The Mesquite Online News - Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Spring Break Staycation

At last, Spring Break is near. This year Spring Break is March 13 – 17. Many Texas A&M University-San Antonio students are excited to have a few days off.

After paying tuition and books, funds for Spring Break may run low for some students. Spring Break at South Padre Island or Panama Beach could be out of reach on a college budget.  The well earned break may seem a misfortune for students having to stay in town. Although San Antonio does not have a beach, a San Antonio staycation can be both fun and budget friendly if done right.

Free Fun

Hemisfair Park fun

Stay cool at The Hemisfair Park splash pad. The splash pad is open from 9 a.m. – 9p.m. daily and great for both adults and children. The splash pad cools you down with jets splashing unexpected cool water from under. For people that do not like to get soaked at the splash pad, Hemisfair Park also has life size chess, checkers and a sandbox. If relaxing is a top priority for you this Spring Break, Hemisfair park has you covered. The best places to relax at Hemisfair park are along the western part of Yanaguana Garden. So, pack some snacks, a good book, and your favorite sunglasses.

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Hemisfair Park has many fun amenities, including a sandbox, splash pad, and giant chess set. Photo by Evelyn Vallejo

Market Square music

If good music is what your Spring Break needs, head down to San Antonio Market Square for Fiesta Primavera. The fifth annual Fiesta Primavera is a three-day event r March 11-13 from 12 p.m.-7p.m. Event coordinator for Fiesta Primavera, Joshua Reyes, said, “We will have a variety of music, from country, 70’s, 80’s and Tejano.”

The event is free to the public and open to all ages. “Some tips for parking is to get there early. Parking is around $10 but you can find some for $5,” Reyes said. Fiesta Primavera also promises good food, ranging from gorditas, tacos and the popular chicken on a stick. All the food booths will be cash only, so be sure to take a few bucks.

Tubing on the Comal

Tubing season offers year round entertainment in South Texas. Local grocery store H-E-B has river tubes starting at $10.00. The short drive to New Braunfels could be exactly what you need to get your mind off school. Parking is free at Landa Park. Be sure to get there early to take advantage of the free parking. There will be a $2.00 per person river management fee at the river entrance.  After that, you’re ready to relax on the river.

If you forget to buy your own tube, don’t sweat it. Molly Stillwell, general manager at Comal Tubes can help you out. Comal Tubes can take care of you for $15.00. You will receive a rental tube, parking spot and a ride on a shuttle that will take you to the river entrance. “We will be busy for Spring Break, but no reservations are necessary,” Stillwell said.  The river is currently taking about three hours from start to finish, so be sure to pack sunblock and plenty of drinks.

The Comal River does not allow glass so be sure to only pack cans, and absolutely no littering! Before heading out, make sure to read the 2017 Comal River Rules for any news or updates.

Espada Park kayaking

Looking for more water sports? Make your way down to Espada Park, where you can kayak on Davis Lake. Mission Kayak has rentals starting at $20.00 a person for one hour of fun on the two-mile-long lake. Mission Kayak is open Friday-Sunday from 12p.m.- 5p.m. Never kayaked before? No worries, Sarah Neal, owner of Mission Kayak, said. “Kayaking is easier that riding a bike.” Kayaking on Davis Lake offers both a great upper body workout and beautiful views. Neal also said “You will get wet,” so be sure to bring extra clothes.
Whatever you decide to do this Spring Break, remember be safe and never drink and drive.

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