If you’re reading this, then it’s official – you’re in the middle of midterms week. But once you’ve taken every last test and submitted every last paper, the time will come to emerge from the library, put down the venti lattes and trade them for the sun and the sand. Basically, it’ll be time to relax, at least until 8 a.m. on Monday rolls around again.
Beach trip
Whether you drive yourself or take the Shark Shuttle, a little sun and sand will have you feeling rejuvenated after midterms. To soak up the vitamin D, a day trip with friends to Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach, Hollywood or even the Keys, if you are feeling adventurous, is always a good idea. Just remember to check the weather beforehand and pack the sunscreen.
Laser tag
The Laser Quest Center, located in the Sunset Square Shopper Center, is a great place to go with friends to let off some steam after midterms. The $8.50 per game fee includes playing time and your equipment pack. The establishment offers an “Ironman Game” on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 10 p.m. The Ironman Mission, according to the website, is in the multi-level arena and includes fog and music. The Ironman Mission is offered for the special cost of $11.50 for a game.
Laser Quest Sunrise
2101 N University Drive
Sunrise, FL 33322
Jungle Queen Riverboats cruise
Jungle Queen Riverboats offer different options for day cruises that leave from The Bahia Mar Yachting Center on A1A. The four different tours offered vary from 90 minutes of sightseeing to a dinner and a show cruise that visits a tropical isle. The prices vary per tour, but coupons and deals can be applied. Exact dates and prices, as well as more information on the cruises, can be found at junglequeen.com.
Paintball
Extreme Range Paintball Park located in Hollywood, Florida is an outdoor paintball area that serves the greater Fort Lauderdale area. The park has a $15 entrance fee for the day, a $15 equipment fee and rounds of paintball varying in size and price from $5 to $60. Upgrades are available as well. The park is open on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as Monday to Thursday by appointment.
ER Park
6401 Sheridan Street
Hollywood, FL 33024
Unlimited bowling
AMF Davie Lanes offers unlimited bowling every Friday night after 10 p.m. for $10.89. The price includes unlimited bowling until 2 a.m., but shoe rental is not included. AMF Davie Lanes also offers a snack menu with daily deals on pizza, fried snacks, sweets and an array of beverages.
AMF Davie Lanes
8200 W. State Road 84
Davie, FL 33324
NSU Museum of Art
Located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, the NSU Art Museum is easily accessible to students. The museum offers a student admissions price of $5 when you present your student ID. The hours of operation are Tuesdays-Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12-5 p.m. The museum has a plethora of collections, as well as a café that creates the perfect atmosphere for relaxing over lunch.
NSU Art Museum
One East Las Olas Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Tour of the intracoastal
The Fort Lauderdale water taxis are a great way to explore the city. The tour runs through the Intracoastal Waterway, a prime area for famous homes and beautiful yachts. The taxi’s Fort Lauderdale route offers 12 stops in total, including the Las Olas Riverfront and Shopping Center, Bahia Mahr and Bokamper’s Sports Bar. Prices, locations and times for the taxi vary. Visit watertaxi.com for more information.
Netflix marathon
Let’s face it, after midterms you are probably going to be feeling worn out and somewhat drained, so going out might sound about as appealing as reading your textbook. In this case, staying in your dorm to watch an entire season of “American Horror Story” is probably your best route. Luckily for you, between the “Coming to Netflix in October,” the “Leaving Netflix in October” and all of the continuing streams of show lists, there are hundreds of options for you to choose from, like “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “Supernatural” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” Sometimes a day in bed with takeout is just what you need after midterms.
Whatever path you choose for the weekend, be sure to catch up on sleep and have some fun. You deserve it after all that studying.