By Amanda Aguilar
It’s almost that time of year again! Spring Break is March 14 – 18, which means its right around the corner. Although some students may have beach vacations planned, the current situations in Mexico might keep others from choosing that option. Not to mention trying to tackle the traffic that’s headed that way this very moment.
With tuition, textbooks, gas, rent and even children, being a college student can be hard on the wallet, but after two solid months of the semester, the mind and body could really use a break.
So who says you have to go somewhere to have a vacation? Why not just stay right here in town, avoid the headaches of traffic and pricey gas tanks and make your own staycation?
Guess what? This is a realistic option! There are plenty of fun and affordable things to do here in San Antonio. Whether you’re single, committed or married with children, there are some great choices for some spring break fun without having to break open the piggy bank.
Free Fun
Try visiting the museums in town. The San Antonio Museum of Art is free on Tuesday’s from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. and the McNay Art Museum is free Thursday nights and the first Sunday of the month. If you have children, they would likely love the giant treehouse at the Witte Museum which is free on Tuesdays from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Take a walk through Market Square, the largest Mexican Market in the country, and intimately enjoy the art and culture that San Antonio has to offer. Stroll down the River Walk located downtown that winds along the San Antonio River. Find relaxing patios, experience outdoor art and discover the new 1.3 mile expansion that reaches the San Antonio Museum of Art.
Want to hear some live music? Main Plaza, known as the Heart of the City and one of the 10 Great Public Spaces in the United States will be having a different band perform every evening during the week of Spring Break.
There are many local parks like Hemisphere Park downtown where the annual Luminaria Arts Festival will be held on March 12. There is San Pedro Park, the Japanese Tea Gardens, the new Phil Hardberger Park, and Brackenridge Park right next to the San Antonio Zoo. You can enjoy the outdoors, take a walk on a trail, have a nice picnic or maybe even take a swim.
Theme Parks
If you were able to stash a little cash for the occasion, San Antonio will treat you right. For fast roller coasters and fun shows there’s Six Flags Fiesta Texas, also gives access to their water park with general admission. There is currently an online ticket specials where you can also purchase a season pass to use for the rest of the summer, so tell your friends.
Sea World has fewer rides, but much more marine life. Go see Shamu and watch out for the splash zone! Feed the dolphins, visit the penguins and don’t forget the otters and sea lions.
For families with special needs, Morgan’s Wonderland, located northeast of downtown at Thousand Oaks and Wurzbach Parkway, would make it possible for them to have as much fun as everyone else. Although family does pay for admissions, anyone with special needs goes in free. Call ahead and make a reservation prior to your visit.
Green Acres Golf and Games, located east of San Antonio inside loop 1604, is the place for casual and laid back fun. There is no general admission, but for individual prices there is miniature golfing, batting cages, go karts, bumper boats, an arcade and more.
There is plenty more to see and do this Spring Break, and whatever you decide, the best tip is to check it out online first. There’s a good chance there might be an online deal or discount and you may also discover some new ideas.
Know Before You Go
If your heart is still set on that beach trip, before you go the University, along with the rest of the Texas A&M University System, would like to warn you of the possible dangers resulting from the current conditions in Mexico.
In an article posted on March 1, Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw cited continued violence near the border and throughout the country.
“Drug violence has not discriminated — innocent bystanders and people who may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time are among the casualties,” McCraw said in a written statement on Tuesday. “Our safety message is simple: avoid traveling to Mexico during Spring Break and stay alive.”
It’s understandable that spring break is your own personal time and the University cannot control what you do or don’t do, but you are strongly encouraged to be aware of the current situations with an emphasis on South Padre and Matamoros, Mexico.
The State Department has provided a Mexico Spring Break “Know Before You Go” website with helpful information regarding Spring Break and Mexico. We encourage all students to visit the site and pass along any helpful information to your peers.
And please, whatever you do, DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE! Be safe and have a nice Spring Break jaggies!
