Veteran Woodlanders already know how many sites there are to see in our beautiful state when vacation time comes around. From The Alamo to Austin and the “Big D” to Galveston Bay, the Lone Star State offers a plethora of tourist opportunities within a day’s drive. What you may not know, though, is what’s waiting to be explored footsteps away, right here in the Woods. To help you plan this year’s Spring Break without having to wander too far, here are some ideas on how to spend time making memories instead of spending gas money:

Start the first weekend of Spring Break off on the right foot at the Summer Camp Open House at Legends Sports Complex this Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Door prizes, inflatables, and information on a variety of camps will be part of the festivities.

If you like what you see on Saturday, you may want to sign your 5- to 13-year-old up for Legends’ Spring Break All Sport Camp, to be held March 15-19, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. With a focus on team building, leadership skills, fitness and fun, the camp includes basketball, flag football, dodgeball, baseball, kickball, rock climbing, field day games, arts & crafts, and more. The fee for the camp ranges from $30/day to $185/week, depending on membership status and hours attending. For more information on Legends or the camp, contact Adrien at 281-298-5700, e-mail Acastellar@TheLegendsSportsComplex.com, or visit www.TheLegendsSportsComplex.com.

Enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery provided by our hometown by rowing a kayak and taking a tour of Lake Woodlands. This Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon, the Riva Row Boat House offers a two-hour tour of the lake via kayak. Snacks, drinks, and kayaks are included in the $45 fee. For some quality one-on-one time with the tots, check out the “Mom, Me & a Kayak” excursion on March 18, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Snacks and drinks are provided for adventurers age 4 to 10 and their moms (or dads) for a $20 fee.

For the older kiddos (and for parents who want a brief respite themselves during Break), enroll in the Kayaking and Bobbers Camp at Riva Row, March 15-19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kids age 10 to 14 will learn how to kayak and cast a fishing pole. The $45 per person fee does not include lunch, which must be brought from home. For more information on any of these events, contact the Riva Row Boat House at 281-210-3965.

If golf is more your game, be sure to sign up your future Arnie Palmers for the “Swing into Spring” golf camp to be held March 15-16, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, at the Bear Branch Recreation Center. Geared towards kids in grades 1-5, the two day camp will teach grip, stance, swing, sportsmanship, and golf course knowledge. The fee is $90 for residents, with an additional $20 supply fee that covers all necessary equipment. Call 281-210-3950 to register.

Up for a different kind of golf? Then check out the Disc Golf tournament to be held March 20-21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at McDade Park in Conroe and Bear Branch Disc Golf Course in The Woodlands. Pre-registration is open until March 13 and is $20 per person per park, or $30 per person for both parks. All ages are eligible for the tournament in the youth, recreational, advanced, and masters divisions. The tournament is sponsored by The Woodlands and Conroe Parks and Recreation Departments. Visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov to register online for the tournament.

According to the South Montgomery County YMCA, Spring Break is “your passport to free family fun” as they sponsor a week of special events and activities on March 15-21. Daily events will include a dodgeball tournament, open swim, afternoon movie, overnight tent camp out, family fitness classes, moonwalks, and more. The community is invited to explore all the benefits of a YMCA membership during the event, as well.

In addition to the complimentary activities, the YMCA will also host an assortment of fee-based programs, including Spring Break Camp at YMCA Camp Owen in Conroe, swim, soccer and hip-hop clinics at the Shadowbend YMCA, and climbing clinics at the Branch Crossing YMCA Adventure Center. For more information on any of these events, call the YMCA at 281-367-9622, or visit www.southcounty-ymca.org.

Arts and crafts abound at the 18th annual Panther Creek Spring Arts & Crafts Festival, March 20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Panther Creek Village Shopping Center. For more information, contact The Woodlands Homefinder Center at 281-719-6333, or e-mail homefinder@thewoodlands.com.

There’s no rule that says Spring Break has to be all about the kids, so why not step out on the town one night that week for a break of your own? On March 15, Goose’s Acre will hold an Irish Whiskey Dinner, sponsored by Jameson Irish Whiskey. A four-course meal created by Executive Chef Cory Garrison will be served at 7 p.m., accompanied by five Irish whiskey tastings. Cost is $45 per person and reservations are recommended.

The next evening, March 16, is the Goose’s Acre’s fourth annual “Sexy Kilt Contest”, beginning at 8 p.m. Contestants in kilts will compete for cash and prizes while drinking in the tunes of the Dead Rabbits Irish Rock Band. To register for the contest or for reservations, contact Brandi at 281-466-1502, or e-mail brandi@thegoosesacre.com.

Do you know of other fun Spring Break activities and want to share with fellow Woodlanders? If so, please place a comment below.