Spring Break may already be here, but there’s still time to plan activities and staycations for all those staying put during the school holiday. Local organizations have planned educational and fun activities for kids of all ages and interests to enjoy – and affordable options for parents.
Boys & Girls Club Spring Break Camp
The Boys & Girls Club has activities this spring break, that run from 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. all five days. The activities are rooted in its educational programs about healthy living habits and the arts, as well as STEM-based activities. Lunch and snacks are provided, and the camp is open to Kindergarten through fifth grade students.
The camp costs $100 for Boys & Girl Club members and $125 for nonmembers. For more information go to Boys & Girls Club's website or call 512-805-3000. Space is limited.
The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment has lots of free and inexpensive activities for families this Spring Break. The glass-bottom boats provide a rare opportunity to see underwater life from a different perspective. View the artesian springs that bubble up from the Edwards Aquifer to form the headwaters of the San Marcos River and Spring Lake. See why ancient peoples revered this place as you glide over an underwater archaeology site and catch glimpses of the abundant plant and animal life that call Spring Lake home.
The Meadows Center also has a self-guided Wetlands trail that explains the effects of exotic and invasive species on the habitat, as well as, offering a close up view of the abundant plant and animal life that thrive in and around the San Marcos River.
Don’t forget to stop by the Discovery Hall that hosts a mixture of live animals and interactive exhibits to help visitors connect personally with the environment they are exploring. It includes a 1,000 gallon aquarium of native fish found in Spring Lake, an endangered species exhibit where you will see Texas Blind Salamanders, San Marcos Salamanders and Fountain darters, a baby turtle aquarium, a multiscreen video wall and interactive exhibit about the Edwards Aquifer and the Water Systems of Texas. For more information about The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, go to the Meadows Center's website.
San Marcos Public Library
The San Marcos Public Library will also be offering a bevy of spring break-related activities for children of all ages.
- The library will be hosting Scratch & Snap: Coding 101 on March 18 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Code Ninjas bring hands-on projects, which teach the principles of computer coding in a fun, easy-to-understand way for children ages 7-14. Register by calling the library at 512-393-8200.
- Stop by Cuéntame Bilingual Stories on March 19 at 12 p.m. for bilingual stories, songs and fun for children ages 3 to 6. The library will also host Ballet Storyshare on March 19 from 2 to 3 p.m., where children ages 4 through 10 will meet real ballerinas from the Central Texas Ballet Consortium for a ballet-themed storytime and a live demonstration.
- Teens are invited to explore their creative side at the library’s Teen Maker Club on March 19 from 6 to 7 p.m. Each month there is a different craft, art or maker project to explore. The library provides all materials for suggested activities, but feel free to bring your own projects.
- Help keep kids reading over the break at the Fired Up About Reading event on March 20 at 10 a.m. San Marcos firefighters visit the library with hot stories and cool trucks. Kids can learn about the technology they use for rescues.
- Come make your very own spring flowers during the Spring Craft event on March 20 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the library. This activity is for all ages, but kids under five will need adult help. All supplies are provided.
- Join the library’s Teen Anime Club for their Spring Break Edition event on March 20 from 3 to 5 p.m. For all teens ages 12 to 17 that love anime, manga, or Japanese pop culture. Join others for a fun time watching anime films and discussing your favorite series. Light refreshments provided.
- The San Marcos Public Library will be hosting Let’s Move! on March 21 at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Get your body moving with stretches, music and cooperative play! This program promotes physical literacy in a high-energy, non-competitive way. Preschool aged children are welcome to attend the 10 a.m. session, while school aged children should attend our 4 p.m. session.
- Continue to flex those brain muscles over spring break with the library’s Mathworks program on March 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. Texas State University brings activities from its popular Mathworks camp to the library, making math fun for children ages 8 to 13.
Wonder World Cave & Park
Wonder World Cave & Park has extended hours and more attractions this spring break. Come out and explore the only open-to-the- public earthquake-formed cave in Texas. Learn about the Balcones Fault Line and then take the “Stratavator” out to the Tejas Observatory Tower. Take a train ride through the cascading waterfall of Mystery Mountain on your way into the Texas Wildlife Petting Park, where a winding path brings you to meet the many friendly deer and other critters that live there. Take some time to play in the topsy-turvy world of Wonder World’s Anti-Gravity House, where things that go up do not always come down and water runs uphill. Wonder World has expanded its attractions to include amusement rides and a food truck. For more information, go to Wonder World Park's website.
