Students staying in Kansas for the break have other outlets for fun

Many students live near Ottawa or stay in town during spring break. Although college kids’ budgets tend to be tight, that doesn’t mean spring break has to be boring.

The following is a list of fun and affordable mini-vacations within driving distance of campus.

Branson, Mo.

Distance from campus: 227.76 miles

Branson, Mo. is a tourist location filled with shows and attractions. From boat rides to museums to shows and Silver Dollar City, there’s no way to run out of things to do.

Attractions:

Silver Dollar City:

This is an amusement park that also includes rides, shops, shows and more.

Cost: $62.34 per person per day

Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on select days (http://www.branson.com

/attractions/silver-dollar-city/schedule)

Hollywood Wax Museum:

This museum allows you to bump shoulders with all of Hollywood’s biggest stars, without the urge to chase them down begging for their autograph.

Cost: $17.95 ($16.95 online)

Hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. or midnight (Check the website: http://www.

branson.com/attractions/hollywood-wax-museum/schedule)

Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum

Believe it or not, this museum lets you explore many of the world’s craziest records and feats all in one place.

Cost: $17.99 ($14.99 online)

Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Kansas City, Kan./Mo.

Distance from campus: 57.16 miles

Kansas City is the perfect location because it can easily become a day trip from campus. There is a variety of things to do without the cost of a hotel or a lot of gas.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

The Nelson-Atkins Museum features thousands of pieces of art from over a 500-year time-span. The museum is so large that you can spend hours getting lost in the masterpieces from around the world.

Cost: Free

Hours: Varies (Check hours here: http://www.visitkc.com/member

details/index.aspx?id=10455)

The Kansas City Zoo

If the weather is nice enough, the Kansas City Zoo is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and visit animals from every animal kingdom. The Zoo is fairly inexpensive and features enough exhibits to keep you entertained for hours.

Cost: $11.50

Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily

Union Station – The Science of Rock N Roll Exhibit

This exhibit takes visitors into the fascinating world of science as it applies to music. It covers the effects of technology on Rock N Roll and allows you to learn about the ways in which your brain perceives and reacts to music, while providing hands-on interaction.

Cost: $15

Hours: Hours vary by day (Check hours here: http://www.unionstation.org/

exhibitsevents.html

Lawrence, Kan.:

Distance from campus: 27.33 miles

Mass Street:

Massachusetts Street, often referred to as “Mass” is a highlight of visiting Lawrence. This eclectic street features unique shops, antique stores (the Antique Mall is fabulous), as well as great food and entertainment. If you do not want to spend any money at all, you can kill hours just people watching.

Cost: Free

Hours: vary by store

The University of Kansas’ Campus:

KU’s campus features a variety of fun things to do. Within the Union alone, there is a bowling alley, the KU Bookstore and lounges. Also on campus is The Spencer Museum of Art, The Natural History Museum, and KU sporting games.

Hours: Vary

Cost: Varies based on activities

Sunfire Ceramics:

Pick out a ceramic piece to decorate and turn into your masterpiece. Sunfire Ceramics has a variety of different items to decorate ranging from bowls and cups to figurines. When you are finished paining your item, hand it over to the staff to fire and it will be ready in a few business days.

Cost: $4 sitting fee plus the cost of your item

Hours: 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Closed Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Wednesday-Saturday