Everything is getting green, flowers are blooming, the bees and mosquitoes have returned and people are starting to get their tan on. You know what that means”¦it’s springtime, and summer is right around the corner. It’s getting hot out, and you are going to need a place to cool off on those 100 degree days when there seems to be no refuge except the confines of your air conditioning. What better way to keep cool than in the water? Luckily, the San Antonio area offers several options for summer fun. Don’t sweat it!
Local Attractions
There are a few popular attractions and amusement parks in the San Antonio area, and they include water parks. Sick of sitting inside? Ready for some excitement? Water rides are a great way to have fun while staying cool. Save up your money or ask your parents for an early birthday present, though, because tickets are pricey. The dates and hours can vary, so check the schedules which can be found on each park’s website.
Aquatica
SeaWorld
10500 SeaWorld Drive
“South seas meet South Texas” at Aquatica, SeaWorld’s water park. With its own white sand beach, it features pools, rivers and racing rides We’re excited to announce the 2nd Annual Armed Forces River Parade on Sunday, May 18! Come out and see over 25 professionally decorated floats for our men and women in the military. Read more here: including one raft ride that goes underwater through a reef filled with stingrays and tropical fish. Tickets to Aquatica are only available with admission to SeaWorld, which makes prices quite steep “” $85 for one day. However, a 2013 “Fun Card,” or season-long admission, is only $10 more. Also, just looking at water might psychologically cool you off, so if you don’t care for rides, regular admission to SeaWorld is $50 online ($60 at the gate).
White Water Bay
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
17000 IH-10 West
White Water Bay Water Park in Six Flags promises a “water wonderland” of tubes, rides and slides with everything from “one of the largest wave pools in the country to multi-passenger rafting adventures” carved in the shape of Texas. However, try to contain your excitement for a bit longer; the water park isn’t open until April 27. Admission is included in the price of the ticket to the amusement park. Although ticket prices are rather expensive, discounts are available if you buy online ($41.99 vs. $61.99), and a season pass is $71.99, or $62.99 if you and 3 other friends get one. In a group of 15 or more, admission is only $27.99.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort
400 N Liberty Ave
New Braunfels, Texas
Schlitterbahn has many water rides, including those on with a tube and without, speed and tunnel slides, a “river expedition,” and even “Boogie Bahn Surfing Rides,” where you can surf on an “endless mountain of moving water.” The park opens on April 27. One-day general admission is $47.99 online ($2 off gate prices), and season passes are a whopping $135.99, not including tax.
Rivers
Floating is a favorite pastime for many in the warm months. Bring some beverages and a few friends, and you are in for a fun, relaxing day under the sun with the river to cool you down. Just make sure to check the river rules We’re excited to announce the 2nd Annual Armed Forces River Parade on Sunday, May 18! Come out and see over 25 professionally decorated floats for our men and women in the military. Read more here: many places have container restrictions and other regulations, but they definitely do not prevent you from having a great time.
The most popular places to float are in New Braunfels, at the junction of the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers. There are several locations for tube rentals (such as Rockin’ R River Rides, Texas Tubes and River Sports Tubes), which include a shuttle back to where you started. Prices range but are usually about $10 to $15 depending on the type of tube and where you rent.
Pools
Swimming pools are a great place to cool off outdoors in the heat, and there are several nearby options. The easiest option for Trinity students is obviously the pool on campus, which opens on April 15. There’s not as much of a journey involved here. Hours can be found at web.trinity.edu/athletics-and-recreation/aquatics/schedule. Keep in mind that many students live at apartment complexes with pools, which are great places to chill close by, and they don’t have seasonal restrictions. Some resorts and hotels around San Antonio also allow the public to use their recreation facilities.
Have fun and don’t forget your sunscreen!
