| Finding fun in the sun |
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| Wednesday, 23 May 2007 | |||
Memorial Day — celebrated this year on Monday, May 28 — is billed as the unofficial start of summer, and with that title comes a number of certainties. First, the temperature in San Antonio will probably not drop below 90 degrees — during the daytime, at least — until sometime late in September. Second, many Americans will have Memorial Day Monday off. And finally, many of those Americans will celebrate their day off by venturing outdoors for a three-day weekend. The options for outdoor excursions in the San Antonio area are plentiful, and here are some of the most popular activities to enjoy during the summer 2007 season.
Hot spots: Comal and Guadalupe rivers in New Braunfels; San Marcos River in San Marcos Memorial Day weekend hours: Pretty much sunrise until sundown, and perhaps beyond Cost: $5-$20 per tube, depending on retail outlet Pros: It's cheap and it's raucous. Cons: It's hot, it's crowded and in the New Braunfels city limits, there are some new rules to obey (see accompanying story). Recommendation: Turn over on your tube from time to time. One-sided sunburns are not too sexy. Cost: $24.99 adults; $18.99 children under 48 inches; $15.99 all guests after 5 p.m.; children 2 and under and adults 65 and over are free Pros: Compared with other area amusement parks, Splashtown is quite affordable. Parking is even free. Con: Compared with other area amusement parks, Splashtown's ride selection lags a bit. Recommendation: Arrive early, as discounted water parks tend to draw quite the crowd. Cost: $44.09 adults online; $35.09 children 3-9 online; $48.99 adults; $38.99 children 3-9; children 2 and under are free Pros: Sea World features a variety of entertainment — from live animal shows to a water park. Plus, there's a sponsor's building at the park that gives a maximum of two free beers to anyone 21 and up. Con: Only two free beers? Recommendation: Don't sit in the area marked “Splash Zone” during the Shamu show, and then complain when you get drenched in salt water. SIX FLAGS FIESTA TEXAS Memorial Day weekend hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. for the amusement park on Saturday and Monday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. for the amusement park on Sunday; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. for the White Water Bay water park on Saturday-Monday Cost: $39.99 adults online, $46.99 adults; $31.99 children under 48 inches; children 2 and under are free Pros: The park is family-friendly and features a little something for everyone. Cons: Lots of walking + a hot day = really tired, sunburned parkgoers. Plus, the admission price and food/drink/souvenirs at the park are pretty steep. Recommendation: Bring sunblock, the family and your life savings (or a cooler with drinks and food to leave in your car; you can leave and come back in). Memorial Day weekend hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday Cost: $38.43 adults one-day; $59.53 adults two-day; $31.38 children 3-11 one-day; $47.62 children 3-11 two-day; $24.99 adults after 3 p.m.; $20.49 children 3-11 after 3 p.m.; children 2 and under are free Pros: Schlitterbahn is one of the best — if not the best — water parks in the nation. Plus, you can bring your own food and nonalcoholic drinks. Cons: You'll pay for Schlitterbahn's elite status, and you'll pay for booze as well. So will thousands of others, which should make for one crowded Memorial Day weekend. Recommendation: Don't bring a towel. You'll have plenty of time to dry off while waiting in line for the next ride. Memorial Day weekend hours: It's your house, so start cooking whenever you want (but don't wait too long, because, as your friends, we have to share this with you: It's really annoying to invitees when we show up and the food's not ready!). Cost: It varies, depending on your taste (hot dogs or rib-eyes? Cokes or Sam's Choice cola?) and number of guests Pros: Your house, your rules. Besides, it's only as crowded as you want it to be. Cons: You host, you pay for food and drink (but savvy invitees will bring something anyway, so choose carefully). Recommendation: Make sure your grill's propane tank is full and the beer is on ice. And once the first top is popped, put away anything breakable. Hot spots: Canyon Lake, Port Aransas, Corpus Christi, South Padre Island Memorial Day weekend hours: Mother Nature never closes Cost: Depends on where you stay and how long you plan on staying there. Parks charge entrance fees, campsite fees, etc. Pros: In most cases, it's affordable, and there's perhaps nothing more enjoyable than cooking out with friends while gazing at open water. Cons: Sand will be in your hair for weeks, saltwater stings and lake water stinks. Recommendation: Sometime between the day you arrive and the day you leave, find somewhere — anywhere! — to bathe. Clint Hale | 210SA |
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