Spring break is a time of rest and relaxation. Students are now more than halfway through their semester, and are looking forward to a vacation. The sun is finally out, untanned skin is begging to be fried, there is a light breeze in the air. Students are walking around with a light skip in their step. The weather is warming up, and a trip to the Fluor Fountain may not be a bad idea. But for those who are stuck on or around campus, fear not –– there is still fun to be had. Surprisingly, there are many fun and cheap activities waiting for you.

Fun within your grasp

The Dollar Theater

This is an obvious first choice, according to distance and price. There are several movies currently playing, and a couple of them are actually worthwhile, so make sure to check this out. The theater is even within walking distance.

The Beach

Again, a pretty obvious one, but also a good choice — especially if the weather allows for it. Huntington Beach is about 20 to 30 minutes with no traffic, and you can also bike there in about an hour and a half. Most of us could really use a tan, so go out and relax on the sand, ride the waves –– just don’t forget the sunscreen, or your mother may not be the happiest woman.

The Fluor Fountain

Have you ever seen a bird in a bird bath? It always looks so fun. If it gets really hot and no one is around to look, dip your feet in to cool off and enjoy the rays. Or better yet, put your feet in as you dive into a good book. I am not entirely sure of the rules regarding Fluor, so if you want to play it safe, at least sit close enough to get sprinkled by the fountain.

Geocaching

If you enjoy the outdoors, love scavenger hunts and have a GPS, then this is the activity for you. The more the merrier with this one, so if you have friends that are also stuck at Biola, then bring them along and go searching for buried treasure.

Line Dancing

Line dancing can actually be very enjoyable, even if you’re not from the south or are not into country music –– especially if you go with a group of friends. “In Cahoots” is a line dancing club located in Fullerton, Calif. so save a horse … and take somebody dancing!

Chuck E. Cheese

Are you still a kid at heart? Do you still enjoy games and candy? Then this may be the place for you. With fun games, a relaxed atmosphere and cool prizes, Chuck E. Cheese is a throwback to childhood where not much could go wrong. They even have separate areas for each age group, and most Biolans should classify for the skilled games and arcades.

Bowling

This is a great group activity. It’s fairly cheap, takes a decent amount of time and best of all, includes air conditioning. There are several bowling alleys around Biola, in cities as close as Whittier, La Habra, Anaheim, Norwalk and Fullerton, Calif. So, if the weather becomes sweltering at any point, grab a friend or two and hit the lanes. Who knows, maybe you won’t need bumpers this time.

La Mirada Regional Park

This park is a beautiful piece of land. It includes a number of open grounds, such as tennis courts, a disc golf course, plenty of fields, and most importantly, an awesome playground. If the temperature is reaching the 80s and you’re looking for a good picnic area or some shade, the La Mirada Regional Park is the perfect place. Bring a football, a Frisbee, or some games to play and enjoy the scenery.

The Biola Pool

Few will be around to use the latest installment at Biola, so take advantage of free swim hours during the day. Enjoy the sun while staying cool as you plunge into spring break.

The L.A. Zoo

If you like animals or enjoy a nice day in the sun, then visit the zoo and see some really cool wild animals. General admission is $14, and the zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., not to mention they also have beautiful Botanical Gardens.

The Nixon Library

If you’re into learning or enjoy museums, then this is an amazing place and it’s nearby in Yorba Linda. There’s even Army One, like Air Force One but the army’s helicopter, which flew presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Ford. There’s also the house in which Nixon was born in and a beautiful pool that’s nestled in the middle of the premise. Student admission is $5.95.

Getting out of your comfort zone

Riptide Rockin’ Sushi and Teppan Grills

This place is Southern Orange County’s best kept secret. If you’re into sushi, want to try some or just want to enjoy an awesome atmosphere, then you should definitely take the time to visit. They have awesome deals, including two-person meals for $20 and $3 Happy Hour Monday through Friday, 3 to 6 p.m. for sushi. It has a club-like atmosphere to it, without feeling too out of hand, and the food is amazing as well.

OC Great Park

If you’ve never been in a hot air balloon, now is your chance. The park is not fully developed, but it’s on beautiful land and the balloon ride is well worth it. The park is free Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m., as well as Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m., so if you have a car it’s something you may want to see.

The Irvine Spectrum

The movie theatre there is first in the nation –– with about 18,000 people in attendance on Christmas Day –– and has the best IMAX as well. Every screen there has now gone digital. There are also many restaurants and shops to keep you there for a couple of hours, as well as beautiful sitting areas to enjoy the your cup of coffee or ice cream cone. If you have kids with you or are spontaneously feeling childlike, then there’s also a cheerful merry-go-round to check out. So if you have a whole day to spend, I suggest going here because it’ll keep you pretty busy.

Boomers

It’s Chuck E. Cheese on steroids. There are plenty of games, bumper boats, a mini golf course, laser tag and go-karts. They have $12 Tuesdays where all of the games are unlimited, and you can get unlimited attractions for $12 more . I’m not going to lie, I had my 15th birthday party there and loved it.