HANGING OUT IN HENDERSON: Places of their own

From the mall to parks, city has plenty of fun retreats for teenagers

Hanging out is what teenagers do. Where they do it can determine whether they are staying out of trouble.

Henderson offers many places where teens can get together, stay safe and have fun.

A classic teen hangout epitomized by the movie "Mallrats" is, of course, the mall.

"We're really trying to capture and cater to teens," said Marie Martorano, marketing director for the Galleria at Sunset mall.

Although the Galleria is focused on families, Martorano said teens make up a large part of that because "we are a safe place."

Martorano said teens often are found at Hot Topic, Forever 21 and Abercrombie and Fitch, as well as the food court and Starbucks.

Although large groups of kids could cause problems, Martorano said the Galleria usually doesn't see that because mall security keeps on top of situations.

The Galleria at Sunset gives teens a place to do a lot more than shop. Dick's Sporting Goods has a rock-climbing wall, B. Dalton Booksellers gives teens a place to hang out and read, and Nail Trix, MasterCuts and Trade Secret offer hair and nail services. The Galleria also is going to unveil an ice rink for the winter on Nov. 23.

Another common teen hangout is a movie theater.

There are cinemas all over Henderson, but some offer a more teen-friendly environment.

The Regal Colonnade 14 is first of all not located inside a casino. It also has many retail stores and restaurants in its the shopping center at 8880 S. Eastern Ave. There's an IHOP and a Roundtable Pizza among the many eateries, an Artful Potter and a salon, DIVA Studios.

The Cinedome 12 Henderson on 8515 s. Boulder Highway near downtown Henderson also is not located in a casino. A Villa Pizza is situated near the cinemas for kids without cars, and numerous fast-food restaurants line Boulder Highway. Also not too far away is Terrible's Town Casino, which has a bowling alley, at 642 S. Boulder Highway.

Although the Regal Green Valley Ranch 10 cinemas are located inside the Green Valley Ranch Resort, they are on the lower lever of the hotel-casino and can be accessed by The District at Green Valley Ranch. If kids are dropped off at the theater entrance, they do not have to walk through the casino. The lower level has only the theater, including a concession stand and an arcade.

For outdoor activities, teens can opt for the city's many parks.

Although parks might conjure up the thought of younger kids on swings and monkey bars, Henderson parks offer some of the best places for teenagers to skateboard.

Anthem Hills Park has a lighted skateboard park, lighted roller hockey rink, a walking course, lighted volleyball courts, restrooms, playground, open grass area, lighted multi-purpose fields, lighted basketball courts, barbecues, picnic tables, covered picnic shelters and three lighted ball fields on its 55 acres. The park is open from 6 a.m. until midnight.

The 10-acre Hayley Hendricks Park has a lighted ball field, covered picnic shelters, picnic tables, barbecues, lighted multipurpose fields, lighted horseshoe pits, lighted volleyball courts, open grass area, a playground, restrooms, a walking course, a dog park and a water play area in addition to its skate park. Hayley Hendricks is open from 6 a.m. until midnight.

Cactus Wren Park offers 11 acres of activities including a skateboard park, a lighted ball field, barbecues, basketball courts, covered picnic shelters, picnic tables, lighted multipurpose fields, an open grass area, a playground, restrooms and a dog park. Cactus Wren is open from 6 a.m. until midnight.

Some parents feel that dropping children off to hang out might lead to trouble.

"You've got to keep them in structured activities," said Lance Wolf, who has a 12-year-old daughter and 13-year-old son.

The city's Youth Enrichment department offers numerous programs to keep teenagers' attention.

Teen Scene, an after-school recreation program, is designed for children whose parents work. Snacks, arts and crafts, cooking, sports, field trips and social events are provided.

"The program really gets into fitness and health," said Xanie Gann, a recreation coordinator.

Teen Scene takes place at middle schools from the end of the school day until 6 p.m. Drop in rates are $8 a day, and weekly rates are $35 for five days.

The city also offers programs for winter, summer and spring breaks.

Teen Zone is an all-day recreational program designed to entertain and enrich teens aged 12 to 14. The camp-style program offers fitness and health, arts and crafts, swimming, games, field trips and special events. Teen Zone is $90 a week.

A summer program, Traveling Teens, takes graduates of fifth through eighth grade into the community three days a week and provides mentoring and leadership activities that are tailored to meet their needs and interests. Traveling Teens is a weekly themed program that is designed to promote socialization and positive self-image. This program is $100 a week.

Gann said the city programs are designed to give teens something to do that they enjoy doing.

"It gives them a detour from bad behavior," she said. "The biggest thing is keeping them out of trouble."

For more information about the city's teen programs, visit www.cityofhenderson.com or call any recreation center.