondenominational charities. When you’re looking for a day of fun and a way to stay warm with the family, stop by the Pinball Hall of Fame and cheer each other on.

Location: 4925 Las Vegas Blvd. S. in Las Vegas

Contact: 702-597-2627

Sip a Cup of Hot Chocolate at Jerry’s Famous Coffee Shop

Nothing beats sipping on a cup of hot chocolate on a cold North Las Vegas day. If you want a great cup of cocoa, head to Jerry’s Nugget Casino and stop by Jerry’s Famous Coffee Shop for hot beverages and tasty food.

Once you order your hot beverage, look over the menu and decide if you want a piece of pie to go with it, a burger with fries, or a stuffed avocado filled with chicken or tuna salad. You can also get a variety of breakfast, Mexican, or Greek dishes when you warm up at Jerry’s Famous Coffee Shop.

Location: 1821 Las Vegas Blvd. N

Contact: 702-399-3000

Create and Paint Pottery at Color Me Mine

Painting pottery at Color Me Mine in Summerlin is a wonderful family activity that you’ll remember for years as participants get to keep their pottery creations. You may ask, how does Color Me Mine work? The process is super simple and fun. First, you pick your piece of pottery, called bisque pieces, from over 300 designs and styles. Team members can then help you decide what under-glaze colors to choose from, and then you get to relax in the studio and paint your bisque piece.

Once you’ve completed the painting process, you’ll leave your creation at the studio, and a Color Me Mine team member will carefully dip the piece in a clear glaze. The staff will fire your piece to keep your colors vibrant for years. You can then pick up the completed piece in about seven to 10 days to bring home and proudly display or give as a gift. Check Color Me Mine’s website often to see when they host special events.

Location: 9350 W. Sahara Ave. Suite 120 in Summerlin

Contact: 702-522-7119

Our team at Crème de la Crème of Las Vegas hopes you and your family can stay warm during the winter in the North Las Vegas, Nevada, area. Is there a place that you return to? Why? Are there other places in our area where you can warm up when the temperatures drop? If so, contact us with your recommendation, and we’ll check it out.