Spring Mountain Ranch is one of the favorite places of long-time locals to go.  A short ride out of Las Vegas, it sits in the evening shadows of the Spring Mountain Range. It feels like you are far away from the city with cooler temperatures, a large grass field for frisbee, picnic and bar-b-q areas around the field with nearby hiking.  The Ranch House, (which is open on weekends usually), sits on a little rise above the field.  It was owned at one time by Vera Krupp; at another time by Howard Hughes.  It is a delightful place to visit with the period furnishings from the Krupp era.  They also have art exhibits and a small gift shop and knowledgable rangers on the weekends.  During the summer months the Super Summer Theatre puts on awesome musicals and plays in a great setting just below the picnic area.  You can spread out on blankets and have a great dinner, or bring folding chairs, and watch the performance.  A bargain at $10 a ticket.  During the fall, the same stage hosts the Jazz under the Stars events with the same wonderful setting.  This is a great place to visit when you want to get away from the Strip scene.  There are even wild burros that will come right down to the roads, but I believe they discourage feeding them.