Kimberly Vera
Jonathan Garcia
While some people might be looking for the party over spring break, others might be looking for something to do with the kids. Fortunately, Corpus Christi offers more than just the beach. Here are a few fun things to do with the kids, or with friends and family.
TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM
Spring Break Mini-Camp at the Texas State Aquarium is for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. The cost is $20 per child, and children are asked to wear weather-appropriate clothing, closed-toe shoes, bring a hat and light sweater, pack a lunch and bring a reusable water bottle/cup. There will be different days for certain grades so be sure to check out the website (www.texasstateaquarium.org/) or for more information or call 361-881-1200 and ask for Rossanna Gossett.
The aquarium also offers many many great exhibits to view such as Dolphin Bay, with an underwater view, and Stingray Lagoon, where visitors can touch a stingray. The newest addition is Saving Sharks, an interactive and informative exhibit, making this a treat for shark fans and conservationists alike.
SOUTH TEXAS BOTANICAL GARDENS
The Botanical Gardens are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The cost per person is $8 for ages 13-59 and $4 for ages 3-12. Children under 3 are free with paid adult, while senior citizens, military and college students are $6.
SPRING BREAK SCIENCE SATURDAY: 10-11 a.m. and 3-4 p.m. March 11. Staff Education Coordinator and former middle school science teacher Brenda Ermis shows kids in grades K-8 some spring break science with Flora, Fauna, and Fun among the trails, wetlands and exhibits.
KIDS DISCOVER REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS OF SOUTH TEXAS: 10-11 a.m. and 3-4 p.m. March 18. Texas Master Naturalist Chad Huckabee teaches kids from 3 and older about habits and habitats of frogs, toads, iguanas, turtles, tortoises, lizards, snakes and other creatures, ones you may — or may NOT — want to have as pets! Class fee included in general admission. Members free. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Visit www.stxbot.org or call 361-852-2100 for more information.
LEXINGTON MUSEUM ON THE BAY
The “Blue Ghost” is one of the most historic ships to been seen in the Coastal Bend. After being in major battles during World War II including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and Battle of Leyte Gulf, the warship was donated as a museum on June 15, 1992, and since then has became a big tourist attraction attraction. With views of the hangar bays, flight deck, lower decks and the 3D Mega Theater, the whole family with want to keep coming back.
VISIT A WATERPARK
Hurricane Alley offers some cool waterslides, a lazy river, a wave pool, a play area for the little kids and toddlers, and also a boogie board area where you can even surf. It is open all week during spring break from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The cost to enter the park varies depending on the day you plan to go. For a calendar of daily specials visit www.hurricanealleycc.com/gate-specials/.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark Corpus Christi is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 11-19. The price is $26.99 for all-day general admission and $19.99 for seniors and children.
CORPUS CHRISTI MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY
The Corpus Christi Science and History Museum offers a fun and educational atmosphere for students of all ages. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The cost is $10.95 for adults, $8.95 for children and $7.95 for military and seniors.
Visitors can learn about the history of Corpus Christi or check out a paleontology exhibit where you get to see neat fossils, and a Shipwreck Cove. The museum also offers a children’s play area called the Children’s Wharf, giving them a spot to play around while you view the many exhibits in the museum.
BOWLERO
Originally AMF Saratoga Bowling Lanes, this famous bowling alley on the southside has received some major upgrades since then. In addition to the 40 bowling lanes for each of your family and friends to enjoy and the billiards table, they have added some neat things since then. They have an arcade room where you can earn tickets and have it on a game card to receive points to get prizes. But the big highlight is the addition of laser tag, where you compete with your friends to be the most accurate and score the most points.
GET AIR
Ever dreamed of being an action hero such as Nathan Drake, or a ninja even? Well this place helps you live out your fantasies somewhat with many trampolines to perform stunts such as flips, jumping to hang onto a net full of foam blocks with the ninja course, or even just bounce around for fun. It also has a slam ball area, where you can use trampolines to slam dunk like Michael Jordan, and even play an intense match of dodgeball with trampolines.
HARBOR PLAYHOUSE
Starting March 10 the Harbor Playhouse will present “Madagascar” every weekend. The show starts at 7:30 pm and the cost ranges from $10-$18 per night. This is a family event to attend and one you and the kids won’t want to miss. For more information and dates visit www.harborplayhouse.com or call at 361-882-5500.
CORPUS CHRISTI ICE RAYS
The Corpus Christi Ice Rays will be playing at 7:05 p.m. March 15 at the American Back Center. The cost per ticket ranges from $11-22 and $9 for children. For more information on seating and tickets visit www.goicerays.com.