Spring break starts at the end of this week, and students and teachers have been eagerly awaiting it.
For many reasons, students at Crockett are tired and ready for the break. Lanzo Pasierb Case, a junior, is looking forward to spring break.
“It’s a good break. It’s been a long semester,” Case said. And Case isn’t the only one who feels this way.
Finn Bullington, also a junior, is looking forward to the break because he doesn’t want to go to school anymore.
“I hated this semester. It was too much,” Bullington said.
Teachers seem pretty excited about the break as well. English teacher Brian Hillsman has plans to visit family members and take time to slow down.
“It’s always nice to have a break. We’re kind of always moving here, and it’s nice to stop and reflect a little bit and then move forward,” Hillsman said.
Miles Wright, another junior, is ready to catch up on sleep like many others.
“The time skip has been rough. I’m looking forward to it not being mandatory to get up at 7:25,” Wright said.
In addition to getting more rest, Wright said he plans to play the bass and ride his bicycle in his extra time.
Bullington and Case have big plans to leave Austin and get away for a few weeks. What are you up to? If you’re still looking for ideas, here are some things to do over spring break!
Zilker Park
Zilker Park was donated to the city of Austin in the early 1900s and has been enjoyed by Austinites for generations. While Zilker is best known for hosting events like Austin City Limits, the park offers beautiful scenery year-round.
Temperatures during the break range between lows in the 50s and highs in the 80s, with the lowest estimated temperature at 47 degrees and the highest at 82. By midday, the weather should be perfect for picnicking, walking and running. If it gets too hot, you can always head over to Barton Springs Pool.
“I highly recommend going to Zilker Park, and Barton Springs is always nice,” Hillsman said. Having lived in Austin his whole life, he has some expert tips to share.
Parking can be tricky, but Hillsman recommends parking in a nearby neighborhood and walking to Barton Springs. “If you don’t feel like swimming in the cold water, you can rent kayaks or canoes on the other side of the dam over by Barking Springs and go out on the river,” he said.
Barton Springs Pool stays at approximately 68-70 degrees year-round, which can be quite chilly. If cold water isn’t for you, Bree Deming, a junior, has a suggestion.
“I like seeing other people there, but I don’t like swimming,” Deming said. “The cold water isn’t for me.”
Instead, she recommends sunbathing. “My favorite part is when I put the blanket down, sit in the grass and look aesthetic. I like that feeling,” she said.
Barton Springs charges a $3 entry fee for people ages 12-17 and $5 for those over 18.
Explore a New Area
Spring break is a great time to walk around an area of Austin you don’t frequently visit.
A great place to start is South Congress, home to live street music, murals, art, window shopping and a diverse variety of food. Because it’s a tourist attraction, SoCo also offers great people-watching opportunities. Spring break overlaps with South by Southwest (SXSW), so you might find some cool events happening.
For those who enjoy walking, jogging or running, the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail along Lady Bird Lake offers stunning views of the city, neighborhoods and riverfront. It’s definitely worth checking out!
Ever Gone Mini Golfing?
Have you ever wondered about the statues looking over Barton Springs Road and South Lamar?
They belong to an Austin staple: Peter Pan Mini-Golf.
Hillsman has fond memories of going there as a kid. “I have gone many times. It was a staple when I was a kid. Sometimes on Fridays, my friends and I would go play mini golf. It’s been there as long as I can remember—well before I was even born. It’s an Austin staple,” he said.
Deming also recalls visiting Peter Pan Mini-Golf and remembers the statues in front of the holes being very exciting.
Admission prices:
- 18 holes: $10
- 36 holes: $15
The venue encourages guests to bring their own beverages, and they even allow coolers!
If mini golf isn’t your thing, bowling is always a fun alternative.
Relaxing and Socializing
The spring semester is always stressful, and spring break gives students much-needed time away from assignments and deadlines.
Deming believes everyone should “try to socialize and relax because school isn’t very relaxing, so you gotta get your downtime and breathe some air.”
She points out that right now is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. “We should go outside before our whole world becomes 100-degree hell for the entirety of summer. Right now is the only time we have nice weather,” she said. “I’m definitely going to be going outside.”
We hope this gave you some inspiration for your break. See you Monday, March 24!