‘Staycation’ ideas for fun spring break

Brayden Hansen, Managing Editor

March 22, 2024

Opinion

The North Park pickleball courts located at East Angus Street.

As we enter the long-awaited, week-long break, a new problem arises: how to kill the time. While many opt to go on a trip, for some that isn’t an option. Nevertheless, there are many ways to have fun on spring break here in the Gretna area.

Pickleball

This sport is a great option for later in the week when it starts to warm up. Pickleball is relatively easy to understand and great to play with friends and family. There are courts nearby located at Northpark, at East Angus Street. New players can pick up a paddle and ball at Walmart for a relatively low price or wherever they find one. The Gretna courts do not provide equipment.

Go On A Hike

Just like pickleball, this is another great option when it warms up to stay active over the break. There are a few different places you can explore nearby. Both Schramm Park and Platte River State Park offer unique experiences. A good hike could be a nice refresher before heading back to class.

Go To A Trampoline Park

On days when the weather isn’t too nice but you still want to be active, indoor exercise can be the solution. The trampoline park can be an easy boost of dopamine and a great place to have fun with friends. From Urban Air to Skyzone, there are many options to choose from.

Go Bowling

Whether you take it casual at Western Bowl or amp it up at the Bowlero, which also has laser tag and an arcade, there are many different places to bowl in Omaha.

See A Movie

Going to see a movie is a perfect option for when it gets cold, or maybe if you just prefer indoor activities. There are a lot of different movies in theaters right now, including “Dune: Part Two” and “Immaculate.” My favorite theatres include Marcus Theatres at Village Pointe and ACX Cinema in Elkhorn, but there are other options in the area. Seeing a movie is an easy way to kill a few hours, and can be fun alone or with friends.

Go To The Zoo

While the zoo isn’t the cheapest option, it can fill up your entire day with activities. Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has been named the best zoo in the nation for multiple years now, and for good reason. There are many different exhibits, like the Lied Jungle and the infamous Desert Dome, with many things to do, it’s unlikely for someone to get bored while there.

Play Some Putt-Putt

Playing some putt-putt can be another great way to fill up a day. Regardless of skill, putt-putt can bring some friendly competition into your break. While there isn’t a great variety in the area, places like Prehistoric Putt and Boulder Creek Amusement Park can be a fun option and aren’t too far away.

Try New Food

If you are adventurous, exploring new food options can be great fun. With new restaurants opening up near Gretna, like Hawaiian Bros and Hurrdat Sports Bar and Grill, there are many things someone can try to venture out of their comfort zone.

Enjoy Sweet Treats

Enjoying a treat is always a fantastic option. Someone could always enjoy the Gretna-area favorites like Sonic or Culvers, or they could always try new places like Dairy Chef or Cruizin’ Cones. No matter what you choose, dessert is an easy and fast idea.

Host A Game Night

Game nights can be a great way to spend time with loved ones, making this great for friends or family. Whether you play relaxed or competitive, there are so many different game options that you’ll never get bored. Games like Hues and Cues or Tapple have become popular for their uniqueness and could be fun to try out.

While some may prefer to be relaxing on a beach, or escaping on a mountain retreat, any of the above options are sure to add some excitement to your spring break right here in Nebraska.

About the Contributors

Brayden Hansen, Managing Editor

Brayden Hansen is a junior at Gretna East and this will be his second year on the Wingspan staff. This year he serves as the Wingspan's Managing Editor. He is also on the Guardian Yearbook staff this year. Last year at the NSAA High School State Journalism competition, he won first place in Editorial Writing, which is also why he specializes in opinion and editorial writing here on staff. He also won four other awards at State. However, his love of op/ed is not why he originally joined the staff last year. Hansen wanted to be more involved in the school and also just liked writing and being creative. When he's not writing persuasive op/ed pieces, Hansen hangs out with his friends and family, goes to Sonic and takes pictures of whatever he’s around. After high school, he plans to further his education at the collegiate level and get a degree in Journalism. See more awards here.

Madeline Petrick, Editor-in-chief

Madeline, otherwise known as Madie, is a junior at Gretna East and is on her third year of being on a journalism staff, and her second as the Wingspan's Editor-in-Chief. She loves taking photos and writing for Gretna East Media, as she is also on the yearbook staff. As a freshman, Petrick took home first place in Entertainment Review at the NSAA High School State Journalism championships. As a sophomore she won four State awards. Aside from her involvement with Gretna East Media, she is also the Public Relations Officer for student council, a National Honors Society member and is on the Gretna varsity swim team. Due to her love of the field and nearly every aspect of it, Petrick hopes to pursue journalism after high school in college and eventually become a news anchor. See more awards here.

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Happy • Apr 9, 2024 at 7:28 am

Indoor exercise can be a good option on days when the weather isn’t ideal but you still want to be active.


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