Activities Close to Rio to Avoid Poker Burnout

The World Series of Poker just finished its first week of action. While some players may want to spend every waking hour at the poker table, it can be a good idea to take a break from the table, even if it just for a short time.

There are many activities away from the Rio Convention Center for people that need to get away from the action. Several are within walking distance.

VooDoo ZipLine

The VooDoo Zip Line opened on May 25. It connects the two Rio hotel towers starting 490 feet above the ground. The VooDoo Zip Line reaches a speed of 33 miles per hour.

It is different than the zip line downtown. VooDoo Zip Line riders sit in a car that holds two riders, as opposed to being harnessed to the wires. Another difference is that riders do not exit at the end of the zip line. The VooDoo zip line mechanically brings riders back to the boarding area.

The hours are noon to midnight Monday through Thursday and 10am to midnight Friday through Sunday. The cost is $27.49 during the day and $42.50 at night.

Hash Hash a Go Go

Hash Hash a Go Go is a new restaurant located in the former location of Sao Paulo Cafe at Rio along the corridor between the casino and convention center. Its other Las Vegas locations are popular among Las Vegas poker players. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is open 24 hours a day.

Gold Coast Bowling

Gold Coast is a Boyd Gaming property located across Valley View from Rio. It hosts a 70-lane bowling alley that is open 24 hours a day. All games are $3, except after midnight during the week and 2:30am on weekends. That is when the $1 graveyard special kicks in. Cosmic Bowling is $.25 more per game.

Palms Theater

Another low-key leisure activity within walking distance of Rio is the movie theater at Palms. It includes IMAX and IMAX 3D theaters. Matinees are $8, while evening ticket prices are $10.50. IMAX shows have a surcharge.

Heading Away from Rio by Cab

Maybe you are looking to head back to the Strip for a nightclub or different poker room. Players looking to go to the south end of the Strip should take a cab from the front entrance. Properties north of Flamingo are easier to access when taking a cab from the convention center.

Downtown is another great option. There is better gambling downtown. There are also several non-gaming activities. This includes the new and improved Fremont Street Zip Line and the Fremont East District where bar hopping has become a pastime. If you want to head downtown, take a cab from the convention center and tell the cab driver to take Industrial. This could save as much as $10 over taking the highway.