Gas prices are high and traveling is too pricey. Not many students realize they do not have to go very far to enjoy their spring break; they just have to be creative.

Students should consider a “staycation” to manage their budgets.

Here are activities students can do locally while on a budget:

Relax with a spa day

Unwind at a spa now that midterms are over.

Midtown’s Super Spa offers its customers massages and aromatherapy. Relax and stimulate your mind and soul while you get rubbed down with organic products. Also, rejuvenate when you sit in the Rain Forest tub and get soaked in organic bath salts and tea.

Massages are at a starting rate of $45. Also, first timers receive a 10 percent discount.

Super Spa is located at 1722 J St. in Midtown.

Take a dance class

Learn to loosen up and put your rhythm to the test while taking a dance class at Step 1 Dance & Fitness.

Located in midtown, Step 1 Dance & Fitness offers a wide variety of dance classes: contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, tap and ballet from beginner to advanced levels. The studio even offers fitness classes, such as Pilates and Zumba, during mornings and early afternoons.

Drop-in rates for dance classes range from $10 to $16 and Zumba is offered at $8.

Robert Olarte, senior digital media major, has been taking intermediate hip-hop classes at the studio and said, “The teachers are welcoming and are accessible to all skill levels.”

Step 1 Dance & Fitness is located at 1920 T St. in midtown Sacramento.

Go paintballing

Be daring this upcoming spring break and paintball with your friends. Feel the adrenaline as you challenge your buddies to “capture the flag” which is a game to capture your opponent’s flag without being tagged (hit by a paintball).

Capital Edge Paintball Park has nine spacious fields ranging from turf to urban settings.

Admission fee (including rental equipment) is $40 for all-day field use. A bag of paintballs is offered at a starting price of $20.

Although Capital Edge is open only on weekends from 9 p.m. to 4 p.m., private group reservations can be made on weekdays.

Capital Edge Paintball Park is located on 9391 Florin Rd. in Sacramento.

Go indoor kart racing

RPM Indoor Kart Racing has two separate tracks but combines the two into the “Lost Big Gun Track” every Monday. Begin your spring break right and race your friends while feeling the rush of the wind during a drive around the extended track.

Or attend “Xtreme Thursdays” when two 20-minute laps are offered for the price of one ($38).

Group rates (eight to 10 racers) start at $28 per racer.

RPM is located at 3130 Bradshaw Rd. in Sacramento.

Visit a museum

Since its expansion in 2010, the Crocker Art Museum now offers more paintings and sculptures viewable to the community.

Not only does the Crocker display works of art, it offers programs and events too. Every Thursday evening the Crocker hosts a “Thursdays ‘til 9.” Attend one and you will engage in an evening of visual and performance art or film with others.

Tour the museum at a college discounted rate of $8.

The Crocker Art Museum is located at 216 O St. in downtown Sacramento.

Grab a bite to eat

Known for serving “The Best Burgers in Town,” Squeeze Inn is the place to eat.

Once a little shack, the original Squeeze Inn has expanded its restaurant while keeping its delicious taste. Now more popular than ever, Squeeze Inn still offers its special Squeezeburgers ($6 to $8).

The veggie burger is also available for non-meat-eaters and sandwiches are $5.

Squeeze Inn is located at 5301 Power Inn Rd. in Sacramento and 1630 K St. in Midtown Sacramento.

Host a movie or board game night

Save your money while being interactive with your friends from your own home.

Go to your local store and pick-up a recently released film on Redbox for only $1 per night.

Or join Netflix and start your free one-month trial ($7.99 monthly rate for instant streaming on your TV or computer after trial) on your break.

Stephanie Yasay, junior pre-business major, is subscribed to Netflix because of its convenience.

“It’s easier to stream movies to your home than going to the store and picking up a movie,” said Yasay. “Netflix also offers a variety of good movies too.”

After watching a movie with your friends, continue your night with some board games.

Challenge your friends to a game of “Funglish” ($20 at Target) while you respond only with tiles provided.

Or describe a given word while on a time crunch during a game of “Taboo” ($29 at Target).

Also, test your friends’ opinions as players take turns asking a question they want the other players to answer during a hilarious game of “Say Anything” ($24 at Target).

Jennifer Ngo, junior biological sciences major, said she favors the idea of having a group movie or board game night since it allows friends to be socially active.

“It’s good to do activities that remind us of our youth,” said Ngo. “Being around good company is sufficient enough.”

Kendall Santos, sophomore kinesiology major, has two favorite cheap activities:

“It’s good to sleep (my favorite hobby),” Santos said. “It’s also good to play with your pet.”

Jordan Riturban can be reached at [email protected]