Spring break can be a costly endeavor and is often seen as a luxury for most college students. Sometimes, you just can’t fork over the cash to go out of town for break. Though it may seem like the end of the world when all of your friends are on the beach and you’re stuck at home, there are plenty of things you can do to keep yourself preoccupied during the break while keeping some money in your pocket.
Enjoy Local Music
Planned and timed perfectly in accordance with the break, the South by Southwest music festival will be in town from March 12-17. However, this series of concerts can get pretty pricey at nearly $800 for a music badge. With headlining artists like Macklemore and Tegan and Sara, the price could definitely be worth it. If this price is too much, there is also the free 14th annual Heart of Texas Rockfest occurring March 12-17. There will be unsigned bands from Austin performing as well as indie artists from across the country. Performances will be located at 7th and Neches, Shiner’s Saloon, and War Horse.
Get Your Thrills at a Theme Park
If you like adrenaline rushes and rollercoasters, definitely keep in mind the several theme parks Texas offers. Both Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Fiesta Texas open specifically for spring break. You can get tickets online for as low as $45 and enjoy a day of thrills. There’s also Sea World in San Antonio with many rides and shows to keep you entertained for the day. Tickets are as low as $50 online.
Experience the Rodeo
Rodeo Austin comes back to town for their annual visit from March 8-23! There is something for everyone with carnivals, concerts, showdowns, and rodeo shows all day. The Josh Abbott Band and Easton Corbin are some of the country artists headlining this year. Tickets vary up to $175 and season passes are available.
Go Camping
Sometimes, you just need to spend a few days outside. Luckily, Austin has some beautiful state parks no more than an hour drive away. McKinney Falls State Park is only 13 miles out of Austin, campsites are $15-$24 per night and there are seven miles of trails to keep you busy. Inks Lake State Park is only an hour away and has campsites from $10-$22, or even cabins for only $50 a night. This park is known for Devil’s Waterhole, a popular swimming spot where you can jump off cliffs!
Enjoy Some “Me” Time
If these first few weeks of the spring semester have been incredibly stressful and tiring, it might be best to approach this break as a time to kick back and relax. Have a day dedicated to yourself, maybe visit your closest spa to get a massage, facial or manicure. Scope Groupon or Yipit for coupons to some local spas or look up some treatments you can try at home. When all else fails and you are bored out of your mind, try out some of those hundreds of recipes you have pinned on Pinterest. Nothing says “me” time like homemade red velvet cookies or cheesecake brownies!
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